With the weather starting to warm up, flowers beginning to bloom, and birds singing, spring is the best time to get outside and do some much-needed exploring. After the dreary post-holiday winter months, travel is a much-needed relief to our mental health, even if it’s just exploring somewhere new that’s close to home. If you’re looking for some inspiration on the best places to travel in the month of May, this guide has you covered.

Whether you want to see the cherry blossoms bloom, get one last ski trip in for the season, or skip straight to the tropics, here are nine ideas for May travel destinations in Canada and abroad.

Best places to travel in Canada in May

Ottawa is the perfect Canadian city for a spring getaway. May is one of the best times to visit our capital city, when the weather starts to warm up, and the city bursts into color with blooming tulips lining the streets. 

During the month of May, you can participate in the Canadian Tulip Festival, a beloved Ottawa event that’s been celebrated almost every year since 1945. Head to Commissioners Park at Dow’s Lake, where you’ll see more than 300,000 tulips in bloom. 

As Canada’s capital, Ottawa is also home to some of the country's best national museums and historic sites. You can take a tour of Parliament Hill, take in the scenic views, and learn about the stories that shaped our country. Once you’re done, take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, one of the most picturesque areas to walk around while visiting Ottawa.

If you’re not ready to leave the Canadian winter behind, consider a spring trip to Whistler this May. Canada’s world-class skiing destination is filled with epic mountain views, fresh alpine air, and plenty of adventure. Not to mention, it was the site for many ski events during the 2010 Winter Olympic Games. 

While most Canadian ski resorts are winding down in May, Blackcomb Village in Whistler still has plenty of ski life left to discover. You can take advantage of fewer crowds, longer days, and spring discounts for the mountain. After a day on the slopes, grab an apres-ski in Whistler Village, where you’ll find an extensive selection of cozy lodges, lively bars, and tasty dining options.

Looking to experience the cherry blossoms in full bloom? Head to Toronto! Many of the city's parks burst into bloom in May, with the display typically lasting four to ten days, depending on the weather. 

The most popular spot for viewing the cherry blossoms in Toronto is High Park on the west side of the city, but it’s far from the only place. Trinity Bellwoods and Centennial Park are two other amazing parks in the city where you can experience these ephemeral beauties.

Beyond the blossoms, spring is still one of the best times to visit Toronto. After the winter season ends and the weather begins to warm up, outdoor patios fill with locals and tourists alike, bringing fresh energy to the city. As Canada’s cultural hub, Toronto offers incredible food experiences, world-class museums, and must-visit attractions. If you have the time, consider extending your trip to one of these great weekend getaways outside the city.

There’s nothing like Saskatchewan in spring! One of the best places to travel in May for nature lovers is Last Mountain Regional Park. 

This beautiful Canadian destination is actually North America’s oldest bird sanctuary, where thousands of birds migrate to every spring. You might see pelicans, herons, tundra swans, whooping cranes, yellow-rumped warblers, and Swainson’s hawks, just to name a few. The migration season is so important for sustainable development that the second Saturday in May is named World Migratory Bird Day by the United Nations. 

Last Mountain Lake Migratory Bird Sanctuary is currently open to the public for day-use only, and you can get the latest travel updates on this national wildlife area here. If you’re looking to take an extended trip, there’s even an opportunity to volunteer at the observatory during the spring and fall migrations. You’ll get the rare opportunity to see many bird species up close and observe catching, handling, and banding techniques.

There’s no better place to celebrate Victoria Day weekend than British Columbia’s capital city, named for the Queen herself. Victoria, BC, is one of the best places to visit in May for sun in Canada, as warm, dry temperatures have arrived without the summer rush of tourists. Flowers will be in full bloom, making it a great time to explore the stunning Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada that can easily fill an entire day or more.

Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s top destinations to get in touch with nature, and the spring months offer some truly unforgettable experiences. Go whale-watching to spot humpbacks and orcas, wander the many trails of Pacific Rim National Park, marvel at the giant trees in Cathedral Grove, or even try surfing along the remarkable coastline of Tofino. 

Further reading: Start planning your summer staycation with these top camping spots in Canada.

Looking to get active? The Rocky Mountains are one of the best places to visit in May for hikers, with many trails accessible before the scorching summer heat sets in. On your journey, keep an eye out for wildlife. Bears, moose, elk, deer, and mountain sheep are often spotted as the area comes alive after winter. 

For an easy hike, check out Grassi Lakes. This beginner trail leads you to two emerald-green lakes between Mount Lawrence Grassi and Mount Rundle. If you’re looking for something more intense, summit the backside of Ha Ling, an 800m climb, which will reward you with panoramic views of Canmore and Bow Valley. 

For an even bigger adventure, you can cycle the Rocky Mountain Legacy Trail, a 26.8 km trail that links Canmore with Banff National Park. The entire journey takes around two to three hours, and you’ll be rewarded with stunning mountain views the entire ride.

Best international destinations to visit in May

Famous for its diverse nature and wildlife, Costa Rica is the ultimate destination for an eco-friendly holiday. While there are ample beach towns in Costa Rica to choose from, Uvita stands out from the rest. 

Located in the south of the country along the Pacific coast, Uvita is home to one of Costa Rica’s only protected marine parks, perfect for whale-watching, snorkelling, and diving. You can even head to Cano Island to swim alongside white-tipped sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. Just don’t forget your reef-friendly sunscreen before you jump in! 

Uvita is also home to some of Costa Rica's most beautiful sunsets and beaches, including the iconic Whale Tail Beach.

What makes Uvita even more special is that many local businesses and tour operators are incorporating sustainable practices into their business models, making it even easier to travel responsibly. For a truly special experience, book a retreat at Bodhi Surf and Yoga. This B-Corp company is so much more than just your average surf camp. They teach in a way that connects guests with themselves and the land, inspiring them to make a positive environmental impact long after their trip ends.

Dreaming of dipping your toes in soft, white sand or relaxing in a hammock with a warm tropical breeze? Look no further than Barbados. This small 432-square-kilometre island is one of the best countries to visit in May for a beach holiday. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm. Spend your days swimming, sunbathing on beaches, drinking rum cocktails at sunset, and enjoying the slow-paced Caribbean way of life.

Barbados is also one of the best Caribbean islands for surfers of all levels. Beginners can practice at the small steady waves in Freights Bay alongside sea turtles, while pro surfers can try their luck at catching barrels at Soup Bowl, a world-renowned surf site on the east coast of the island.

May is one of the best times to visit Barbados as it’s out of peak season but not quite low season, so you can make the most of the quieter beaches and lower prices while still enjoying hot, sunny weather most days. 

Where the desert meets the ocean, La Paz offers a spring getaway like no other. This hidden gem in Mexico’s Baja Peninsula is a dream destination for travellers seeking a unique nature escape with plenty of adventure at every turn. 

Dive right in and go paddle-boarding, snorkelling with sea lions, or take a small boat tour out to sea to try and spot some magnificent grey whales. If you’re a diver, book a scuba dive in the Sea of Cortez, where the water is crystal clear between the months of May and October. 

If you prefer to stay on land, nearby peaks of the Sierra de la Laguna range offer even more outdoor fun. You can go sandboarding down dunes in El Mogote, explore Cerro de la Calavera, or hike the ‘hill of skulls’ to see distinctive rock formations and panoramic views. The locals in La Paz care deeply about the environment, so the tour operators there tend to incorporate conservation efforts into their businesses.

Start exploring May holiday destinations today

We hope this list of the best places to travel in May inspires you with some outdoor adventure ideas for the upcoming spring. Whether you visit the blossoming tulips of Toronto or head down south for a surf trip to Barbados, there’s no shortage of unforgettable experiences waiting for you.