One of the most beautiful places in the world with rugged scenery, extreme climates and some of the world’s largest and most dangerous animals, you would be forgiven for thinking that Canada only appeals to the more adventurous of families. However, you would be sorely mistaken. While it is true that there is an almost endless list of things to do for families that enjoy hiking, kayaking and deep woods camping, among other adventurous things, Canada also offers some very family-friendly adventures for traditional family experiences that won’t soon be forgotten.
Canada’s national parks are perhaps the most attractive reasons to visit the nation, but Canada, like most countries, has more to offer in addition to its natural spectacles. While the amazing and spectacular natural scenery of Canada is wondrous to behold, in most cases, you would have to go far and wide for some of the more exotic lands and wildlife, which requires experience in hiking, camping and travelling to remote locations, which you probably do not have.
Fortunately, there are some amazing places in Canada that you can visit with your family, even the little ones, where everyone can find something to do, surrounded by, or not far from Canada’s stunning natural beauty.
Note: In some cases, travel to Canada requires the use of a Canadian eTA in addition to a valid passport. You can find more information about eTAs on the Canada eTA website.
Niagara Falls
One of the most famous natural landmarks in the world, Niagara Falls in Ontario is located close to the United States by way of New York and Pennsylvania. Famous for the large waterfalls, Niagara Falls has been a popular tourist attraction for over 200 years and attracts 8 million visitors annually. As amazing as the waterfalls themselves are, there is much more to the area than the beautiful cascades that deposit 3,160 tonnes of water per second.
There are many things to do with the children including riverboat tours that get you as close to the falls as possible without danger, an indoor water park and one of the world’s best butterfly conservatories. “The Hornblower”, not to be confused with the American “Maid of the Mist”, includes a glass area for the younger children while Fallsview indoor waterpark provides fun for all the family with a special toddler area, and Niagara butterfly conservatory is home to over 2,000 free-flying species inside a controlled tropical ecosystem.
Banff National Park
Located in Alberta, Banff National Park is located close to Calgary and Edmonton. As Canada’s first national park, Banff was designed to resemble the United States’ Yellowstone National Park, and attracts over 4 million visitors per year, making the most family-friendly national park in the country. While the park does indeed cater to the more active families that enjoy strenuous activity, there are also plenty of traditional activities for families with teenagers, children and toddlers.
For the adults who need a little relaxation, you could spend some time in Banff’s natural hot springs located 4km south of Banff town. The springs are open to everyone and are child-friendly but they do get filled pretty quickly. If the springs are full then you could gather the family and take a trip to a real-life ghost town in Bankhead; an abandoned coal-mining town that has lain silent for decades and has been reclaimed by nature. Much of the original machinery, building and mines are still there, however, the town is eerily silent and unsettling.
The Canadian Children’s Museum
You may or may not know how difficult it is to navigate a toddler around a traditional museum where they are either bored within five minutes or seemingly go out of their way to try and touch absolutely everything that is signposted with “Do not touch”. Every city has museums, in fact, many of the world’s most iconic cities such as Liverpool, Rome and New York are full of them, but how many museums are designed specifically for the kids?
The Children’s Museum in Gatineau, Quebec is one such museum that is guaranteed to keep the kids entertained for as long as they are there. With over 15,000 pieces on display, children can get up close with multiple exhibitions that have been designed in such a manner so as to keep them entertained, with colorful and interactive displays of ancient civilizations, Canadian history and an introduction to other cultures.
Cape Churchill
Perhaps not the best location for toddlers, Cape Churchill will, however, undoubtedly create magical and everlasting memories for older children, teens and indeed, yourself. Known as the Polar bear capital of the world, the stunning Cape Churchill Wildlife Management Area is located near Wapusk National Park in Northern Canada. However, the extreme weather conditions and temperature mean that this particular excursion isn’t for everyone and residents of the closest town, Manitoba, are actually outnumbered by the bears.
While it is possible to gather your family and equipment and simply head out to Churchill, it is not advised. The area is so extreme that it is extremely dangerous for the inexperienced. Fortunately though, you can book Polar bear and Beluga whale watching tours and you may even get to witness the Northern Lights while you are there. The best time to go depends greatly on the bears’ activities and of course, the weather, but traditionally the Polar bears are more active late in the season.
Toronto Zoo
You may or may not agree with keeping animals for the purposes of entertainment but animals that are housed in reputable zoos live relatively better than most people. They are managed, entertained, fed, groomed and receive the best medical care available as any zoo that keeps animals has a duty of care to any beasts under their supervision. Toronto zoo is considered one of the best zoos in the world and should you visit Canada with a more traditional approach than that of seeking the rugged adventure that the country is known for, then this zoo is essential.
Like many zoos, Toronto is home to many animals, over 5,000 in fact, but unlike most other zoos, Toronto zoo specialises in animals and species of the Americas, including classics such as beavers, alligators and otters as well as more exotic species like the Giant Bird-Eating spider, Gila monster and Marmoset. If you plan any sort of extended stay, the zoo also runs a zoo camp where children can stay and learn how to care for various animals in a professional manner while taking part in various activities and making new friends.