6 great last-minute Thanksgiving getaways

Fall is one of the best times to take vacation. The crowds are much smaller, the weather is often cooler, and the colours can be outstanding. If the thought of cooking a giant meal for your family makes you want to scream, we suggest using that extra day out of the office and escaping for the weekend. With so many amazing cities to choose from, we’ve put together our list of the top six destinations for your Thanksgiving getaway.
If you’re lucky enough to be able to have the time off free of plans or commitments than we suggest you open a new tab and start searching for your next vacation.
Boston
Boston is easy to get to from most major cities in Eastern Canada and is also one of the oldest cities in the United States. With that much history you know there will be lots for you to see and do. You definitely cannot miss walking through the Freedom Trail or checking out the Boston Tea Party museum on your long weekend. Autumn is a great time to visit Boston because the weather is mild and the city is lush with fall foliage. Don’t forget to take some time and admire the colonial architecture as you walk through the city streets.
Montreal
While you won’t see everything Montreal has to offer over a long weekend, you can definitely cover some solid ground. With an amazing foodie scene Montreal is definitely where you’ll find comfort food to write home about (arguably even better than a homemade turkey dinner). Take a stroll through Mile End and try the likes of St. Viateur Bagel, Chocolat Genevieve Grandbois, or Dragheria Fine. Make sure to trek it out to St. Joseph’s Oratory to enjoy the views, which are particularly nice in the fall. You also cannot miss Old Montreal with its beautiful architecture and cobblestone streets. It might be enough for you to consider a move to La Belle Province. Just make sure to brush up on your French!
Algonquin Park
You can’t mention a long weekend trip in the fall without giving mention to Algonquin Park. This national park offers spectacular views of Northern Ontario. Whether you are adventurous enough to camp for your long weekend away or prefer some luxury in yurts or cottages, there are accommodations for every type of nature lover. While you may not want to go swimming, a good canoe or hike around the lake could be the perfect activity during your trip. Make sure to dress warmly though; the nights can get rather chilly!
Ottawa
Ottawa is a great city to visit for a long weekend. While many choose to come for its famous Canada Day celebrations, the fall can be a great time to explore as well. In the Autumn months, the city starts to reawaken, as government workers are back from vacation and students are starting a new semester. Take advantage of the farmers’ market stands in the Byward Market, or walk along the canal for some crisp fresh air. If you’re looking to learn more about our beautiful country, there are also numerous museums to explore, as well as endless activities along Parliament hill. You could also look into available Ottawa jobs. What better way to research a company than to see it in the flesh?
New York
New York City in the fall is probably the best time to visit. It’s no longer stinking hot or freezing cold. If the weather is a little colder than you’d like you could always spend the day touring some of the city’s best breweries. Be sure to check out Brooklyn Brewery, Fraunces Tavern, or even book a beer tour to occupy you for an afternoon. If drinking isn’t your thing, Central Park is a beautiful spot to explore. Walking through the many paths in the famed park could easily fill up an entire day. And if all of that is too outdoorsy for you, there’s no place like NYC for indoor activities, with world-class museums, Broadway shows, and some of the best restaurants – you’ll likely find three days simply not enough!
Quebec City
Travelling to Europe for a long weekend is a tad aggressive, even for the most dedicated travelers. The next best option is definitely Quebec City. Did you know that Old Quebec is actually a UNESCO World Heritage site? We bet not. During your long weekend, you can wander through some of the oldest streets in Canada, eat in one of the country’s oldest restaurants and educate yourself about our nation’s history in the many different museums. Whatever it is that you choose to do, make sure to bring your camera, you’re bound to take lots of photos!
Tell us what you think of the list! Where will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this year?