Vibrant cities, coastlines without crowds, and European flavor -- what's not to love about Canada? For New Englanders looking to escape without crossing the continent or the Atlantic, our neighbor to the north beckons, especially now with a friendly exchange rate (at press time, the US dollar was at $1.24 Canadian; prices listed are Canadian unless otherwise noted). Here are 17 reasons to give the eastern portion of the country a try -- or make a return trip.
1. Simpler camping
Quebec is doing its part to make the outdoors a little more accessible, if you don't mind driving. Sepaq, the Quebec government agency that runs the province's wildlife reserves and parks, offers a "ready to camp" program. Fourteen of Quebec's national parks, including Mont-Tremblant, Saguenay, and Gaspesie, will supply tents or trailers to interested campers. Last summer, Sepaq unveiled the two-bedroom Huttopia tent that sleeps four adults comfortably and includes bedding, lighting, a two-burner camp stove, small fridge, and dishes. You supply the linens or rent them. The Huttopia campsites are $102 per night. sepaq.com
2. A Celtic bash
"Ceilidh" (kay-lee) in Scottish Highland terms means a rip-roaring house party. Gaelic Cape Breton in northern Nova Scotia, home to highlands and coastal bluffs reminiscent of the old country, has turned the idea into a cultural phenomenon. Some of the finest Celtic musicians of our time, such as Natalie MacMaster and her uncle, the legendary fiddler Buddy MacMaster, have their roots here. In the summertime, it's not hard to find a contemporary ceilidh, a little tamer than those of yore, but where you can still sing and dance the night away. Start with the Red Shoe Pub or the Celtic Music Interpretive Centre in Judique. In the daytime, hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park to spot moose and bald eagles. celticmusicsite.com
3. Spirited fun
At first glance, Montreal's Ghost Hunt might seem like some canned tourist experience. On the contrary, it's a wonderful theatrical affair that families should not miss. The ticket office is on Rue Saint Francois-Xavier. Then you meet at 8:30 p.m. at the Place d'Armes, grab a lantern, map, and French flag, and get ready to wander along the back alleys of Old Montreal for the next 90 minutes to find four ghosts. When you meet them, you'll hear their stories of being burned, tortured, and ostracized. The acting is so realistic that kids should be at least 10 years old to participate. $12.50-$21.50; fantommontreal.com/en/accueil.htm
4. A seaweed snack