Whether you live in Los Angeles or San Francisco, Boston or New York there is a Canadian vacation awaiting you that will still leave you with enough money to pay the bills at the end of the month. There are hundreds of choices of destinations all for under $1000.00 a week, including both Vancouver Island, on the west cost of Canada, and Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, on the east coast of Canada.

Vancouver Island, the Caribbean of Canada!

If you are traveling from the west coast of the United States then Vancouver Island is an excellent option for an inexpensive, fun vacation. Vancouver Island will give you an unforgettable vacation like no other. Throughout the island, it literally has everything to offer a visitor regardless of age or interests ranging from beautiful beaches and regional parks to wineries and castles.

Beaches can be found in every direction throughout Vancouver Island including both ocean and lake front beaches surrounded by coves and hiking trails for you to explore at your leisure. There are also numerous regional parks, a few of which are famous for their hot springs, which are said to have therapeutic value to those that can withstand the heat. Not up for the beach or swimming? Take the time to taste the traditional wine or enjoy a picnic in a vineyard or orchard at one of the several wineries the island has to offer. A trip to Vancouver Island is not complete without a visit to its most famous castle, Craigdarroch Castle, located in the city of Victoria. In addition, during the summer months there are several music festivals that take place on the island, many of which are in the classical genre. Off the mainland, there are the gulf islands to visit, which have even more to offer and are only a ferry ride away.

The weather on Vancouver Island is most beautiful from May to September which is its peak season for tourists. Escape the sweltering heat of the west coast during these times, by coming north where on average, temperatures during the day will reach about 75ºF and at night, will drop to about 50ºF.

Convinced? Flights can be booked to Vancouver Island for under $250.00 roundtrip from all major cities on the west coast of the United States. Take the time to look into all options before paying for an expensive flight. It might be more economical for you to make your way to a bigger airport than to fly out of a more convenient one. Accommodations on Vancouver Island can be found for under C$100.00 which is around $89.00 for hotels that include at least two meals, and for under C$75.00 a night which is around $66.00 for beach front cottages that have kitchens.

Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia

Live on the east coast, but sick of always retreating south to get away? This year try going north to Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Island has attracted visitors to its shores for years and for good reason. It is an incredible place with a rich history, where the sand and the sea have joined forces to create an indescribable atmosphere. Whether you are interested in historical sites, cultural events, outdoor adventure or simply complete and total relaxation, Cape Breton Island can provide you with your dream vacation.

For outdoor activities, Cape Breton Island is full of choices. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which stretches across the northern tip of the island, is a town in it of itself and could take weeks to explore. The park has 27 hiking trails ranging from leisurely strolls to breathtaking climbs ending in panoramic views. For those swimmers and sunbathers, the park offers two beaches, one of which is salt water and one of which is fresh water. Other activities offered inside the park are tennis, cycling, fishing, and golfing. Outside of the park, on the western side of the island, visitors enjoy whale watching, kayaking, sailing and scuba diving in a beautiful setting.

Flights from New York City or Boston to Cape Breton Island can be found for around $300.00 roundtrip. Accommodations can be found for very reasonable prices in Cape Breton with a variety of all inclusive resorts to choose from ranging from $450.00 - $650.00 at the current exchange rate which slightly favors the US dollar. These all inclusive resorts not only provide food and beverage, but also a wide variety of entertainment and activities for both children and adults.

Nova Scotia experiences similar seasons and weather to that of the Northeast of the United States, but with cooler temperatures overall. Therefore, during the summer in the Northeast would be the perfect time to go to Cape Breton. The weather isn't the only reason to come to Cape Breton during the summer. A number of festivals take place in July and August that include concerts, beach games, special dinners, river races, parades and much more. Escape the humidity of the Northeast and come enjoy all Cape Breton has to offer during the summer months!