Article By: Elizabeth Rogers

Time to come out of hibernation! Celebrate the season with these great spring getaway ideas.

Winter is over, and it’s time to celebrate! The weather is warming up and nature is putting on a show. If you can get away this spring, you can beat the heat and peak travel season crowds (not to mention peak travel season prices).

Need some ideas? Here are some great getaways to inspire your planning:

Ottawa, Ontario

See the city in full bloom! This year’s Tulip Festival (May 7-24) will be grander than ever for the 65th anniversary of Canada’s role in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. Special events will bring the forties to life — like the Liberation Swing Band performances and the Liberation Street Party (May 7). A more sombre official ceremony will be held at the National War Memorial on May 8.

Of course, there are other ways to enjoy the outdoors in the many parks and green spaces. Every Sunday morning starting May 17 various parkways throughout the city (including the Ottawa River Parkway) are closed to vehicles so people on foot, bike and roller blades can enjoy the views.

(For more information, read Ottawa Valley Retreats and visit Ottawatourism.ca.)

Victoria, British Columbia

What better place to celebrate Victoria Day than the city named for the beloved queen? The city hosts special events to celebrate — like the Canadian Pacific Ballet’s performance of Victoria and Albert and the famous Victoria Day Parade. It’s also a popular weekend for historical and cultural happenings, like the 147th Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival.

Missed the long weekend? Not to worry — there’s plenty to do throughout the season. Discover why Victoria is known as the “City of Gardens” with a visit to one of the renowned parks and local gardens like the Victoria Butterfly Gardens and the Butchart Gardens. Take a walking tour to enjoy the landscaping at the parliament buildings and Craigdarroch Castle, or get out on the water for a whale-watching excursion.

(For more ideas, see A Victoria Getaway and the Tourism Victoria website.)

Newfoundland and Labrador

Beautiful anytime of year, the eastern coast from the northern tip of Labrador to the Grand Banks of Newfoundland become “Iceberg Alley” every spring. These majestic giants come from Greenland and pass by the province on their way to the sea. You can often see them from the shore, or take a boat expedition to watch whales and other marine life.

While you’re there, turn your eye to the skies. Newfoundland is a top spot in Canada for bird watching because its climate and ocean currents make it an attractive breeding ground. For some serious spying, head to Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve, the most accessible seabird colony in Canada.

(See Spring fling with the bergs and the Newfoundland and Labrador tourism board website for more details.)

Washington, D.C.

This classical city is pretty in pink (pink cherry blossoms, that is). Each year, the National Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates the gift of 3000 cherry trees from the mayor of Tokyo, Japan back in 1912. Enjoy the events — like the festival parade, sports tournaments, art displays and crafts shows — and dine on cherry-inspired cuisine at local restaurants. Take a paddleboat across the tidal basin, or hop a bicycle for a tour of the city.

This year, official festival dates are March 27 to April 11, but springtime hotel packages last through the end of April. If you visit in May and June, you’ll still avoid long line-ups at the monuments and museums in humid, sticky heat. Don’t forget to venture outside the downtown core to explore Georgetown and the area around Dupont Circle.

(For more information, visit Washington.org and Washington beyond the monuments.)

Nantucket

While D.C. dons pink, Nantucket residents will be wearing yellow for the Annual Daffodil Festival. From mid-April to mid-May, more than one million daffodils will be in bloom — and they’re put to good use for events like Daffy Hat Pageant, Daffodil Dog Parade and Antique Car Parade.

The festival, which runs April 23-25, is just the first of many spring events on the island. Food and wine aficionados won’t want to miss the Nantucket Wine Festival (May 20-24) and the Spring Restaurant Week (June 7-13). Watch for vacation packages at local hotels and resorts — especially if you’re in town when the festivals aren’t on.

(See the Nantucket Events Calendar and Nantucket Island Resorts for more information.)

St. Lucia

The winter escapees and spring break partiers have all moved on, making the Caribbean an ideal place to escape before the weather heats up and hurricane season starts. If looking for something more specific than a cruise, try this island nation. This year, in honour of its exposure on the TV reality series The Bachelor , many resorts are offering “Red Rose Romance Packages” that include extra perks like free nights’ stay, gourmet meals and massages.

Music lovers won’t want to miss the St. Lucia Jazz Festival in May, one of the Caribbean’s most popular festivals and one of Fodor’s top picks for festivals for 2010. The festival includes more than just jazz — there’s also R&B, reggae, Caribbean music, and French and Latin music too.

For more information, see St. Lucia: A tropical paradise or visit the St. Lucia Tourist Board website.

Ireland

Thinking green? Look no further than the Emerald Isle where rumour has it you can find “40 shades” of the colour in the lush landscape. Other hues will catch your attention too — like blues of the River Shannon and Irish sea, or the stony steps of the Giant’s Causeway. Current travel promotions encourage travellers to see the sights with an escorted tour, “self-drive” vacation, horse riding holiday or cycling adventure.

The variety of events also makes spring an ideal time to soak up some Irish culture. For instance, there’s the Cork International Choral Festival (April 28 – May 2), Drogheda Arts Festival (April 30 – May 3) and Dublin Dance Festival (May 8 – 23). If you’re up for a walking trip, try the Ballyhoura International Walking Festival (May 1-3) or the Sieve Bloom Walking Festival (April 30-May 3).

(See In the footsteps of St. Patrick or for more information, visit Discover Ireland.)

Budapest, Hungary

This city is popular on top travel lists for many reasons, including its mysterious caves, the old-world charm of the Castle District and the panoramic views from the Buda and Pest embankments. You’ll also appreciate the price: Budapest is known for being easier on the budget than many popular European destinations.

Starting mid-April, the rainy skies give way to warm temperatures, making spring an ideal time of year for some outdoor touring before the crowds and humidity take over. (Hungary has had its fair share of heat alerts in past years). When you’re through, discover why Budapest is known as the “City of Spas” with a dip one of the many thermal baths — some of which date back to the 16th century.

(For more information, see the Budapest Tourism Office website.)

Paris, France

There are many reasons to love Paris in the springtime, including trees in bloom and new green growth along the avenues and in the parks. It won’t be as crowded as other seasons, and Paris attractions will be extending their hours after a quiet winter. It will be warm enough to enjoy a drink at an outdoor café, and if it rains, the water reflects the romance of the City of Lights.

If you’ve ever wanted to see a museum at night, plan your trip for the middle of May to take in Nuit des Musées (this year on May 15). Museums across the city keep their doors open all night long and hold special activities — and there are no admission fees.

(For more, visit the Paris Convention and Visitors website and How to tackle the Louvre in a day or less.)

Japan

It’s all about the blossoms with hanami (blossom-viewing) season in the spring. Plum, peach and cherry trees take turns showing off their colours, and there’s no shortage of parks and green spaces to walk among the falling flowers. Many of the best viewing spots are in major cities, like Tokyo, Nagano, Okinawa and Kyoto, and at well-known attractions like Kumamoto-jo Castle and Tenryu-ji Temple.

Flowers aren’t the only part of Japanese culture you can explore this time of year. Many traditional festivals are also on the calendar, including the Grand Festival of Spring in Sannai and the Hollyhock Festival in Kyoto — both of which feature costumed processions and ancient ceremonies.

(For more information, visit the Japan National Tourism Organization website and Journey to Japan.)

Additional sources: Fodors.com, Lonely Planet’s 1000 Ultimate Experiences.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Angela Sorrentino

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