Spring break destinations in Canada

Canada is a nation where one can experience the beauty of all four seasons. After a long winter, spring brings warmer temperatures and gardens and forests in bloom, making the season one of the most ideal times to be a tourist in your own nation. While the kids are away from school during spring break, visit Canada’s cities and wilderness areas, which come alive in the spring. Here are some suggested getaways for both urban and wild adventures. 

A UNESCO cultural site since 1985, Old Quebec has retained its 400-year-old colonial architecture, including fortified walls and ramparts. Though urbanity has shaped this historic city from cobblestone streets to skyline, mother nature shows herself impressively in spring.  

Stroll through Battlefields Park, home to the Plains of Abraham, for views of the grand Saint Lawrence River. While there, visit Joan of Arc Garden, where a statue of the French heroine is surrounded by French and English-style flower beds, cultivated with 150 species of colourful annuals, bulbs and perennials. Head to the wild wooded areas and carefully planned gardens of Bois-de-Coulonge Park (once the residence and grounds of lieutenant governors from 1870-1966) which are arguably most gorgeous in spring.  

Venture outside of the city to celebrate the flowing of sap from maple trees in Quebec Province during the “sugaring off season” from late February through spring. During the season, sugar shacks serve rustic, traditional meals such as meat pies, smoked pork, and dishes flavoured with maple syrup. Lively French-Canadian folk music and festivities brighten the dining halls. Indulge in more gastronomy from across the region at the Quebec Exquis food festival.

By late March, most ski resorts are wrapping up their seasons, but that’s not the case on runs in Banff National Park. This spectacular wilderness in the Canadian Rockies is known for having the longest non-glacial ski season in North America, which extends into May. During spring break, hit the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort, one of largest skiing areas in Canada. Spring is also often a cheaper time to visit the resort due to late-season sales, mid-week specials, and short-stay packages.  

Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia and offers both nature and city lovers alike countless ways to enjoy spring. The Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival from late March through April, celebrates the blooming of 43,000 cherry trees throughout the city with more than 20 events. Sakura Days on April 15 and 16 honours the Japanese roots of the cherry blossom with Japanese cultural performances, crafts, and food and drink vendors. Smell the cherry blossoms while you walk through a Japanese garden display to the boom of taiko drums.

Nestled on Canada’s southwestern coast, Vancouver is a great place to see migrating orcas and gray whales up close with professional naturalists during whale watching season, from March to October. The spring months offer the best opportunities for whale sightings. Admire Vancouver’s beautifully landscaped gardens including Stanley Park Rose Garden, VanDusen Botanical Garden, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, and the free quarry gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park. Dine on the terrace of Beach Bay Cafe, which overlooks the English Bay, or amid the Yaletown cityscape on the patio of Blue Water Café + Raw Bar.  

Located on the second-largest natural harbour in the world, this coastal city takes seafood seriously, particularly oysters. A visit isn’t complete without sampling some of the region’s delicious Bivalvia. Tuck in at The Bicycle Thief on Lower Water Street, The Five Fisherman on Argyle Street, The Press Gang on Prince Street, and Shuck Seafood on Salter Street. If you are in search of a deal, head to Lot Six for its Oyster Happy Hour from 4 pm to 6pm. 

When you have finished eating, learn about Halifax’s history as a major hub for maritime industry and immigration, and a colonial era citadel. Visit the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site; the star-shaped fort built in 1749 is Canada’s most visited historic site. The Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 is an interactive museum on the history of a national entry point known as the Ellis Island of Canada. And the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, Canada’s oldest maritime museum, is home to all things seagoing and shipbuilding. 

Spring is also a busy season for outdoor events in Halifax and surrounding Nova Scotia. The Shelburne County Lobster Festival is held in June, the Scotia Festival of Music in May, and the Halifax Comedy Fest in April.