Canada is known for politeness and poutine. Canada has an abundance of wide open spaces to explore, and bustling metropolitan areas to discover, with people, places, and provisions that are sure to surprise and delight the kids who visit.
Get trusted guidance to the world's most breathtaking experiences delivered to your inbox weekly with our email newsletter.Canada is a great family vacation destination because of its safe cities and friendly faces.
Canada has an incredibly diverse landscape. From the peaks of the Rockies to the plains of the prairies, the country is an outdoor playground for all. Whether you're in the country or not, you're sure to find something suitable for children of all ages.
If city escapes are more your speed, there are museums and amusement parks in the metropolitan areas.
Exploring the stories and sites of the country's Indigenous Peoples is a must when visiting Canada. Families can learn about the traditional territories of Canada through the diverse and authentic Indigenous tours offered in every region.
Canada is huge, so plan your visit accordingly, and check out how to get around in the country. You can see it all in one trip. Here are some of the best things to do with children in Canada.
The lakeside town of Harrison Hot Springs has a wide range of activities for all ages to enjoy. The Sasquatch Trail has dozens of hand-carved cedar masks that are hidden along the way, or families can learn about the mythical creature that is said to call the Harrison Hot Springs area home by walking along theSpirit Trail. The floating water park is a great place to have fun on the water. The sandy beach and waterfront playground located at the lake's edge is a great spot for a picnic on a warm day.
The Northern Lights Wolf Centre is a great place to learn about wolves and see them in their natural environment. Families looking to learn more about the fascinating four-legged mammals can take a tour through the natural habitat and see the surrounding peaks, rivers and forest.
On the Indigenous Experiences tour you can learn about Canada's Indigenous heritage. Canada's First Peoples can be explored through interactive displays, workshops, performances, and hands-on experiences.
The Canadian Museum of History is Canada's largest and most-visited museum, and there are many ways to visit it. You can connect with the past, present, and future of Canada by choosing a Canadian signature experience.
Prince Edward Island is home to Anne of Green Gables and is a beautiful place to visit. From the red stone cliffs of Cavendish to the sandy beaches that line the island's shores, Prince Edward Island has the perfect backdrop for cycling, hiking, swimming, and paddling. Maurice Bernard is a renowned sand sculptor and art teacher who will show you how to build masterpieces in the sand.
You can sleep under the stars by the sea. The site that inspired the stories of Anne of Green Gables should be visited while you are there. The 19th-century farm that served as the setting offers tours and itineraries so you can get an up- close look at the site while you're there.
Whitehorse is a great place to explore the outdoors with your children. You can choose your own adventure with waterfalls, artifacts, glaciers, caves and canyons in the area. The Whitehorse Millennium Trail follows the path of the Yukon River and features mining artifacts and tramway remnants to be seen along the way.
Before you go on a guided tour, be sure to do your homework. The Yukon is the best place on Earth for astronomy. You don't need 3D glasses or binoculars to see the Aurora borealis from August to April.
Pick your preferred paddle and take a float down the Bow River.
Visitors looking to combine city sights with outdoor adventures are sure to love this river raft ride that takes you on a winding journey through the soaring downtown buildings of Calgarian, under the red Peace Bridge and over to St. Patrick's Island, for a day of family bonding on a boat
The Canadian city of the same name is known for its famous waterfalls that go by the same name.
Take in the waterfalls from the White Water Walk, journey behind the falls, or zipline across the gorge and get a unique perspective of the famous falls.
The waterfront community of Granville Island is a great place to go for a full day of activities indoors and out. The Public Market has a great selection of gourmet goodies. You can find art galleries and shops along the way.
The spray park found up the road is a must for hot summer days, and the play spaces and toy shops found in the two-story Kids Market are great for the kids. You can take in the city views from the water on an Aquabus False Creek Ferry.
Stanley Park is a 400hectare public park located steps from the city's downtown core. There is a guided Talking Totems tour where you can learn about the carvings that have stood tall for over a century.
Rent bikes and cycle the 6- kilometer bike path that takes you around the perimeter of the park and stop for a play at one of the three sandy beaches.
If you join the Jasper Tour Company, you will be able to see the mega-mammals of the Canadian Rockies.
While you explore the peaks and valleys of the area by car and by foot, your tour guide will bring the mountains and animals to life through engaging stories that connect past with
There is a way to explore Toronto with children.
Au Diable vert is an enchanting mountain retreat that offers all of the summer outdoor activities that kids love, including water sliding, tubing, stand-up paddleboarding, and astronomy. In the Green Mountains of Quebec, you can sleep in a treehouse, retreat to a sustainable-built Pod, or camp in style in an Airstream. You can see the night sky in augmented reality at the Mountain Station. Climb aboard a suspended recumbent bike that hangs from the tree canopy by cables and ride through the treetops to see the landscape below. During the summer months, you can go kayaking or floating on an air chamber on the Missisquoi River.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a great place for nature lovers of all ages. If you hit one of the park's 26 hiking trails, look out for moose and eagles along the way, and then camp in one of the front country or backcountry campgrounds and immerse yourself in nature.
While on the Lantern Walk Through Time tour you can learn about the Indigenous Peoples, European visitors, and most recent inhabitants of the area through thrilling tales and enjoy a lobster boil.
West Edmonton Mall is the biggest mall in North America and it's also a great place to visit. The space has an accredited zoo, an indoor amusement park, a bowling alley, a mini golf course, and an ice rink. A stay at one of the two on-site hotels makes this an ideal weekend destination for families looking for a range of fun to be enjoyed all in one spot.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is the largest aquarium in Canada and a must-visit site. There are more than 15,000 animals at the park.
There is an underwater tunnel where you can experience a truly immersive underwater-like experience and take shark selfies. You can take a ride to the top of the tower where you can see Toronto from a distance.
A non-accompanying parent needs to authorize a child to travel to Canada. If you want to play it safe you should use a notarized letter. Legal custody documents should be carried by divorcing parents. Here, you can find more about the rules.
This article was updated one day ago.