If North Carolina has been on your travel radar — whether you’ve got family in the region, friends you’ve been meaning to visit, or just a curiosity about the American South — now’s the time to book that trip.
WestJet now offers nonstop flights from Calgary to Raleigh-Durham, and Air Canada has launched a new service from Vancouver to Raleigh-Durham three times a week, making it easier than ever for Western Canadians to immerse themselves in North Carolina’s rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality.
What’s more, you can save 20% off select base fares to Raleigh-Durham with WestJet when you book flights before September 11 for travel August 22 – October 13 simply use promo code 6H9Y5RX. Terms apply.
From James Beard-worthy bites and vibrant music halls to artisan studios and soul-stirring mountain escapes, here’s how to spend an unforgettable week exploring North Carolina with intention.
Day 1: Get to know Raleigh
Touch down in Raleigh and let the fun begin. With its mix of laid-back energy and cultural depth, it’s the perfect way to ease into your journey.
Explore the North Carolina Museum of Art, one of the top art museums in the South, featuring indoor galleries and a massive outdoor park with intriguing sculptures. Next, stroll through the flower-filled JC Raulston Arboretum, which has an impressive and expansive collection of landscape plants.
For dinner, you have to try some authentic Southern cuisine! Head to Sam Jones BBQ, which serves up authentic East North Carolina pit-cooked barbecue in downtown Raleigh. Sam Jones is rooted in three generations of BBQ tradition dating back to Sam’s grandfather, the late Pete Jones, who opened the legendary Skylight Inn in 1947 at age 17. They serve whole-hog BBQ, just like all those who came before him did over a century ago.
Next, check out Big Ed’s City Market Restaurant, where they’ve been serving up some of the most authentic North Carolina southern cooking classics since 1958. Gingham tablecloths and jars of homemade BBQ sauce evoke Southern homestyle comfort and the food is full of down-home flavour.
And when the sun goes down, the tunes come out! Iconic venues like The Pour House, Lincoln Theatre, and Cat’s Cradle, combined with seasonal festivals and legendary performers, define North Carolina’s diverse music scene, making it one of the best in the USA. Don’t miss annual festivals like Hopscotch — this annual event has been called “America’s (Secretly) Best Festival” and “the premier experimental and underground festival in America.”
Day 2: Hit the road
Within an hour or two drive from Raleigh, you’ll find yourself winding through picturesque roads and charming Southern towns that feel straight out of a movie. So, rent a car and hit the road.
Keep the music vibes going in Saxapawhaw, NC. Stumble into an artsy, riverside mill village where small‑town warmth, live music at the Haw River Ballroom, farm‑to‑table eats, and gentle Haw River paddling blend into a perfectly laid‑back getaway.
Make time for the drive out to Asheville and the foothills, a vibrant mountain region in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The landscape has starred in TV and film, and the area is a favourite among culinary travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. Browse indie boutiques, check out the colourful Upper River Arts District, and sip your way through local breweries before tucking into an award-winning dinner, from chefs such as Ashleigh Shanti of Good Hot Fish.
Wherever you stop, keep it local and support small businesses — you’ll find that’s where North Carolina’s true spirit comes alive.
Day 3: Drive to the Blue Ridge Parkway
If you stay the night in Asheville, you can use it as a starting point for several epic adventures. The town has great options like the unique, Roaring Twenties-themed Flat Iron Hotel or the historic Cedar Crest Inn.
Get out of town for the day to the legendary Blue Ridge Parkway, often called “America’s Favourite Drive.” As the road winds through the famous Blue Ridge Mountains, you’ll pass scenic overlooks, misty ridges, and trailheads to pull over at. Stretch your legs with a short hike to Craggy Gardens or Graveyard Fields.
Be sure to stop into the Folk Art Center along the way to browse handmade Appalachian crafts, like quilts, pottery, and wood carvings.
As the sun starts to dip, make your way back to Asheville for one last night of good food, live music, or a quiet drink on a patio.
Day 4: Explore the Great Smoky Mountains
Head deeper into the mountains toward Great Smoky Mountains National Park, one of the most biodiverse and fascinating places on Earth.
Check out Clingmans Dome, also known as Kuwohi — the highest point in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, standing at 6,643 ft. On a clear day, you can see for up to 100 miles across seven U.S. states — a panoramic, once-in-a-lifetime kind of view.
To get to the top, you’ll take a scenic drive along Clingmans Dome Road and reach the iconic observation tower, which spirals gently above the tree line and offers an unobstructed 360-degree view of the Smokies. The air is cool, crisp, misty (or some might say, smoky), and almost otherworldly.
If you’re up for a walk, chase waterfalls along quiet forested trails — Tom Branch Falls and Juney Whank Falls, both accessible from the Deep Creek Area, are gentle, rewarding hikes with Insta-worthy payoffs.
Make a stop in Madison County, where mountain views meet small-town charm. The area’s crown jewel is Hot Springs, a historic town famous for its natural mineral springs that have been drawing visitors for centuries. Sink into relaxation at the Hot Springs Resort & Spa, where tubs are filled with water that’s been heated deep in the earth and is believed to have special healing properties.
Day 5: More Raleigh
Say goodbye to Raleigh and neighbouring Durham with a day spent experiencing it like a local, seeing its cultural gems and neighbourhoods.
In Durham, the Hayti, West End, and East End Districts exude a vibrant cultural heartbeat born of grit, resilience, and deep-rooted community spirit — where public art, hidden wine gardens, and warm-rooted hospitality await around every corner. Chicken Hut is one of Durham’s longest-standing Black-owned restaurants. It’s beloved for its straightforward fried chicken and warm, no-frills family atmosphere.
Dig into Raleigh’s Warehouse District, a six‑block stretch of atmospheric red‑brick, former industrial buildings transformed into a vibrant hub of galleries, restaurants, nightlife, and creative workspaces just west of the Convention Center.
In the afternoon, grab a coffee and pastry from a local favourite like Jubala or 42 & Lawrence, then explore the city’s food halls, like Morgan Street Food Hall. And, if there’s time, check out the North Carolina Museum of Natural Science or the newly transformed Dix Park for one last cultural hit.
Whether you come for the culture, the food, the mountain air, or just a change of pace, North Carolina promises an escape that feels equal parts relaxing and invigorating, without the long-haul hassle.
Ready to plan your getaway? Head to the VisitNC.com to start crafting your itinerary. And if you’re travelling with WestJet, don’t forget to save 20% off select base fares to Raleigh-Durham by using promo code 6H9Y5RX (when you book between before September 11 for travel August 22 – October 13, terms apply).
