Canada is endless in its ways to dazzle families as they trek through this wild and sometimes remote country. From its craggy mountains to its serene oceanside towns, Canada has everything you need for a memorable family vacation.
Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
Vancouver’s gentle marine west coast climate, vibrant population, and oceanic lifestyle has made this one of the most popular places in Canada to live and to visit. The 1000 acre Stanley Park is an urban oasis, providing families with a much-needed reprieve from the hectic pace of the city. The 5 mile seawall is the most popular recreational spot in the city, perfect for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Let the little ones play at the heated saltwater pool at Second Beach or meander around the Lost Lagoon where ducks and swans comfortably nest.
Fundy National Park
This almost magical land is a piece of the last remaining wilderness in southern New Brunswick. The Caledonia Highlands, thick with conifer trees, sweep down to the Bay of Fundy known for its mysterious fog-covered beauty. The Bay itself has the highest tidal fluctuations in the world and boasts some of the best fishing in the area. Go in the spring for impressive bird migrations, stay overnight in an authentic yurt, and explore the area’s waterways on a rented kayak.
Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
This is the land of family friendly resorts that offer heaps of kid friendly activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and biking. Head to Muskoka Wharf and take a family cruise on a pontoon boat. Dine by the serenity of the lake at the Norseman Restaurant as you indulge in seasonal menu items like a Millford Bay smoked trout cake or Muskoka farm raised quail.
Klondike Gold Rush Route, Yukon
If your family desires a little taste of adventure and history, travel the famous Klondike Gold Rush route, starting from Skagway, Alaska, over dizzying White Pass, and finally to Whitehorse where gold stampeders used to camp en masse during the Gold Rush. Take a canoe trip through Miles Canyon on the beautiful and wild Yukon River. Visit the gold fields in Dawson City and wander through the streets that echo with so much history. Let the kids pan for gold for a completely authentic Gold Rush experience.
Prince Edward Islands
Affectionately known as the “Gentle Island”, Prince Edward Island has been named a staple on Travel Leisure 2013 World’s Best list. It’s no wonder when you see the red sand beaches, green windswept landscapes, and peaceful town. Rent bikes from more than 25 of the island’s bike shops and take in the island in the most personal way possible. Mill River Fun Park provides endless entertainment for the kids with bumper boats, a pirate ship, a kiddie pool complete with water slides, and a giant twister slide.
Whistler, Vancouver
If your kids are a little bit on the older side, consider a ziptrek over the Whistler wilderness. A fast-moving zip line at exciting heights gives you a bird’s eye view of Canada that you just won’t find anywhere else. The Ziptrek Peak 2 Peak tour starts you with a slightly tamer tour with the Peak 2 Peak gondola followed by an exhilarating zip line ecotour over an ancient rainforest. The Eagle tour encompasses five different zip lines, including the 2400 foot zip line that has a whopping 30 story drop!
When you want a family vacation in Canada, all you have to do is pick what you want. Do you want mountains, oceans, or history? Because some of these locations are farther apart it would be a fantastic idea to get teenagers experience driving in the country side. Consider enrolling them in driving lessons from companies like North Shore Driving School Ltd. to help them prepare well for awesome adventures! This slightly underrated destination has everything a family could ever want for a vacation. they’ll remember for a lifetime.