Top 15 Best Family Vacations in Canada
The country of Canada is a huge and stunning natural landscape loaded with unique holiday choices for families. You will have the opportunity to encounter a ... read more...wide range of cultures and scenery throughout Canada. From hectic city vacations to mountain getaways and even spots that will transport you to Europe, selecting a pleasant destination to visit on your next family trip will be easy! But how can you know which area is appropriate for a family vacation? This detailed list outlines the Best Family Vacations in Canada.
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Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a Canadian city located at the famed Niagara Falls, which is connected to the United States by the Rainbow Bridge. Its location on the western shore of the Niagara River overlooks the Horseshoe Falls, the cascades' most wide part. Elevators transport tourists behind the falls to a lower, wetter view point. A promenade runs alongside the 520-foot-high Skylon Tower, which has an observation deck.
It's easy to see why many people regard Niagara Falls to be one of the world's greatest natural wonders. Or why it has played host to such great daredevil stunts over the years. Your jaw will drop the moment you see the massive Niagara River rumbling toward a 188-foot cascade at 20 to 30 (and up to 68) mph. The river's rapid flow creates a hazy fog and an audible roar heard from kilometers away. Crowds go to the railings at the top to feel the mist on their faces. Boats, platforms, and observation decks sustain colorful poncho-clad tourists as you follow the water's route below.
It can be seen as one of the Best Family Vacations In Canada. Niagara has evolved from a traditional honeymoon destination to a cheesy honeymoon destination, and it is now an odd blend of the two. Aside from the breathtaking waterfalls, there is a high concentration of quickie wedding chapels and neon-lit motels. However, meandering around the neighboring Inniskillin Winery's ice wine vineyards, as well as appreciating the lush landscape at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, is genuinely romantic. So, climb in the two-seater with your special someone or stuff the minivan with your family and experience a breathtaking trip to the famous Niagara Falls.Location: Ontario, Canada
Best time to visit: Summer
Price: CA$942 for one person per week
Ranking:- #1 Best Family Vacations in Canada
- #2 Best Cheap Summer Vacations
- #2 Best Places to Visit in New York State
Website: www.niagarafalls.ca
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Vancouver, British Columbia's booming west coast seaport, is one of Canada's densest and most ethnically diverse cities. It is a popular movie site since it is surrounded by mountains and boasts thriving art, theater, and music scenes. The Vancouver Art Gallery is well-known for its works by regional artists, and the Museum of Anthropology is home to world-class First Nations collections.
Vancouver is a young metropolis even by North American standards. What it lacks in history, it makes up for in culture. Discover Vancouver's Indigenous culture through a variety of historic buildings, boutiques, and museums. The city's high-fashion stores and penchant for healthy eating make it an appealing urban playground. Furthermore, Vancouver and its gorgeous backdrop of mountains and beaches has served as the site for a slew of popular television shows and major movie pictures, so don't be shocked if you spot landmarks from your favorite moments or come across a production in the works.
However, this mitten-shaped community on Canada's western border attracts more than just pop culture fanatics. Hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, whitewater rafting, and skiing will all pique your interest. Looking for some peace & quiet? Try relaxing on one of the 11 miles of beaches or at one of the many parks. During the winter, you may warm yourself by visiting one of the finest museums or taking the kids to one of the family-friendly attractions, such as Granville Island or the Capilano Suspension Bridge. When you add outstanding shopping, dining, and nightlife scenes to the mix, it's easy to see why Vancouver is regarded as a go-to destination for the multidimensional tourist.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: March to May and from September to November
Price: $1,513 for a solo traveler, $2,717 for a couple, and $5,094 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking:
- #2 Best Family Vacations in Canada
- #3 Best Places to Visit in Canada
- #4 Best Summer Vacations
Website: https://vancouver.ca/
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If a trip to a big city isn't for you, the laid-back atmosphere of Prince Edward Island might be a better fit. The area, affectionately known as PEI, is further apart from mainland Canada and concentrates on nature.
When it comes to enjoying nature's pastimes, Prince Edward Island has you covered. Whatever your level of experience with outdoor leisure, Prince Edward Island will have an activity for you to participate in during your holiday. Whether you're hiking, riding, or spending the day at the beach, there's something for everyone.
Aside from outdoor activities, your family may enjoy a variety of other entertainment options. While the island is much smaller than other places of Canada and does not have as many attractions as more crowded areas, there are plenty that tourists enjoy.
While there are a variety of restaurant kinds for your family to enjoy throughout your visit, due to the island's location, the majority of them focus around seafood. The fresh seafood you will taste during your holiday will leave you wanting more for years to come. Outside of seafood, the island has all of the culinary staples, including as pizza, BBQ, Italian, steak, and more. There are also a number of local coffee shops, diners, and cafés to enjoy. This is one of the Best Family Vacations In Canada.Overall, Prince Edward Island is a fantastic choice for your next family trip. It's its own little paradise, offering a lovely town feel, plenty of history, and every natural activity you could want.
Location: Cananda
Best time to visit: June or September
Price: $1,094 for a solo traveler, $1,664 for a couple, and $1,848 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking: #3 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/
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Whistler's amenities fit every season, with snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps, glittering lakes and gushing waterfalls, difficult hiking paths and inviting eateries. However, Whistler Blackcomb remains its most popular attraction, and why shouldn't it? The sprawling resort covers more than 8,100 acres of land, receives roughly 40 feet of snowfall every year, and is home to some of North America's most lively après-ski places. The entire town, located approximately 75 miles north of Vancouver, exemplifies the ski-chic vibe, holding hundreds of ski and snowboard events and festivals each year.
Whistler remains lively during the summer months, when more outdoor enthusiasts visit. Visitors can try bobsledding, as well as hike and bike up the slopes. Those who come to town looking for photo opportunities will not be disappointed. The Coast Summits provide a picture-perfect setting: the greatest views are from the PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, which connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains.
While Whistler is perfect for active vacationers, more laid-back visitors will love the area's museums and art galleries, which are packed with interesting exhibits. In addition, the town has family-friendly activities and attractions like as ice skating, summer concerts, and the Whistler Sliding Centre, as well as numerous of shopping and dining alternatives. With magnificent ski areas and a plethora of outdoor activities, it's easy to see why so many people want to pack their stuff and head to Whistler.Location: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Best time to visit: June through August and between December and March
Price: CA$961 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #1 Best Ski Vacations
- #3 Best Places to Visit in February
- #4 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: www.whistler.ca
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Québec City is located on the Saint Lawrence River in Canada's predominantly French-speaking province of Québec. It was founded in 1608 and contains a fortified colonial centre, Vieux-Québec, and Place Royale, as well as stone structures and narrow lanes. The Château Frontenac Hotel and the majestic Citadelle of Québec are located in this region. The cobblestone streets of the Petit Champlain neighborhood are lined with bistros and boutiques.
The sight of cobblestone streets and towering churches; the sound of French pleasantries and tourists' "Oohs;" the aroma of fresh-baked bread and pungent cheese; and the taste of creamy café lattes and buttery croissants. You are in France, according to all of your senses. But they're mistaken: you're in Québec.
For a long time, Québec City, the capital of the Canadian province of Québec, was overshadowed by its neighbor, Montréal, but the celebration of its 400th birthday in 2008 pushed Québec City back into the spotlight. Since then, visitors have rushed here to experience the allure of this UNESCO World Heritage site for themselves. As the birthplace of New France, Québec City continues to retain its motherland's culture. Passing inside Old Québec's defensive walls reveals a scene straight out of a European painting: 17th- and 18th-century buildings contain bakers, bistros, and boutiques, while cobbled squares are drowned out by a sea of cafe tables. And a piece of Québec City's rich legacy awaits discovery around every corner. This activities above is considered as one of the Best Family Vacations In Canada.
Location: Canada
Best time to visit: April, May, or June
Price: $108 per day for one person
Ranking:
- #1 Best Cheap Winter Vacations
- #5 Best Places to Visit in Canada
- #5 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: www.ville.quebec.qc.ca/en/
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Residents of Canada visit Banff on a regular basis for holidays to experience the natural beauty of the area. As a result, it's no wonder that it's a popular destination for visitors from outside Canada.
If you want to experience the lifestyle of a Swiss ski hamlet but don't want to pay for a transatlantic ticket, try Banff. Because of its location in the heart of the Canadian Rockies, at the southeastern edge of Banff National Park - Canada's first national park - excursions here will reduce not only your flight time from the United States, but also your costs. Banff caters to daring travelers who would rather stay in a luxurious hotel than rough it at the campgrounds. Choose your adventure: skiing down Mount Norquay, hiking to the gigantic, free-standing limestone pillars known as the Hoodoos, "scrambling" up the face of Stoney Squaw Mountain, or biking along Healy Creek.
There is the Banff Cultural Centre and the Banff Park Museum National Historic Site for persons interested in culture. A trip to Banff in Alberta, Canada, is ideal for nature lovers or those looking for a place to unwind and enjoy some time away from technology. When you're fatigued, retire to your comfy lodge and refuel with a heaping portion of bison meat.Location: Alberta, Canada
Best time to visit: June to August and December to March
Price: CA$652 for one person per week
Ranking:
- #1 Best Places to Visit in Canada
- #4 Best Places to Visit in December
- #6 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://banff.ca/
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Ottawa is the capital of Canada, located in the east of southern Ontario, near the city of Montréal and the United States border. It is located on the Ottawa River and is centered on Parliament Hill, which features stately Victorian architecture and institutions such as the National Gallery of Canada, which houses notable collections of indigenous and other Canadian art. In the summer, the park-lined Rideau Canal is packed with boats, and in the winter, ice skaters.
When contrasted to larger cities like Toronto and Montreal, Ottawa, located in southeast Ontario near the Quebec border, may appear an improbable candidate for Canada's capital. However, this does not mean it should be dismissed. Visit for yourself and you'll find that this city does not disappoint. It's modest but bustling, family-friendly but ready for the nighttime, a little chilly but unquestionably cool.
Ottawa is a political and cultural hotspot that caters to visitors from all over the world. Its downtown is brimming with jaw-dropping architecture, cutting-edge museums, colorful boutiques, and superb snack restaurants, all of which are easily accessible by foot. Furthermore, this is a city that loves to party, with dozens of festivals held throughout the year. While the frigid weather may appear to be a deterrent, a few hours ice skating (or sipping hot chocolate) along the Rideau Canal will convert even the most adamant summer fan into a winter enthusiast.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: between March and May
Price: $1,168 for a solo traveler, $2,098 for a couple, and $3,933 for a family of 4 for 7 days trip
Ranking: #7 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://ottawa.ca/en
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Toronto is the epitome of cosmopolitanism. To newcomers, Toronto may appear to be simply another large metropolis. Downtown is densely packed with buildings, the main streets are alive with activity, and the public transportation system is excellent. But, if you lift the hood of Canada's largest city, you'll discover that there's more to it than an impressive skyline.
Toronto is regarded as one of the world's most culturally diverse cities, with more than half of the population born outside of the city. Toronto is home to 200 ethnic groups and over 140 different languages, making this Ontario destination an universe unto itself. With Greektown, Little Italy, Koreatown, and Chinatown all within city borders, visitors to Toronto may feel as if they've visited more than a handful of nations. The city also has one of the world's tallest freestanding structures, the CN Tower, and the world's largest subterranean shopping mall, PATH.
If your family appreciates museums and learning about various aspects of history and culture, Toronto has several possibilities. While there are some natural qualities to Toronto, it is not the city's primary focus. During your visit, you can, however, visit multiple beaches, parks, and even the Toronto Islands. A short ferry journey away are the Toronto Islands, which feature an amusement park and numerous hiking trails. Apart from its major attractions, Toronto should be experienced in the same way as any other big city: enjoying a cocktail at a corner café, exploring multicultural shops on eccentric neighborhood blocks, and hopping on and off the subway for a night on the town.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: late April through May and September through October
Price: $175 per day for one person
Ranking:
- #8 Best Family Vacations in Canada
- #11 Best Summer Vacations
- #13 Best Places to Visit in Canada
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/
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Jasper National Park in the Canadian Rockies is a huge wilderness area characterised by glaciers, lakes, and peaks such as the 11,033-foot-high Mt. Edith Cavell. The Icefields Parkway, which runs from Jasper to Banff, passes through subalpine forest and the massive Columbia Icefield. Hiking, camping, and skiing are popular outdoor activities. Elk, moose, bighorn sheep, and bears are among the native species.
Jasper National Park, one of Canada's wildest areas, offers multicolored landscapes at every turn. Views abound as hikers make their way from the summit of Mount Edith Cavell to the caverns of Maligne Canyon. The park, located on Alberta's eastern border, serves as a beacon for Northern Hemisphere travelers. Jasper is the largest park in the Canadian Rockies and has been classified as part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with Banff and a few other parks. With over 2.7 million acres to explore, visitors are sure to see wildlife ranging from caribou to wolverine to moose.
Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada's largest park in the Canadian Rockies, has plenty of outdoor activity for kids of all ages. Water activities include kayaking, fishing, and boating, as well as hiking, biking, camping, and ranger-led programs on land. It can be seen as one of the Best Family Vacations In Canada that you should try.Address: Jasper, AB T0E 1E0, Canada
Best time to visit: March through May and September through November
Price: Adult $10.50; Senior $9.00; Youth free; Family/Group $21.00; Commercial Group, per person $9.00
Ranking:
- #1 Best National Parks in Canada
- #2 Best Places to Visit in Canada
- #9 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/jasper
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Kelowna is a city in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is located in the Okanagan Valley, on the eastern coast of Okanagan Lake, and is bordered by provincial parks, pine forests, vineyards, orchards, and mountains. Its downtown includes a waterfront City Park as well as a lakeside cultural district. Wine tours and tastings are available at over 20 nearby vineyards.
Kelowna features the Kelowna MapleFest in April, the Fat Cat Children's Festival in June, and other family-friendly events all year. In the winter, families can cross-country ski on several resort paths, and in the summer, they can fish, paddleboard, and kayak on Okanagan Lake.
Visit the numerous Okanagan wineries, eateries, craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries. Bike the trails, see the ancient Myra Canyon Trestles, or walk to the summit of a mountain. Relax on one of the many beaches along the lake, or take to the water for a variety of lake activities. Are you looking for farm-fresh food? For great seasonal products grown right here, visit the farms, orchards, markets, or numerous local eateries. Do you want to play a round of golf? Golf your way through 19 different golf courses. Kelowna is a must-play place for any golfer!
Location: Canada
Best time to visit: May - July
Price: CA $1,209 per person
Ranking: #10 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://www.kelowna.ca/
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Victoria, British Columbia's capital, is located on the rocky southern end of Vancouver Island. It is well-known for its ample parkland and outdoor activities. The Victorian architecture of the city, particularly the grand Craigdarroch Castle house, reflects the city's British colonial past. Butchart Gardens, with its 55 acres of vibrant floral displays, statuary, water features, and a carousel, is one of the city's many formal gardens.
Despite being only a 90-minute ferry journey from bustling Vancouver, British Columbia's capital city appears to be a world apart. Victoria, on the other hand, takes a more traditional approach than its younger neighbor. This small city on Vancouver Island's southern coast is profoundly anchored in its Colonial past, with distinctively British customs like afternoon tea at the Fairmont Empress and a pint at the pub. But it doesn't imply this is a destination only for Anglophiles. Despite its nostalgic tendencies, this city attracts a diverse range of visitors with outstanding museums honoring its aboriginal past, lovely architecture, and spectacular harbor vistas.
But don't stop at the Inner Harbour; there's a lot more to this area than beautiful gardens and afternoon tea. There are various family-friendly attractions in Victoria and on Vancouver Island. A trip to the Victoria Butterfly Gardens or a trek at Juan de Fuca Provincial Park will be enjoyable for your children. A whale watching tour is one opportunity you should not pass up: orcas are prevalent in this area. Vancouver Island is also noted for its long beaches and lush vineyards. Drive from downtown Victoria to Sooke, a busy boating and fishing town, or out to the Cowichan Valley, where rows of vines are packed with grapes. Bring your camera, for the view is guaranteed to delight even the most jaded traveler.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: March to May and September to November
Ranking:
- #7 Best Places to Visit in Canada
- #7 Best Places to Visit in November
- #11 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: victoria.ca
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Saskatoon is a city in Saskatchewan, Canada, located on the South Saskatchewan River. Wanuskewin Heritage Park, located north along the riverbank Meewasin Trail, features exhibitions about indigenous culture. Native fauna inhabits the prairie grasslands of Beaver Creek Conservation Area on the trail's southern portion. The Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, located east of the river, features manicured gardens and a children's zoo.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Saskatoon is that if you're on the fence about going, you can pay a virtual visit to their town's welcome center and explore everything the city has to offer before committing to travel there! This technological convenience is extremely useful, but seeing Saskatoon in person will not disappoint!
The 17 free spray pads in Saskatoon, multiple ice skating rinks, and Nutrien Playland at Kinsmen Park are just a few of the reasons why this Saskatchewan destination appeals to families. But no trip to Saskatoon is complete without a stop at the Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, which includes a zoo, a fishing pond, and a nature-themed playground. This is one of the Best Family Vacations In Canada that you should experience.
Furthermore, many individuals take advantage of the magnificent snow and surroundings to capture breathtaking winter pictures. Several festivals, including several directly tied to the holidays, take place in Saskatoon during the winter months. There are many sites that are accessible regardless of weather conditions for when you need a break from the cold or wish to arrange a family excursion for the warmer months. You will not be disappointed with the range of exquisite restaurants, excellent shopping, and a myriad of hotels and resorts available throughout your visit.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: October-November
Price: $109 per day for one person
Ranking: #12 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://www.saskatoon.ca
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Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital, is an industrialized city best known for its harbor, which serves anything from private charters to huge cruise ships. Families can traverse the 1.5-mile Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk to see all of the vessels, including a real-life facsimile of Theodore Tugboat, based on the popular Canadian children's television series. And, while the city appears to be modernized, there is a lot of history to be unearthed if you delve a little deeper.
Nova Scotia's capital is a historian's dream: this coastal town has served as both a British bastion and a pirate sanctuary. The city was also the beginning point for over a million immigrants' new lives, as well as the final resting place for hundreds of people who died at sea after the "unsinkable" Titanic capsized in the frigid Atlantic. And, with so many of Halifax's biggest attractions devoted to preserving the city's rich heritage, you might think the city is locked in time. But you'd be mistaken.
Because of its natural harbor, Halifax has developed as the commercial capital of Canada's Maritime Provinces. This position has also aided Halifax's development as a cultural center. This implies a plethora of festivals, art galleries, and live entertainment for visitors. This is also an excellent starting point for an outdoor adventure, as Halifax is home to several noteworthy public parks and is a short drive from some local ski resorts. In addition, salmon and lobster are essential elements in Nova Scotian cuisine and may be enjoyed amid breathtaking views of the waterfront at many downtown eateries. So, whether you want to experience the history or the present, Halifax is an excellent choice.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: May through October
Price: $98 per day for one person
Ranking: #13 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: www.halifax.ca
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Montréal is the capital of Canada's Québec province. It's located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and is called after Mt. Royal, a triple-peaked summit in the center. Its boroughs, many of which were originally distinct cities, comprise neighborhoods ranging from cobblestoned, French colonial Vieux-Montréal to bohemian Plateau, with the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica at its heart.
There is only one word that truly describes Montreal: multifarious. With 18th-century architecture mixing into a 21st-century skyline, this city epitomizes the fusion of the Old and New Worlds. This Francophone city is rich in history and art, as well as delectable French-inspired cuisine. Montréal is the capital of Canada's province of Québec. It's located on an island in the Saint Lawrence River and is called for Mt. Royal, the triple-peaked hill in its heart. Its boroughs, many of which were originally distinct cities, comprise neighborhoods ranging from cobblestoned, French colonial Vieux-Montréal - with the Gothic Revival Notre-Dame Basilica at its heart - to bohemian Plateau.
There is only one word that truly captures the essence of Montreal: multifaceted. This city reflects the meeting of the Old and New Worlds, with 18th-century structures mixing into a 21st-century skyline. This Francophone city is rich in history and art, as well as exquisite French-inspired cuisine. If history isn't your thing, spend a day shopping in downtown Montreal or hiking in Parc du Mont-Royal. Just remember to conserve some energy for when the sun goes down; Montreal, particularly Rue St-Denis, is famed for a nightlife scene that lasts into the early hours of the morning.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: March to May and from September to November
Price: $177 per day for one person
Ranking:
- #1 Best Weekend Getaways
- #2 Best Spring Vacations
- #14 Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: https://montreal.ca/
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Saint John is a city in New Brunswick, Canada, located on the Bay of Fundy. The Reversing Rapids are a natural phenomena generated by bay tides merging with the Saint John River. The Saint John City Market, housed in an 1876 structure, is packed with food and craft stalls. Trails wind through the salt marshes, volcanic rock, and woodlands of Irving Nature Park on a nearby peninsula. The Imperial Theatre in 1913 hosts plays, concerts, and dance performances.
Saint John, New Brunswick, may not provide the best first impression: the skyline is dominated by shipping docks and oil tanks, and decades of industry have left the city with a somewhat grimy aspect. But don't discount New Brunswick's second-largest city too quickly. A busy downtown area exists beyond the factories, with traces of the past enhancing the view. History is alive and well in the center of Saint John, with sites such as the Saint John City Market, which was erected in the late 1800s to house all of the city's markets in one central area. There are also a number of Irish bars that pay homage to the many Irish immigrants that arrived in the mid-1800s.
But probably the most compelling reason to visit Saint John is its proximity to the Bay of Fundy. This wide inlet that separates New Brunswick from Nova Scotia is a wonderful setting for outdoor adventures. A visit to Reversing Falls Rapids in the heart of Saint John will give you a sense of Fundy's tremendous tides. To properly appreciate the bay's splendor, venture out of town to Fundy National Park, where you can hike, kayak, and do other activities. Just keep your eyes peeled: you're bound to see a whale or two.Location: Canada
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October
Price: $1,075 for one person per week
Ranking: #15 in Best Family Vacations in Canada
Website: www.saintjohn.ca