Most Affordable Holiday Destinations

The West Edmonton Mall is North America's largest. But if malls aren't really your thing, head to Whyte Avenue in downtown to window shop and pub hop. Just be sure to stop in the Wee Book Inn, a used bookstore that's open until midnight (!), for your back-to-school reads.

C$ 250

You can get a bit kitschy at Castle Fun Park (the kids will love it) with their go-karts, themed mini golf courses and a laser maze. Or take the Circle Farm Tour — a self-guided romp through the area's top farms. Plus, since you're on the US/Canada border, you could always extend your vacation with a quick trip to the Lower 48.

C$ 257

Say goodbye to summer by visiting some of the country's best wineries. The Okanagan Valley is known for its prime grape-growing ground. You can also check out the Okanagan lavender fields, Geert Maas Sculpture Garden and Knox Mountain Trail.

C$ 281

Start your trip in downtown Calgary, with its world-class restaurants, museums, shopping and entertainment. Then, when you need some wildlife, drive an hour and a half outside the city to reach Banff National Park. Truly the best of both worlds.

C$ 289

Take time to explore the city's South End neighbourhood. Grab tiki-inspired drinks at Shore Leave and shop at Olives & Grace, a fantastic boutique showcasing local makers (their staff is awesome too).

C$ 355

Labour Day weekend in D.C. can actually be pretty quiet, except for the main tourist attractions, with residents heading out of town to hit the beach before summer's end. Spend your time exploring the city's budding brewery scene or gallery-hop on the H Street Corridor.

C$ 380

Take a long weekend to explore New York's diverse boroughs, like Queens. Start your day in Astoria at one of the neighbourhood's unbeatable brunch spots. Then, walk off your breakfast by heading to the Museum of the Moving Image, Queens Zoo or Queens Botanical garden.

C$ 384

Visiting Portland on Labour Day weekend means you're just in time to catch the end of the Oregon State Fair. In under an hour's drive, you can hobnob with locals while watching the Alaskan Racing Pigs (yeah, actual pigs) or chowing down on deep-fried everything.

C$ 408