Top 6 Ways to Enjoy the Long Weekend in Canada

As the final long weekend of summer approaches, it’s time to make the most of the sunny weather and take advantage of all of the amazing things to do over the Labour Day long weekend with family, friends or solo. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, enjoy your days with a visit to one of Canada’s amazing beaches, with an adventure on a hiking trail or catching a glimpse of some of the incredible whale species that call Canada home. Foodies can make the most of the weekend with visits to a local patio or one of the country’s incredible craft breweries or wine regions, which can be found from coast to coast. Immersing yourself in Canada’s arts and culture is also an option at one of the country’s more than 2,000 museums – a perfect way to end the summer and get ready for the new school year.

A Day At the Beach

One of the favourite summer pastimes of Canadians is spending some time at the beach. With more than 240, 000 kilometres of coastline and more lakes than any other country in the world, there’s ample opportunity to relax by the water. Sun yourself on well-known beaches, like PEI’s Cavendish Beach, Ontario’s Wasaga Beach and British Columbia’s Kitsilano Beach, or make your way to more secluded hidden gems like Manitoba’s Hudson Bay Beach and Quebec’s Plage de Penouille.

Hit the Trails

Whether you like to take on the trails on foot or on your bike, trail systems across the country promise adventure and spectacular views. Every province across the country has incredible systems made up of trails of varying degrees of difficulty, mixed terrain and options for hiking, cycling and mountain biking, all complimented by breathtaking views. If soaking up the sunshine is on your list of must-do’s for the long weekend, a hike in Saskatoon will deliver a beautiful summery experience. Another option for exploration is The Great Trail, which passes through every single one of Canada’s provinces and territories – measuring a total of 27,000 kilometres, this is the longest recreational trail in the world.

Have A Whale of a Time Seeing Cetaceans 

Canada is home to some of the best whale watching in the world, with gorgeous cetaceans making appearances across the country, and the long weekend is a great time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants. Whale watching season runs into October on both the eastern and western coasts and through Québec’s whale route and lucky observers can see a number of different species, from Minke whales to Blue Whales, the largest animal known to mankind. Few things are more majestic than seeing an Orca in the wild, and Vancouver Island offers whale watching enthusiasts ample opportunity to witness these incredible creatures in their natural environment. 

Perfect Timing for Patio Season

Good friends and good food are two of the key ingredients to a perfect summer long weekend and restaurants across the country always serve up mouth-watering dishes on picture perfect patios. Award winning bistros cooking classic Canadian cuisine with local and international twists satisfy every craving from coast to coast against the picturesque landscape of the rocky mountains, the prairie skies and the sandy east coast beaches. Take in some of the best views on one of the terrasses of Québec City and experience east-coast hospitality first-hand on one of St. John’s most welcoming patios.

Sip Your Way Through Canada’s Craft Breweries & Wine Country

Wet your whistle at one of Canada’s craft breweries or in the hearts of Canadian wine country. Although the vast majority of Canadian wine is produced in Ontario and British Columbia, vineyards and locally produced wine can be found in many provinces across the country. One of the most famous spots in Canada to enjoy a wine tour and spectacular views is British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, where visitors can sampled various varietals of internationally acclaimed wines. Canada’s craft beer scene is also so much more than just beer – unique flavours brewed up with homegrown ingredients and local flair have burst onto the scene, delighting beer lovers from coast to coast. You’ll find IPAs, sours, lagers, stouts, porters, pale ales and more in many of Canada’s largest cities and smallest towns, including Fredericton, NB, where the craft breweries are some of the best places to spend a summer afternoon.

Meander Through A Museum

Need some relief from the summer heat? Head indoors and immerse yourself in the arts, culture and history of some of Canada’s extraordinary museums. Specially curated exhibits featuring works from famous Canadian artists, interactive experiences and virtual experiences are just a few of the ways to enjoy one of Canada’s more than 2,000 museums, art galleries and heritage institutions. A particularly uniquely Canadian experience also awaits dinosaur enthusiasts in the Alberta badlands with exhibits at the Royal Tyrell Museum and the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum. 

No matter what type of experience you’re hoping to have over Labour Day, Canada’s unique outdoor, indoor and foodie experiences promise to deliver an unforgettable summer long weekend as the end of the season approaches. The end of summer is always bittersweet, but luckily there’s no end of to the adventures to have in Canada in the fall.