Short breaks in North America

Forget the usual quick break to New York – consider Joanna Booth’s pick of the less-trodden alternatives in the US and Canada

The demise of low-cost transatlantic airline Zoom Airlines will reduce the number of flights to choose from, but North America still offers a host of short break options.

Look beyond the obvious choices and discover Toronto or less-visited destinations such as Denver and Halifax.

Washington DC

As the eyes of the world turn to the White House for the presidential elections, Washington DC is a timely short break option.

The US capital is full of photo opportunities, from the White House to the Capitol, the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial.

The Smithsonian Institute never disappoints and, for a bit of intrigue, check out the International Spy Museum.

Miami

Hot, sultry and a melting pot of cultures, Miami is a great place to escape to.

Check out trendy South Beach and the beautiful, brightly coloured buildings of the art deco district.

Don’t miss Little Havana, where you can sit in a bodega and watch Cubans rolling cigars.

Nature lovers can visit the MetroZoo and Seaquarium or take a trip through the Everglades.

The 15-minute helium balloon ride on the SkyLift is a great way to get a bird’s-eye view of the whole city.

San Francisco

At only 49 sq miles, San Francisco is perfect for a short break.

Be one of the nine million who visit the spectacular Golden Gate Bridge every year, and head to Alcatraz to visit the former island prison.

The iconic cable cars are one of the best ways to see the city.

Visit Chinatown for a flavour of the east and the cafe-rich Italian hub at North Beach.

Denver

Although United Airlines’ London-Denver flights will cease in October you can still hop over with British Airways. This up-and-coming destination has plenty to offer.

With the Rockies providing a spectacular backdrop, visit the buzzing urban centre, including the swanky new art museum designed by famous architect Daniel Libeskind and the Colorado History Museum.

Wannabe cowboys should head for the Rockmount Ranch Wear store.

Halifax, Canada

Nova Scotia has a Gaelic culture quite distinct from the rest of Canada.

Downtown is packed with galleries, history and a lively nightlife – including Celtic ceilidhs.

Outside the main city are charming fishing villages with a real maritime feel. Breathe the salty air, enjoy the rugged coastline and have a go at kayaking.

Toronto, Canada

Cosmopolitan Toronto makes a chic short break destination, with a vibrant modern art scene, stunning modern architecture and an ever-increasing number of beautiful boutique hotels.

It’s a diverse city, with a handful of cultures all thriving, and foodies can nip between districts to fill up with cuisine from around the world.

Sports fans can head to a hockey or basketball game, and no one should miss Niagara Falls – you can even get a bird’s-eye view in a helicopter.

Vancouver, Canada

Prepare to fall in love with Vancouver, a city with mountains and fjords, beaches and woodland, all mixed in with stunning modern architecture and a strong Asian influence.

Take a train trip to Whistler to try the alpine courses. Stanley Park is a 1,000 acre mixture of beaches, forest and gardens where you can cycle, walk or just enjoy the view in one of the cafes.

SAMPLE PACKAGES

Jetset offers four nights in Denver in three-star accommodation with direct flights from Heathrow, a city tour and admission to the Denver art museum from £619 twin-share.

Jetsave offers three nights in Miami at the three-star-plus oceanfront Mimosa Hotel with return flights from Heathrow departing October 10 from £499.

Inghams offers four nights in San Francisco at the five-star Fairmont Hotel including flights from Heathrow from £1,031.

North America Travel Service offers four nights in Vancouver at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver with direct BA flights from Heathrow in November from £634.

Travel 2 offers the three-night Essential Toronto and Niagara tour from £523 per person, including return transfers between Toronto and Niagara, five-hour sightseeing tour of Niagara Falls and Maid of the Mist trip plus return flights. Price is valid from November 1 to December 14.