Best Canada Family Vacations for All Year Long

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Canada has a lot to offer, from breathtaking hikes and natural formations to charming cities with a European flair. Also known for its harsh winter, many families disregard going north to enjoy its wonder.
But with these recommendations from local families on the Gowhee App, you can now plan your Canada family vacation all year round.

The country is also amazing for road trips with kids with tons of pit stops opportunity and historical attractions to add to your bucket list. 

canada family vacations Blog Cover
Photo by @lovelife_abroad

Summer

See the Grand Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls, located right on the Canadian border with the US, is a breathtaking sight. While there are lots of ways to see the falls, the classic way is to ride out on one of the Niagara City Hornblower Cruises. After you’ve seen the falls, enjoy the park– kids especially love the butterfly garden. 

Key Information: Tickets start at $32.75 CAD for adults/$22.75 for kids – food onsite – stroller friendly

Good To Know: For families with older kids, the Zipline to the Falls is a must-do.

Go Camping on Melville Island

Melville Island offers adorable camping cottages that let you and your family stay in comfy beds while exploring all that nature has to offer. The island also has rustic campsites if you want to rough it! This beautiful island offers swimming, a playground for kids, hiking trails, and much more. 

Key Information: Shelters start at $101.95 per night – pet-friendly – close to downtown Shawnigan

Good To Know: Older kids really enjoy the aerial ropes course.

Family in Camping ile de melville
Camping ile de melville. Photo by Lovelife_abroad

Best Canada Family Vacations for All Year Long

Weekend at Lake Louise

Enjoy a weekend at the lake with all the comforts of home at Lake Louise. The Mountaineer Lodge has suites with bunk beds for the kids and even pet-friendly rooms! You can swim or canoe on the beautiful lake, or explore the gorgeous natural environment of Banff National Park.

Key Information: Standard rooms start at $354.54 – not all rooms have air conditioning – breakfast is included.

Good To Know: The lodge has free parking and bike storage.

>>> Find hotels and kid-friendly attractions near Lake Louise, here.

Road Trip to British Columbia

Family road trips are a great way to make memories that will last forever. When you drive out to the west coast of Canada, you’ll see beautiful vistas and have a great time.  You can camp along the way, or enjoy hotels like the Ramada Revelstoke on the way there. Because you’re in total control of your trip and its itinerary, you can do whatever you want! But you should definitely either take bikes or rent them when you get there so that you and the kids can be sure to take advantage of BCs many incredible mountain biking trails.

Enjoy Nova Scotia’s Seaside Towns

Nova Scotia is home to many charming towns with lots of kid-friendly places to visit and things to do, like discovering fossils or learning how to be a lumberjack!  

Key Information: Lodging prices vary – check age limits on group activities – lots of pet-friendly options

Good To Know: There are lots of charming inns and family-friendly BnBs in Nova Scotia, but if you want to make your trip truly unique, glamping is always an option!

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Spring/Fall

Backpack the Canadian Rockies

The Canadian Rockies are some of North America’s most beautiful mountains, and there are adventure opportunities for even little kids! Depending on your kids’ age and comfort levels, you can go car camping, stay at a lodge, or hike out with a tent for a truly off-road experience. 

Key Information: Lodging varies – many parks have official inns – not ideal for infants

Good To Know: Get your kids involved in trip planning by letting them help with preparing trail snacks, like GORP and other trail mixes!


>>> Discover places to stay and have fun with kids in the Rockies, here.

Relax in Historic Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay is a charming city on Lake Superior and absolutely perfect for a vacation or day trip. This historic city has lots of parks and neighborhoods to stroll around. You can take a picnic to Hillcrest Park or see history come to life at the Fort William Historical Park, or spend some time at the marina and watch the ships navigating Lake Superior.

Key Information: FREE (attractions have fees) – lots of food options – stroller friendly

Good To Know: Thunder Bay has lots of family-friendly street festivals and public concerts.

Fort william park buildings.
Fort William Park. Photo by @lovelife_abroad

Drive Scenic Cabot Trail

If you’re visiting Nova Scotia, you can’t miss the Cabot Trail. This 186-mile highway winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and takes you past stunning views of the coast. There are plenty of places to stop and hike, too!

Key Information: FREE – plan for half a day – many hiking trails are not stroller friendly so plan the carrier.

Good To Know: The trail is a loop, so you don’t have to turn around and come back another 186 miles if you want to do the whole thing!

Explore Ontario’s Many Museums

Ontario has lots of museums that kids just love. No matter where you are in the province, there’s a museum for your kids to explore. At the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, kids can get inspired by real rockets and planes. The Bank of Canada Museum has tons of fun activities to teach kids about money. And the Hamilton Children’s Museum even has a ship for your kids to play on!

Key Information: Prices vary – most museums have cafés – museums are stroller friendly

Good To Know: May is Museum Month in Canada, so it’s worth checking out special offers in this month!

>>> Discover tons of children’s museums near you and around the globe, here.

Take the Anne of Green Gables Tour on Prince Edward Island

You can’t visit Prince Edward Island without enjoying the Anne of Green Gables tour! Featuring sites from the classic novel series and from L.M. Montgomery’s life (including her beloved Cavendish home), the books come to life as you explore the village of Avonlea. Explore with a self-guided tour or book a guided experience. And don’t forget to get some cherry cordial while you’re on the island!

Key Information: Self-guided tours are FREE – attractions have costs – lots of food options available

Good To Know: A relaxing carriage ride is a perfect activity for the whole family.

 
Streets with Christmas decoration at Petit Champlain
Christmas decoration at Petit Champlain. Photo by @Lovelife_abroad

Winter

Spend Christmas in Quebec City

Experience the magic of Christmas at the Quartier Petit Champlain. The district’s decorations and shopping opportunities are simply astounding. Your kids will feel like they’re at the North Pole as they gaze at gleaming Christmas lights and decorated Christmas trees. 

Key Information: FREE – stroller-friendly – several food options available

Good To Know: Quebec City has lots of kid-friendly restaurants to try!

Check Out North America’s Largest Indoor Amusement Park

If you think that you can’t visit amusement parks in winter, think again! Galaxyland is an indoor amusement park in the West Edmonton Mall that offers more than twenty-five rides, mini-golf, and a mirror maze.

Key Information: Tickets are $44-$54 – food onsite – outside food and drink permitted.

Good To Know: There are lots of other fun activities at the West Edmonton Mall, including an aquarium!

Take a Ski Trip to Mont Tremblant

The Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a kid-friendly winter wonderland! Stay on the mountain in a chalet or ski lodge, or stay in the charming, walkable village.. You can enjoy alpine skiing, learning how to cross country ski or ice skating. 

Key Information: Lodging prices vary – villas and houses available for larger families – ski schools available for all ages

Good To Know: After you’re done on the slopes, order chocolate fondue from Chocolate to enjoy in your room or suite!

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Explore an Indoor Park in Calgary

Even in the middle of winter, you can immerse yourself in an indoor forest in Calgary! The Devonian Gardens are a natural escape from city life no matter the season. Kids love the playground and mini climbing walls.  

Key Information: FREE – stroller-friendly – ADA accessible

Good To Know: The Devonian Gardens are located in the Core Shopping Centre, so there are plenty of food options nearby.

Did we miss any of your favorite Canada family vacations? Share your travel tips below!

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