Canadians, don’t let this summer pass you by. Just because the loonie’s at a low doesn’t mean you should toss out your vacation plans. This summer, a selection of ultra-low-cost carriers are entering the Canadian market, driving down prices on the Great North’s top destinations. That makes now the perfect time to explore your own country. So stop giving your travel budget the side-eye, and start planning an affordable trip that celebrates what makes Canada so great.
These are 10 destinations — in Canada — that can make your summer travel dreams come true. And all for under $600, round-trip.
1. Kelowna, British Columbia
Go for: Wine, wine and more wine
Get right into those breezy summer nights by visiting some of the country’s best wineries. The Okanagan Valley is known for its prime grape-growing ground. Plan a long weekend exploring some of the area’s top varietals with median airfare at just $380. You can also check out the Okanagan lavender fields, Geert Maas Sculpture Garden and Knox Mountain Trail. After a day spent outdoors, indulge in a pre-dinner tasting at Quail’s Gate Winery. It’s definitely worth it.
2. Abbotsford, British Columbia
Go for: Fun on the farm
Airfare to Abbotsford is down 33% when compared to last year, making it a definite deal destination for summer 2018. With median airfare at $396, it’s an affordable escape that’s great for the family. You can get a bit kitschy at Castle Fun Park (the kids will love it) with their go-carts, themed mini golf courses and a laser maze. Or take the Circle Farm Tour — a self-guided romp through the area’s top farms. Sample fresh-made ice cream, pick flowers and pet some llamas. At night, grab pizza at local-favorite Duft and Co. Brickhouse. Plus, since you’re on the US/Canada border, you could always extend your holiday with a quick trip to the Lower 48.
3. Hamilton, Ontario
Go for: Enjoying art and music
This former “steeltown” on Lake Ontario still retains a bit of its industrial history but also fosters a growing arts and culture scene. Get there this summer for around $445 round-trip — a 25% drop when compared to airfare last year. Hang out in Hess Village — a street closed to traffic and peppered with shops and restaurants. Get wings and beer at the newly updated Gown and Gavel or sit back with a glass to watch live jazz at Masque Wine Bar. Prefer the great outdoors? Bayfront Park is a perfect place to run, bike or just picnic. Tiffany Falls Conservation Area is great for both experienced and amateur hikers with the payoff of beautiful waterfalls. Or, you can get all fancy and tour Dundurn Castle or visit the Art Gallery of Hamilton for its exhibits on contemporary Canadian artists.
4. Deer Lake, Newfoundland and Labrador
Go for: Hiking and vikings
Get out in the open air, camp under the stars and trek along Newfoundland’s Viking Trail. Starting in Deer Lake and Gros Morne National Park, this trail leads all the way to L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, North America’s only known Viking settlement. With median airfare at $454 for summer, you can get away for a few days to revisit history. Those content with staying in Deer Lake will also find that there’s plenty to do. Budding entomologists can visit the Newfoundland Insectarium for its exhibits on the world’s most exotic bugs. A trip to Deer Lake Beach will give you plenty of time in the sun to work on your tan. Then, end your night tucking into a giant plate of fries at The Spud.
5. Victoria, British Columbia
Go for: A step back in time
Victoria is one of those quintessential Canadian towns that seamlessly combines colonial architecture and charm with modern amenities. With airfare around $482 for summer, make this your getaway for when you need to go back in time. Visit Fisherman’s Wharf where you can grab some fried fish and fresh ice cream. Walk through Canada’s oldest Chinatown and down the country’s narrowest street — Fan Tan Alley. If you’re looking for some time in the water, Willows Beach is a great place to splash around or send the kids to the playground while you grab refreshments in the tearoom. However you spend your day, end your night with inventive cocktails at Little Jumbo.
6. Edmonton, Alberta
Go for: Shopping
In the heart of Alberta, Edmonton stands as a center of culture, activity… and shopping. The West Edmonton Mall is North America’s largest, complete with an indoor ice palace, waterpark, adventure gold, sea life exhibit and more. But if malls aren’t really your thing, head to Whyte Avenue in downtown. There, you can window shop and pub hop. Just be sure to stop in the Wee Book Inn, a used bookstore that’s open until midnight (!), for your summer holiday reads. If you’re bringing the kids, you can entertain them for the day at the TELUS World of Science. Get to Edmonton for around $485 roundtrip — a 40% drop in airfare when compared to last year.
7. Winnipeg, Manitoba
Go for: Experiencing culture and history
Whether you’re into historical reenactments, contemporary art or festivals, Winnipeg is the place to be this summer. And with flight prices down 30% (expect to see round-trip flights around $485), it’s even more affordable than last year. Check out The Forks, a popular place to hang out, walk trails, picnic and shop — located in a historic district of the city. There you can get a dose of history at Fort Garry or Riel House and see what life was like in the 1800s. Get creative at the Winnipeg Art Gallery where you can view exhibits on contemporary Canadian and indigenous art. Or take in an emotional exhibition at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. If you’re looking for live theater, the city’s Fringe Festival is from July 18-29 this year, bringing 180 performing companies to 30 venues throughout Winnipeg.
8. Whitehorse, Yukon
Go for: City style and outdoor adventure
Known as a winter destination, Whitehorse still shines in summer. Plus, you can get there for around $492 making it an affordable holiday destination. If you’re staying in the city, places like Yukon Arts Centre and Mac’s Fireweed Books are must-visits as you meander through downtown. However, if you’re there for outdoor adventures, a hike in Miles Canyon should be on your list. Need to relax? Just 30 minutes from Whitehorse is Takhini Hot Springs, natural mineral baths perfect for unwinding in after a long day (plus admission is only $12). And no stop in Whitehorse is complete without a meal at Antoinette’s. Known for its pan-International cuisine with Caribbean flair, this creative fusion restaurant has one of the best kitchens in town.
9. Moncton, New Brunswick
Go for: Magnetic experiences
When you get to Moncton, one of the first things you’ll notice are references to something called “Magnetic Hill.” What’s that exactly? Glad you asked. It’s a stretch of road off Trans-Canada Highway Exit 450 that’s a naturally-occuring wonder. Once you reach the designated spot, simply take your foot off the gas as your car coasts up the hill. Magic (well, gravitational pull actually). Moncton is also host to a number of breweries that are great ways to spend the afternoon. Visit The Pumphouse for inventive brews like the Crafty Radler — a grapefruit and tangerine blend. Magnetic Hill will be even more interesting after a few of those. This summer, you can fly to Moncton for a median airfare of $518 — which is 19% cheaper than last year’s flight prices.
10. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Go for: Maritime tradition and Stan Rogers
Listen to your favorite Stan Rogers album and trek to Nova Scotia’s city on the water. With median airfare to Halifax at $572 this summer, it’s still a viable destination for an extended holiday. Visit one of North America’s oldest breweries, Alexander Keith’s, for a cold pint on Lower Water Street. Looking to get your greens? Envie is a deceptively vegan restaurant with a creative menu that’ll satisfy all appetites. Explore the area’s rich maritime culture at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and walk through the shops on the piers. Just be sure to finish your night at The Bitter End, a bar and restaurant whose mission is to bring cocktail culture back to the city.
Want to be sure you’re finding a great deal on your flight? Set up a KAYAK Price Alert to track prices to the destination of your choosing. We’ll let you know when flight prices change.
Methodology
All data is based on median airfares conducted from KAYAK CA and is intended to be used as a guide. Travel dates are May 25, 2018 – September 3, 2018, and search dates are February 21, 2017 – February 21, 2018. All flights considered are economy, round-trip. To compare year over year findings, KAYAK considered searches from February 21, 2016 – February 21, 2017 for travel between May 25, 2017 – September 3, 2017.
