If you have the travel bug, you are probably watching the loonie in dismay as the cost of your vacation starts to climb. While many Canadian airlines are continuing to offer amazing fares and new routes to destinations throughout Europe, helping offset the costs of your holiday, some locations still remain out of reach when you convert your dollars at the bank.

Lucky for you, you get to live in one of the most breathtaking countries in the world, full of adventure, unique cultures, and opportunities to explore your own (very big) backyard.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowNiagara Falls located in Goldstream Provincial Park. Massive trees, majestic waterfalls, and a meandering river that meets the sea are just some of the attractions that draw people to this famous park, a mere 16 km from downtown Victoria on southern Vancouver Island.

Kelowna International Airport offers plenty of great flight options to cities throughout Canada that can help to satisfy your itch to travel as you wait for the dollar to improve. Check out some of the interesting destinations below and then head to YLW for the ‘Start Your Adventure’ Spring Travel Event this Saturday. Learn how easy it can be to plan your next vacation and enter to win amazing prizes, including tickets for two from Kelowna to Dublin, courtesy of Air Canada.

Victoria

Travelling to Victoria truly is like visiting a foreign country, with the benefit of being able to speak the language and communicate with the locals. Touted as one of the “most British cities in North America” by TripAdvisor, Victoria’s blend of natural, ocean front beauty, historic architecture and hip street style exude all the charm of Europe.

Photo Credit: KelownaNowVictoria, BC is a beautiful city, day or night!

Speaking of the “British style” of Victoria, have you tried the fish and chips? There are a number of amazing fish and chips spots in Victoria that you simply cannot miss out on!

Whitehorse

If you’re looking for breathtaking scenery and small town values, the capital of the Yukon is a wonderful spot to enjoy some of Canada’s most incredible wilderness.

Photo Credit: ContributedWhitehorse is an excellent basecamp for exploring the Yukon and spotting the Aurora Borealis.

Do not forget your camera on this trip; There will be so many opportunities to snap a photo of wildlife, iconic scenery, or even the Northern Lights! There are also numerous excursions to take in throughout the Whitehorse area, from wildlife preservation park tours, to discovering hidden hot springs, or taking a canoe day trip on the Yukon River.

Are you or your travel buddy a history buff? Be sure to check out the MacBride Museum to learn about the history of the Yukon territory!

Toronto

Do you want to explore one of Canada’s biggest and most bustling cities? Filled with diverse culture, Toronto has something for everyone in the family.

Photo Credit: ContributedToronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in North America, offering something for everyone.

Visit the historic Distillery District filled with gorgeous, perfectly preserved, Victorian industrial warehouses. This part of town is filled with art galleries and artisanal, foodie shops.

Travelling with young children? There are plenty of fun activities for the whole family to partake in. Head to the Toronto Zoo to see over 5,000 animals, representing over 460 species. You can even spend the night in the African Savanna! The family may also enjoy the attractions at Canada’s Wonderland, or a sporting event such as a Toronto Blue Jays or Maple Leafs game. You can't miss landmarks like the CN Tower and the Hockey Hall of Fame when visiting Toronto either.

Prince George

Chances are, you’ve never given Prince George a second thought – certainly not as a destination for your family vacation! But if your family is the type that likes to breathe in the fresh air, this small northern city may have some surprises in store for you.

Outdoor adventure awaits in Prince George and the surrounding area, where riding quads and dirt bikes, fishing, and hunting are great activities to partake in. In fact, many travellers choose to explore the entire region, emabarking on a journey to Smithers, Terrace, and then on to Prince Rupert on BC’s North Coast.

To immerse yourself in the rich history of PG, make sure to check out the Prince George Railway and Forestry Museum. In addition to over sixty pieces of rolling stock, the museum also holds nine historical buildings and many smaller artifacts. Prepare to become a locomotive history buff!

Vancouver

Whether you like those big city, urban vibes or prefer peaceful and natural bliss, Vancouver has you covered. With modern architecture and a spectacular ocean front, your eyes will never be bored. Packed with many unique cultural districts, Vancouver will have your inner hipster giddy with excitement.

Hungry? Vancouver has tons of food tours, which take you to some of the most delicious places in the city. If you are an adventure-seeker, there are plenty of exciting tours and parks to get your fix at. You can go whale watching, bike along the Seawall, conquer the Grouse Grind, or head to Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

Photo Credit: ContributedExperience a walk among the trees on the Capilano Suspension Bridge.

Edmonton

Gorgeous sunsets, sprawling parks, and diverse culture; believe it or not, we’re talking about Edmonton! With over 2,300 hours of sunshine a year, it’s easy to soak up the rays and enjoy the Edmonton lifestyle.

Photo Credit: ContributedEdmonton is a laid back city that is known for its love of summer festivals.

Edmonton is home to North America’s largest mall (West Edmonton Mall), which is equipped with an indoor waterpark, theme park and plenty of shopping.

Once you grow tired of shopping (and you will), travel downtown to take in an Edmonton Oilers game or a concert at Rogers Place, Edmonton’s brand new arena (opening September 2016).

If art and culture are more your style, be sure to attend the annual Edmonton International Fringe Festival, which showcases many theatrical acts that specialize in a variety of different forms. You can also explore Whyte Ave and Old Strathcona for a unique shopping experience filled with local businesses and a sense of culture.

Ready to Explore Canada?

No matter where you want to travel this year, YLW is Your Link to the World and can help you get there. Click to learn more about the destinations and airlines at Kelowna International Airport.