Planning a holiday with kids always seems to be a daunting task. You have to pick a destination which is not only fun for them but interests you too. If you are in a dilemma about choosing a holiday destination for your family, Canada is the ideal place to go. This North American country is diverse, both geographically and culturally and has six time zones. Canada, with its beautiful mountains and glaciers, abundant forests and gorgeous lakes, gives visitors ample opportunity to spend time in the open, something which your children would enjoy.
While the mountains and lakes of Canada are alluring, the ultra-modern and cosmopolitan cities of this country are no less attractive. All the cities of Canada are safe and friendly and provide lot of fun activities for adults and kids. With so many things to do and places to see in Canada, it is one of the most sought-after holiday destinations in the world, especially for family holidays. With this note, let us take a look at the top as well as fun places to visit in Canada with kids.
Family Fun in Canada’s Top Kid-Friendly Spots
1. Ontario
If you are thinking of where to start your Canadian holiday from, Ontario is the best place to go to. Ontario is home to some of the best cities in the world, including Toronto, which is also the capital of Ontario. Right from museums and amusement parks to farms as well as zoos and animal parks, you can plan a great holiday for your kids in Ontario. If you have school-going children, they would definitely like to explore London Regional Children’s Museum, Hamilton Children’s Museum and Niagara Children’s Museum. They would also love the Ontario Science Centre, Science North planetarium, Canadian Museum of Nature, Royal Botanical Gardens, Royal Ontario Museum, etc.
On the other hand, the museums and amusement parks may not interest the younger tots. To keep them amused, Ontario offers animal theme parks, aquariums, zoos, etc. that would keep the little ones happy and amused. The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, Upper Canada Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Riverview Park and Zoo, Toronto Zoo, Brantford Twin Valley Zoo, African Lion Safari, etc. Something that would interest kids of all ages is amusement parks which you would find plenty in Ontario. Calypso Theme Water Park, Waves Indoor Water Park, Legoland Discovery Centre, Canada’s Wonderland, London’s Storybook Gardens, etc, are some of the theme and water parks of Ontario. Apart from the top things to do in Ontario you can also try visiting this place with your family and kids.
2.Québec
If you want to feel like being in Europe without leaving North America, Québec is the place to be. Québec is the French Province of Canada and has a rich historical past. The two major cities here are Montreal and Quebec City. Some of the most interesting things to do when in Quebec City are to walk on the walls of the Old City, take a funicular to Lower Town, take a ferry across St. Lawrence, take a ghost tour of Citadelle de Québec, explore Musee de la Civilisation and visit the creatures of the Aquarium du Québec. If you are visiting Québec City during the holidays, you would get to take part in the Winter Carnival which is one of the most special celebrations of the city.
While Québec City is quite fascinating, you must make time to visit Montreal, the largest city of Québec province where you can take your kids to see Montreal Botanical Garden, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, La Fontaine Park, Montreal Insectarium, Montreal Science Centre, etc. Explore the endless things to do in Quebec City and its vibrant surroundings for a truly enriching family experience.
When your children are tired of the educational and cultural tours, take a break and visit La Ronde, the second largest amusement park in Canada where they can enjoy roller coaster rides, thrill rides and several other attractions. The best time to visit Quebec is in the summer when the temperature is warm and pleasant. During this time of the year, you would get to indulge in biking, sliding, boating, canyoning, rafting and such other outdoor adventures. However, the winters are no less fun here as you get to enjoy snow tubing, skiing, ice canoeing and other such interesting activities during the cold months.
3. British Columbia
British Columbia is the most diverse province in Canada, both geographically and culturally. While Vancouver is one of the major cities of this province, it is not just the city that attracts people here. On the other hand, British Colombia is blessed with lakes, mountains and awe-inspiring beauty wherever you go. While the scenic beauty of the place is splendid, the multicultural atmosphere that includes Europeans, First Nations tribes and Asians makes it really unique. If you are planning to visit Vancouver with your kids, there are several things that you can do here. The Grouse Mountain Skyride, TELUS World of Science, Kitsilano’s Vanier Park (museums and space centres), Greater Vancouver Zoo, Maplewood Farm, Fort Langley National Historic Site, Britannia Mine Museum, Burnaby Village Museum, etc. are some of the major kid-friendly places to visit.
British Columbia is great for those who are looking forward to a holiday with lots of outdoor activities. The place has several national parks, some of which include Kootenay National Park, Glacier National Park, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Joffre Lakes Provincial Park, etc. These places are great to indulge in activities like hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking, etc. Apart from all these things, British Colombia is a great place for skiing and has several ski resorts, making it a perfect destination for your winter holidays.
4. Alberta
Alberta, with its mountains, coniferous forests, desert badlands and prairies are perfect for families who want to take a break from the cities and spend time outdoors. The place has best national parks in Canada including Banff National Park, Elk Island National Park, Jasper National Park, etc. where you can enjoy wildlife, mountain recreation and glaciers. Another important fact about Alberta is that it is home to more than 600 lakes where you can enjoy several outdoor activities. The Peyto Lake, Lake Louise, Maligne Lake, Lake Minnewanka, Moraine Lake, etc. are some of the most popular lakes here where you can indulge in camping, hiking, fishing, cycling and sometimes even scuba diving.
While these are exciting things for kids, Alberta also offers several other kid-friendly places and activities like water parks and amusement parks. You must visit the World Waterpark if you want to view and enjoy the world’s largest indoor wave pool. There are also several museums that you can visit here. The Royal Alberta Museum and the Aero Space Museum of Calgary are the most popular ones. Some other great attractions that you would find here are Abbey Centre Outdoor Aquatic Centre, Rotary Park, Echodale Regional Park, Milk River Beach, Red Rock Canyon, Iron Horse Park, etc. Wherever you choose to go in Alberta, you and your family are sure to have a great time.
5. Nova Scotia
Immerse your family in the vibrant culture of Nova Scotia by sampling local seafood delights along the waterfront in Halifax or indulging in a lobster feast. Take a step back in time at the Fortress of Louisbourg, where costumed interpreters bring 18th-century history to life.
For a relaxing day, explore the serene Annapolis Valley, known for its charming vineyards and apple orchards. Nova Scotia’s warmth extends beyond its people to its sandy beaches, such as Lawrence town Beach, perfect for family picnics and building sandcastles.
Whether you’re exploring historical sites or enjoying the natural beauty, Nova Scotia offers a diverse and enriching family vacation in Canada.
Conclusion
Canada is a vast country with several provinces and diverse geographical locations. There is plenty to see and do here and it is easy to get confused. It would be best to choose places as per your children’s age, interests and personalities. Once you have decided the places you want to visit in Canada, you can apply for Canada visa from Dubai in UAE, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, or any other country, even if you are just the resident and not the citizen of that particular country. It is not difficult to get a tourist visa to Canada and so get ready to have a wonderful vacation. We are sure that you and your kids would have the time of your lives in this amazing North American country.