10 one-day getaways

6. Go to an ecological reserve or conservation area
There's something so serene about watching animals play in their natural habitat, and Canada is rich in wildlife -- and in sightseeing tours. A number of such tours operate in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve, about 30 km south of St. John's, which offers visitors the opportunity to feast their eyes on the several thousands of whales that come to feed and the millions of seabirds that stop to nest.

7. Drive on
Pack a lunch, hop in the car, turn up the tunes and drive out of the city into another world. Through the mountains, along the ocean or past the glaciers, you never know what's waiting for you round the next bend. For unforgettable landscape, cruise to Truro, N.S., 90 km from Halifax, and veer onto the Glooscap Trail. From there, decide where and when to pull off -- perhaps to walk on the ocean floor at Burncoat Head Park, to raft the Tidal Bore on the Shubenacadie River or to dine on fresh steamed lobster and blueberry pie.

8. Pamper yourself
You may want to leave the city, but that doesn't necessarily mean you want to ditch all the perks to which you've become accustomed. Have no fear, there are plenty of grand hotels nestled in the countryside, such as the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Jasper, Alta., a few hours from Edmonton. The snow-capped peaks, sparkling lakes and cabin accommodations offer rustic charm while the gastronomic delights and rejuvenating spa treatments will cater to your inner diva.

9. Hit the beach
Soft, sandy beaches and cool sea breezes combined with recreation and leisure activities like fishing and windsurfing make the beach a top spot for getting away from the city and all the hustle and bustle of urban life. Winnipeg Beach, an hour north of Winnipeg, provides boardwalk strolls, cottage-lined streets, sailing opportunities and everything else you could want from a beach retreat.

10. Get active
No matter what kind of sport you enjoy -- from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding -- you can find a trail, hill, lake or course to play without problem in Canada. Some areas, like Whistler, B.C., a two-hour drive from Vancouver, even accommodate your multi-sport fantasies. The Whistler Blackcomb resort alone offers snowboarding, tubing, dogsledding, skiing, mountain biking, hiking, golfing and river-rafting. So much to do, so little time!

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