10 Best Early Summer Trips for Canadian Travellers

Toronto comes alive with festivals, concerts, and games in early summer. You can visit this modern city any time of the year, but June is an especially great time – cosy weather, seasonal attractions, and a host of outdoor fun are among the best parts of early summer trips.

In early summer, many Toronto parks, cultural venues, and theatres host annual events such as NXNE and Luminato. You can also find many outdoor markets selling fresh produce, regional goods, and unique crafts by local vendors. Alfresco dining is very popular in Toronto – Distillery District and Harbourfront Centre offer plenty of excellent restaurants, bars, and pubs with open-air spaces. Read more

Vancouver appeals to nature lovers with its highlights showcasing Canada’s great outdoors. It’s also known as one of the most liveable cities in Canada, with plenty of verdant parks, cultural attractions, and pretty neighbourhoods to explore.

Start with a stroll by the waterfront landmark of Canada Place, which hosts a cruise ship terminal, a convention centre, and seasonal community events. You can relax and enjoy a lovely picnic at Queen Elizabeth Park, Stanley Park, VanDusen Botanical Garden, and Kitsilano Beach. For even more natural attractions, opt for a short drive to Grouse Mountain, Norvan Falls, and Cypress Provincial Park. Read more

New York offers a fun-filled city break any time of the year, but you can enjoy pleasant weather and many festivals in early summer. Some of the city’s most popular events take place in June, including Central Park SummerStage Festival, Big Apple Block Party, and the LGBT Pride March.

The start of summer is also a great time for outdoor activities – check out the Empire State Trail, a 750-mile route that runs along the Hudson River Valley, Erie Canal, Champlain Valley, and Adirondacks. End the day in Manhattan, where you can enjoy breathtaking city views at a rooftop bar or a restaurant with alfresco settings. Read more

Montreal combines elements of an old-school European culture with a contemporary North American lifestyle. Start your day in Vieux-Montréal (Old Montreal), where you can explore 17th-century buildings, museums, shopping centres, and quaint restaurants surrounding Place Jacques-Cartier.

Montreal in early summer often hosts a wide range of music festivals. Standouts include Festival International de Jazz, Mutek, and Pop Montreal. If you’re into outdoor fun, check out Parc du Mont-Real’s extensive network of footpaths, Parc Maisonneuve’s 18-hole golf course, or Olympic Park’s sports arenas. Read more

Las Vegas can be likened to a massive playground in Nevada’s desert landscape. Visiting right before the peak summer season often means pleasantly mild weather for sightseeing in the city. While many come here for its glitzy casinos, shopping streets and nightlife strips, the city is also an excellent early-summer destination for families.

You can enjoy a wide range of amusement rides at iconic theme parks, such as Adventuredome Theme Park, Sky Zone Trampoline Park, and Las Vegas Mini Grand Prix Family Fun Center. For an extra special experience in Las Vegas, opt for a helicopter ride above the vast Grand Canyon. Read more

London is especially beautiful on sunny days, so we highly recommend planning an early summer trip to the capital of England. You can enjoy great weather for sightseeing and outdoor dining, as well as vibrant festivals and theatrical performances.

The city’s residents often hang out at Hyde Park, where they enjoy picnics, strolls, and games on sunny days. London’s largest park also hosts sporting events, outdoor cinemas, and pop-up food markets throughout summer. You’ll find more open-air film screenings in prominent spots like Regent’s Park and Trafalgar Square. Read more

Quebec City is at its most vibrant in early summer when Québécois get to celebrate warm days with fun festivals, outdoor concerts, and family-friendly entertainment. The cobbled streets of Old Québec are great for strolling, with plenty of alfresco restaurants and patio bars to rest your feet.

Enjoy spectacular views at Terrasse Dufferin, a wide boardwalk next to the historic Château Frontenac. Baie de Beauport is great for sunbathing, boating, and kitesurfing, while the Jacques-Cartier National Park offers miles of hiking trails through lush forests. Read more

Paris is a romantic city year-round, especially in early summer. The city’s stunning landscape is best experienced on sunny days when you can comfortably explore the arrondissements on foot or by bicycle. Standouts include the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Champs Élysées.

There are also plenty of seasonal festivals and concerts throughout Paris, such as the Champs-Elysées Film Festival, Paris Jazz Festival, and Fête de la Musique. You might experience light showers in early summer, but you can easily take shelter at the city’s many world-class museums and impressive shopping malls. Read more

Boston is a great place to get in touch with American history – it’s one of the country’s oldest cities after all. Its New England location means you'll enjoy rather temperate summers. The city offers plenty of fun things to do, such as baseball games at Fenway Park, boat cruises on the Charles River, and gorgeous views from the Skywalk Observatory.

A great way to explore the city is on foot, especially along the popular Freedom Trail. This 2.5-mile route covers around 16 notable landmarks, including the Boston Common, Massachusetts State House, and USS Constitution. Read more

Miami is one of the best summer destinations in the US. The coastal city is a colourful mix of vibrant neighbourhoods, sandy beaches, and Art Deco architecture. Weekend festivals, craft markets, and community events take place in many public parks and squares throughout the city.

Early summer is a great time for enjoying Miami’s sunny weather. Must-visits include Key Biscayne, South Pointe Beach, and Miami Beach Botanical Garden. If you’re into photography, check out the Wynwood Walls – this vibrant museum showcases urban art by world-renowned artists. You can also explore the Art Deco District, which features pastel-coloured buildings dating back to the early 1900s. Read more