3 Weekend Getaways

Escape the city! Read about three exciting wilderness weekend getaways in British Columbia and Ontario — and go camping this weekend.

Mountain Bike in Kicking Horse Bike Park, BC

Kicking Horse Bike Park near Golden (2.5 hours from Calgary) is the highest in Canada, with the longest descent (over 1,200 metres) and over 27 mountain trails. It's ideal for all family members, beginners and veterans alike, with trails on the lower, mid- and alpine/sub-alpine portions of the mountain. Few crowds, numerous activities and stupendous views of the three mountain ranges from the alpine make this a go-to place. Accommodations range from the resort, to cabins, B&Bs and camping in the area and parks. Rentals and instruction is available.

Backcountry Paddling in Quetico Provincial Park, ON

Quetico Provincial Park (5.5 to eight hours from Winnipeg/three to five hours from Thunder Bay, depending on entry point) is a wilderness park with 2,200 canoe-accessible backcountry campsites over 600 lakes. Purchase your permit from one of six entry-point Ranger Stations. Renowned for towering cliffs, scenic lakes and waterfalls, choices are unlimited. Try the easier Cirrus Lake — The Sue Falls Loop (four days). It includes five lakes with long stretches of paddling and seven portages. Access is via Beaverhouse Lake, includes a paddle and portage to the Beaverhouse Ranger Station.

Wedgemount Lake & Area Hiking, BC

Wedgemount Lake is one of the most spectacular hikes in Garibaldi Park (1.5 hours from Vancouver). Exhausting and steep, the lake can be reached in a couple of hours. You will forget your pain when you arrive at this magnificent destination and its gorgeous turquoise lake. Use this area as a base for day hikes to Wedge Mountain, Mount Cook, Mount Weart and more. Bring proper gear, some routes require glacier crossings. Campsite platforms are found above as well as down by the lake.