This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Given the difficulty of obtaining a passport in time for the holidays, many abandon their plans to fly to the South, Europe or the United States. Here are some alternatives for you!
As the crow flies
All you need to take a flight to any Canadian destination is a valid government-issued photo ID. Take the opportunity to discover our beautiful country!
Visit Kelowna Wineries
Should California wineries be on your itinerary? Those in Kelowna, British Columbia, will give you the same pleasure, both for the offer of splendid wines and for the breathtaking landscapes. Flights with a short stopover in Toronto, Calgary or Vancouver by Air Canada allow you to reach your destination.
Take the opportunity to visit downtown Kelowna, which combines nature and culture, since it is both an urban and a rural city. Learn more about its founding people, the Sylix Nation, through exhibits at the region’s interpretation centers and museums.
Calgary and the Splendor of the Rockies
Calgary is a vibrant city, home to great cowboy hat shops and the best steakhouses that feature western beef on their menu. From July 8 to 17, take a trip to the Calgary Stampede and witness the largest outdoor rodeo in the world!
Are you disappointed not to be able to visit the national parks of the United States? Leave Calgary (by car or bus) for the Rockies. Explore the wonders of Banff and Lake Louise on foot, trek, canoe or bike.
Swimming in the warm waters of the Maritimes
This year, swap the beaches of the South for those of white sand and warm waters in Nova Scotia or Prince Edward Island. Direct 1.5-hour Air Canada flights take you to Halifax or Charlottetown, 30 minutes from the most beautiful beaches.
Crystal clear waters like in Cuba
To rediscover the splendor of the Caribbean Sea, Bruce Peninsula National Park, in Georgian Bay, located three hours from Toronto by car, will amaze you. Turquoise waters flanked by spectacular cliffs, caves carved into the rock and a whole range of activities on the water are to be discovered.
Don’t forget to book on the Parks Canada website before going, because summer is very busy.
By car, explore the Belle Province
All inclusive hotel packages
If you were to go in an all-inclusive in the South, know that there is this kind of formula in Quebec too. Club Med de Charlevoix, located in front of the majestic St. Lawrence River, offers vacation packages that are not bad at all! The complex is located at the foot of the Massif de Charlevoix, and you can practice a host of outdoor activities, including mountain biking and hiking. Two restaurants, including one serving local cuisine and a buffet, are available to customers. You can also count on the presence of “GO” on site. To add to the pleasure: a children’s club, a theater, a large swimming pool and a hammam have been added to the activities.
Other hotels also offer all-inclusive packages, which add relaxation, eco-resorts, beaches, golf or gourmet meals to their offer, such as Esterel, Baluchon, Ripple Cove Hotel and Spa, Auberge de la Tour du Lac, the StoneHaven Le Manoir or the Fairmont Château Montebello.
Gourmet routes
For the foodies in search of local specialties to taste, there is no need to travel to New England, because there are gourmet routes with well-organized tours here.
The Association de l’agrotourisme et du tourisme gourmand du Québec has also launched a new platform that highlights the best addresses in the province. On the Terroirs et Saveurs du Québec website, there are plenty of ideas for planning our visits and not missing out on the best gourmet spots.
For adventurers
Disappointed not to go to Iceland or Norway for a trek? The North Shore and the Saguenay Fjord have breathtaking landscapes where you can practice the most beautiful hikes as well as sea kayaking.
For scuba diving enthusiasts, the Saguenay Fjord, the St. Lawrence estuary and the North Shore are must-sees for the most beautiful marine discoveries. For more details, consult the Bonjour Québec website.
Visits to the greatest museums in the world
Did you know that it is possible to visit the Louvre from the comfort of your living room? On the Louvre Museum site, several exhibitions are offered in virtual tours, some of which are commented by experts.