7 Local Destinations to Hit For the May Long Weekend

From riding the waves in Tofino to riding the rails through the Rockies, we’ve got your long-weekend plans covered.

Looking for some adventure for the May long weekend? We’ve picked out some of our favourite local getaways for this very occasion. So pack your bags, hit the road and enjoy every moment of your mini holiday.

1. Go with the flow in Tofino

It’s the end of the line, the West’s West. Once you’ve seen the towering trees meet the thunderous surf, you’ll be hooked on this, the last best place. Where to eat, stay, play and (of course) surf in this natural wonderland.

2. Eat your way through the Okanagan Valley

As the force behind the genre-bending space that is Kelowna’s Poppadoms Taste India, Western Living Foodie of the Year Aman Dosanj spends her days gathering the best the Okanagan has to offer and transforming it into locavore magic—so we asked her to sketch out the foodie weekend of her dreams. (You’re welcome.)

3. Soak it all up in the Kootenays

Southeastern B.C. may be sparsely populated numbers-wise, but it’s dense with quirky towns, complex history, offbeat activities and some major warmth bubbling up from the earth’s core. Put a hot spring crawl on your agenda for this long weekend, and soak up some local culture that’s off the beaten path.

4. Ride the rails through the Rockies

Sure, you can hop in a car and make the Vancouver-Banff trip in 10 bleary hours, but then you’d miss out on the jaw-dropping scenery. Make some time for the scenic route, and hop a train that winds through the valleys and mountains, providing you with vistas that are almost too pretty to believe.

5. Dream about the island life on Salt Spring

A weekend spent meandering along the winding roads of Salt Spring has our-editor-in-chief carefully planning my exit strategy from the big city. With her guide to hot spots and must-do activities, you’ll be dreaming of an escape of your own.

6. Sip your way through Oliver/Osoyoos’ latest wine offerings

Listen, we know there are plenty of places to enjoy a glass of wine in the Okanagan (and plenty of Okanagan bottles available in your local liquor store, even when you’re stuck at home). But somehow, the region keeps finding new spaces to expand—and right now, sleepy Oliver is the hot spot for growth.

7. Reach great heights in Squamish

It’s not hard to see why Squamish is having a moment. It’s filled with a whole lot of friendly faces and a never-ending to-do list of outdoor activities that take fitness buffs from the churning river to the mountain peaks; a rapidly developing local food scene doesn’t hurt, either.

Want more travel inspo, gorgeous homes and tasty new recipes? Never miss a thing with our WL newsletter!