Several cities are close enough to Vancouver to keep costs down and itineraries simple, especially if you travel during the off-season. With these cheap weekend getaways from Vancouver, you can land, drop your bags, and start exploring.

Why visit Calgary?

Just east of the Rocky Mountains and only a 1.5-hour direct flight from Vancouver, Calgary is an easy and affordable weekend trip. Over the last few decades, Canada's energy hub has transformed from an industrial centre to a more vibrant, fast-paced metropolis emphasizing dining, the arts, and more. Also known as Cowtown, Calgary is famous for its ranching history and the annual Calgary Stampede. In the winter, locals and visitors drive off to the mountains for turns in fresh powder. 

What to do in Calgary

Calgary has plenty to do for any kind of visitor. Check out the Calgary Zoo to spot baby pandas or to take a walk through the Prehistoric Park. For Calgary's best food and shopping, start at Stephen Avenue and TD Square before exploring the rest of the downtown core. If you’re visiting in July, head to the world's largest rodeo at the Calgary Stampede, featuring live music, numerous vendors, nightly fireworks, and a mix of rodeo sports. Book your stay early to snag a spot nearby.

Places to eat in Calgary

Calgary has a wide range of restaurants featuring local and multicultural flavours with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients. Bridgette Bar is a good pick for a relaxed dinner with a varied menu, while Ten Foot Henry leans more toward vegetable-forward dishes that still feel filling. Around downtown, you’ll also find plenty of smaller cafés and casual restaurants, so it's easy to grab something quick between sights.

Getting around Calgary

You can cover much of downtown Calgary on foot and still easily get to most of the top attractions. The C-Train is free through the core and along 7th Avenue for short trips, and rideshare apps are widely available if you need them.

Why visit Los Angeles?

Switch from the weather and pace of Vancouver and travel to Los Angeles on your next weekend off. Flights are short enough that you'll still have most of the weekend to explore, especially if you plan your itinerary right. Stay near the coast for a more relaxed visit, or focus on Hollywood and nearby neighbourhoods for a higher-energy vibe.

What to do in Los Angeles

If it’s your first visit, start in Hollywood. Stroll along the Walk of Fame, then head up to Griffith Observatory for a wide view of the city. Next, shift toward the coast to Santa Monica's beach, pier, and walkable area with shops and restaurants. Venice Beach is also nearby and has a more casual feel. If you want a full-day activity, Universal Studios offers rides and a studio tour in one place.

Places to eat in Los Angeles

You can’t go to California without going to an In-N-Out Burger at least once—order your burger “animal style” (vegetarians can order "animal style" but meat-free sandwiches). Don't miss LA’s many taco trucks, such as the local favourite, Leo’s Taco Truck on South La Brea. Koreatown in Los Angeles is a dense and lively neighbourhood where you’ll find plenty of excellent food options, including The Prince, The Boiling Crab, and Slurpin’ Ramen.

How to get around Los Angeles

Los Angeles is spread out and prone to heavy traffic, so plan your routes in advance. The Metro system connects many areas, and you can also rent a bike to get around Santa Monica, Venice Beach, and other beach neighbourhoods. Rideshare apps are often the simplest option for short trips.

Why visit Edmonton?

Edmonton is one of Canada's most underrated cities, making it also one of the most affordable. Edmonton has one of the world’s largest malls as well as museums, parks, and plenty else to do.

What to do in Edmonton

West Edmonton Mall is one of the most popular attractions in the city and can easily take up most of a day with shopping, an indoor waterpark, rides, and more. For something quieter, head to the North Saskatchewan River Valley (22 times the size of Central Park in New York City) and meander through the city on foot or by bike. Immerse yourself in Indigenous stories, explore exhibits on the natural world, and discover other curiosity-satiating galleries at the Royal Alberta Museum.

Places to eat in Edmonton

Eat like a local in Edmonton with spots like Bernadette's, a wine bar with Indigenous sharing plates, or Bündok, featuring plates composed of seasonal ingredients. For sweet or savoury brunch options, check out Sugarbowl, La Bosco, Pip, or Darling.

Getting around Edmonton

Edmonton Transit has a bus and light rail transit system to get around the city. Downtown is also walkable, and there are a few options for self-guided arts and culture walking tours. Just outside the city centre, there are many opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy Edmonton’s nature trails.

Why visit Las Vegas

For cheap weekend trips from Vancouver, Las Vegas has you covered. With cheap food, hotels, and drinks as well as an exciting party scene, you can have a great time on a tight budget, especially if you’re headed there during the off-season.

What to do in Las Vegas

Travellers can pack many cheap activities into a single weekend getaway in Las Vegas. Add gondola rides at the Venetian to your list for a romantic date night, or get tickets to see Cirque du Soleil. The Mob Museum is a local favourite, especially with crime history enthusiasts. If you’d rather spend your long weekend in nature, add Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area to your itinerary.

Places to eat in Las Vegas

You can find food everywhere in Las Vegas, whether casual eats, food courts, and buffets for more affordable options or late-night options to close out your evening. Ellis Island offers cheap food, and you can play the slots while you wait for your order. Grab some twisted farm food at Hash House A Go Go or dine on fresh shellfish at The Oyster Bar.

Getting around Las Vegas

The Strip is longer than it looks, and your feet might not last walking the entire stretch. The Monorail connects several major hotels, and the Deuce bus runs along the same route at a lower cost. Rideshare apps are widely used and often the fastest option.

Why visit Portland

One of the greenest cities in the US, Portland has a perfect balance of urban escape and outdoor fun. Explore the city’s many independent businesses, including restaurants, boutique clothing shops, and used bookstores. With one of the best public transportation systems and a temperate climate year-round, there’s no bad time to visit this West Coast city.

What to do in Portland

Not-to-be-missed attractions in Portland include the Portland Japanese Garden, a tranquil array of authentic gardens. If you’re in the city over the weekend, go to the Portland Saturday Market, one of the oldest local artisan markets in the country. For more time in nature, take a short drive outside of Portland to the nearby Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, or visit the Powell Butte Nature Park to explore walking and biking trails.

Places to eat in Portland

Portland is known for its food carts that often gather in clusters across the city, allowing foodies to try different cuisines in one place. Coffee is also a big part of the local culture, with many independent cafés. For sit-down meals, the Pearl District and Southeast Portland offer a mix of casual and more refined options.

Getting around Portland

Portland is easy to navigate without a car. The MAX Light Rail connects the airport to downtown, and buses and streetcars cover most areas. Central neighbourhoods are walkable, and there are established bike lanes around the city if you prefer to travel on two wheels.

Plan your budget-friendly weekend trip

Short, cheap weekend trips from Vancouver make it easy to turn a long weekend into a change of scenery. Each destination keeps travel simple while still giving you enough to fill a few days without rushing. Book early to get the best deals on flights and accommodations.