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4 Canadian Weekend Getaways For This Fall

It's too early to start thinking about back-to-school clothes and pumpkin spice lattes, but it's not too early to start planning your fall getaways. Busy fall schedules mean exploring nearby areas can help you maximize your vacation time. The following four destinations are ones that you encourage you to run wild outdoors, indulge in hearty fall eats and explore charming towns while the fall colors come to life.
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Photo credit: Mikl1303

It's too early to start thinking about back-to-school clothes and pumpkin spice lattes, but it's not too early to start planning your fall getaways. Busy fall schedules mean exploring nearby areas can help you maximize your vacation time. The following four destinations are ones that you encourage you to run wild outdoors, indulge in hearty fall eats and explore charming towns while the fall colors come to life.

Montreal, Quebec

Montreal is a city that doesn't sleep -- no matter the season. The french-speaking metropolis offers everything from 18th-century architecture to glimmering skyscrapers, nightlife and those famous Montreal-style smoked meat sandwiches. Best of all, Montreal is a walkable city with charming neighborhoods just waiting to be explored (and shopped) on foot. The historic city center, known as Old Montreal, is the oldest part of the city, offering remains of New France, the Old Port of Montreal, Bonsecours Market, cobblestone streets and all of the charm of a European getaway -- without the costly flight. Visit in late fall, and you'll enjoy Montreal with lower shoulder season hotel rates and fewer tourists.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Photo credit: Dennis Jarvis

Cape Breton Island's 300-kilometer-long Cabot Trail bursts with color in the fall months. The trail, which winds along the coast, offers picture-perfect ocean views, reminiscent of faraway places like New Zealand and Hawaii. Although, a flight from Toronto takes just 2 hours.

While on the island, visitors can dine on some of the country's best seafood, hike amongst waterfalls, fish, canoe, golf, learn about the area's Mi'kmaw, French and Celtic heritage, and shop for unique crafts made by local artisans. Cape Breton Island is a place to feel far away from it all without using all of your vacation time.

Churchill, Manitoba

Visit the Hudson Bay before the temperatures become too frigid, and you'll enjoy days roaming the charming town of Churchill and snapping photos of some of the world's most intriguing animals. October and November are the best months for polar bear sightings on the area's numerous polar bear tours, and late November visitors have a better chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Whether you're interested in hiking, beluga whale watching, kayaking, shopping or dining on some of the best Arctic Char in the world, Churchill, Manitoba turns brief fall vacations into lifelong memories.

Kelowna, British Columbia

Photo credit: erwlas

Thinking about a long fall weekend away from the kids? Consider Kelowna, British Columbia. This Okanagan Valley town is known for its accessibility to roughly 30 wineries in 20 minutes of driving time. Tour on your own or choose from a variety of guided tours for a worry-free adventure that makes all the right stops.

However, you don't have to be into wine to love Kelowna. The outdoorsy town is full of farm-to-table eateries, renowned golf courses, uncrowded beaches, orchards, casinos, art galleries and so much more. Overlooking crystal-clear Okanagan Lake, Kelowna is the perfect combination of rugged nature and urban amenities.

Canada is most popular in the summer months, but those who visit in fall enjoy lingering summer temperatures without the lingering crowds. Lower accommodation rates and vacation specials make fall getaways in the Great White North even more appealing.

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