With rising gas and food prices reaching their greedy hands into the humble American family's vacation budget, the list of outstanding, not to mention unexpected, vacation spots seems to be getting shorter by the day. It's true: those once-in-a-lifetime getaways like Hawaii, coastal Mexico, and Europe just aren't the reality that they once were.

But instead of wasting away another summer watching your dreams of the Mexican Riviera transform into a budgetary nightmare, consider our friendly travel neighbors to the North - that is, the unique and awe-striking provinces of Canada.

Without the "tourist appeal" of the top vacation spots, it's possible to find fulfilling destinations for a fraction of the cost, and what's best, on your visit you'll find yourself discovering a genuine world away from home, not some prepackaged, overpriced tourist trap.

Consider these fun Canada travel suggestions:

Ontario

Major Cities: Toronto, Kingston, Niagara Falls, Ottawa, Belleville

Ontario vacations are all about diversity. From sprawling outdoor adventures in the north forest treetops to the eclectic cosmopolitan charm of the major cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Kingston, Ontario is a well-rounded travel destination. With several convenient Ontario airport hotels and excellent local transportation, there's no reason not to consider these engaging Ontario travel attractions:

Toronto Zoo - The third largest zoological attraction in the world, the Toronto Zoo is home to more than an incredible 5000 animals representing over 450 unique species. Along with providing hundreds of fascinating exhibits across six distinct territories, there is an education-themed family water park on site. The Toronto Zoo is also one of the world leaders in endangered species preservation.

Great Toronto, Ontario hotels.

Canadian War Museum - Discover the immersive and largely unknown history of the Canadian military at this visitor-friendly museum in Ottawa. Located less than two miles from Canada's Parliament buildings, themselves fabulous Ottawa attractions, the Canadian War Museum treats its guest to an unrestricted look at the country's military past.

Consider these Ottawa, Ontario hotels.

Royal Botanical Gardens of Burlington - Originally developed in the 1930's as a public works project, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, Ontario has blossomed into one of Ontario's brightest tourist attractions. Featuring a wide variety of things to see and do, including attachments to Ontario's famous Bruce Trail, the RBG is a place that you could lose hours and even days and not regret a second.

Convenient Burlington hotels.

Visit the most populous of Canada's provinces and stay at one of these excellent Ontario hotels.

Quebec

Major Cities: Montreal, Quebec City, Gatineau

With French roots and distinct Amerindian influences, the culture of Quebec is rich with variety and history, and Quebec travel never fails to exhilarate. While surprising delights can be found tucked away into the many countryside bergs of Quebec, first-time travelers will have more luck in the major cities of Montreal and Quebec City due to potential language barriers (Quebec is primarily French-speaking). Fortunately, hotels in Montreal, Canada are far more reasonable than many US metropolis cities. Consider these:

Olympic Stadium - Built for the 1976 Olympic Summer Games in Montreal, Olympic Stadium is now one of the premier events venues in the province. While you can hope to catch an exciting concert or convention during your trip, it's an excellent sightseeing attraction regardless. The stadium's signature inclined tower, at 574 ft high, is the world's tallest.

Montreal Jazz Festival - The largest jazz festival in the world, so-called Jazz Fest brings over 2 million spectators to Montreal annually, typically beginning in late June/early July. Offering an average of 500 concerts from small clubs to stadium venues, it's a festival that music fans shouldn't miss. The 2008 Montreal Jazz Festival beings on June 26 and runs until July 6. Many outdoor concerts are free.

La Ronde - Absorbed into the Six Flags family of parks in 2001, La Ronde is the largest theme park in the province offering more than a dozen heart-thumping thrill rides and several family-oriented attractions.

Suggested Montreal hotels and Montreal vacation packages.

Old Quebec Funicular - located in the capital, Quebec City, this amusing railway system offering riders an incredible view of one of the North America's oldest cities. Pass by such attractions as the Museum of Civilization, Notre Dame des Victoires and the port.

Enjoy vacations like no other in Quebec, and start in one of these inviting Quebec hotels.

British Columbia

Major Cities: Vancouver, Victoria, Richmond, Vernon

Known for the enveloping natural beauty of the many sweeping forests, and as well as sparkling coastlines, British Columbia is a sightseers dream come true. Incredible nature hikes, refreshing open sea boating, and family-friendly modern attractions as well make British Columbia travel a lifetime must.

Downtown Victoria - Not so much a single attraction as a collection of many, the downtown area of British Columbia's capital city is a staggering blend of historic and contemporary delights. Visit the Royal British Columbia Museum, the IMAX National Geographic Theatre, the Emily Carr house, the unique Victoria Bug Zoo, and Canada's oldest Chinatown.

Great hotels in Victoria, BC.

North Shore Mountains - Less than thirty minutes from downtown Vancouver you'll find the most pristine ski slopes in Canada along the spiking hills of the North Shore Mountains. With countless resorts and independent slopes set up along the mountain's southern face, you'll have no trouble finding the right one for you.

Suggested Vancouver hotels.

Vernon Beaches - Still pining for that beach getaway? No problem. The coastal areas near Vernon are actually home to several clean, popular beaches. Discover the laidback excitement of beach volleyball on the Canadian coast at Kalamalka Beach, one of Vernon's best.

Terrific Vernon hotels.

Expand your horizons with a surprising British Columbia vacation this summer, and stay in one of these fine British Columbia hotels.

Atlantic Canada

Major Cities: St. Johns, Moncton, Dartmouth, Halifax

The most overlooked of Canada's excellent tourism options, the four mingling provinces of Atlantic Canada provide some of North America's most historic sites. New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador are eager to welcome you for one of a kind Canada travel.

Because St. Johns is located on the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador, itself the eastern most province, residents and visitors may experience the distinct thrill of being the first on the continent to see the sunrise. Don't miss it.

There's always a great choice in St. John hotels.

Charlottetown Festival - This long running festival on Prince Edward Island, taking up the whole of the summer months through mid-October, celebrates one of Canada's most beloved works of literature, Anne of Green Gables, with several riling productions of the musical adaptation. In addition, the festival commissions new works every year.

Plan your vacation on Prince Edward Island today.

Recommended Atlantic Canada hotels.

So what are you waiting for? Discover a fun, off-the-beaten-path family vacation for less, and do it today.

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