Spring travel from Calgary doesn’t have to mean a scramble for cheap flights to an overcrowded resort. This year, I’m pointing you toward destinations that deliver, whether you’re booking months out or pulling together a last-minute getaway.
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Spring Travel
Spring travel is in full swing. This time of year is full of options worth getting excited about, from fewer crowds to pleasant temperatures to off-season rates. Here’s where I’d point you right now.
Sint Maarten
Sint Maarten and Saint Martin, make up one incredible Caribbean island. What makes Sint Maarten so unique is that it’s actually two countries on the one island. The Dutch side, Sint Maarten, and the French side, Saint Martin, are connected with no border controls. This means visitors can easily experience two cultures, cuisines, and atmospheres in one trip. Think European charm meets Caribbean energy.
Beaches, Adventure and Iconic Experiences
Sint Maarten is famous for its beautiful beaches. There’s 37 across the island, ranging from lively beach clubs to quiet hidden coves. One of the most iconic experiences is watching planes land just overhead at Maho Beach.
Sint Maarten’s underwater scene is what really got me. I did my PADI scuba recertification at The Scuba Shop SXM, and with close to 30 dive sites and 11 wrecks right off the coast, there’s no shortage of reasons to get in the water. Cannons. Anchors. History you can swim through.
Above the surface, there’s sailing, snorkelling, hiking and exploring the colourful markets and towns that dot both sides of the island.
Culinary Capital of the Caribbean
Sint Maarten is often called the culinary capital of the Caribbean, and after eating my way around the island, I’m not arguing. With more than 100 nationalities calling it home, the food scene spans everything from Creole flavours and beachside BBQ to refined French dining.
My top picks: The Captain’s Rib Shack in Simpson Bay for open-air barbecue and local classics like oxtail stew and green fig pie (fair warning: it’s not a dessert pie, but it’s just as satisfying).
And on the Philipsburg boardwalk, the Lazy Lizard stood out for its house-made sauces, dietary-friendly menu and craft cocktails that are absolutely on point.
For more information: VisitStMaarten.
Spring Break in Hawai’i
Before I talk about why Hawai’i is worth considering for spring travel, I want to acknowledge what’s happening there right now. Parts of the islands are dealing with serious flooding, and our thoughts are with the communities affected. Hawai’i is resilient and is currently welcoming visitors. At the time of writing this post, there are no travel advisories for Hawai’i.
Still, if you’re visiting this week or planning a trip in the next few weeks, check current conditions and travel advisories in advance. For updates, travellers can visit: A Visitor’s Guide to Kona Low Storm Systems – Hawaii Tourism Authority or Hawaii Tourism Authority for more information.
With that said, here’s why Hawai’i in spring is worth your time.
Spring is one of the sweetest windows to visit. The summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, the holiday rush is long gone, and the islands are at their most lush, with waterfalls and rainforests still vibrant from winter rains. Temperatures are warm without being punishing, and for families travelling on school schedules, the timing lines up perfectly with spring break.
For Families
Many of Hawai’i’s beaches see calmer waters in spring, which makes them ideal for beginner swimmers and first-time snorkellers. Outdoor activities are comfortable in the mild weather, and there’s enough going on culturally to keep kids interested beyond the beach.
We especially loved our horseback riding and waterfall tour in Princeville, Kauai, when our daughter was in elementary school.
Festivals Worth Planning Around
Two events stand out. The Merrie Monarch Festival, held annually in Hilo on the Big Island, is one of the most celebrated showcases of Hawaiian culture in the world.
Then, on May 1, Lei Day is celebrated statewide. Lei-making demonstrations, hula performances, music and cultural storytelling come together in a celebration of the spirit of aloha.
Wildlife
Late winter through early spring is prime humpback whale season in Hawaiian waters. These are some of the largest gatherings of humpbacks anywhere on the planet, and whale-watching tours operate across multiple islands.
For more information, visit GoHawaii.
Charlevoix, Quebec
I fell in love with this outdoor adventure/foodie region of Quebec over a decade ago and keep coming back. Charlevoix truly is an all-season playground. Here’s a few of my faves:
Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu and a Zipline Off the Roof
Staying at Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu already feels a little dreamy, with its heated outdoor pools and sweeping grounds overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway. But the real bonus is that Project Vertical runs a year-round via ferrata right here, including a zipline off the hotel roof. Most adventure climbing and zipline operations in Canada shut down after summer. Not this one!
La Malbaie and a Five-Course Steal
In the nearby town of La Malbaie, reserve a table near the fireplace at Chez Truchon. At under $100, the five-course tasting menu is a bargain. Chef’s kiss! Gordon Ramsay advises never ordering risotto in a restaurant, but someone in the kitchen was definitely doing the appropriate stirring. If risotto, scallops and mushrooms are on the menu when you visit, say oui.
Baie-Saint-Paul
Another sweet town in Charlevoix is Baie-Saint-Paul. This is a vibrant spot where Cirque du Soleil was born, and it still has that creative, magnetic energy.
Definitely hit up picturesque Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street, the main drag, filled with boutiques, galleries, gastro-pubs and bistros. (I don’t drink beer, but I give Le Saint Pub two thumbs up for its atmosphere and menu.)
Baie-Saint-Paul is easy to explore on foot, featuring many chefs and producers of the Flavour Trail of Charlevoix, which celebrate its 30th anniversary this year. Here are some hot new restaurants to hit up:
L’Accalmie right on Saint-Jean-Baptiste Street. It offers land- and sea-inspired cuisine featuring local produce, with a particular focus on Quebec wines, signature cocktails, and regional beers.
Faux Bergers is moving to Maison Charles-Simard, a heritage building located on the Laiterie Charlevoix site. The new space will offer an enhanced experience with an open kitchen, a visible wine cellar, a pergola and a herb garden.
Michelin-starred chef Hugue Dufour, renowned for his fifteen-year career in New York, is opening a new restaurant at La Famille Migneron in Charlevoix in May. The name and culinary concept are still under wraps. Worth bookmarking.
Where to Stay in Baie St. Paul
I always stay at Le Germain Hotel & Spa, which offers some great spring activities: On Saturdays (April 11, 18 and 25), the hotel will offer workshops ranging from sommelier classes, mixology workshops, DIY activities for toddlers, an introduction to gardening (microgreens and tips for a successful garden), and a Mother’s Day brunch cooking class. All free for hotel guests.
And look for Champs Libres returning this spring. This culinary event highlights creativity and local flavours. On two Thursdays in April, Le Germain’s Les Labours restaurant will welcome two renowned guest chefs who’ll craft exclusive menus alongside Chef Patrick Dubé.
For more information, visit: Tourisme Charlevoix.
What are your plans for spring break?
