5 Top Romantic Places to Visit in Canada

5 Top Romantic Places to Visit in Canada

By Susan Gerle

Do you have a couple of days to escape on a romantic getaway?  Take your special someone for a relaxing weekend to one of the top places to visit in Canada.  All of these places are easily accessible by air.

1.  Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

Bluenose II in Halifax Harbour

Halifax is one of the most historical areas in Canada and was where many immigrants landed in Canada between 1860 and 1930.  It is also the jump-off point for a great romantic getaway.  Peggy’s Cove, a lighthouse situated on rock bluffs along the coastline is quaint, peaceful, and the perfect setting for romantic pictures.  Continue farther along the coast and you will experience the town of Lunenburg where the Bluenose and Bluenose II tall ships were built.  If you are lucky the Bluenose II may be available for a sail, either out of Lunenburg or Halifax Harbor.

Take a trip across the tiny province to Annapolis Royal Valley.  The springtime is the nicest when the valley is in full bloom and is only a 2 ½ hour drive from Halifax.  Then of course, there are the fall colors to enjoy.  A romantic time to be walking through the colorful leaves hand in hand.

If you don’t get to any other sites in the Halifax area, take in Cape Breton Highlands.  It was rated one of  the most beautiful “islands” in the world and is only a 5 hour drive north.

www.halifaxinfo.com/

2.  Old Quebec City, Quebec, Canada

Winding, narrow streets, quaint cappuccino cafes, artists painting their pictures in quiet alleys set the stage for the international historical city of Quebec.  Couples would swear they were in France because the official language is French and the mood definitely European.

Old Quebec represents Canada’s fight to keep the new land.  The 4 century old walled city is an Unesco Heritage Site and represents the cradle of French civilization in North America.

Stay in one of the historical hotels or B and Bs for a romantic weekend.  In the wintertime you even have a choice of staying in an Ice Hotel or Igloo.

Battlefields Park, overlooking the river and Plains of Abraham is one of the most beautiful parks in the world.  You can take a leisurely stroll through thegrounds or head down to watch the changing of the guards.

http://www.quebecregion.com/en

3. Toronto, Ontario

Even though Toronto is now the largest city in Canada, it is still one of the most beautiful.  It butts up against Lake Ontario and offers a romantic view of sails against the sunset.  The downtown area is alive at night.  Whether you want to enjoy a live play or have a drink in an intimate pub, there are lots of things to do including great shopping.  During the day, take the subway and explore some of the outlying ethnic Burroughs.  Or take in the view from the top of the CN Tower.

If you really want to impress your honey, take a day trip to Niagara Falls.  It is one of the ultimate romantic views in the world.

www.seetorontonow.com

4.  Lake Louise, Banff, Columbia Icefields, and Jasper, Alberta

Fly into Calgary International Airport and rent a car to do a circle tour of the Rockie Mountains.  Don’t forget your skis or hiking boots, depending on the time of the year.  A great place to begin the trip is Kananaskis, near Canmore, Alberta.  It’s only an hour out of Calgary before the mountains begin to rise in majesty from the prairie plains.  Continue on to Lake Louise and the famous Fairmont Chalet overlooking the beautiful torquoise lake.  During the winter, the view is that of a fairyland.

Banff is the next stop nestled amongst the magnificent peaks.  Take a couple of days to look in the shops and hike the local trails.  There is an international flavor in Banff and many compare it to the Swiss Alps.  Visitors come from all over the world and many young people choose it as a place to live and work.

The Columbia Icefields are located north of Banff and people have the chance to actually walk on this magnificent glacier.  There are also tours available n the huge cats.

As you make your way toward Jasper, keep your eyes peeled for wildlife.  Often in the early fall you will see bear, moose, deer, mountain sheep,and elk at the side of the highways.  Just remember they are wild animals so take your pictures from the car.

Athabasca Falls, outside of Jasper, is a wonderful area to meander and take time for a picnic.  The smooth rock formations and the soothing sound of the water put any couple in a romantic mood.

The Village of Jasper stands proud against the mountain backdrop.  This is a main train stop for VIA Canada rail line.  It’s similar to Banff in many ways but is worth stopping for a visit and doing some hiking, skiing, or snowshoeing.  For the real adventuresome people, check into rock climbing.

Finish your romantic circle tour with a half-day drive back to Calgary.

www.banfflakelouise.com/

5.  Vancouver, BC

Vancouver is a beautiful, clean, safe, romantic city.  The downtown area is surrounded by a 22 km seawall, the perfect place to stroll arm in arm.  Walk through Stanley Park, stop at the Vancouver Aquarium, feed the ducks and geese.  There are a number of places to dine on your walk through the park. Or head for Denman or Robson Streets and enjoy all the available ethnic fare.

Gastown is another neat place to check out and learn about Vancouver’s past.  Have a picture taken of the 2 of you in front of the old steam clock.

Yaletown is a great area for upscale dining.  Don’t be surprised if you catch site of a Hollywood star or two.  There are many quaint boutique hotels overlooking the water or consider a high-end place to stay in Coal Harbour overlooking Canada Place. Take an evening dining and dancing cruise on one of the yachts anchored in the harbor.

If you want to get out of the city for a few hours take a bus from downtown and then a ferry from Horseshoe Bay to do a day long island hop.  Visit Saltspring or Gabriola or head over to the sunshine coast.  The ferry is relaxing and you may spot seals or even a whale as you head across the channel.

www.tourismvancouver.com