Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia: Experience the past
Nova Scotia’s
Cape Breton Island is steeped in French, Mi’kmaq and Celtic culture––which you’ll discover at the old
Fortress of Louisburg National Historic Site where you’ll don period costumes and learn to fire a musket. On day two of your long weekend, immerse yourself in the world of the inventor of the telephone, Alexander Graham Bell at the
national historic site that bears his name. There, you’ll see replicas of the first telephones as well as a full-scale model of the HD-4 Hydrofoil craft. On your last day take the fiddling, step-dancing and singing Celtic culture of Cape Breton at the interactive
Celtic Music Interpretive Centre.
New Brunswick: Acadian roots
Start your Acadian immersion in
Moncton,
New Brunswick, with a visit to one of the world’s largest collections of Acadian artifacts at the
Musée acadien de l’Université de Moncton. Later, drive to the
Boishébert and Beaubears Island Shipbuilding National Historic Sites. In summertime,
tour Beaubears by boat to hear the stories of Acadian mothers, Commander Boishébert and venerable soldiers told by historical recreators in full costume. Plan a day in
Grande-Digue, exploring the pioneer village with its school, family home, lighthouse and
Musée des Pionniers, then make a stop at the
Smokehouse Museum in Cap-Pelé to learn about the smokehouses of the area which supplies 95% of Canada’s smoked herring production. Treat yourself to a night in
Caraquet, at the
Hotel Paulin, a beautiful Acadian-style hotel still owned by the family that built it in 1891.
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan: Meet the colourful characters
Moose Jaw,
Saskatchewan, a charming prairie town, was once Al Capone’s bootlegging hideout. Go underground in the
Tunnels of Moose Jaw and enjoy a theatrical recreation of the prohibition era and the life of Chinese railroad workers. Spend a day relaxing in warm mineral baths and enjoying treatments at the
Temple Gardens Spa before touring the
Murals of Moosejaw, taking a photo at the
Mac the Moose monument and tucking into a prairie-sized meal at
Rosie’s on River Street, a café named for Moosejaw’s most notorious Madame.
The people tell the story
Northwest Territories: Indigenous impressions
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| Aurora Village, Northwest Territories. Credit: Aurora Village |
Spend three wonder-filled days exploring the
Northwest Territories’ Great Slave Lake on a
Northern Lights Getaway. Experience evening gatherings at
Aurora Village and experience the gathering of 21 teepees in a traditional circle where local guides introduce you to Métis and Dene culture. Each night, head out either on the Aurora Village traditional sleds or on viewing platforms to watch the Northern Lights. Before leaving
Yellowknife, treat yourself to a dinner of arctic char at the popular
Traders Grill. (Note: Locals and Nunavut residents can visit the Northwest Territories. Other travellers coming must undertake a mandatory 14-day self-isolation upon arrival. Updated October 19, 2020.
Whitehorse,Yukon: Stories and wonders
Whitehorse is a town made for culture vultures. Start your three-day weekend at the
MacBride Museum to understand the people and events that have shaped
the Yukon, from First Nations stories to the Klondike Gold Rush and the natural world. After satisfying your desire for learning, satiate another kind of appetite with delicious homemade pastries at the local
Burnt Toast Café. On your next day, dive into the area’s proud mining history at the
MacBride Copperbelt Mining Museum and meet a life-sized woolly mammoth at the
Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre. On your last day, embark on a self-guided
Whitehorse Art Walk. Grab a map from the
Visitor Information Centre and let the accompanying audio teach you about the First Nations legends, gold rush characters, nature and Northern ways of life behind the city's artwork. Finish your artistic quest by taking in an exhibition at
Arts Underground, where you can purchase wonderful Yukon-made art.
Vancouver, British Columbia: Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh Nations
Vancouver,
British Columbia, has a rich Indigenous history. Learn about the spiritual significance and traditional healing nature of
Stanley Park on a
Talking Trees Tour with Talaysay Tours then explore
the Bill Reid Gallery, Canada’s only public gallery collection featuring solely contemporary Indigenous art of the Northwest Coast. After a night’s sleep at Canada's first Indigenous arts hotel,
Skwachà ys Lodge, head into the North Shore’s Indian Arm with
Takaya Tours to paddle an ocean-going First Nations canoe replica, sing Coast Salish songs and try traditional drumming. On your final day, see the extraordinary collection of artifacts from originating communities at the University of British Columbia’s
Museum of Anthropology. Before heading home, seek out
Mr. Bannock on the streets of Vancouver, the city’s only Indigenous food truck—try the wild game bannock burger!
Museums, Galleries, Tours and Explorations
Calgary and Drumheller, Alberta: Music, dinosaurs and hoodoos
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Dinosaur exhibit at the Royal Tyrrell Museum in Drumheller,
Alberta. Credit: Travel Alberta / Davey Lieske |
In
Calgary you’ll find some of Canada’s most renowned music icons such as Oscar Peterson, Jonni Mitchell, Luc Plamondon, Jann Arden, and Leonard Cohen at the
Canadian Music Halls of Fame and Studio Bell. On your second day, drive one-and-a-half hours to
Drumheller where you’ll discover hoodoos,
the Canadian Badlands and the
Royal Tyrrell Museum’s dinosaurs. On day three, discover Calgary’s
St. Patrick’s neighbourhood and learn about the culture of the Blackfoot Peoples on a
Many Chiefs walking tour guided by a member of the Blood Tribe in the Blackfoot Confederacy. Later, make time for one last hidden gem stop: the
Bridgette Bar on 10th Avenue for an artsy and delicious take on small plate dining
Ottawa, Ontario: The capital of museums
With seven national museums,
Ottawa is the ideal place for a three-day deep dive into Canadian culture and art. Start your
Ontario long weekend at the
National Gallery to view a comprehensive collection of Indigenous, Canadian and International artwork. On day two explore the
Canadian War Museum to reflect Canada’s military history and
Canadian Museum of Nature and one of the three establishments of the
Ingenium network to learn about science and nature. On your final day, tour downtown Ottawa with a visit to
ByWard Market to find handcrafted jewelry and designer clothing as well as local specialities such as artisanal cheese and charcuterie. After finding a few souvenirs at the market, treat yourself to a cold one at a local favourite, the
Heart and Crown.
Winnipeg, Manitoba: Learning never stops
Winnipeg has a wealth of museums to entertain and educate. Start your
Manitoba long weekend by exploring everything from cephalopods to fur trading ships at the
Manitoba Museum and Planetarium. On your second day, wind your way through the architectural, cultural and emotional wonders of the compelling
Canadian Museum for Human Rights. Look for the Spirit Panel Project of Indigenous art, and take time to experience the many stories of oppression and liberation. At night, reflect on your visit while enjoying unique dishes and flavours at
deer+almond (reservation recommended). On your final day, light it up with a tour of
The Manitoba Electrical Museum which features everything from vintage 1940s farm kitchen appliances to a recycled electronics robot, then view Canada’s largest collection of Louis Riel artifacts at the
Saint Boniface Museum.
Prince Edward Island: Exploring the Arts & Heritage Trail
Start your long weekend in
Prince Edward Island with world-famous Anne of Green Gables and a visit to the
Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace before embarking on a tour of the
PEI Arts & Heritage Trail. Next, pay a visit to local craftspeople who have modified their
studio tours to welcome you safely. Feeling creative yourself? Take private lessons from a
sandcastle building pro at
Cabot Beach Provincial Park and visit the
Malpeque Oyster Barn for some fresh seafood. Finish your getaway weekend with a movie at the Island’s retro
drive-in theatre.
Living Culture
Montréal, Quebec: Celebrating LGBTQ2+ flair
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Wandering the historical Old Port of Montréal. Credit ©
Tourisme Montréal - Madore, Daphné Caron |
It’s easy to fill three days in one of the world’s most famous LGBTQ2+ neighbourhoods,
Montreal’s vibrant
Le Village. Start with
Notre Dame des Quilles, a funky bowling alley bar with retro half-size lanes, then enjoy a drag queen show at the iconic
Cabaret Mado. The next day, head to
Little Italy to catch an exhibition or a special event at
Never Apart, a multi-faceted gallery designed to showcase LGBTQ2+ artists. On your last day, discover
Montreal’s high-end fashion designers before ending your day by the water in the historical
Old Port of Montréal. At night, dine in elegance at
Restaurant Pastel, one of Canada’s best restaurants.
Halifax, Nova Scotia: Discover seafaring life
Plan a long weekend fuelled by seafaring history and lively nights in
Halifax,
Nova Scotia. Wander the
beautiful harbourfront and visit the
Seaport Farmers’ Market, tour the
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, pop into the shops at
Bishop’s Landing and check out
The Split Crow Pub, Nova Scotia’s oldest tavern. On your second day, head out on the water for fresh air and salt water on a deep sea fishing or whale watching tour with
Blue Shark Fishing Charters. For your final day, explore the
Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to learn about historic ships and sailors of the area and experience a moving tribute to the
Halifax Explosion. At night, savour delicious local seafood at
Stories Dining in the
Historic Properties District, home to Canada’s oldest surviving group of waterfront warehouses and some of North America’s most beautiful Victorian-Italianate architecture.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador: From jelly bean houses to Celtic tunes
St. John’s,
Newfoundland and Labrador, is a lively blend of brightly-painted
jellybean houses, rich coastal history and the hand-clapping, sing-along Celtic fun of the
George Street music scene. Take a
guided history walking tour, then visit
The Rooms, an elegant museum of local and contemporary art from around the world. Then drive the scenic shoreline to
Ferryland, pick up a basket filled with homemade local treats like scones and cloudberry jam from
Lighthouse Picnics and find a little piece of shore where you can enjoy it. On your final day, hike up
Signal Hill to experience incredible views and gain an insight into the rich history of the military communications it once provided. Be sure to watch for
icebergs in late May and early June and
whales in July-August.
Iqaluit, Nunavut: Discovering Culture
Visit welcoming
Iqaluit,
Nunavut and explore the history of this northern capital city. Start with the stunning drum dancer carving at the
Unikkaarvik Visitor Centre where you can inquire about demonstrations of traditional Inuit games often held in
Sylvia Grinnell Territorial Park. The visitor centre personnel will be able to refer you to a local guide for the next day’s tour of the
Qaummaarviit Territorial Historic Park where you’ll learn about the history of the Thule Peoples. While in Iqaluit, explore the fascinating collection of traditional Inuit tools, clothing and artifacts found at the
Nunatta Sunakkutaangit Museum and check the gift shop for unique, locally-made artwork. Make your final day a hike on the
Road To Nowhere (get a selfie under the sign) that winds past lakes, hill and tundra to…well, nowhere. (Note:
Travel to Nunavut is restricted. Locals, Northwest Territories and Churchill residents can visit the region, while travellers coming from other parts of Canada must undertake a mandatory 14-day self-isolation. Information updated on September 21, 2020.)
