Coolcations are chill in places like Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island — Photo courtesy of dbvirago / iStock Via Getty Images
With the world heating up, it’s no surprise travelers are looking for respite from climbing temperatures. Instead of hitting the popular destinations in the heat of summer — with millions of others — it might be time to consider a coolcation.
What is a coolcation?
Whether that means traveling off-season when crowds and temperatures have decreased or visiting cooler-climate destinations when everyone else is looking for hot sandy beaches, coolcationing is one of the hottest travel trends.
From northern Utah to coastal Maine, North America is filled with fantastic coolcation destinations — Photo courtesy of Emily Iris Degn
Having traveled around the country in search of temperatures below 75 degrees, I understand how vacationing in colder climates has merits. You can’t beat the prices, lack of crowds, and authenticity of traveling to places others aren’t drawn to (yet).
10 coolcation destinations in North America
In North America, you can take year-round arctic excursions or a mountain getaway, visit New England cities and towns in the fall, or linger by the seaside on either coast. I’ll guide you to my 10 favorite places for the ultimate coolcation.
Anacortes, Washington
Anacortes is a best kept secret of the Pacific Northwest — Photo courtesy of Emily Iris Degn
Hovering around 70 degrees in the middle of the summer, this coastal town located on Fidalgo Island (which you can drive to) is the ultimate year-round coolcation spot. Thanks to the Anacortes Ferry Terminal, it’s a summer activity hub, where ferries dock to shuttle millions around the San Juan Islands and Canada. But even at its busiest, it’s a perfect getaway surrounded by beautiful Pacific Northwest waters and mountains.
To skip tourist traffic, come in the autumn or winter when tourism decreases. Try your hand at sea kayaking, go hiking at Washington Park, catch sunsets over the water at Cap Sante Park, or take a chilly dip at Tugboat Beach. Keep your eye out for harbor seals, bald eagles, orca whales, otters, and, in October, humpback whales. There are even puffins in September.
In town, snag treasures from Pelican Bay Books, grab a fresh mozzarella sandwich at Gere-a-Deli, and find seasonal fare at Rockfish Grill and Anacortes Brewery.
Prince Edward Island, Canada
Covehead Harbour lighthouse is a Prince Edward Island gem — Photo courtesy of Elenathewise / iStock Via Getty Images
Located on the eastern shores of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this maritime island is known for its red sand beaches, lobster and mussels, and inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books. You can reach it via a bridge (from New Brunswick), ferry (from Nova Scotia), or plane.
The northern PEI climate makes it a fantastic coolcation spot during summer, but the shoulder seasons are the time to go. Stroll the quaint streets of Charlottetown, take chilly walks on the beach and coastal drives along the shores, or go full bookworm and visit Ms. Montgomery’s birthplace on the island’s north side.
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and Montana
Visigint Yellowstone in the shoulder season means fewer crowds — Photo courtesy of Emily Iris Degn
While most people come to Yellowstone in the summer, the park is open year-round. Access is limited after the first week of October, but if you, like me, would rather sleep under the stars than a ceiling, off-season Yellowstone is a fantastic coolcation.
My advice? Go in mid-October. You’ll skip the crowds and the mosquitos and see a slew of wildlife at their most active, such as bears preparing for hibernation and rut-season elk. Bring binoculars, bear spray, warm clothes, plenty of food and water, a weatherproof tent, and more socks than you need.
If you want a roof over your head, check out a romantic hotel near the national park for a special fall getaway.
Portland, Maine
Portland is known for its cooler climate and maritime ways — Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / E+
Shoulder season is the perfect time to visit Portland, Maine, and the picturesque East Coast city makes a magical coolcation in the winter. Get a hotel by the water in town, hit a local brewery, grab a coffee and pastry at Bake Maine, and wander through streets that look straight out of a 19th-century nautical painting. Don’t skip the nearby Portland Head Light at Fort Williams Park.
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Madison, Wisconsin
With awesome art museums and an unforgettable Capitol, Madison is a great Midwestern coolcation destination — Photo courtesy of Emily Iris Degn
I consider this to be the most underrated capital in the U.S. Every time I cross the country, I make a point of spending a day here. Home to the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it has a big city feel in a small package. It’s a town filled with arts, great food, and, as it’s surrounded by nature, lots of outdoor activities.
For a true Madison coolcation, wander along the frozen lake shores, then warm up with unmatched Tibetan dumplings at The Globe Restaurant. Don’t forget to take in the jaw-dropping architecture inside Madison’s hilltop Capitol.
Logan, Utah
Logan’s aspen forests, rocky climbs, and snow-coated peaks fit the bill for a coolcation — Photo courtesy of Emily Iris Degn
With plentiful hot springs and mountains encircling this Cache Valley gem, this is one of the top coolcations you can take in colder months if you’re even remotely into the outdoors. Get a site at Guinavah Campground up Logan Canyon to be close to beloved hikes like the Crimson Wall Trail. If you go in the autumn, you’ll see vibrant aspens, while winter provides heavy snowfall for solitude seekers.
Stroll or bike around town, visit the Cache Pioneer Museum, grab pizzas at Jack’s Wood-Fired Oven, pupusas at El Salvador Los Primos, and chicken tikka at Tandoori Oven — some would argue the best Indian restaurant in Utah. A stay in an offbeat themed hotel room could add to the fun.
Woodstock, Vermont
A coolcation can mean visiting the wooden bridges of Woodstock — Photo courtesy of Kirkikis / iStock Via Getty Images
When you picture a quintessential New England town in fall, complete with wood-covered bridges and blazing red and gold trees, it’s Woodstock, Vermont. It’s pretty spectacular year-round but autumn and winter are particularly beautiful.
For a cozy New England coolcation, start with a stroll around town, get a bite at the indoor Woodstock Farmers Market, play on the creekside covered bridges, read at Yankee Bookshop, and splurge on a fantastic cup of coffee from Mon Vert Cafe.
Hop in the car and drive around the countryside for Instagrammable shots of glorious fall colors at Sleepy Hollow Farm, and take a hike at Quechee Gorge at Quechee State Park.
Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
Architecture and history buffs can coolcation around impressive buildings like the Legislative Assembly of British Columbia — Photo courtesy of wwing / E+
This chilly gem on Canada’s west coast offers a coolcation filled with European romance and outdoor adventure. As the capital of British Columbia, there’s something for everyone, from arts to food, culture, and more.
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For building buffs, take a free tour of the stunning Legislative Assembly of British Columbia building or visit Hatley Castle. As one of the best cities for eco-friendly travel, outdoorsy types should take a treetop stroll at Malahat SkyWalk or a whale-watching tour on the water. I highly recommend Springtide Whale Watching Eco Tours, possibly the world’s most sustainable tour company.
Salem, Massachusetts
Coolcation ideas include visiting the Witch Memorial in Salem — Photo courtesy of sphraner / iStock Via Getty Images
Salem is an ideal coolcation spot for anyone who loves history and maritime culture. An autumnal chill sets the scene for walking tours, strolls through cemeteries and historic homes, and visiting witchy sights like the Salem Witch Museum. But this New England town is so much more than its troubled past.
Get a taste of colonial life at the three-acre Pioneer Village Salem, check out oceanic and maritime art at the Peabody Essex Museum, and see what today’s artists bring at the Punto Urban Art Museum. After a walk around town, warm up at one of the many pubs, such as Mercy Tavern or Olde Main Street Pub. If you’re hungry, Flying Saucer Pizza Company is a phenomenal choice for a casual bite, or make a night of it at the buzzy Ledger Restaurant & Bar.
Missoula, Montana
The Clark Fork River runs right through Missoula — Photo courtesy of DenisTangneyJr / iStock Via Getty Images
This college town has a strong community of local farmers and purveyors, a cool arts and music scene, and access to plenty of outdoor gems. And with seriously cold temperatures in the off-season and chilly summer nights, it makes for a classic coolcation.
Bundle up and walk along the Clark Fork River, soak at the Lolo Hot Springs Pools Resort, or hike in the surrounding mountains. The food scene swings in many directions, with restaurants offering college students and locals bites from around the world. Break Espresso is my favorite place in town to grab a treat and a steaming drink after enjoying the great outdoors. For something more substantial, try Golden Yolk Griddle or Michi Ramen Bar.