Celebrating summer from coast to coast

The seasons they are a-changing, finally!! And after this long, hard winter we have reason to celebrate the coming of spring. As Canadians, we often welcome spring with a countdown to summer – cottage getaways, barbecues, beach volleyball (how I wish), kids camps and my favourite, our annual summer vacation. While I’m usually planning our next summer’s vacation some time in October, a chance meeting with the manager of a Charlottetown band offered up a possible course correction. In typical warm and welcoming maritime fashion, he extended an invitation to his home town to take part in festivities celebrating the 150th anniversary of the Charlottetown Conference, the meeting that led the Canadian Confederation. As he elaborated more about this massive summer-long event, I was hooked! This just might be the perfect time to take that big cross country trip we’d been talking about.

A quick search back at home turned up a bevy of commemorative events and anniversary celebrations around the country, all summer long. While planning for a summer vacation can be daunting enough, the idea of a long drive often eliminates the option altogether, especially if your family only does one annual getaway. But if you plan for a journey, and not a race to the destination, there are many ways to make turn a road trip into lifelong memories (and not the ones they kids use against you when they get older!). One option is to finally use those points that will never get you to Barbados to buy some Canadian flights to closer locales. Combine some travel options and making your mode of travel part of the adventure itself. You can fly or go by rail and then drive or use public transit the rest of the way. There are lots of specials at this time of year, and booking early usually gives you the best options and pricing. And let’s not forget the cities and towns in between. If you’re driving, especially with kids, make a point of breaking up the drive with stops in smaller known towns and take in the local flavours and sites.  And bring lots of batteries and memory cards because far and wide Canada truly is a beautiful country to see and experience.

Here are our top 5 Canadian adventures for 2014:

1. PEI2014 – Prince Edward Island Sesquicentennial
There are more than 150 events all summer long to help create a legacy for 2014. Province-wide celebrations will pay tribute to one of the most important events in Canada’s history. Events and activities including a main stage for ongoing musical acts (including Shania Twain), folk kitchen parties, historical re-enactments and of course, the musical Anne of Green Gables. Lots to do and see for all ages and stages. And let’s not forget the beautiful warm beaches wherever you turn. Did I mention the seafood? More events can be found at PEI2014.ca

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2. Festival d’été de Québec (Quebec Summer Festival). Quebec City
The capital of La Belle Province has a lot to celebrate this year, including their own Confederation festivities. One of the most romantic and beautiful cities in all North America this year marks the 350th anniversary of the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, our own little piece of Europe. At the end of the year the doors will close and not reopen until 2025. After taking in the majesty, you can partake in Canada’s largest outdoor music festival July 3rd to 13th. With 1000 artists, 300 shows over three venues, there is something for every musical taste. http://www.infofestival.com

3. Just for Laughs Festival, Montreal, QC
Who doesn’t love a busker and a street carnival? Hailed as the largest comedy festival in the world, this event boasts 1,700 artists from 19 countries as well as 1,200 free outdoor shows. This family-friendly event is so popular you will have to pre-plan to get accommodations anywhere close to the city, but with a great metro system, stay on the outskirts and commute in. Don’t forget to bring your walking shoes, some sunscreen and your camera to capture all the colourful people and playful antics. http://www.bonjourquebec.com

4. Calgary Stampede and the opening of the Glacier Skywalk, Jasper, Alberta
Our Northern Westerners sure do know how to put on a party! You don’t need to be a fan of country music to fall in love, or at least love the locals, in their most elaborate western wear. This year take a side trip to the newly opening Glacier Skywalk on the Icefields Parkway, between Banff and Jasper. Not for the faint of heart, this walkway over a waterfall has a glass floor and sites yet to be seen! And don’t forget to leave room for the food – prairie oysters anyone? http://www.calgarystampede.com  and http://www.glacierskywalk.ca

5. Celebrate! Stanley Park, Vancouver B.C.
August 24th and 25th, 2014 mark the 125th anniversary of one of our nation’s most beloved parks – Stanley Park. The City of Vancouver and local First Nations are putting together a festival that will celebrate and highlight the park’s ecology while providing first class free entertainment for fans and families alike including performing arts, art showcases, interactive sports and cultural presentations. Stanleypark125.ca

These are just a few of our favs. For more events across the country check out canadacouncil.ca. If you have events or favourite summer vacation places that you’d like to share, please comment and share! @lrgfamilytravel