10 Tips for a Great Canadian Staycation

There's no place like home, and when Canada is your backyard, there's no shortage of wonder and beauty to explore. But how do you make a Canadian staycation feel more like a luxurious vacation?

It's easy. It takes a little effort, but going the distance with your staycation planning makes all the difference to your experience.

Whether staying at home, going on a road trip, or taking in local attractions, don't underestimate the healing powers of time in familiar quarters.

The ultimate budget and eco-friendly holiday doesn't have to be a drag. Take our tips and ideas to heart, and catch some nice R&R right at home. Say goodbye to stressful packing, long airport lines, and expensive COVID tests, and start planning your local getaway today.

5 Tips for Planning a Great Staycation

Staying Home or Heading Out

The first choice you need to make is whether to stay home or head out to a nearby town or neighbourhood.

Choosing to stay at home saves you the hassle of packing and booking a hotel, and you can easily experience a memorable weekend without splurging too much on food or travel.

Ditch the tight schedules, avoid traffic and make up your own rules when opting for a stay-at-home staycation. The best part? You'll be giving back to your community and the small shops and restaurants that make it oh-so-special.

If you're venturing outside your surrounding area, more planning is involved, but the rewards may outweigh the downsides. Ask yourself what kind of staycation is best for you and your family, and don't look back!

Unplug 100%

Whether staying in or heading out, making the most of your staycation means being present.

Take this time to unplug from distractions like emails, social media, or phone calls. A distraction-free staycation will help you appreciate all the little things you may miss.

The More, the Merrier

If solitude isn't what you're looking for, enlist a few friends to join you on your latest adventure. Brainstorm some staycation ideas and count the laughs as you build unforgettable memories together across town, at home, or in a nearby town.

Choose a Theme

Choosing a theme that all staycation attendees can support adds a sense of excitement and unity to your time together.

Does your group love food? Then, perhaps focus your adventures around destination cafes, artisanal food shops, and buzz-worthy restaurants. Or maybe your group is made up of nature lovers? Then, a series of outdoor-themed activities might be perfect for your group.

No matter the theme, this will help unify your activities and make it a few hours or days to remember forever.

Make Room for Surprises

A staycation doesn't have the same element of novelty that comes with exploring a new country, but that doesn't mean there can't be a few surprises here and there. So leave room and time to explore and consider kicking off your staycation with a special gift that fits the theme of your time together.

5 Staycation Ideas To Consider

Staycation Idea #1: At-Home Spa Retreat

Why not invite a few friends around for the perfect at-home spa day? Spend the day catching up, reflecting, and enjoying some much-needed self-care. Make it one they'll never forget by adding an element of surprise with a spa gift basket, too. Nothing says peace and tranquillity like a lovely soy wax candle, a luxury Turkish throw, or a warming cup of classic Earl Grey tea.

Staycation Idea #2: Host Your Own Film Festival

A movie marathon weekend is the ultimate staycation for those looking to unwind and leave the planning behind. Gather around a few of your favourite movie-watchers, pick a theme, and press play on your custom Netflix queue.

And don't forget about the most crucial part: the snacks! Going the extra mile sets this weekend apart from your regular Saturday when you just chill at home. Indulge in artisanal treats like salted caramel popcorn, all-natural fruit jellies, and hazelnut crisps. Our Confectionist basket makes it easy to please a group of picky foodies.

Staycation Idea #3: Play Tourist In Your Hometown

Many of us spend our days with our heads down, running errands and frequenting the same spots daily. Instead, devote a weekend or even a week to exploring new restaurants, museums, cafes, local attractions, and shops in your local area. Ask friends for recommendations, research online, or visit your local tourist board to discover new and exciting adventures.

Staycation #4: Day Trip

A day trip can breathe new life into your every day. Rent a car or hop on a train for a one-day getaway nearby that's heavy on adventure and light on planning. This could mean a short drive to a nearby town or an entirely new city a few hours away. Don't forget to make it a road trip to remember with a catchy playlist that will rev up the energy levels for all involved.

Staycation #5: Camp Out In Your Backyard

Enjoying the great outdoors can be as simple as pitching a tent in your backyard. Perfect for families with kids, this type of staycation allows for adventure, fun, and spooky stories!

Buy or borrow a tent, and pitch your perfect weekend in under an hour. And don't skimp on the sweets. Upgrade your s'mores to gourmet levels with our Sugar Beach gift basket that features handmade chocolate from David Chow in Toronto, ON, salted chocolate caramel popcorn from Come Back Snacks in Hamilton, ON, and dark chocolate shortbread cookies, too!

Staycations are a great way to step away from the craziness of life and travel. Creating the perfect time away means choosing memorable activities low on stress and high on enjoyment. But no matter how you fill your days, prioritise yourself to maximise this precious time.