Enjoy the boardwalk and great savings now in Virginia Beach. (Shutterstock)

Canadian visitors to Virginia Beach can enjoy two extra nights free when they book a six-night stay at a participating hotel during Canada Weeks (see vbfun.com/canadaweeks).

And this year travellers have more time to take advantage of discounts as the annual promotion is running longer -- from now through Sept. 3 and from Sept. 6 through Oct. 1.

"The troubled economy has taken a toll on today's travellers and Virginia Beach is pleased to offer this extra incentive to our Canadian visitors," said Kelli Norman, director of tourism marketing and sales for the Virginia Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau.

In addition to accommodation deals, there are discounts from Busch Gardens Williamsburg, and "book one, get one 50 per cent" offers from participating kayaking, surfing and eco-tourism outfitters.

The family friendly resort area is an ideal base for outdoor adventure. In addition to its white sand beach and 4.8-km boardwalk, there are 7,527 hectares of state parks and wildlife refuges.

The recently renovated Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center -- home to harbour seals, sea turtles, sharks, rays, river otters and birds -- is a must-see attraction that is expanding.

The Aquarium will soon open Restless Planet, a display of four diverse "immersive habitats" -- the Malaysian Peat Swamp, the Coastal Sahara Desert, the Red Sea and Indonesia's Flores Island.

HIP HOTELS ON GOLD COAST

Hotels along Florida's Gold Coast keep getting better. The Delray Beach Marriott and the Jupiter Beach Resort and Spa -- both managed by Ocean Properties Ltd. -- were recently singled out for accolades.

Delray Beach received the distinguished Four-Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association (AAA) while Jupiter Beach was named one of Zagat's Top U.S. Hotels, Resorts, and Spas 2009. Along with the top quality facilities and seamless service recognized by the recent awards, both hotels have attractive packages.

At the Delray Marriott, the Spoil Yourself package, which continues through Dec. 15, includes one night's lodging, breakfast for two, and one $100 credit for the N.Spa, which can be put toward a variety of soothing treatments. Prices range from $239 to $309 US per room per night.

Jupiter Beach Resort offers a variety of packages including some with marine-themes such as the Under The Sea Family Adventure, which includes lodging, breakfast for two adults and two children, and a behind the scenes tour of the nearby Loggerhead Marine Life Centre and its turtle hospital and recovery ward. Prices start at $179 US per room per night with a two-night minimum.

For details on the Delray Beach Marriott, contact marriott.com or 1-877-389-0169. For Jupiter Beach Resort, contact jupiterbeachresort.com or 1-866-943-0950.