If you want to get away from Edmonton for a break, there are plenty of cities in Canada that are perfect for a mini vacation. Here are five to consider.
Halifax
Halifax is the perfect place for experiencing beautiful coastal scenery and exploring historic buildings. Breathing in the fresh maritime air of Halifax will instantly enable you to feel like you’ve gotten away from it all, and there are plenty of scenic sites to visit. If you’re in Halifax for a few days, it’s worth spending one day travelling 25 km to Peggy’s Cove on Margaret’s Bay, which features outstanding views, a famous lighthouse, and some of the best lobster rolls you’ll ever taste.
Vancouver
Vancouver has it all. In addition to some of the best restaurants, bars, and clubs in the country, Vancouver has beaches, historic areas, and beautiful scenery, such as the tall trees and sprawling landscape of Stanley Park, which covers more than 1,000 acres. There are also plenty of galleries, theatres, and museums dotted around central Vancouver and in the outer districts. One of the best artisan areas is Granville Island. You should also check out the Museum of Anthropology and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. And for world-class dining and casino games, check out Parq Vancouver, which is spread out over several floors and even features an open garden on the sixth floor. Alternatively, you could relax in some of the joints in historic Gastown and play games at Casino Room online on your phone. Whatever type of activities and entertainment you’re after, you’ll find it in Vancouver. It’s consistently named as one of the best cities in the world.
Victoria
There’s something about crossing water, by air or boat, that makes you feel like you’re truly getting away from it all. So, Victoria is perfect for a mini vacation. The attractive city on the southern tip of Vancouver Island is named after Queen Victoria. It was first settled by the British in 1843. The British and European influences on the city’s historic architecture are easily noticeable, especially in the Parliament Buildings, which were completed in 1897. Interestingly, Victoria’s Chinatown, which is a colourful area you should certainly check out, is the second oldest Chinatown in North America. The one in San Francisco is the oldest. In Victoria, you’ll love walking along the Inner Harbour, visiting the Royal BC Museum, and exploring the beauty of Butchart Gardens.
Quebec City
Quebec City is one of the most magical places on earth. The walled city and its European architecture can make you feel like you’ve flown all the way to Europe, so it’s absolutely ideal for a mini-break in which you can instantly forget the stresses of everyday life and gain that vacation feeling. The city’s many delights include the Château Frontenac hotel, which dominates the skyline, the intact fortress of the Citadelle de Quebec, and the National Museum of Fine Arts of Quebec. If you visit in the wintertime, you’ll love visiting the annual carnival and seeing the succession of spectacular ice sculptures. The European vibe of Quebec City also extends to the city’s eateries and bars. You’ll find many amazing creperies, bistros, and hot cider stalls. Other attractions include Place Royal, the nearby cascades of Chutes Montmorency, and the beautiful Parc Jean Drapeau.
Toronto
If you’re looking for a vibrant modern city to visit for a few days, Toronto will be your ideal destination. The centre of Canadian business, finance, culture, and arts is recognized as one of the most cosmopolitan and multicultural cities on the planet. Kensington Market, in the historic downtown area, is the perfect place to watch the world go by. And if you want to see what Toronto looks like from high up, you can visit the top of the famous CN Tower, which was once the tallest freestanding structure in the world. In addition to fantastic views over the city and Lake Ontario, on clear days, you can see all the way to Niagara Falls and New York State. Other great attractions include the Royal Ontario Museum, which features an outstanding collection covering natural history, culture, and art from all over the world, and the medieval Casa Loma. You may also like to take a day trip to the world-famous Niagara Falls.