10 Great Spring Getaways for Canadian Travellers

Puerto Vallarta should be high on your list for a spring getaway, especially if you want to further escape from unpredictable spring weather further north. The popular resort town on the Mexican Pacific coast has sun, sand and surf with enjoyable tropical weather throughout the year.

Stroll or bike along the bayside promenade of Malecón Puerto Vallarta towards the scenic arches of Los Arcos. For something more active, zipline over stunning coastal scenery at Nogalito Ecopark. You can even opt for a fun pirate-ship cruise. The coast of Riviera Nayarit nearby offers more gorgeous beaches, and the resort of Nuevo Vallarta has 2 water parks, where you can enjoy a host of water slides catering to children of all ages. Read more

A spring trip to Oahu is a plan that everyone in the family would find hard to resist. Heaps of fun await at the Hawaiian island’s beaches and natural attractions. Beyond the world-famous Waikiki Beach and Honolulu, Kualoa Ranch ranks high with its ATV rides and Jurassic Park tours. Diamond Head is a relatively easy and family-friendly hike (not stroller-friendly, though).

Note that it can be rainy in Oahu during springtime, so it's a good idea to bring your ponchos and umbrellas. Cool attractions for when the clouds roll over include the Children's Discovery Center, where kids can spend hours playing and learning about other cultures, and Bishop Museum with its amazing exhibits and planetarium. For a touch of culture, Luaus often go on at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Read more

Orlando, with its world-famous collection of theme parks such as Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, is a top option for a thrill-filled spring vacation. A spring visit to Orlando is complemented by pleasant weather – think guaranteed clear, blue skies from March to May.

The big Orlando theme parks gear up for regular throngs of spring breakers, with special carnivals and festivities taking place. Orlando’s numerous water parks, such as Aquatica and Fun Spot America, offer fun splashing days out. Beyond slides and thrill rides, consider a boat or airboat tour through some of Florida’s most scenic canals and lakes. Read more

Whistler is a winter wonderland in Canada, home to one of North America’s largest ski resorts. Spending your next spring getaway in the town still promises plenty of quality snow. Longer days also mean more fun times to be had with plenty of things to see and do.

Beyond the slopes, kids can hit the exciting TAG treetop course, go on ATV rides or downhill luges at Whistler’s Family Adventure Zone, or learn about Whistler’s First Nations at the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre. Note that you’ll likely be sharing Whistler and Blackcomb with many other families. But the area covers a lot of ground – you can simply escape the crowds by taking a lift and exploring outside the village. Read more

Orange County is the place to head to if a Southern Californian getaway suits your idea of a spring getaway. It’s sunny around this time of year, with great beaches like Huntington Beach where you can soak up some rays, surf, and let the kids splash around in the Pacific Ocean.

One thing Orange County is best known for is its collection of theme parks. Days of thrills and excitement with carnival games and rollercoaster rides await at Anaheim’s Disneyland Resort, Buena Park, Knott's Berry Farm, and Adventure City. There’s even a nostalgic amusement park, Balboa Fun Zone, by the ocean at neighbouring Newport Beach.

Banff is a top springtime destination and a popular hub for exploring Alberta’s namesake national park. Although more famous as a winter destination, visiting Banff in spring when it’s slightly warmer brings out some of the region’s best views, and you can still find soft powder in the backcountry. You’ll hit spots with breathtaking vistas, such as emerald lakes and natural hot springs just a short drive out of town.

Riding the Banff Gondola cableway is not to be missed, with the scenic ride taking you up to the peak of Sulphur Mountain. For some warmth, discover the bubbling hot springs inside a cave and emerald pools out in the open at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site. You can also enjoy a soak in the mineral-rich waters of Canada’s highest springs at Banff Upper Hot Springs. Read more

Mont-Tremblant is a ski resort that’s just as exciting in springtime as in the winter months. Most of the snowsport action takes place around the shores of Lake Tremblant, with the pedestrian village serving as a hive of dining and shopping as well as entertainment for the whole family.

As the cold slightly dwindles in spring, there’s more besides skiing such as golfing and exploring north of town to the expansive Mont-Tremblant National Park. You can conquer forested hiking trails through the park or hit Parc Plage for fun times down at a lakeside beach.

Maui is the 2nd-largest of the Hawaiian islands, which stands out due to its stunning and diverse natural beauty. A spring getaway treats you to sunny days spent on gorgeous beaches. A family-favourite is Kapalua Beach, with its calm waters sheltered by its lava-rock cove. For plenty of space to claim on the sand as well as great snorkelling or surfing, hit up Makena Beach on Maui’s southwestern coast. For a family road trip, driving along the ocean road to Hana is not to be missed.

Springtime typically sees the last of the heavier rainfall for the year. But Maui is made up of several different microclimates, so it depends on which part of the island you’re exploring. The north side is often wetter and greener, while the south is drier and generally sunnier. Read more

A spring getaway in Cancun treats you and your kids to some of Mexico’s most spectacular white-sand, blue-water beaches. The popular resort enjoys sunny tropical weather year-round, but it’s most splendid in the first few months of the year.

After enjoying long and beautiful beaches like Playa Langosta and Playa Chacmool, go under the surface to the Cancun Underwater Museum to discover 500 lifelike sculptures. Amazing sights and experiences await at Cancun’s unique features, such as the Cenote Suytun underground swimming hole and the ancient Mayan ruins of El Rey Archaeological Zone, just south of the central Zona Hotelera. Read more

Fort Lauderdale's Floridian climate means pleasantly warm weather at the start of spring. Beaches such as Fort Lauderdale Beach Park and Hugh Taylor Birch State Park Beach treat you and your family to fun times by the Atlantic Ocean with virtually all the amenities you need. You could laze on the sand, ride the waves, or hop on a pirate-themed cruise.

Las Olas Boulevard is the place to see and be seen in Fort Lauderdale. It’s lined with fashion boutiques, fancy restaurants, and bars. You could even ride a gondola in Las Olas and be serenaded as you cruise down Florida’s canals. Historical landmarks and museums abound, but the kids might particularly love the interactive exhibits at Fort Lauderdale’s Museum of Discovery and Science. Read more