Summertime in Canada - it's the perfect chance to explore our home and native land without having to wear five layers of sweaters, oversize mittens and a facemask in hopes of keeping warm.

And Canadians are taking advantage of the warmer season to explore the delights of our country. A recent report by Statistics Canada shows 51 per cent of travelling Canucks plan to vacation in Canada, with the most popular tourist spots being Quebec, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. The study also shows many Canadians plan to spend their leisure time staying right at home.

If you're looking for a weekend retreat around the corner or a place to visit across the country, here are a few "package" destinations:

Set among the rivers, lakes and mountains of B.C.'s Cariboo region, it's one place where you can enjoy the vast beauty of Canada's western landscape and get a far-east experience at the Thai-style spa. Horseback through the rugged woodland and return to the "ranch" for a traditional healing thai massage. www.evranch.com.

- Have you ever played golf on a Scottish Woodlands course followed by a yoga class and Swedish massage? Sounds a bit exotic for a small resort in Ontario, but visit the Briars Resort and Spa, an hour from Toronto on Lake Simcoe, and you might just be surprised. Treat yourself to a "wellness package:" the Mother-Daughter Getaway or Escape on the Lake, available from $269 per night, double occupancy. If you bring the kids, there's a child-ren's program to ensure mom and dad will be busy relaxing. www.briars.ca

- You don't necessarily have to do much physical activity to enjoy our national treasure that is the Rocky Mountains. Take in panoramic views and soak in natural mineral water at Banff Upper Hot Springs in Banff National Park. Visit the Pleides spa for massages and body treatments. Or - if you're one for the hot tub - relax in the hottest mineral springs in the Rockies at Miette Hot Springs in Jasper National Park. It's also a great spot for occasional sightings of bighorn sheep, black bear and deer. www.hotsprings.ca

Source: Canada.com
http://www.canada.com/topics/travel/story.html?id=79dba320-dd6e-4114-be38-673a265d636d