Visiting Canada with your family can be an amazing travel experience. Especially if you choose a city that contains many family-friendly attractions. While most Canadian cities will fall under that category, there are some that are simply more appealing than others when it comes to having fun with the kids. If you’re a traveling mom who wants to show her kids the world, eventually you’re going to have to put Canada on your list of must-visit countries. For your first family trip to the Great White North, consider the following list of Canadian cities that you and your kids will love:
1. Montreal
To begin, Montreal is one of Canada’s most cultured and interesting cities with an abundance of family-friendly activities and attractions. For starters, there’s the MTL Zipline that takes you on a scenic and adventurous path over the Old Port. The kids will also have a great time at Voiles en Voiles amusement park with its extensive network of swing ropes and playgrounds. A visit to the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History would be a nice educational experience. You can make sure the little ones are getting some entertaining edification.
For budget-conscious moms, the cheapest month to book a flight to Montreal is February. July and August carry the highest ticket prices. You might also be better off booking flights to Montreal via a regional airline like Porter Airlines, and you can find more information here about the flights. Generally, Porter Airlines is known for providing quality customer service. With fast check-in times and extra legroom as standard, and an easy online interface for booking flights to Montreal.
2. Toronto
Toronto is the biggest, busiest, and most modern city in Canada. So it’s only right that it should be included in the top 3 of any list of Canadian cities. Known for its illustrious skyline and world-famous CN Tower (which was once the tallest building in the world). Toronto is a perfect place to show your kids what life in a bustling metropolis is like. The observation deck at the top of the CN Tower is so high that you can see the curvature of the Earth on clear days. It’s a place that offers up some of the most memorable panoramic views you’ll ever see. From there, you could take the kids to Centerville Amusement Park via a ferry ride to Centre Island. Or take a tour of the Royal Ontario Museum.
3. Ottawa
Ottawa is an ideal winter holiday destination because it’s home to the world’s largest ice-skating rink. The frozen Rideau canal, which stretches for an impressive 125 miles. As you can imagine, this attraction can provide an experience that feels a lot like skating on a never-ending ice rink. The city is also home to several impressive museums including the Canadian Museum of Nature, Canada Science and Technology Museum, and the Canadian War Museum. Finally, a thorough exploration of ByWard Market will introduce you and your family to the best of the region’s local restaurants and boutiques.
4. Vancouver
Vancouver offers a unique approach to sightseeing with its many ways of viewing the city in passing, whether by SeaBus, SkyTrain, or the urban trolleys that provide “hop-on, hop-off” tours. The latter is a great slow-paced option for families because it gives you the flexibility to move around Vancouver spontaneously, getting on and off the frequently passing trolleys as you please. You could also take a SeaBus to Granville Island – home to the largest free water park in North America. Or, for more aquatic fun with the family, check out the Vancouver Aquarium or Kitselano Pool & Beach.
5. Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is a city that’s named after a group of three waterfalls which are collectively known as the unofficial “8th natural wonder of the world.” This is a place that every family should visit at least once, not only because of the amazing scenery but also due to the various festive activities that provide plenty of fun for the kids. For starters, you could spend the afternoon at the Fallsview Indoor Waterpark, or take a boat cruise to the base of the falls. Another must-see attraction is the Journey Behind the Falls, which will have you taking an elevator 15 stories underground and through a tunnel for a rare, close-up view of the falls.
6. Victoria
Victoria is the crown jewel of British Columbia. This town is achieving a pleasant balance of natural scenery and urban amenities that provide all the conveniences you need while still making you feel like you’re nestled in nature. Situated along the southern coast of Vancouver Island, this picturesque community has become known for offering some of the best oceanic and outdoor activities in all of Canada. Start your family visit off by seeing the amazing Butchart Gardens. The Butchart Gardens immaculately maintained display of exotic horticulture that encompasses 55 acres. Then, you could take a ferry out to sea and do some whale watching, getting an up-close look at some of the ocean’s most massive and magnificent creatures.
7. Quebec City
Quebec City is home to some of the most interesting architecture in Canada. The Historic District of Old Quebec being named a UNESCO World heritage site due to the fact that it’s one of the most well-preserved colonial towns in North America. Your kids will love taking a ride on the funicular. A steep escalator rail system that is the fastest (and most scenic) way to quickly travel from Upper Town to Lower Town and vice versa. Likewise, strolling through paved pedestrian-only streets is a memorable experience. It feels sort of like traveling back in time to before the invention of the automobile or carriage.
8. Calgary
Calgary, also commonly referred to as “cowtown,” is a commonly overlooked. But it’s a worthwhile family holiday destination thanks to Calgary Zoo, Heritage Park, Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, Bow River cycling pathways, and several other family-friendly attractions. You could also enjoy a meal at SKY 360. This is a spinning restaurant that is situated on the top floor of the Calgary Tower. Definitely the best way to get a panoramic view of the entire region.
9. Edmonton
Edmonton is scenically situated on the Saskatchewan River. It is the most popular city in Alberta. Many people don’t know that West Edmonton Mall is the largest shopping mall in North America. The mall spans an astonishing 48 city blocks and containing more than 800 stores,100 restaurants, and 10 different indoor theme parks! Considering the fact that most cities don’t have more than 3-4 amusement parks, the fact that Edmonton has 10 within a single mall makes it a very appealing destination for families.
10. Halifax
Halifax is Nova Scotia’s leading tourism destination. It’s offering up a number of family-oriented activities that you and the kids are sure to enjoy. You could start with a stroll on the waterfront boardwalk (also called the harbor-side walkway), and then explore the old Citadel – an intriguing military fort that was built in 1749. The city is also known for hosting lively events like the Busker Festival every year.
Most Canadian Cities Are Family-friendly
In the end, the above cities are certainly the most exciting for a family to visit due to the number of attractions they have. However, keep in mind that there are plenty of smaller Canadian towns that can offer up serene and peaceful getaways.
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