For U.S. family travelers, Canada offers the perfect family vacation! It’s close and familiar but different from American destinations in important ways. For example, they eat more maple syrup, many of them speak French natively, and as a nation, Canadians are friendlier and more progressive than their neighbors to the south. By visiting Canada on your family’s next big trip, you could teach your kids about distinct cultures – and see some outstanding natural and historical sites, as well. If you need more convincing that Canada should be the site of your next family vacation, consider the following world-class, family-friendly Canadian vacation destinations.
5 Canadian Vacation Destinations You Will Love
Canada has so much to see but you don’t want to miss Niagara Falls so I’ll start there.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is loud, wet and surrounded by adventure and excitement – making it automatically interesting to kids of all ages. Plus, the natural beauty of the surrounding area, the numerous museums and historic sites and the fruitful wine region attract parents, as well. There are dozens of attractions on both sides of the border bisecting Niagara Falls, but for a more unique experience, you should look into hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada, which also boast family-friendlier accommodations and amenities.
As some of the largest waterfalls in the world, Niagara Falls offers ample opportunity for education. You can take your kids to the “Miracles, Myths & Magic” film at the Niagara IMAX Theatre to learn about the geological and cultural history of the falls, and then you can go on a Journey Behind the Falls, where you’ll travel into tunnels behind and below the thundering water. You can explore the geology of the region yourself on hikes such as the White Water Walk and the Bruce Trail, and you can also experience the history at sites like Fort Niagara and the Battle Ground Hotel Museum. Then, everyone can relax and unwind at one of Niagara’s indoor waterparks – or at an adults-only wine tour.
Bay of Fundy
A wide bay between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the Bay of Fundy is another of Canada’s wild and watery wonders. Though it might not be as world-famous as Niagara Falls, the Bay of Fundy is just as fantastical: Every day, twice per day, the tides of the bay move an astonishing 53 feet, the farthest of any tidewaters in the world. Even more thrilling, the bay is filled with geologic formations called the Hopewell Rocks, which seem to defy physics.
Kids will love wandering around the sandy beach of the bay and returning hours later to find the beach transformed into a sea. During high tide, you can kayak for up-close looks at the Hopewell Rocks or scuba dive to see the outstanding marine life in the bay – which includes 12 species of whales. You can also explore nearby historic sites in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, including various forts and settlements dating to the 17th and 18th centuries. The Bay of Fundy offers a vacation that includes a once-in-a-lifetime sight alongside typical family fun.
White Pass and Yukon Route Railway
Rightfully called the “Scenic Railway of the World,” this trip by train will take your family deep into the north, where you will see some of the wildest territory of Canada. The railway, originally built to service the prospectors of the Klondike Gold Rush, now focuses on tourism to otherwise difficult-to-access regions of Canada and Alaska. Plus, you can travel in comfort and style, relaxing to the sounds of the rail while your kids experience the wonder of trains. There are three unique excursions offered by the White Pass and Yukon Route Railway:
Bennett Scenic Journey: An eight-hour trip between Carcross, Yukon Territory and Skagway, Alaska with a 45-minute layover in beautiful Bennett, British Columbia, which is inaccessible except by train or foot.
White Pass Summit Excursion: A shorter, three-hour tour of the original railway route. You will see amazing natural scenery, including waterfalls, gorges, glaciers and mountains as well as manmade wonders like sky-high trestles and deep, black tunnels.
Frasier Meadows Steam Excursion: A four-hour journey on a steam locomotive through similarly wild and breathtaking landscapes of northern Canada.
Banff
Banff is one of the best year round Canadian vacation destinations. If the winter you have a winter wonderland great for skiing, ice skating, and waterfall ice climbing. In the summer, Banff National Park is alive with hiking, white water rafting, and wildlife viewing. We love it so much we have gone two spring breaks in a row!
Prince Edward Island
Finally, if you are raising little readers, you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to transport them to the world of Anne of Green Gables. Prince Edward Island (PEI) is where Anne’s legendary Green Gables farm was placed. You and your kids can explore many of the important sites of the book in real life by visiting this island off Canada’s east coast. At the very least, you can visit the Green Gables House in Cavendish before exploring other beautiful and exciting attractions around PEI.
Why Every American Should Visit Canada:
There are many reasons why Americans should visit Canada, whether for its natural beauty, cultural experiences, or proximity. Here are a few compelling reasons:
- Breathtaking Natural Scenery: Canada is home to stunning landscapes, including the Rocky Mountains, Banff and Jasper National Parks, Niagara Falls, and countless lakes and forests. The sheer beauty of its natural spaces offers unforgettable hiking, skiing, and wildlife-watching opportunities.
- Diverse Cities: Cities like Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal, and Quebec City offer a rich mix of history, art, architecture, and cultural diversity. From French-speaking Quebec to cosmopolitan Toronto, there’s a wide variety of experiences for travelers.
- Cultural Experiences: Canada has a rich blend of cultures, especially with its Indigenous heritage, French and British colonial history, and modern multiculturalism. Visitors can experience world-class museums, festivals, and culinary delights that reflect this diversity.
- Welcoming and Friendly People: Canadians are known for their politeness and hospitality, making it easy for Americans to feel at home when visiting. It’s a friendly, low-stress environment for international travel.
- Proximity: For Americans, Canada is close by and easily accessible. Whether by plane, car, or train, it’s a convenient destination for both short trips and longer vacations.
- Seasonal Adventures: Canada offers year-round activities—skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating in winter; hiking, fishing, and camping in summer; and beautiful fall foliage. Whatever the season, there’s something exciting to explore.
- Bilateral Relations: As close neighbors and allies, the U.S. and Canada share many values and customs, making travel simple in terms of language and comfort, yet Canada still offers enough difference in culture and landscape to feel like an enriching international trip.
A visit to Canada can be both easy and transformative, offering adventure, beauty, and cultural insights just a short trip from home. There you have 5 wonderful Canadian vacation destinations but really that just scratches the surface. I loved Vancouver when I visited and we are planning a Northeast road trip to Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal and Quebec this summer! Have you been to Canada? What are your favorite Canadian vacation destinations?
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Kristi says
The Bay of Fundy sure looks like a great vacation spot. Are the whales there year round or what months are better than others to spot them?
Scarlet says
In general, anytime between July and mid-October is best for whale watching. I remember I did my first whale watching trip for my 17th birthday and it was wonderful!
Kelly Stilwell says
I absolutely adore Banff but have not been to the other destinations yet. So much to see and do in that beautiful country! I would really like to visit the Canadian Rockies.
Ladena says
You’ve got great suggestions here! I went to Banff when I was a kid and plan on going back soon. It’s a lovely town! Random fact, since I am from Canada, I wanted to share that Manitoba, Canada is the polar bear capital of the world!
Lovebugmomma says
Awesome suggestions places I haven’t been within my own country 🙂 will have to check them out for myself. Canada is perfect for nature lovers.