Top Five Canadian Vacations for Families
With spring break approaching and summer on the horizon, now is a great time to plan your family vacation. Canada has many wonderful options of interest to parents and children of all ages.
Vancouver
Vancouver is a world-class city that is incredibly scenic and surrounded by beaches and mountains. Stanley Park holds some of the most visited attractions in Vancouver. It encompasses 1,000 acres and features playgrounds, an outdoor water park, a miniature train and is home to the Vancouver Aquarium. For kids who are thrill seekers, the Capilano Suspension Bridge (Link) is a must-see. It is 460 feet long and hangs 230 feet above the Capilano River. If you have teenagers, they may particularly enjoy visiting the Vancouver area because it is where the mega-hit Twilight movies were filmed. Whale-watching boat trips off the coast are also popular, and orca whales are often spotted in the water.
Banff
Nestled in the Canadian Rockies, Banff is a year-round outdoor playground. It is a skier’s paradise, and hiking, biking and fishing are some of the favorite activities when the weather is warm. The Banff gondola is open for rides during the summer and offers a great opportunity to view the natural beauty of the surrounding area.
Niagara Falls
While the falls are the premier attraction, there are many different ways to experience them. Maid of the Mist boat tours take visitors right up to the falling water, and raingear is provided. You can also see the falls from caves that are accessed via elevator. Looking down from an observation tower is another way to enjoy the view. MarineLand is nearby and has killer whales, dolphins, seals and roller coasters.
Quebec City
Visitors to Quebec City can experience the charm of another era; the city has cobblestone streets, castles, fortresses and cathedrals. Children and parents will also enjoy the delicious French pastries. The Canadian Children’s Museum has many hands-on exhibits like the Kids Café, Market Bazaar and Building Works space. Historic Battlefields Park is a great place for a walk and picnic and has many lovely gardens as well. Depending on the time of year you visit Quebec City, your family may also have the opportunity to make maple syrup.
Toronto
Toronto is the largest city in Canada and a wonderful place for a family vacation. The CN Tower is a big attraction for kids. It is 1,815 feet tall, and visitors ride in glass elevators all the way to the top. Centreville Amusement Park, located on Centre Island, is an idyllic destination for kids under the age of 12. Visitors take a ferry to the island, and there are ponies, a carousel, antique Ferris wheel and many other rides. There are also numerous parks, bike paths and wading pools. The Hockey Hall of Fame is also located in Toronto and has tons of interactive exhibits that are fun for kids and adults alike.
Tips for Traveling With Kids
Traveling with children is a wonderful way to expose them to new experiences, but it can also be challenging. Here are a few tips that may help make your family trip more enjoyable.
- Don’t be spontaneous
It is tough to be spontaneous when you have kids. Making reservations for hotels, restaurants and special events in advance is highly recommended.
- Pack Accordingly
You can’t ever know for sure that you will be able to easily locate essentials for your children when you visit someplace new. Bringing snacks, diapers, toys and medication with you can save a lot of grief.
- Involve Older Children in the Planning
If you include older children in your vacation planning, they are more likely to be enthusiastic participants.
Canada is a wonderful country for a family vacation. Whether you prefer a big city, beach or mountains, the perfect destination can be found.