After a long snowy winter, summers in Canada are their own reward – but a little local exploration never hurt!
Canada is a big place, and while flashy international destinations might clog up your Instagram feed, there are a TONS of jaw-dropping coastlines, iconic landmarks, and charming streets right here at home.
If your suitcase is looking a little lonely in storage, we have some ideas of where to take it and how to save on your trip!
Here are 3 of the most popular destinations in Canada to explore this summer.
Vancouver
Paradise on earth, or a really good PR team? Why not both! British Columbia has more than earned it’s reputation of stunning natural beauty and urban attractions.
This city boasts rich cultural diversity, a vibrant food scene, and swoon-worthy beaches. Here are just a few spots worth checking out.
Kitsilano Beach: Soak up the sun, swim in the ocean, or try stand-up paddleboarding and beach volleyball.
Stanley Park: It’s a classic for a reason! Walk or bike along the seawall, explore lush forests, dip your toes in the ocean, or the Vancouver Aquarium. Yes, all in ONE park.
Grouse Mountain: Take the gondola to the top for breathtaking views of the city or get adventurous with activities like hiking, ziplining, and paragliding.
Granville Island: Wander through the public market, indulge in local cuisine at waterfront restaurants, and browse unique shops and galleries. It’s the best place in the city to shop unique, artisan goods!
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Cross the iconic suspension bridge, explore treetop adventures, and learn about indigenous culture.
St-John’s
Newfoundland and Labrador radiates main character energy. Can’t you just picture yourself storming along those dramatic cliffs at dusk, a lighthouse spinning in time to the beat as the soundtrack music swells?
Here are a few places to visit while you star in the movie in your head.
Signal Hill: Hike to the top for panoramic views of the city and coastline, and visit Cabot Tower to learn about the area’s military history.
Quidi Vidi Village: Explore this picturesque fishing village, visit the Quidi Vidi Brewery for a tasting, and enjoy fresh seafood at the local restaurants. Hunky fishermen may or may not be included.
Cape Spear: Discover the easternmost point of North America, explore historic lighthouses, and watch for whales and icebergs offshore.
George Street: One street, and it’s all the entertainment you need! Experience the vibrant nightlife with live music, pubs, and entertainment along this famous street.
Boat Tours: Take a boat tour to explore coastal landscapes up close! See if you can spot puffins and seabirds, and learn about Newfoundland’s maritime heritage.
Québec City
Can’t afford a European vacation? Just zip on over to Canada’s Europe-lite! Québec City pays hommage to our French history with cobblestone streets, charming architecture, and year-round festivals that celebrate la vie française!
Make sure to order some poutine, and check out these must-see spots on your trip.
Old Québec: Wander through narrow cobblestone streets, admire historic architecture, and visit landmarks like Château Frontenac and Place Royale.
Montmorency Falls: Take in some nature views at the 83-meter waterfall, hike trails around the falls, or zip-line across the gorge. What? Did you think the West Coast was the only place with adventure?
Île d’Orléans: This scenic island in the middle of the St Lawrence River is littered with picturesque orchards and vineyards. Try out some of the locally made cider and snag a few maple treats for the next time you get a sweet tooth.
Plains of Abraham: Time for a little culture, perhaps? Relax in this urban park, picnic on the grassy plains, and visit the Museum of Fine Arts or the Citadel.
Terrasse Dufferin: You can’t miss this iconic view – you’ll recognize it from nearly every Quebec City postcard. Snap some photos of the St. Lawrence River and Lower Town, stroll along the boardwalk, and watch street performers as the sun sets.
How to save with Aeroplan
With Aeroplan, it’s easy to rack up rewards – whether you’re travelling or just running errands around town. That means you can travel sooner, and with more creature comforts.
Here’s a snapshot of all the benefits.
Flexible Travel: Travel anywhere you want with Aeroplan’s extensive network.
Get Points Fast: Accumulate Aeroplan points at a faster rate compared to other programs.
Flight Rewards: Redeem points for great value flight rewards, with options starting as low as 6,000 points for short-haul one-way flights. You can also access free Wi-Fi texting on all Air Canada flights and pay for Wi-Fi using points.
Extensive Flight Network: Gain access to Air Canada’s vast network of over 180 destinations worldwide, along with flights from 45+ partner airlines covering 1,300+ destinations.
Vacation Packages: Use Aeroplan points to book vacation packages with Air Canada Vacations.
Hotel Stays and Deals: Enjoy exclusive redemption rates and deals on hotel stays, including discounts and perks like a Fourth Night Free offer for Aeroplan Credit Cardholders.
Additional Services: Round out your journey by booking car rentals, vacation packages, gift cards, and merchandise through Aeroplan.
Exclusive Benefits: Aeroplan Credit Cardholders unlock exclusive benefits such as preferred pricing on flight rewards, free checked bags, Maple Leaf Lounge access, priority boarding, and eUpgrade credits.
Earn Point Everyday: Make your dollars work harder with Aeroplan credit cards, earning points on everyday purchases with partners like Starbucks, Uber, LCBO, Pioneer, Chevron, Ultramar gas stations, and the Aeroplan eStore.
Plan your summer getaway with Aeroplan for the most bang for your buck. Now, all you have to do is decide which city to go to first!
AEROPLAN
Alicia Lyons
Branded Content Writer
Alicia is a storyteller who chased the sun all the way to Calgary and decided to stay. When she’s not crafting killer content, she can be found stumbling along nature trails, curling under a fuzzy blanket with a good book, or finding any excuse to eat.
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