St. Ives temperatures in the summer months average about 20 degrees Celsius (68 degrees Fahrenheit). Never too hot and never too cold, what else could you ask for perfect vacation weather? With hundreds of hours of sunshine per month and very little precipitation, you just can’t go wrong if you are looking to spend time on the beach or participating in outdoor activities during your holiday. You simply won’t find snow here at any time of the year.

From the northern seaside town of St. Ives it is just a 20 minute drive to Penzance on the southern coast. With plenty of public car parks and driving routes available, you can sight-see, shop, suntan or surf on either coast. Or immerse yourself in the rich culture of art galleries and potteries in the area. Some studios have been around since the 1960’s. There are also many festivals of note from July through to September.

If outdoor activities are on your must-do list, you can find extreme outdoor adventure activities to fun for the whole family. For the extreme adventurist, rock climbing and zip wire riding, to kite surfing and cliff diving should be on your to-do list. River rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking are also popular adventure travel activities for all ages. You can also enjoy horse back riding, beach side lounging and surfing.  Don’t forget the many local famous art galleries and award-winning gardens. Definitely check out the unique eco and sustainability site of the Eden Project.

St. Ives accommodation is easily found, including luxury hotels, condos, St. Ives apartments and bed and breakfasts. There is also a local self catering St. Ives business where you can have fine food and local food and produce delivered right to your doorstep.

Sun Peaks is about 50 kilometres north of Kamloops, British Columbia. It’s a quick and easy drive up to the ski hill formally known only as Tod Mountain to the main Burfield lodge that has been there since 1961. Before 1993 when Nippon Cable bought the area, only the locals knew about the fantastic powder skiing. Now Sun Peaks caters to thousands of people in all seasons on three different mountains including Tod Mountain, Sundance Mountain and Mt. Morrisey.

With over 3, 500 acres of ski area, Sun Peaks boasts 12 lifts and some 121 runs over the three mountains. There are hundreds of different kinds of accommodation for all walks of life ranging from hotel rooms and condos, chalets, bed and breakfasts to entire house rentals. The Sun Peaks village has over 30 eateries including pubs, restaurants and night clubs.

If shopping is your thing, Sun Peaks has everything from souvenirs, clothing, ski/snowboard rentals and sales, to art galleries and fine wine. There is even a Chocolate Factory. You can even store up for the week’s groceries at the chalet at the local grocer.

If it is possible to get bored of the fabulous skiing, there are many other things to do at Sun Peaks. Tobogganing at the Tube Time park is a big hit with the kids. Or you could take the family snowshoeing, dog sledding, ice skating, snowmobiling, or even snow biking (with skis instead of wheels). And don’t forget the sleigh rides!

For a fun and affordable family ski vacation, Sun Peaks is not only easily accessible but features award winning accommodations and dining. The second larges ski area in British Columbia and the third largest in Canada is but a 4.25 hour drive north of Vancouver with daily flights from Kamloops and Kelowna. Enjoy BC’s finest powder (over 220” per year) for yourself at Sun Peaks Resort.

Skiing at Whistler

Perhaps one of the most well known places to vacation and ski in Canada, let alone the world, is Whistler, British Columbia.  Both skiers and snowboarders alike recognize this Canada resort destination as a powdery, snowy paradise amidst B.C.’s coastal mountains.  Whistler Village boasts several top-notch hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Westin Resort and Spa.  A standard daily lift ticket is around $80.

While there, take a zip line tour! Experience the sensation of flying through the air at tremendous speeds.  Companies offer tours that combine some hiking and some zip line rides with education and information about the surrounding ecosystems.  Most tours offer a safety training and orientation.

Hiking & Cycling in Saskatchewan

The Big Muddy Badlands have been formed by millions of years of environmental and historical happenings.  Today, thousands of tourists from all over flock to the badlands to witness the amazing scenery.  This area, located in south central Saskatchewan, just north of the Canada/USA border, has been punctuated with landmarks – both natural and man-made – that tell its exciting story.  Nature lovers and history buffs will enjoy a landscape that holds so many secrets.

While there, camp out in Coronach.  Comfortable campgrounds offer the experience of a lifetime.  Catch something special at one of the local fishing holes, and then take an interpretive tour.

River Rafting on the Ottawa River

Warm water all summer long combines with impressive rapids to make Canada’s premier river rafting destination – the Ottawa River.  The Ottawa is situated along the border between Quebec and Ontario.  Take a guided tour down the Main Channel or guide your own raft down the Middle Channel.  Serene scenery framed by waterfalls and artistic rock formations is balanced by challenging rapids and waves.

While there, go bungee jumping on the Ontario side.  You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ottawa River from atop the 150-foot tower.  Plunging toward the sparkling waters of the river below will top off this experience of a lifetime.  Book your jump along with your river rafting adventure for a great deal on both.

Climbing the Canadian Rockies

There’s no greater adventure or better way to experience the Canadian outdoors than to climb the Rocky Mountains.  A mountain-climbing escapade to Canmore, Alberta can be a life-changing experience.  The amazing vistas are ones witnessed by very few.  Experienced and well-equipped climbers will enjoy the thrill of a lifetime.  Novice climbers can benefit from the safety of guided tours.

While there, stay at the Canmore Mountain Lodge and let the outdoor hot tub melt away the exhilaration while you take pleasure in views filled with snowy-peaked mountains.

Ontario

Ontario offers the best of all worlds, from lush forests and sparkling lakes to the hustle and bustle of Canada’s largest city – Toronto.  Starting and ending your romantic excursion in Toronto is a great idea.  Explore city sites and savor Canadian fare at its best.  Plan a day trip up north to the Muskoka region for  hiking and swimming, or visit Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge – “The Kissing Bridge” in Waterloo County.

Victoria, BC

This clean, quaint and picturesque city is located on the very tip of Vancouver Island.  Stroll the Inner Harbor arm in arm and enjoy street performances, art exhibits, window-shopping and romantic dining.  At night, head over to Butchart Gardens and witness the magic of flowers and plant life illuminated by floodlights.  Top off your romantic getaway with a horse-drawn carriage ride through James Bay.  Enjoy lovely vistas of the harbor, stately homes and the Juan de Fuca Straight.

Calgary

This famous city is located in the southern region of Alberta province.  Its close proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains puts it at driving distance.  Whether you’ve popped the question or not, a visit to one of Calgary’s most popular “proposal” locations is a must.  The Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city as well as a revolving restaurant.  Check out Devonian Gardens for an indoor extravaganza of plant life, waterfalls and marine animals.  Calgary offers several romantic lodging options, from 4-star luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfast inns.

Montreal

Montreal’s artistic mix of old and new makes for a magical experience for couples in love.  Explore the cobblestoned roads of Viex Montreal by L’Amphibus tour.  You’ll ride the amphibious bus through the old neighborhood, and before you know it, the entire vehicle will plunge into the clear waters of the Bateau Mouche.  For a more conventional experience, stroll through Rue Jaques-Cartier, a wide pedestrian access road filled with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and sidewalk cafes.

Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province also serves as a serene place where couples can rediscover each other and reconnect.  Long drives through inspiring scenes of red cliffs, sandy beaches and countryside landscapes provide a relaxing change of pace.  Visit Charlottetown and feel time moving backwards as you stroll through the 19th century-era historic district.  Long walks through dunes and red-sand beaches make Prince Edward Island Park a top romantic destination.

Romantic Canada

No matter what the occasion or which region of Canada you choose, there are romantic getaway options to suit all tastes.  After selecting which province and city you will visit, make sure to seek out special couples packages or honeymoon specials.  Hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, spas and even restaurants offer discounts or deals to make your stay even more special.

One of the best things about a Canadian vacation, besides the fact that everyone speaks English, is that you can drive to your location and save yourself the expense of a plane ticket. If you enjoy a plane ride, then that is definitely an option, but if you like the convenience and freedom of getting in your car and driving (think road trip) then this destination will fit the bill. Even though border security has tightened up in the last few years, it is still easy to get in to our Northern neighbors country. As long as you have nothing you are trying to hide, getting over to Canada and back again won’t be a problem.

When you compare the price of American lodging and entertainment to the Canadian prices, you may suffer from a little shock. But this can be changed if you are careful about the places that you stay and where you visit. The tourist traps will be in your bigger cities and, while these will be great places to visit while you are there, you might consider staying in a smaller city. Do your research and make a list of the places you want to visit. Check on the prices and then make an itinerary that fits your wants and your budget. The beauty of Canada is vast, so getting a chance to get out and enjoy the more remote areas of the country will be a treat. With a good mix of outdoor activities and other entertainments will create an even more budget friendly vacation.

While it may not be the first place you think of for a foreign vacation, you should definitely give Canada a try. With all it has to offer, it really is the perfect vacation destination for the whole family.  Do your research and with a little planning, you will have a vacation to travel Canada worth remembering.