Les meilleures escapades d’été au Canada depuis Toronto

Summer in Toronto brings warm weather, bustling patios, and a vibrant festival scene. However, it also brings the perfect opportunity to pack a bag and explore the rest of the country. For Toronto locals looking to maximize their summer long weekends, domestic travel offers a seamless way to escape the routine. Staying within Canada means you can enjoy shorter flights, less travel stress, and often more affordable airfare compared to international destinations. You skip the lengthy customs lines and get right to the fun. 

Toronto serves as the ultimate starting point for your Canadian adventure. Getting to Toronto Pearson Airport has never been easier or more reliable. UP Express connects downtown Toronto’s Union Station to the airport in just 28 minutes. You can also hop on at our Bloor, Weston, or Mount Dennis stations for a quick, comfortable journey. 

If you plan to travel with family or friends, the UP Express Group Pass provides excellent value. Best of all, kids 12 and under always ride for free. We operate on the traditional territories of many nations, including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples. We are proud to connect you from this land to the rest of Canada. Let us handle the traffic so you can focus on catching your domestic flight and making the most of your time away. 

When is the Summer Season in Canada? 

Canada’s summer travel season officially kicks off in June and stretches into early September. The weather is warm, nature is in full bloom, and attractions across the country open their doors for extended hours. This season offers several long weekends that are perfect for shorter local trips. Canada Day, the Civic Holiday in August, and Labour Day provide the extra time you need to explore a new province without using up all your vacation days. 

The true beauty of domestic summer travel from Toronto is the proximity of world-class destinations. Many of the most beautiful spots in Canada are just a 1- to 5-hour flight from YYZ. You can enjoy your morning coffee on the UP Express and eat a late lunch overlooking the Rocky Mountains or the Atlantic Ocean. Short flight times allow you to maximize your time on the ground. Instead of losing a whole day to transit, you can start your vacation almost immediately upon arrival. 

Whether you want to spend your long weekend hiking, dining, or relaxing on a beach, the summer window provides ideal conditions. Destinations across the country host summer festivals, outdoor markets, and cultural events during these months. To secure the best flights and accommodations, plan and book your long weekend getaways early. 

Places to Go in Canada in the Summer 

The options for a Canadian summer getaway are virtually endless. Where you should go depends entirely on what kind of traveller you are. From coastal maritime charm to towering alpine peaks, Canada truly has something to offer for everyone. Here are a few top recommendations for an unforgettable summer escape. 

Halifax, Nova Scotia 

Halifax, Nova Scotia, provides a perfect mix of waterfront charm and vibrant city life. A flight from Toronto takes just over two hours, making it an incredibly easy long weekend destination. The city centres around its historic waterfront boardwalk, one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world. You can spend an entire afternoon strolling past boutique shops, historical monuments, and bustling patios. 

Seafood lovers will find themselves in a culinary paradise. Halifax offers some of the freshest lobster, scallops, and oysters in the country. You can enjoy a casual lobster roll by the water or book a table at a high-end seafood restaurant in the downtown core. The maritime hospitality is warm, welcoming, and genuine. 

Beyond the food, the region is rich in history and natural beauty. Take a tour of the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to step back in time. Rent a car for a short drive to Peggy’s Cove, where you can photograph the iconic lighthouse and marvel at the rugged granite coastline. 

Calgary and Banff, Alberta 

If you crave an outdoor adventure, a flight to Calgary is your gateway to the Canadian Rockies. The flight from Toronto takes roughly four hours. If you visit in early July, you can experience the famous Calgary Stampede. This massive event features rodeos, exhibitions, and a city-wide celebration of western culture. 

For a true mountain escape, rent a car at the Calgary airport and drive an hour and a half west to Banff National Park. Banff offers unforgettable views, turquoise glacial lakes, and some of the best hiking trails in the world. You can challenge yourself on a steep mountain hike or take a leisurely stroll around the perimeter of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. 

The town of Banff itself provides a comfortable basecamp with excellent dining, boutique shopping, and relaxing hot springs. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, as elk, deer, and bears frequently make appearances in the area. A long weekend in the Rockies will leave you feeling refreshed and connected to nature. 

Prince Edward Island 

For a slower-paced vacation with a relaxed beach-hopping vibe, look no further than Prince Edward Island (PEI). You can fly direct to Charlottetown from Toronto in just over two hours. As Canada’s smallest province, PEI is easy to navigate and perfect for a three-day weekend. 

The island is famous for its distinctive red sand beaches, rolling green hills, and warm coastal waters. Summer is the perfect time to explore the PEI National Park, where you can swim, hike, and bike along the scenic coastline. Golfers will also find several world-class courses offering stunning ocean views. 

Literature fans can visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, the inspiration for the beloved Canadian novel Anne of Green Gables. Finish your days by enjoying local culinary delights, including fresh Malpeque oysters and PEI potatoes. The island’s laid-back atmosphere makes it an ideal spot to decompress from city life. 

Places to Visit in BC in the Summer 

British Columbia is breathtakingly beautiful in the summer. A flight from Toronto to BC takes about five hours, making it slightly further than the Maritimes. However, you can easily experience the magic of the West Coast in three to four days, or stay longer if your schedule allows. Here are the top spots to consider

Vancouver perfectly balances urban sophistication with raw natural beauty. You can spend your morning hiking a mountain trail and your afternoon relaxing on a sandy city beach. Stanley Park, a massive green space right next to downtown, offers a scenic seawall perfect for biking or walking. 

The city is a haven for food enthusiasts, boasting incredible Asian cuisine, fresh Pacific seafood, and a thriving craft brewery scene. Neighbourhoods like Gastown and Granville Island provide endless entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. Vancouver’s mild summer weather makes it a comfortable and inviting destination.

Kelowna 

Located in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, Kelowna is a premier summer playground. This region is famous for its warm, dry climate and spectacular lake views. It is also one of Canada’s top wine-producing regions, making it a perfect destination for wine tours and tastings. 

Okanagan Lake offers endless water activities, including boating, paddleboarding, and swimming. You can rent a boat for the day to explore the hidden coves and sandy beaches along the shoreline. The local farm-to-table dining scene is exceptional, utilizing the abundant fresh produce grown right in the valley. 

Tofino

For a more rugged and remote experience, head to Tofino on the west coast of Vancouver Island. Tofino is famous for its vast sandy beaches, ancient rainforests, and world-class surfing. Summer brings calmer waters and beautiful sunsets to this coastal paradise. 

Nature lovers can book a whale-watching or bear-watching tour to see the incredible local wildlife up close. Hiking trails wind through massive old-growth cedar trees, leading to secluded beaches and stunning ocean viewpoints. Tofino’s relaxed, bohemian atmosphere provides a true escape from the daily grind. 

Places to Visit in Quebec in the Summer 

Quebec is one of the easiest and most affordable flight options from Toronto for a cultural getaway. Flight times to major Quebec cities are often under an hour and a half. This makes Quebec a brilliant option for a quick two-or three-day trip. You can experience a distinct European flair and rich francophone culture without ever leaving the country. 

Montreal 

Montreal comes alive in the summer with an energy that is hard to match. The city is famous for its massive summer festivals, celebrating everything from jazz and comedy to food and art. The streets fill with patios, outdoor concerts, and a lively, welcoming crowd. 

Wander the cobblestone streets of Old Montreal to admire the historic architecture and visit the stunning Notre-Dame Basilica. For panoramic views of the city, take a hike up Mount Royal, the large hill situated right in the city centre. Montreal’s culinary scene is legendary, offering everything from classic poutine and smoked meat sandwiches to innovative fine dining. 

Quebec City 

If you want to feel like you have travelled to Europe without crossing the Atlantic, visit Quebec City. This is one of the oldest European settlements in North America, and its fortified city walls are a UNESCO World Heritage site. Summer is a wonderful time to explore the winding, narrow streets of the Petit Champlain district. 

The iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac dominates the city skyline and provides a stunning backdrop for your vacation photos. You can stroll along the Dufferin Terrace, overlooking the St. Lawrence River, and watch the boats go by. Quebec City offers a romantic, historic, and highly walkable environment for a relaxing long weekend. 

Mont-Tremblant 

Located in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont-Tremblant is famous as a winter ski resort, but it is equally fantastic in the summer. The pedestrian village at the base of the mountain is vibrant and full of life, featuring colourful rooftops, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants. 

Summer visitors can take the panoramic gondola to the top of the mountain for incredible views and hiking trails. The area also features a beautiful lake where you can rent canoes, kayaks, or paddleboards. With activities ranging from zip-lining to golfing, Mont-Tremblant provides an action-packed getaway just a short drive from the Montreal airport, a quick flight from YYZ. 

Get Ready to Experience Summer in Canada

This summer, make the most of your time off by exploring the incredible destinations right here in your own backyard. Choosing easy Canadian getaways means you can enjoy shorter flights, less hassle, and more time actually relaxing. Plus, travelling domestically allows you to support local Canadian businesses and communities. It’s a win-win!  

When you are ready to pack your bags and go, count on UP Express to make your journey smooth and straightforward. We provide a sleek, comfortable, and dependable connection from downtown Toronto’s Union Station directly to Pearson Airport. Avoid the unpredictability of highway traffic and start your vacation the moment you step onto our trains. Purchase your UP Express tickets today and get ready to discover the best of Canada this summer!