Best long weekend getaways

Long Weekend Ideas for Travellers

So you want to travel but only have a few days to do it? No problem. You can easily explore these destinations over a long weekend, or any time you’re short on time. A package makes it easy, with everything you need bundled together for less.

Canada

Calgary

Fly to this Western hub and then make your way to nearby Banff & Lake Louise. Experience the Calgary Stampede during the summer, and visit Glenbow Museum for one of the largest collections of Indigenous art in Canada. Giddy up to Banff National Park for hiking and a picture by the turquoise lake. 

Toronto

Walk through peaceful Trinity Bellwoods and hip Queen Street West— infamously named the second coolest neighbourhood in the world by Vogue. Once you’ve soaked in the city, drive or take the subway to the Scarborough bluffs for a hike, or the Toronto Islands offer nature right downtown. A nearby Niagara Falls weekend getaway means spectacular views and the best wine in Canada.

Îles de la Madeleine

These remote Quebec islands feel like one of Canada’s best kept secrets. Taste all the unique island delights, including lots and lots and lots of lobster. Visit historic and informative sites like Musée de la Mer and the The Seal Interpretive Center.

Maritimes

There are many Maritimes gems to choose from, and you can do ‘em all in no time. For Nova Scotia, read our 3 days in Halifax guide that has the best of the city and the country. Or check out PEI, the tiny potato paradise where you can step into the pages of a story book, home of Anne of Green Gables.

Vancouver and Vancouver Island

If you’re feeling west coast vibes instead, beautiful British Columbia delivers. Take a water taxi to Granville Island Public market or by walking along the seawall to massive Stanley Park. Do dim sum in Richmond and craft beers in Mount Pleasant. If you want to get out of the city, weekend trips from Vancouver include the always delightful Victoria. Get there quickly by ferry or even quicker by seaplane.

Mexico & the Caribbean

Cancún

If you need a fast fix for some sunshine, Mexico’s most popular resort town is an easy pick. Do a day trip to the Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza and then live it up with the legendary nightlife. Or just spend the time relaxing on the beach and as your worries melt into the sand.

Nassau

This capital of The Bahamas offers laidback city living and stunning beaches, what else do you need on a long weekend? Drift past pastel-coloured buildings and enjoy Bahamian cuisine. Paradise Island’s iconic resorts offer all the tropical razzle dazzle you’re looking for.

Barbados

Get a blast of Bajan culture with a short trip to Rihanna’s homeland. Between local fish fries, historic walks through Bridgetown and trips to wild beaches, you’ll have found love in this hopeful place.

Montego Bay

Jamaica’s a must for any beach lover. Montego Bay, on the country’s north coast, is the perfect place to experience all the island has to offer. See natural wonders like Dunn's River Falls and The Blue Hole, while still enjoying boppin’ nightlife and delicious restaurants.

Europe

Paris

Enjoy a sojourn in the city of love. Spend your weekend mornings having breakfast like a local with a pastry on the go and stroll along the Seine. Fill an afternoon at The Louvre or Musée d'Orsay, and then do dinner at a bistro. Snap a pic at the Arc de Triomphe and that famous tower everyone’s always talking about, then you’re ready to say à plus tard. See more recos here.

London

Transit by the Tube makes it possible to squeeze a lot into a short time. Walk off the jet lag in beautiful Hyde Park and grab snacks at Covent Garden Market, then catch a show on the West End. Go to the British Museum or the National Gallery for history and art, and finish off the weekend with a Full English or Sunday roast at any pub. Ambitious travellers, try and check off more attractions listed in this travel guide.

Dublin

Enjoy a pint of Ireland’s famous beer at the Guinness Storehouse, where the glass atrium offers the best views of the city. Take in the country’s history at former prison Kilmainham Gaol and the Long Room library at Trinity College.

United States

Los Angeles

Every neighbourhood in LA feels like its own city, so you’ll have plenty to do over a long weekend. Hike in Malibu or Topanga Canyon for breathtaking views of the Pacific, then have seafood along the coast. Karaoke and late night BBQ in Koreatown, people watch on the Venice boardwalk, and hit up the Hollywood Hills for iconic landmarks.

San Francisco

In the city, take a street car to see the Victorian painted ladies and the Golden Gate Bridge, then explore outside the city limits to take in the massive ancient redwoods of Muir Woods. Grab an authentic bite in the first Chinatown in North America and take a boat to Alcatraz.

Las Vegas

With nearby Death Valley and Hoover Dam, a weekend in Vegas doesn’t have to just be spent partying. The Strip’s endless casinos, entertaining shows and neon lights are a recipe for a weekend we bet you’ll never forget–but no shame if you do.

New York City

Where do we start? You could spend a lifetime in NYC and still find new things to enjoy across the five boroughs, but a long weekend will do. Grab a bagel and a black and white cookie, walk through Central Park, find a literary souvenir at The Strand and visit The Guggenheim or the Met—sounds like a perfect Saturday.

Chicago

There’s just something about Chicago, all year round. During the summer, take in the stunning skyscrapers and art deco architecture on a boat tour, then enjoy the city’s eponymous-style hotdog at a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. In the winter, experience the festive lights in Northalsted, FKA as Boystown, and have a mug of glögg (Swedish mulled wine) in Andersonville— the midwest’s “Little Stockholm.”

Boston

Home of the first Dunkin’ Donuts and America’s oldest baseball field! Spend a few hours walking the Freedom Trail, scoot to Salem for a spooky afternoon and visit the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum—where the largest art theft in history remains unsolved.

What’s Next

Get more inspiration for your quick getaway with our short stays.