Family holidays not only create cherished memories, but they also take your family out of the ordinary routine, expose you to new people, places, and things, and some studies even claim that they are excellent for your health. People are happier and more relaxed when they return from holiday.
In your daily routine, you get preoccupied with your jobs, studies, or managing a business. Spending time with parents, siblings, or children is therefore limited. When you travel, you dedicate time specifically to spend with the people that matter the most.
We all use our phones, laptops, or tablets a lot these days. And if you have kids who can use phones, you've found yourself in the same room while everyone else is staring at their phones. Family members have the opportunity to disconnect from email, social media, and engaging apps while they travel together. Going on holiday makes it simpler for everyone to disconnect from technology and spend quality time together because of so many unique experiences.
Below you’ll find some inspiration for the ten best places to visit in Canada with your family. If you need more information and insights, join one of our online presentations with a travel specialist and find out how to travel through Canada the Little America way.
The natural attraction in this area is the waterfalls, which can be viewed in various ways, including from the ground on the famous Maid of the Mist boat trips, in caves accessible by elevator, and observation towers. One of the best ways to see the majestic Niagara Falls is from a hovering helicopter in the sky. Fly over the Niagara River, the Whirlpool Rapids and the Rainbow Bridge. Observe the floral beauty of Queen Victoria Park below you and pass by the American Falls and the Skylon Tower. The kids will be thrilled with rainbows that appear and disappear from all directions. On a clear day, you will see the outline of Toronto to the north and the shores of Lake Erie to the south.
When you aren't admiring the falls, explore the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and take in the blossoms. Alternatively, go to the Niagara Aquarium, which has more than 1,500 aquatic animal species. Other family-friendly activities in the region include Old Fort Niagara and the Niagara SkyWheel.
The best time to view the falls is in the evening because lights shine and glimmer inside the falls, and if you go at the correct time, you can see a fantastic firework show. From the boats, you get the best views. Either the Maid of the Mist or the Hornblower Boat Tours can give you that unique view. There is more entertainment besides merely a better view of the falls. The children have plenty of space to run about and play tag at the park. Go for a stroll with the family, grab a bite to eat, and see Canada's Niagara Falls.
Vancouver is a fantastic year-round family travel destination, with much to keep families of all ages occupied throughout the year. Granville Island and Stanley Park are home to the majority of Vancouver's kid-friendly activities. The Vancouver Aquarium, together with four playgrounds, an outdoor water park, and a model train, are all located in the almost 1,000-acre park.
Vancouver is a city that should be explored outside. It boasts many green outdoor areas, and Stanley Park is the largest. If you prefer smaller parks, visit some of the city's other popular outdoor sites such as Queen Elizabeth Park or Van Dusen Botanical Garden. Travelling with teenagers? Take them to Capilano Suspension Bridge where they will enjoy the thrill of crossing the 70-metre-high and 137-metre-long suspension bridge. There are a variety of fun activities to experience with kids in this vast wilderness area. At Granville Island and Lonsdale Quay, choose from a variety of delectable goods at the market. Or join a Vancouver food tour and navigate the city's amazing dining scene.
The weather is often lovely between June and early October, making it ideal for riding around the Stanley Park seawall and stopping for a swim at the beach. The Capilano Suspension Bridge and the Vancouver Aquarium are also entertaining year-round destinations, while the Sea Bus public transportation boat is popular with youngsters under the age of ten while also affording adults stunning views on a clear day.
Families should visit one of the three nearby mountains, Grouse, Seymour, or Cyprus, in the winter to practice their skiing, snowboarding, or snowshoeing skills. And if you happen to be in Vancouver on one of its (many) rainy days, do as the locals do and put on some rain gear before venturing outside to explore the city's numerous neighbourhoods.
Snow enthusiasts and outdoor fanatics were made for Whistler. Whistler Blackcomb is perfect for skiers and snowboarders, while the Whistler Sliding Centre is ideal for thrill seekers. Kids will enjoy snowboarding at Whistler Olympic Park, skiing at Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, and taking the Rocky Mountaineer train to neighbouring Vancouver. For families who wish to fit in some learning while on vacation, Whistler also offers educational programs like the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.
With a variety of water sports activities at Lost Lake Park and hiking options at places like Whistler Train Wreck and Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, Whistler is another popular summer destination for families.
Banff is the most postcard-perfect place in Canada. A place with lakes, old-growth forests, mountains, and wilderness. Whether it's summer or winter, Banff is a terrific destination to take the kids to discover the Rocky Mountains and the many outdoor activities. Go kayaking at Moraine Lake, take a snow tube down a mountain, ride the Banff Gondola for an unmatched view, or unwind in a natural hot spring.
As you go through Banff National Park, there are many wonderful climbs and walks to take, and you will undoubtedly spot some animals. For panoramic views of the alpine peaks, ride the Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The Banff Upper Hot Springs will be a favourite place for children to splash around. There are various choices for adventure, simply pick your sport: Ski down Mount Norquay, go on a hike to the enormous, free-standing limestone pillars called the Hoodoos, bike along Healy Creek or climb the north slope of Stoney Squaw Mountain.
The most popular activities in Banff depend on the season. Skiing is the most popular during the winter. Summertime activities include fishing, biking, hiking, and scrambling. Remember to take some time to visit neighbouring Lake Louise. Canoe on the stunning blue lake throughout the summer and take the Lake Agnes tea house hike. Ice skate on the lake, take in the ice castle or hit the slopes at Lake Louise Ski Resort in the winter.
If you need some downtime from all the activities, browse the shops and eateries in downtown Banff, which is the highest town in Canada at 1 383 metres above sea level and 180 kilometres in size. Family road trips are the ideal way to experience all that Banff has to offer.
Jasper National Park in Alberta, the largest park in the Canadian Rockies, has plenty of outdoor entertainment for kids of all ages. In addition to hiking, biking, camping, and ranger-led programs on land, families can engage in a variety of water activities, including kayaking, fishing, and boating.
Days of thrill and adventure in this enormous park are characterised by year-round food and celebration. While the geographical attractions that drive people to Jasper National Park never change, how families can experience the park do. You can kayak around Maligne Lake or whitewater raft down the park's twisting rivers during the summer. Winter also brings a variety of cold-weather sports, such as skiing at Marmot Basin and snowshoeing close to the Athabasca Glacier.
Although Kelowna is most renowned for its vibrant wine culture and breathtaking lake and mountain landscapes, there are many family-friendly activities available here. The city includes a vibrant downtown and an Okanagan Lake beachfront boardwalk that is kid-friendly and features sand beaches, a water trampoline park, a sizeable playground, and a kid's spray park. You can discover as much hiking, kayaking, and outdoor recreation nearby as your kids can handle.
Several family-friendly events are held all year long in Kelowna, including the Fat Cat Children's Festival in June and the Kelowna MapleFest in April. In the winter, families can cross-country ski on a variety of resort trails, and in the summer, they can paddle-board and fish at Okanagan Lake.
The nearby EnergyPlex indoor playground, which features trampolines, foam pits, a rock wall, rope swings, a large cube climb, and more, is a huge hit with kids when it rains, which is uncommon during Kelowna's hot and sunny summers. Water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, diving boards, a surf wave simulator, and indoor cardio and weight rooms are all featured in the indoor H2O Adventure and Fitness Center. For your dose of cuteness, check out the wildly popular adjacent Kangaroo Creek Farm and Hoofprints Barnyard.
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Sign up nowThe cities of Victoria and Vancouver Island provide many family-friendly activities. A trip to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens or a stroll through Juan de Fuca Provincial Park are wonderful experiences for your kids. A whale-watching excursion is one chance you shouldn't pass up since orcas are abundant in this area.
The busy metropolis of Vancouver is just a 90-minute ferry trip away from British Columbia's main city, Victoria, but it feels like a different planet. This small community, located on Vancouver Island's southernmost point, maintains distinctly British customs such as afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress and a pint at the local pub. But that doesn't mean that only English speakers should visit Victoria. Despite its tendency toward nostalgia, it is a great place for the family with its superb museums that honour its Indigenous past, attractive architecture, and stunning harbour views.
Spend a day exploring Victoria's charming Inner Harbour. Popular attractions like the Parliament Buildings and the Royal British Columbia Museum can be found here, along with cafes and eateries that provide stunning water views. Get a sense of British Columbia's natural side once you have explored central Victoria to the fullest: Visit the well-known Butchart Gardens, go on a hike in Goldstream Provincial Park, or take a ferry to the adjacent city of Sooke (and keep your eyes peeled for whales).
Only the phrase multifaceted can truly express what Montreal is all about. This metropolis represents the merging of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century architecture flowing into a skyline from the twenty-first century. Funky fusion restaurants are now housed in old-fashioned homes, and the familiar sound of English is contrasted with the rolling "rs" of French.
The city is gorgeous, both in its older and newer areas, and it's simple to enjoy yourself here. Green spaces and outdoor cafes make each summer day in town a delight, and the food is amazing. Montreal's fresh produce markets deserve their stellar reputation. As a family, you can enjoy the Botanical Gardens, the Biodome, and the Science Museum. The city has a rich cultural agenda, and you could easily fill a trip to Montreal with events each day. It also has several museums dedicated to both adults and children.
Top attractions in this diverse city include renowned museums and vibrant markets. Start your journey by strolling through the historic Vieux-Montréal cobblestone streets. You can walk along Boulevard Saint-Laurent and enjoy a coffee at a traditional French café while learning about the region's ancient cathedrals.
The museums and landmarks of Montreal offer a wide range of entertainment. Families love visiting this city because of attractions like the Montreal Biodome. If you're travelling in the winter, go to the Underground City's malls and museums to get out of the chilly weather.
Canmore is ideal to visit with the kids because you can do dog sledding, tobogganing, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice skating. Although not as busy as its neighbour Banff, the town nonetheless has a distinct charm, has several coffee shops, and is very simple to get around. Grassi Lakes has several hiking paths with views of lakes, waterfalls, and mountains, with the easier of the two trails also carrying hikers through a lush forest. The history of the property is explained on signs placed throughout it.
In Canmore, bike or trek along the Bow River. There are around 70 kilometres of maintained trails and the path along the river is ideal for riding or walking with your family. In the middle of town, you can go ice skating or watch the Canmore Eagles, the local ice hockey club, play. The Canmore Nordic Center is the ideal starting place for exploration. During the summer, there are no trail fees, so you may spend the entire day exploring over 100 kilometres of trails, which include everything from tough single-track to large dirt roads ideal for inexperienced cyclists. There is also a paved roller skiing path that is great for families to use as a bike path.
Travelling with family is one of the most rewarding experiences you can have. Seeing and experiencing new towns or countries can bring families closer together. Young children develop new skills and have a greater understanding of their surroundings, which are constantly changing. Adults who are normally consumed by busy schedules are allowed to slow down and travel at an easy pace. Beautiful memories are created and greater respect for life is gained. Canada is both stunning and diverse, offering a variety of places to visit and things to do with the family.
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