Skiing at Whistler

Perhaps one of the most well known places to vacation and ski in Canada, let alone the world, is Whistler, British Columbia.  Both skiers and snowboarders alike recognize this Canada resort destination as a powdery, snowy paradise amidst B.C.’s coastal mountains.  Whistler Village boasts several top-notch hotels such as the Four Seasons and the Westin Resort and Spa.  A standard daily lift ticket is around $80.

While there, take a zip line tour! Experience the sensation of flying through the air at tremendous speeds.  Companies offer tours that combine some hiking and some zip line rides with education and information about the surrounding ecosystems.  Most tours offer a safety training and orientation.

Hiking & Cycling in Saskatchewan

The Big Muddy Badlands have been formed by millions of years of environmental and historical happenings.  Today, thousands of tourists from all over flock to the badlands to witness the amazing scenery.  This area, located in south central Saskatchewan, just north of the Canada/USA border, has been punctuated with landmarks – both natural and man-made – that tell its exciting story.  Nature lovers and history buffs will enjoy a landscape that holds so many secrets.

While there, camp out in Coronach.  Comfortable campgrounds offer the experience of a lifetime.  Catch something special at one of the local fishing holes, and then take an interpretive tour.

River Rafting on the Ottawa River

Warm water all summer long combines with impressive rapids to make Canada’s premier river rafting destination – the Ottawa River.  The Ottawa is situated along the border between Quebec and Ontario.  Take a guided tour down the Main Channel or guide your own raft down the Middle Channel.  Serene scenery framed by waterfalls and artistic rock formations is balanced by challenging rapids and waves.

While there, go bungee jumping on the Ontario side.  You’ll enjoy stunning views of the Ottawa River from atop the 150-foot tower.  Plunging toward the sparkling waters of the river below will top off this experience of a lifetime.  Book your jump along with your river rafting adventure for a great deal on both.

Climbing the Canadian Rockies

There’s no greater adventure or better way to experience the Canadian outdoors than to climb the Rocky Mountains.  A mountain-climbing escapade to Canmore, Alberta can be a life-changing experience.  The amazing vistas are ones witnessed by very few.  Experienced and well-equipped climbers will enjoy the thrill of a lifetime.  Novice climbers can benefit from the safety of guided tours.

While there, stay at the Canmore Mountain Lodge and let the outdoor hot tub melt away the exhilaration while you take pleasure in views filled with snowy-peaked mountains.

Ontario

Ontario offers the best of all worlds, from lush forests and sparkling lakes to the hustle and bustle of Canada’s largest city – Toronto.  Starting and ending your romantic excursion in Toronto is a great idea.  Explore city sites and savor Canadian fare at its best.  Plan a day trip up north to the Muskoka region for  hiking and swimming, or visit Ontario’s last remaining covered bridge – “The Kissing Bridge” in Waterloo County.

Victoria, BC

This clean, quaint and picturesque city is located on the very tip of Vancouver Island.  Stroll the Inner Harbor arm in arm and enjoy street performances, art exhibits, window-shopping and romantic dining.  At night, head over to Butchart Gardens and witness the magic of flowers and plant life illuminated by floodlights.  Top off your romantic getaway with a horse-drawn carriage ride through James Bay.  Enjoy lovely vistas of the harbor, stately homes and the Juan de Fuca Straight.

Calgary

This famous city is located in the southern region of Alberta province.  Its close proximity to the Canadian Rocky Mountains puts it at driving distance.  Whether you’ve popped the question or not, a visit to one of Calgary’s most popular “proposal” locations is a must.  The Calgary Tower offers panoramic views of the city as well as a revolving restaurant.  Check out Devonian Gardens for an indoor extravaganza of plant life, waterfalls and marine animals.  Calgary offers several romantic lodging options, from 4-star luxury hotels to cozy bed and breakfast inns.

Montreal

Montreal’s artistic mix of old and new makes for a magical experience for couples in love.  Explore the cobblestoned roads of Viex Montreal by L’Amphibus tour.  You’ll ride the amphibious bus through the old neighborhood, and before you know it, the entire vehicle will plunge into the clear waters of the Bateau Mouche.  For a more conventional experience, stroll through Rue Jaques-Cartier, a wide pedestrian access road filled with live entertainment, arts and crafts, and sidewalk cafes.

Prince Edward Island

Canada’s smallest province also serves as a serene place where couples can rediscover each other and reconnect.  Long drives through inspiring scenes of red cliffs, sandy beaches and countryside landscapes provide a relaxing change of pace.  Visit Charlottetown and feel time moving backwards as you stroll through the 19th century-era historic district.  Long walks through dunes and red-sand beaches make Prince Edward Island Park a top romantic destination.

Romantic Canada

No matter what the occasion or which region of Canada you choose, there are romantic getaway options to suit all tastes.  After selecting which province and city you will visit, make sure to seek out special couples packages or honeymoon specials.  Hotels, inns, bed & breakfasts, spas and even restaurants offer discounts or deals to make your stay even more special.

Montreal
This French/English bilingual city is full of fun and educational experiences to be had by children of all ages.  Both parents and kids will take pleasure in experiencing life as it was hundreds of years ago in Old Montreal.  Fast-forward a few centuries and learn about technological advances of today and tomorrow at the Montreal Science Centre.  Explore natural environments by visiting the Biodome, or enrich your family’s cultural appreciation at the Museum of Fine Arts.  Want an adventure? Take a jet boat tour down the Lachine Rapids.

Stay
For the budget-conscious, the Holiday Inn Montreal-Midtown offers a family-friendly stay at a wallet-friendly price.
The ritzy Loews Hotel Vogue specializes in luxury and comfort –for parents and kids.  They have games to lend out, a children’s menu at the hotel restaurant and a welcome gift at check-in.

Niagara Falls
For an unforgettable family vacation, check out the amazing splendor of cascading currents up to 183 feet tall.  Enjoy waterfall tours such as Maid of the Mist or Journey Behind the Falls.  Families can enjoy much more than natural aquatic beauty with a vacation to Niagara Falls.  Tall buildings, hotels with indoor water parks and Ferris wheels are only a few of the things to see and do in this area.

See
Take a break from your action-packed, fun-filled family vacation and take the kids to the Bird Kingdom at the Niagara Falls Aviary.  This exotic, four-time “Attraction of the Year” award winner offers special tours and packages for families.

Calgary
This city, widely known as the gateway to the Canadian Rockies is one of the most child and youth welcoming cities in the country.  Must-see attractions in Calgary include the Calgary Tower, where you can enjoy panoramic vistas of the city from a 525-foot vantage point.  The TELUS World of Science boasts exhibits geared toward different age groups.  The Calgary Zoo, Fort Calgary and Canada Olympic Park offer additional family fun.

Eat
Breakfast at Color’s Café is a must.  Parents will love the unique décor and kids will love the generous buffet.  Colors Café is located in The Sheraton Cavalier Calgary Hotel.

Whistler
Whether your kids are avid snowboarders or just ready to try skiing for the first time, Whistler has something for everyone.  Follow a day on the lifts with a walk through Whistler village where you can sip hot chocolate or window-shop.  If skiing isn’t your thing, camping and zip lining (as well as mountain-climbing and hiking) are all popular family activities.

Do
Get away from the kids for while and treat yourself to luxurious pampering with a spa package at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler.
Toronto

What better family vacation spot than a large city located on the shore of a lake? Toronto is located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario and happens to be the most populous city in Canada.  This combination makes for a travel destination surrounded by beauty and chock-full of family activities.  Some of the must-see attractions in Toronto include the Royal Ontario Museum, the Ontario Science Center, the Toronto Zoo and Black Creek Pioneer Village.

Play
Head to lakefront Ontario Place for a day of fun. Take a pedal boat trip, enjoy a round of mini golf, get shot out of a tube of water, zip down water slides and float on rafts at the Soak City water park.

Game, including rabbit, caribou, and bison, which have been served in aboriginal homes for centuries, are now considered gourmet dishes at cosmopolitan restaurants. A tradition of French haute cuisine is evident in most of the country’s major cities, particularly in top hotels. However, as Canada is a nation of immigrants, ethnic restaurants are common everywhere.

German, Greek, Chinese, Thai, Indian, Ukrainian, African, and Italian cuisines, along with other international favorites, provide a wide range of choice at a price to suit every budget.

Regional specialties can be sampled in their place of origin, but most of the larger towns will also offer a choice of the country’s best local produce, and in some areas this includes Canadian wines and beers.

Types of Restaurants

Eating out in Canada is surprisingly easy on the pocket, particularly compared to European and American prices. This makes a trip to a top restaurant to sample international cuisine (often made with local produce) very worthwhile. Eating places are extremely varied, with the tearoom, bistro, brasserie, and theater café competing with the more usual café, restaurant, and fast food outlet. Many pubs also serve excellent bar food, at reasonable prices.

More unusual, but no less worthwhile, is the uniquely Canadian dining experience of the delicious lobster supper.

Held throughout the summer on Prince Edward Island, these lively gatherings usually take place in church grounds on wooden tables surrounded by local fishermen. Equally unique, though by no means public, are Inuit dinners.

Traveling through the Arctic north may result in an invitation to join an Inuit family for the evening meal. Traditional dishes might include sun dried caribou sweetened with berry sauces or smoked and dried local fish. These family dinners are usually alcohol free and very lively.

There is no government sponsored hotel grading system in Canada, but the voluntary program “Canada Select” is usually very accurate.

Each establishment is rated by numbers of stars. It is worth bearing in mind, however, that a 4-star hotel in a large city such as Toronto, for example, might not have the same level of facilities as one with the same rating in a small upscale resort with a château hotel.

The Canadian Automobile Association also operates an assessment system, mostly for hotels and motels along main highways, and these, while also non-official, are largely recognized as consistent and accurate. Air-conditioning comes as standard in most of the country during summer, except in national park lodges and cooler coastal and northern regions. Central heating country-wide is efficient. Cable TV, radio, irons and ironing boards, and coffee-making facilities are standard. Private bathrooms are usual, but you will need to specify a bathtub or shower – also remember to ask for double or twin beds when booking a double room.

Prices

With such a wide range of accommodations, prices vary hugely. In a major town, the top hotel’s presidential suite may command a daily rate in excess of Can$1,000, while a hiker’s hostel will provide a dormitory bed for under

Can$25. Budget hotels and B-and-Bs charge Can$50–75 a night per person. Some prices rise in high season, but rates are discounted in low season.

Reservations

Advance reservations are always recommended in the main cities, where festivals, conventions, meetings, and major sports and musical events are held year-round. Provincial tourist offices or airlines will assist in suggesting and arranging bookings.

Luxury Hotels

Although Canada has few five-star hotels, the major cities boast some truly world class establishments. The railroad age of the late 19th century ushered in château style hotels, which are unique Canadian architectural features.

Nowadays, most of the castle hotels, including the Château Frontenac, are owned and operated by Fairmont Hotels.

Luxury chains are well represented: the Four Seasons, the Hilton, the Radisson, the Sheraton, and Westin chains operate in Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, and Vancouver.

Chain Hotels

Canada offers numerous franchise and chain hotels and motels. Reliable and comfortable, if occasionally a little bland, chains vary in style and price from grand resort areas to the less expensive but equally well-known Best Western, Comfort, and Super 8.

Popular with families and business travelers, many of the properties have offices for use, including fax, e-mail, and telegraph equipment. Children’s facilities are usually good.

Disabled Travelers

Canada’s building laws require all new and renovated public buildings to provide wheelchair facilities with ramps, wide doors, and straight access to rooms. However, as many rural hotels date from the 19th century, facilities should always be checked in advance.

Children

Traveling with children is relatively easy. Nearly every property will supply a cot or junior-sized bed in a parents’ room. Major hotels offer babysitting services. A lone parent traveling with children may need written consent from the other parent under anti abduction regulations.