This week in new Canadian getaway inspiration

Glamp it up

After spending its inaugural season, last summer, hosting campers on a Crown-land island, Edmonton tour operator Urban River Adventures has announced its permanent home. Located by the North Saskatchewan River, the new, 128-acre property (open May to October) features 10 geodesic glamping domes, a hot tub, a sauna and access to kayaks. Just outside Ottawa, the year-old Hammond Hill wilderness retreat is also refining its operations. In addition to yurts and trapper cabins, in June it will offer solar-powered Jupe tents, designed by former SpaceX, Tesla and Airbnb employees. Eco-friendly yet futuristic, each unit starts at $125 per night.

Bikes and brews

Except for hikers, perhaps no one knows exercise-induced hunger better than cyclists. If you’re nodding in agreement, the new Véloroute Gourmande may be for you. Connecting Montreal to Sherbrooke, the 235-kilometre trail showcases the best produce, food and drinks that the Montérégie region and the Eastern Townships have to offer. There are more than 120 culinary attractions along the way, including cideries, breweries and awardwinning restaurants. Cyclists can lighten their load by using the bag transportation service, making this a beginner-friendly five-day journey.

Arts and crafts

Canada’s fine arts festivals are back in full force for the summer season ahead. First is Edmonton’s the Works (July 8 to 17), North America’s largest free outdoor public art and design festival and is timed to coincide with the Edmonton International Street Performers Festival. Also running from July 8 to 17 is Inuvik’s Great Northern Arts Festival. The longest-running festival of Arctic art and music in North America, the 10day celebration features soapstone carving and drum-making demonstrations, alongside musical performances from rising stars (throat-singer Tanya Tagaq got her break at the event back in 2000).