Take a trip to hot springs heaven<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-10-Nakusp.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/Fil.Al <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nWhen it comes to winter vacations that don\u2019t require you to leave the country, Nakusp is top of the list. The Nakusp area has hot springs galore\u2014and what better way to escape the cold than a soak in the mineral waters of the \u201cFinest Hot Springs in BC\u201d? The hot pool at Nakusp Hot Springs is kept at a steamy 41\u00b0C in the winter. Nearby Halcyon Hot Springs has two springs, a mineral swimming pool, and a cold plunge pool. There\u2019s no need to pick just one option when you\u2019re in hot springs heaven.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: Three Lions Pub and Chumley\u2019s Restaurant is a pub and restaurant in one. Grab a pint and classic pub grub like fish and chips\u2014how convenient!<\/p>\n2. Newport Beach, CA<\/a><\/h3>\nHit the beach<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-01-Newport-Beach.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhile you\u2019re hiding under the blankets and trying to find that \u201cjust above freezing\u201d setting on the thermostat, the residents of Newport Beach, California, are having fun in the sun. This town is the epitome of a winter getaway: Check out the marina views from the Ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone, then rent a beach cruiser and pedal down to watch the surfers and bodyboarders at The Wedge. These are crashing, 10-metre waves, so newbies should stick to spectating.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: With its waterfront locale, family-style seating, and plates piled high with crab, prawns, and scallops, The Crab Cooker is everything you could want from a classic seafood joint.<\/p>\n3. Tulum, Mexico<\/a><\/h3>\nBe a jungle explorer<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-06-Tulum.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhen it\u2019s 20 below and you\u2019re dreaming of sunshine and margaritas, nowhere captures the imagination quite like Mexico. But everyone\u2019s heard of Canc\u00fan and Cabo\u2014you need something new, and the latest hot spot is Tulum. Have your camera ready: The turquoise waters and bright white sands framed by the town\u2019s ancient cliff-top ruins are unlike anything you\u2019ve seen before. And the adventure is just starting. Climb the area\u2019s highest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, at Cob\u00e1 Archeological Zone, and explore the lesser-known Muyil ruins, whose seclusion only adds to the magic.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: Arca Restaurant brings together local Mexican ingredients with international influences to make memorable dishes like grilled lobster tail with chipotle butter.<\/p>\n4. Lake Havasu City, AZ<\/a><\/h3>\nExplore a desert oasis<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-02-Lake-Havasu-City.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/Graeme Maclean<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe prairies of Saskatchewan are sort of like the desert, right? Wrong\u2014mostly because the prairies are totally frozen right now. But Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is far from frozen. In fact, it\u2019s an outdoor wonderland this time of year. Explore Lake Havasu State Park by boat, making sure to sail under the London Bridge, which was actually transported from London in 1967. Back on land, go on an ATV adventure with Sandbar Powersports, where the ride can get as wild as you want.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: The chimichanga is Arizona\u2019s unofficial state food, and you\u2019ll find the best of the best at local favourite Sonora Tacos Y Mariscos.<\/p>\n5. Chilliwack, BC<\/a><\/h3>\nChill out in Canada\u2019s warmest place!<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-09-Chilliwack-scaled.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/annebeaumont<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIt\u2019s not quite Arizona, but as far as Canadian cities go, Chilliwack is downright balmy. It has the highest year-round average temp according to Macleans, at 10.5\u00b0C, and you\u2019ll find lots of locals out and about during winter. Take a fishing adventure on the Fraser River or shop the boutiques along Wellington Avenue and Mill Street. At The Book Man, Nietzsche is ready to greet you\u2014don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s just the bookstore\u2019s resident cat. By night, HUB International Theatre will be bustling, with comedy, theatre, and more on this year\u2019s schedule.<\/p>\n
Drink like a local<\/em>: The local brews at Chaos & Solace Craft Brewing Co. have a decidedly summery feel to them\u2014order up a Kolsch or Grapefruit Radler and you can practically feel the sun.<\/p>\n6. Truth or Consequences, NM<\/a><\/h3>\nIndulge your eccentric side<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-03-Truth-or-Consequences.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Yelp\/Nona J.<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe eccentric charm of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is undeniable. It\u2019s not just the quirky name, although that certainly adds to the fun. Make a loop around Main Avenue and Broadway, and you\u2019ll find colourful buildings housing thrift shops, gem stores, and art galleries. There\u2019s even a vintage movie theatre (the El Cortez Theater) that runs just one film at a time. Be sure to visit Spaceport America, the first commercial space launch pad. On the drive back into town, stop off in the ghost town of Engle\u2014if you dare.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: You\u2019re in green chile country, so act like it. Make a stop at Casa Taco in nearby Elephant Butte for a verde chile burrito and an ice-cold Coke.<\/p>\n7. Nassau, Bahamas<\/a><\/h3>\nRelax in a tropical paradise<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-07-Nassau.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/Kyla Duhamel<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nReplace snowfall with swaying palm trees in Nassau, where the weather is tropical and the coconut-shaped beverages are plentiful. The capital of the Bahamas was spared from the recent storms in the area, and its sun loungers are ready to welcome visitors. Cabbage Beach is filled with them, and you might notice something else: as soon as you sprawl out, rum-filled drinks just seem to appear out of nowhere. That\u2019s the magic of the Bahamas! No tropical trip would be complete without some incredible snorkelling, though, right? The Lost Blue Hole is the \u201choly\u201d grail of Nassau water adventures, so don\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: The Bahamas may be resort-central, but you can still find deliciously authentic cuisine like Bahamian grouper and conch chowder at Montagu Gardens.<\/p>\n8. Santa Maria, CA<\/a><\/h3>\nEscape to wine country<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-05-Santa-Maria.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFact: Canada is the world\u2019s largest ice wine producer\u2014those long winters aren\u2019t all bad! Also a fact: If you actually want to drink your wine outside this time of year, you need to head to Santa Maria, California. Foxen Vineyard is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, not to mention its super-charming ambiance. Start off at \u201cThe Shack,\u201d Foxen\u2019s 1860s-era blacksmith shop turned tasting room. Then head next door to the brand-new, solar-powered, state-of-the-art version. Oh, and don\u2019t forget to say \u201chi\u201d to the cows!<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: Still in search of the perfect pairing? Catch a Winemaker Dinner at Ca’ Del Grevino Cafe & Tasting Room in Orcutt\u2014the next one is November 18!<\/p>\n9. Montreal, QC<\/a><\/h3>\nStay warm underground<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-08-Montreal.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/GPS<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf Montreal isn\u2019t on your bucket list of things to do in winter, you\u2019ve clearly never heard of the Underground City. You could spend a whole holiday here, and in fact, we recommend you do! You can hit the museums (Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Art Contemporain de Montr\u00e9al and Mus\u00e9e Gr\u00e9vin are our favourites) and even head up to the Au Sommet observatory for incredible city views with your dinner, all without going outside. For retail therapy, Eaton Centre is your spot. It\u2019s got lockers for rent and cell phone charging stations, so you can shop \u2018til you drop\u2014literally.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: French chef Christian Faure is a Montreal legend, and once you bite into luscious \u00e9clairs at Caf\u00e9 Gr\u00e9vin, you\u2019ll see why.<\/p>\n10. Dallas, TX<\/a><\/h3>\nExperience southern hospitality<\/em><\/h4>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/expedia.blog.ca.local\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/Resize-Body-04-Dallas.jpg\")
<\/a>Via Flickr\/axbecerra<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\nIf you\u2019ve ever stepped outside for a minute only to have your eyelashes freeze shut, rest assured: That will never happen to you in Dallas, Texas. There\u2019s a lot more to love about \u201cD-Town,\u201d especially in the Deep Ellum district, which perfectly blends classic southern hospitality with trendy nightlife. Join the locals at Adair\u2019s Saloon, where they\u2019ve been line dancing since 1963. Then catch the latest up-and-coming act at The Prophet Bar, so you\u2019ll be able to say, \u201cI saw them before they were cool.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/a>When it comes to winter vacations that don\u2019t require you to leave the country, Nakusp is top of the list. The Nakusp area has hot springs galore\u2014and what better way to escape the cold than a soak in the mineral waters of the \u201cFinest Hot Springs in BC\u201d? The hot pool at Nakusp Hot Springs is kept at a steamy 41\u00b0C in the winter. Nearby Halcyon Hot Springs has two springs, a mineral swimming pool, and a cold plunge pool. There\u2019s no need to pick just one option when you\u2019re in hot springs heaven.<\/p>\n
Eat like a local<\/em>: Three Lions Pub and Chumley\u2019s Restaurant is a pub and restaurant in one. Grab a pint and classic pub grub like fish and chips\u2014how convenient!<\/p>\n While you\u2019re hiding under the blankets and trying to find that \u201cjust above freezing\u201d setting on the thermostat, the residents of Newport Beach, California, are having fun in the sun. This town is the epitome of a winter getaway: Check out the marina views from the Ferris wheel at Balboa Fun Zone, then rent a beach cruiser and pedal down to watch the surfers and bodyboarders at The Wedge. These are crashing, 10-metre waves, so newbies should stick to spectating.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: With its waterfront locale, family-style seating, and plates piled high with crab, prawns, and scallops, The Crab Cooker is everything you could want from a classic seafood joint.<\/p>\n When it\u2019s 20 below and you\u2019re dreaming of sunshine and margaritas, nowhere captures the imagination quite like Mexico. But everyone\u2019s heard of Canc\u00fan and Cabo\u2014you need something new, and the latest hot spot is Tulum. Have your camera ready: The turquoise waters and bright white sands framed by the town\u2019s ancient cliff-top ruins are unlike anything you\u2019ve seen before. And the adventure is just starting. Climb the area\u2019s highest pyramid, Nohoch Mul, at Cob\u00e1 Archeological Zone, and explore the lesser-known Muyil ruins, whose seclusion only adds to the magic.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: Arca Restaurant brings together local Mexican ingredients with international influences to make memorable dishes like grilled lobster tail with chipotle butter.<\/p>\n The prairies of Saskatchewan are sort of like the desert, right? Wrong\u2014mostly because the prairies are totally frozen right now. But Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is far from frozen. In fact, it\u2019s an outdoor wonderland this time of year. Explore Lake Havasu State Park by boat, making sure to sail under the London Bridge, which was actually transported from London in 1967. Back on land, go on an ATV adventure with Sandbar Powersports, where the ride can get as wild as you want.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: The chimichanga is Arizona\u2019s unofficial state food, and you\u2019ll find the best of the best at local favourite Sonora Tacos Y Mariscos.<\/p>\n It\u2019s not quite Arizona, but as far as Canadian cities go, Chilliwack is downright balmy. It has the highest year-round average temp according to Macleans, at 10.5\u00b0C, and you\u2019ll find lots of locals out and about during winter. Take a fishing adventure on the Fraser River or shop the boutiques along Wellington Avenue and Mill Street. At The Book Man, Nietzsche is ready to greet you\u2014don\u2019t worry, it\u2019s just the bookstore\u2019s resident cat. By night, HUB International Theatre will be bustling, with comedy, theatre, and more on this year\u2019s schedule.<\/p>\n Drink like a local<\/em>: The local brews at Chaos & Solace Craft Brewing Co. have a decidedly summery feel to them\u2014order up a Kolsch or Grapefruit Radler and you can practically feel the sun.<\/p>\n The eccentric charm of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, is undeniable. It\u2019s not just the quirky name, although that certainly adds to the fun. Make a loop around Main Avenue and Broadway, and you\u2019ll find colourful buildings housing thrift shops, gem stores, and art galleries. There\u2019s even a vintage movie theatre (the El Cortez Theater) that runs just one film at a time. Be sure to visit Spaceport America, the first commercial space launch pad. On the drive back into town, stop off in the ghost town of Engle\u2014if you dare.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: You\u2019re in green chile country, so act like it. Make a stop at Casa Taco in nearby Elephant Butte for a verde chile burrito and an ice-cold Coke.<\/p>\n Replace snowfall with swaying palm trees in Nassau, where the weather is tropical and the coconut-shaped beverages are plentiful. The capital of the Bahamas was spared from the recent storms in the area, and its sun loungers are ready to welcome visitors. Cabbage Beach is filled with them, and you might notice something else: as soon as you sprawl out, rum-filled drinks just seem to appear out of nowhere. That\u2019s the magic of the Bahamas! No tropical trip would be complete without some incredible snorkelling, though, right? The Lost Blue Hole is the \u201choly\u201d grail of Nassau water adventures, so don\u2019t miss it.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: The Bahamas may be resort-central, but you can still find deliciously authentic cuisine like Bahamian grouper and conch chowder at Montagu Gardens.<\/p>\n Fact: Canada is the world\u2019s largest ice wine producer\u2014those long winters aren\u2019t all bad! Also a fact: If you actually want to drink your wine outside this time of year, you need to head to Santa Maria, California. Foxen Vineyard is known for its Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, not to mention its super-charming ambiance. Start off at \u201cThe Shack,\u201d Foxen\u2019s 1860s-era blacksmith shop turned tasting room. Then head next door to the brand-new, solar-powered, state-of-the-art version. Oh, and don\u2019t forget to say \u201chi\u201d to the cows!<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: Still in search of the perfect pairing? Catch a Winemaker Dinner at Ca’ Del Grevino Cafe & Tasting Room in Orcutt\u2014the next one is November 18!<\/p>\n If Montreal isn\u2019t on your bucket list of things to do in winter, you\u2019ve clearly never heard of the Underground City. You could spend a whole holiday here, and in fact, we recommend you do! You can hit the museums (Mus\u00e9e d\u2019Art Contemporain de Montr\u00e9al and Mus\u00e9e Gr\u00e9vin are our favourites) and even head up to the Au Sommet observatory for incredible city views with your dinner, all without going outside. For retail therapy, Eaton Centre is your spot. It\u2019s got lockers for rent and cell phone charging stations, so you can shop \u2018til you drop\u2014literally.<\/p>\n Eat like a local<\/em>: French chef Christian Faure is a Montreal legend, and once you bite into luscious \u00e9clairs at Caf\u00e9 Gr\u00e9vin, you\u2019ll see why.<\/p>\n If you\u2019ve ever stepped outside for a minute only to have your eyelashes freeze shut, rest assured: That will never happen to you in Dallas, Texas. There\u2019s a lot more to love about \u201cD-Town,\u201d especially in the Deep Ellum district, which perfectly blends classic southern hospitality with trendy nightlife. Join the locals at Adair\u2019s Saloon, where they\u2019ve been line dancing since 1963. Then catch the latest up-and-coming act at The Prophet Bar, so you\u2019ll be able to say, \u201cI saw them before they were cool.\u201d<\/p>\n2. Newport Beach, CA<\/a><\/h3>\n
Hit the beach<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3. Tulum, Mexico<\/a><\/h3>\n
Be a jungle explorer<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n4. Lake Havasu City, AZ<\/a><\/h3>\n
Explore a desert oasis<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>5. Chilliwack, BC<\/a><\/h3>\n
Chill out in Canada\u2019s warmest place!<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>6. Truth or Consequences, NM<\/a><\/h3>\n
Indulge your eccentric side<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>7. Nassau, Bahamas<\/a><\/h3>\n
Relax in a tropical paradise<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>8. Santa Maria, CA<\/a><\/h3>\n
Escape to wine country<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n9. Montreal, QC<\/a><\/h3>\n
Stay warm underground<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>10. Dallas, TX<\/a><\/h3>\n
Experience southern hospitality<\/em><\/h4>\n
<\/a>