Travel Canada: 5 Family Vacation Ideas

From its culturally rich cities to its scenic natural splendors, Canada boasts many options for a memorable family vacation.  Below are five tried-and-true favorite vacations that travelers with children are sure to enjoy.

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.