Top 10 Canadian Destinations for Summer 2014

The weather is starting to heat up and the warm sunshine is melting the memories of all that dreaded snow-shovelling. With the brief and beautiful Canadian summer fast approaching, do you know where you will be spending your vacation?
Summertime offers the ideal opportunity to explore the natural beauty that Canada has to offer and there are many destinations that make wonderful outdoor playgrounds at this time of year.
For 2014, many of Canada’s summer hot spots will feature new attractions and events. From a gondola in Squamish to the thrilling Glacier Skywalk in Jasper, there’s been an array of new things to experience popping up across the country.
But many must-see summer spots remain amazing even if they don’t change at all. Whether you prefer lively urban locales or more relaxing rural retreats – the hardest part is figuring out which amazing place is the right summer destination for you.
So hopefully, we can make your search a little easier. Check out our list below of the 10 best summer travel destinations in Canada:
 

1. JASPER NATIONAL PARK, ALBERTA

Jasper has been a summer holiday favourite for generations, but a new attraction will make this national park even more incredible.
The Glacier Skywalk gives you a chance to take a knee-trembling stroll on a glass-bottomed semi-circular promenade that juts out from a cliff wall and overlooks the scenic valley 280 metres below. It’s a view that will have your heart racing and it’s a great way to admire the truly remarkable beauty of the Rocky Mountains.
 

2. NIAGARA FALLS, ONTARIO

For many years, the Maid of the Mist was the vessel that brought tourists within spraying distance of the famous Niagara Falls.
However, now you can experience the ride on one of two brand new purpose-built catamarans, known as the Niagara Wonder and the Niagara Thunder. These boats, operated by Hornblower Cruises, will allow you to get up close and personal with this impressive natural wonder.
 

3. VICTORIA, BC

Located on peaceful Vancouver Island, Victoria boasts old fashioned English-influenced charm, pretty architecture and a laid-back summer vibe.
It’s a great place to be during the warm months, thanks to the many festivals, outdoor concerts, open-air theatre and more. Best of all, new events seem to pop up in this city every year.
Victoria also makes the perfect jumping off point for many great nature activities including whale watching, surfing in Tofino or hiking amongst enormous 800-year-old trees at Cathedral Grove.
 

4. SQUAMISH, BC

This pine-tree clad paradise right between Vancouver and Whistler will be a popular hotspot this summer, with the addition of a new Sea to Sky Gondola.
The sleek and modern high speed aerial tram can carry eight passengers on a smooth scenic ride up The Chief, an enormous granite mountain and one of the main landmarks of Squamish. When you reach the top, you will be rewarded with jaw-dropping views of the Coastal Mountains and the Howe Sound Fjord.
 

5. WINNIPEG, MANITOBA

This summer, head to the Slurpee Capital of the world and enjoy the hot prairie sunshine and the fun vibe of outdoor concerts at The Forks.
Winnipeg is overflowing with parks and green space, so there are plenty of spots where you can enjoy a summer picnic. If you visit in September, the new Canadian Museum of Human Rights – set in a stunning curved building – will finally be opened.
 

6. KELOWNA, BC

Filled with lush vineyards, spectacular golf courses and a seemingly endless stock of stunning lakes, the Kelowna area remains a perennial summertime favourite.
But lately, a number of new adventure tourism sites have been developing in this area, including new zip-lining attractions and the Myra Canyon Adventure Park that will open in June.
 

7. DRUMHELLER, ALBERTA

What kid isn’t fascinated by dinosaurs?
Take your little ones on a trip they will never forget to the Alberta Badlands, one of most fossil-rich spots in the world. The bizarre rock formations will make you feel like you are on the surface of another planet. The Royal Tyrell Museum hosts kid’s events in the summer including family fun days and even a junior science camp.
 

8. QUEBEC CITY, QUEBEC

After a long and dreary winter, Quebec City really kicks up its heels to celebrate the sunshine.
The streets will be alive the sounds of music and street performers and you will find the locals on the outdoor patios enjoying a drink in the sunshine. There is also the Quebec City Summer Festival, which is an 11-day music extravaganza that takes place during the first week of July. This event will once again be headlined by some terrific performers this year.
 

9. CORNERBROOK, NEWFOUNDLAND

The small town of Cornerbrook is friendly and charming, but its best feature is that it is within a short drive from Gros Morne National Park.
This ruggedly beautiful park is an ideal place to spot animals, from birds to squirrels to caribou and moose – so keep your eyes peeled! Also, you can drop by the famous Writers at Woody Point Festival – this year, the Tragically Hip’s Gord Downie is opening the event.
 

10. CAPE BRETON, NOVA SCOTIA

Head to Nova Scotia for some great whale watching this summer – the best season is between May and October.
The top places to find whale watching outfitters in the area can be found along the Cabot Trail. Also, make sure that you feast on some of the top-notch seafood that this Eastern province has to offer.