Get creative at workshops in Canada

If you want more out of your summer vacation than just a tan, consider taking an "edVenture" in the charming city of Fredericton in New Brunswick, on the Atlantic side of Canada.

Between July 7 and Aug. 17, the town will put on more than 120 workshops led by artists and writers, among others. Choose from classes in painting, photography, fiction writing, jewelry making, pottery and more.

Workshops range in price from $30 to $395. The third annual Downtown Culture Crawl, being held June 12, July 3 and Aug. 7, gives visitors the chance to check out artists' studios and galleries for special demonstrations. Free concerts and open-air showings of classic films are offered weekly.

Rooms at local B&Bs start at $60 a night and hotels such as the Crowne Plaza and Delta have room rates starting at $139 as well as special packages tailored around the edVentures program. Find out more at www.edventures.ca and www.tourismfredericton.ca.