What with the continuing US-Canada trade war and political troubles around the world, this year is definitely looking like another strong one for domestic tourism in Canada. With that in mind, I’m starting a new feature; brief looks at the best Canadian cities for visitors (Canadian or otherwise) to explore this year. First up: Montreal!
Quebec City has more charm, but for overall things to do – as well as a lovely old city that will remind most visitors of a trip France – it’s tough to beat Montreal. Not only is there the French factor, but you’ll also find fabulous museums such as the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-A-Calliere Museum (Montreal history).
The city is home to amazing markets such as Atwater Market and Jean-Talon Market in the north end, a cool waterfront with a giant ferris wheel and zipline, wonderful neighborhoods such as Plateau, Mile End and Little Burgundy.
Montreal is also a renowned food city, with innovative chefs highlighting cuisine from around the world. Toss in a fresh, hot Montreal bagel and a trip to Schwartz’s deli for a Montreal smoked meat sandwich (best pastrami any day) and you’ve got a great range of food options.
If you want more of an active trip, check out the bike trails along the St. Lawrence and the Lachine canal or a take a hike to the top of Mount Royal for fabulous views.
The giant ring in downtown Montreal. JIM BYERS PHOTO
The city also is home to lovely churches, including the gorgeous Notre-Dame Basilica and Mary, Queen of the World in downtown Montreal, which doesn’t get as much attention but is gobsmackingly beautiful.
To my mind, Rue St. Paul is one of the best streets in Canada; filled with lively boutiques, galleries and restaurants. I really like Cafe Modavie and also Olive et Gourmando for coffee and great granola.
Top Hotels: The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth, Hotel Le Germain (part of a stylish, family-run group of Canadian hotels), Hotel Nelligan in Old Montreal, and Le Petit Hotel Notre Dame, a lovely, boutique property where I enjoyed a nice stay last spring.
MIAMI WELCOMES CANADIANS
For Canadians looking to combine sun, sand, and a healthy escape, Miami is making wellness the main event this March. The city is reinventing March Break with its “Wake Up to a New March” campaign, inviting travellers to experience Miami Beach as a premier destination for fitness, wellness, and active travel.
From race weekends and world-class fitness competitions to outdoor workouts along the beach and boardwalks, Miami makes it easy—and inspiring—to stick to your health goals while enjoying a vibrant city.
The Wynwood Walls arts complex in Miami, Florida. JIM BYERS PHOTO
Highlights this spring include:
- HYROX Miami Beach (April 3–5, 2026): A functional fitness race combining running and workout stations in a festival-style atmosphere along the sands of South Beach.
- Miami International Fitness Expo (M.I.F.E.) (May 23, 2026): Featuring bodybuilding, powerlifting, calisthenics, and more for fitness enthusiasts of every level.
Beyond headline events, Miami offers tons of bayfront paths, parks for running and cycling, and welcoming run clubs and group workouts across vibrant neighbourhoods like Miami Beach, Brickell, and Wynwood—turning everyday training into a fun, social vacation activity.
I had a fabulous art tour of Wynwood’s murals and street art on a visit to the city in early 2024. We also had a fine boat tour of the harbour, an entertaining food tour of Little Havana, and a terrific stay at the posh Fontainebleau Hotel.
CRUISE NEWS AND VIEWS: VIRGIN VOYAGES and UNIWORLD
Virgin Voyages has unveiled its highly anticipated Winter 2027–2028 deployment for its newest vessel, Brilliant Lady. In a strategic move that spans two oceans and multiple regions, the cruise line is doubling down on its West Coast commitment and expanding its signature Caribbean portfolio.
Beginning March 19, 2026, these exclusive itineraries will be open for booking to First Mates (travel advisors) and their Sailors. The season represents a seamless, continuous deployment that connects Los Angeles and Miami, offering what the brand calls “serious bucket-list energy.”
Buck Island, St. Croix is fabulous for snorkelling and swimming. JIM BYERS PHOTO
One Ship, Two Oceans: The Itinerary Highlights
The Brilliant Lady winter season is designed for maximum variety, ranging from 3-night escapes to 17-night trans-continental crossings:
• The Mexican Riviera (Los Angeles Homeport): Virgin Voyages remains the only adults-only cruise line operating in the Mexican Riviera. Highlights include 7-night sailings with overnight stays in Cabo San Lucas and a specialty “Baja Mexico Halloween” voyage.
• Legendary Panama Canal Crossings: Connecting the two coasts, Brilliant Lady will offer two rare full-canal crossings. These 16 and 17-night voyages are historically high-demand events, occurring only twice per year.
• Caribbean & Bahamas Immersion (Miami Homeport): A flexible portfolio of 3 to 10-night sailings. New 3-night “Bimini Quick Fix” getaways join deeper 10-night Eastern Caribbean explorations to destinations like St. Croix and Tortola.
• Pacific Coastal: A scenic 8-night voyage from Vancouver to Los Angeles kicks off the season in September 2027, stopping in Astoria, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara.
UNIWORLD GOES HOLLYWOOD
Artists’ rendering of a suite on Uniworld’s S.S. Audrey
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has unveiled the first renderings of its newest Super Ships debuting in 2027, the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, inspired by European icons Audrey Hepburn and Marlene Dietrich. The sister ships will bring two distinct design visions to Europe’s rivers, drawing from the iconic aesthetics of the celebrated actresses while continuing Uniworld’s tradition of design-driven ships that reflect the regions they sail.
“One-of-a-kind design has always been central to the Uniworld experience,” said Ellen Bettridge, President and CEO of Uniworld. “With the S.S. Audrey and S.S. Marlene, we’re celebrating two women whose style defined an era.”
Like sister ship S.S. Emilie, debuting in 2026, the S.S. Audrey will feature a layout designed to enhance the onboard experience, including an intimate aft bar lounge, a bookable private dining room for exclusive culinary moments, and the ability to combine adjacent suites to create spacious two-bedroom accommodations for families or groups traveling together.
The S.S. Audrey will begin sailing on April 16, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Remarkable Rhine & Historic Holland’ itinerary. Throughout the season, the ship will sail a mix of returning guest favorites alongside two new journeys debuting in 2027: ‘Paris, Prague & Germany’s Hidden Gems’ and ‘Scenic Rhine, Paris & the Swiss Alps.’
The S.S. Marlene will begin sailing on March 27, 2027, with its inaugural departure on the ‘Tulips & Windmills’ itinerary. The ship will also sail through the waterways of Central Europe on other classic itineraries such as ‘Enchanting Danube’ and ‘Delightful Danube’, offering guests a new way to experience the region’s historic cities and cultural landmarks.
