Help Me Decide on a Destination, Please!
 

Extended family wants to do a one-week vacation together in July (3 sisters and husbands, 2 teenaged boys). We've been on vacation together to Seattle, Las Vegas, Boston, and overseas. This year we've contemplated going somewhere in Canada, Vermont, or Maine. We are kind of drifting, not really sure what we want to do . . . suggestions, anyone? (We don't want to go to the beach for a week.) Many thanks!

Maybe Vancouver, B.C. and Whistler? Or just Whistler if you like golf, tennis, hiking, etc.

How old are the boys?
If you go to Canada, you may want to consider Toronto.So much to do and see.Also, not that far of a drive to Niagara Falls

If you are flying then fly into Calgary and spend several nights in Banff, Lake Louise and Jasper. The scenery is beautiful in this area of the Rockies. There is all kind of wildlife to view, beautiful lakes and fines resorts such as Chateau Lake Louise, Jasper Park Lodge and Fairmont Banff...........Have fun.

Some great ideas here; I really appreciate the help. By July the teens (boys) will be 19 and 14.

Whistler was always my sons' choice when they were teens, summer or winter. Now in their 20's, they still go in the summer for the mountain biking, zipline, etc. There are lots of accomodations to choose from, from condos that would house all of you down to individual hotel rooms. Also lots of restaurants (including upscale), shopping, swimming pools, lakes for swimming, miles of bike paths, horseback riding nearby.

Canada is one of my favorites places to visit. I flew to Victoria and rented a car then stayed several nights at The Aerie Resort and Wickininnish Inn in Tofiono. Victoria is a nice city. I also liked Vancouver but my favorite was Quebec City. Fly to Montreal, rent a car and drive to QC then back to Montreal for a night/two before flying home.

Whistler is great - I've only been there in winter. But you've been to the Pac N. West. Maine is fantastic and very different from the other places you mentioned. Great places to check out in Maine are Portland, Kennebunkport, Boothbay Harbor, Bar Harbor, and you can take a ferry to Nova Scotia.

There's also Acadia National Park in Maine.

What about Yosemite or Yellowstone, if you all like the outdoors. Although seeing past trips, you like the city life.

Check out vrbo.com for vacation rentals in Maine. There are a number of homes available that are on the water and large enough to accommodate your extended family. Maine is great for so many outdoor activities - sailing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, rock climbing. Plus all that wonderful lobster. Maine is one the water but not the "beach" if you know what I mean. Not a place to lounge around and sunbathe. Yet incredibly relaxing.

We went last year to Acadia area and can't wait to go again this year.

I think it would be hard at this point to get nice lodging in Yellowstone or Yosemite for a group this size---other suggestions are better.

We enjoyed Nova Scotia. There is a fast boat which leaves from Maine which is fun, if you don't want to drive.

My vote is with Montreal and Quebec City. If anyone is into mountain biking you could also do a side trip from Montreal to Tremblant - beautiful!

My suggestion would be the same as Ike has given you--the Canadian Rockies.

If you have several weeks, you could include Waterton Lakes Park, in Alberta, and Glacier NP or continue on to Vancouver and Victoria.

I agree with the Canadian locations. Vancouver/ Victoria or Calgary/ canadian rockies. Great time of year up there. :-)