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5 Canadian Destinations That Are Magical In The Springtime

With spring quickly approaching you’re probably thinking about your next much-needed getaway. However, instead of heading somewhere out of the country, how about exploring more of our home and native land?

By Faryn Wegler

By Faryn WeglerView Author PostsMar 21st 2018

With spring quickly approaching you’re probably thinking about your next much-needed getaway. However, instead of heading somewhere out of the country (c’mon you’ve probably been to New York more times than you can count), how about exploring more of our home and native land? To assist in your trip planning process, we’ve put together a list of Canadian destinations that are simply magical in the springtime.

VANCOUVER, BC

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The spring equinox. A time to cleanse our homes, light a candle and crack the windows to invite in the energy of a new season. What's also important is to look inside – to be mindful of feelings and emotions may still be lingering. As inviting in the new is just as much about finishing with what has past. Reflecting on the tears as well as the moments of joy, while taking time to honour the courage and resilience it took to move through the darkest season. We can then offer our thanks for the lessons of winter and set free the blossoms of our new intentions to the wind. #springequinox #springtime #cherryblossom #light #sun #flowers #breathe #yougotthis #hope

A post shared by Sandy Dow – Coach – Author (@sandydow_thedoweffect) on Mar 21, 2018 at 6:35am PDT

Maybe the west coast really is the best coast? Spring often arrives in British Columbia before it does in the other provinces, and one strong indicator of the season is the arrival of the cherry blossom. Inspired by the Sakura Festival in Japan, the Cherry Blossom Festival in April celebrates Japanese arts, food, entertainment, and music along with the blooming pink petals.

OTTAWA, ON

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The tulip was declared the official flower of Ottawa on October 24, 2001. The history dates back to 1945, when Princess Juliana presented the gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs from the Dutch to the people of Canada. The gift represents thanks to the country for the safe haven provided for her family and to acknowledge the role of Canadian troops in liberating the Netherlands.

A post shared by Canadian Tulip Festival (@cdntulipfest) on Feb 22, 2018 at 12:10pm PST

Spring in Ottawa means it’s time to stop and smell the tulips! Our nation’s capital is home to the world’s largest tulip festival each May, bringing the city alive with over one million colourful tulips, musical performances, delicious food, fireworks and visitors from around the globe. With it’s more mild temperatures, spring is also a great time to walk around the city and take in all of the historical sites Ottawa has to offer.

ELMIRA, ON

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?Maple Syrup Festival? #canada #maplesyrup #??????

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What better way to embrace your Canadianess this spring than by celebrating one of our favourite homegrown commodities? Elmira, Ontario is home to one of the world’s largest one-day maple syrup festivals which is taking place on April 7th this year. Get ready for a sugar rush!

MARSH LAKE, YT

Image: Government of Yukon

With such great metropolitan cities in Canada, it’s often easy for us urbanites to forget about visiting the territories (guilty). However, Marsh Lake, Yukon is definitely worth paying a visit in April to witness the Celebration of Swans, which is when thousands of the birds flock to their northern summer nesting grounds. After you’ve visited the Swan Haven Interpretive Centre, you can head off to explore the city of Whitehorse, which is only 50 km north.

NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

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Luckily for you, the locals aren't camera shy. ?: @goldiehawn_ #ExploreNL

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Spotting multiple aquatic phenomena at one time doesn’t happen often. However, a stretch of the ocean along the coast of Newfoundland and Labrador called Iceberg Alley is one of the few places in the world to receive visits from whales, seabirds, and icebergs at one time. May and June are the best months to hedge your bets by witnessing all of the exciting spectacles in one trip.