Ontario – Mark's Travel Journal

Best Family Vacations in Canada – Spring Edition

A family in a boat on a lake — Photo by Ron Lach on Pexels.com

There’s a vacation spot in Canada for everyone: restless youngsters, demanding adolescents, and moms and dads. From eastern beaches to northern lakes, ziplining to horseback riding, puffins to dinosaurs, no person would be able to remain indifferent – especially families. Reconnect with your kids and Canada’s natural wonders this spring. The following is a list of some of the best family vacations in Canada.

Toronto

Toronto is among the best destinations for family vacations in Canada because it is home to so many fantastic sights to see and things to do. And visiting in spring will allow you to move around with fewer visitors than in the summer months.

The Science Museum and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are great options for families, so you can make these your first stop. Next, kids of all ages can enjoy visiting Little India. Here, they can sit in a tuk-tuk and try many different national dishes. It’s an excellent chance for them to explore other cultures and cuisines! Finally, a trip to the Toronto Islands, where an old-school amusement park for children under ten is housed, is an excellent choice for exhausted moms and dads who want to relax rather than race from one attraction to the next. Parents who enjoy craft beer will be delighted to learn that Toronto is home to a large number of breweries that welcome children.

Overall, Toronto is the place to go if you want ample city conveniences with a neighborhood feel. That’s why the best part of the city is exploring all its diverse communities. So, make sure to uncover the true beauty of Toronto by following local’s guides on where to go and what to see.

A skyline of Toronto during a sunset — Toronto offers a wide variety of activities for families

Quebec City

Quebec offers the feel of a genuine European vacation without ever having to leave North America. It’s one of the most family-friendly places in Canada, with the best schools and daycare and so many fun activities for both the kids and the parents. This is why so many new families settle here every year. In the upper and lower ancient towns, you can go for a walk, stop at a patisserie or sweets shop, and dine. For families with young children, the Funicular and a tour to the Chateau Frontenac are must-dos.

And, if you ever need a break from the historic city center, you can quickly change the vibe. One of the most stunning places to see in Quebec is Montmorency Falls and the beautiful Ile d’Orleans. A cable car takes you to the top, where you can walk across a bridge that spans the falls and return via cable car or stairs on the other side. If you’ve got young children, consider stopping at the summit’s playground. If you don’t stop, the island features a one-hour-long circle road. But don’t forget to stop by the chocolate shop, visit the roadside stalls offering jam, maple syrup, and other homemade delights, and snap a few shots before returning to the city.

Niagara Falls

Niagara Falls are a must-see, but it might seem intimidating at first for families with kids. But don’t worry! It’s all about making it as easy as possible for visitors to take in this natural treasure. And it might just become one of the most memorable travels with your children.

On the Hornblower Cruise, you go so near the falls that you can feel the water on your face. The variety offered by Niagara Falls makes them one of the best family vacations in Canada.

Visitors with more time on their hands can take advantage of numerous family-friendly attractions in town, including an indoor water park, miniature golf, and out-of-this-world culinary establishments.

Those who prefer a slower pace and more natural surroundings may find Niagara’s skyscrapers a little overpowering. However, there are a plethora of other options. Niagara on the Lake, for example, is a picture-perfect town with charming shops and a small village atmosphere and is just a short drive from the Falls. Families seeking a peaceful, leisurely getaway would also appreciate Ontario Wine County located nearby.

Algonquin Park

Even though Canada is home to several magnificent cities, Algonquin Park offers a sense of the country’s untamed wilderness. Moose, polar bears, and beavers are Canada’s most recognizable natural species. And if you’re eager for wildlife encounters, Algonquin Provincial Park, located three hours north of Toronto, is the Canadian wilderness you imagined: clear lakes, towering pines, and flowing rivers.

Rent a canoe and go for a paddle on one of the lakes for a truly Canadian experience. By camping, you can enjoy Algonquin Provincial Park in the evening while baking smores around the campfire. Non-campers can rent Yurts in the Park, and there are hotels and inns all around it. Only a few eateries can be found in the park, but you must try the world-famous Beavertails: a deep-fried, sugar-coated pastry that includes no beaver.

A high-angle photo of Algonquin Park’s forests. — Algonquin Park is an ideal family vacation for more active families.

Montreal

Montreal is a lovely and easy-to-enjoy city in both its old and new neighborhoods. Green areas and outdoor cafes make any summer day out in town a delight. Montreal’s fresh produce markets deserve their high reputation for the quality of their produce.

The Botanical Gardens, the Biodome, and the Science Museum of Montreal are among the must-sees. Still, the city has a robust cultural calendar, and many museums that cater to both adults and children, and you could quickly fill a vacation to Montreal with activities every single day.

A skyline of Montreal in the evening — Montreal will capture your family’s hearts with its amazing sights and pleasant atmosphere.

Final words

We hope you liked our selection of the best family vacations in Canada. From the hustle and bustle of the cities to the incredible wilderness, Canada really has it all! Spring has just started, so pack up your entire family and get on to traveling! Have an amazing time!

An Insider’s Guide to Canada

Featured9 Comments

Canada is a big country, and you will find a ton of information on it in blogs and articles, but sometimes you need a quick rundown to give you a rough idea of where to go and what to do. That’s the intention of this Insider’s guide to Canada. Since the summer is fast approaching and folks are starting to make their vacation plans, an insider’s guide can give you a reliable overview of the highlights to help your planning along. Here goes:

Niagara Falls

Most people have heard of Niagara Falls; they are regularly classed as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. And sometimes they are included in the official eight wonders of the world. That’s not surprising; they are the largest waterfalls in North America.

If you decide to visit this iconic natural wonder, fly into Toronto and take the 90 minute drive down the highway. Watch this wonder before you, or get closer with a Maid of the Mist boat tour. In addition to the falls, there’s lots to see and do in the Niagara Falls area.

Whistler Mountain

Canada is known for its Rocky Mountains, and no wonder, with such a special landscape spanning much of Western Canada. But perhaps, one of the most famous mountains is Whistler. Whistler Mountain is located 125km north of Vancouver and is well known for its winter skiing and outdoor activities.

But Whistler Mountain has much to offer in the summer months as well. The mountain is 2,182 meters high, and there is almost always snow at the higher elevations, even in the summer sun. You don’t have to hike the whole way to have an incredible experience; just do what feels comfortable.

Quebec City

Quebec City is the capital of French-speaking Canada. It was established in 1608, making it one of the oldest cities in Canada and North America. The original Old Quebec City is a walled city and is home to some amazing historical architecture.

If you decide to travel here this summer with your partner or your family, you are in for a magical experience. The city offers a wealth of culture and cuisine you won’t find anywhere else. Quebec City makes for a great short vacation in summer or winter. If you are visiting Canada, this is what happens after an eta application.

St. John’s

If historical cities are your thing, then take a visit to St. John’s in the northeast. St. John’s pre-dates Quebec City by around 100 years. It was established in 1497. It doesn’t have the same medieval feel as Quebec City; in fact, as a coastal city it has a distinct Maritime feel.

St. John’s is known as the San Francisco of the north because of its pastel-colored houses and artistic sensibility, but it has more to offer besides. Off the coast of St. John’s, there are Atlantic waters perfect for whale-watching, and you can take a trip to see icebergs as well.

Tofino

People don’t always realize how much Canada has to offer. It has the Rockies, of course, the wildlife, the cities, and the great lakes, but it also has something more exotic – an island paradise. Yes indeed.

Where is this island paradise then, you ask? The answer is Tofino on Vancouver Island off the west coast. Tofino is primarily a beach location that looks onto the pacific. It offers some incredible sunsets, excellent surfing, and much more besides.

Looking over the water in Tofino, British Columbia

Churchill

Canada is home to many famous places and landmarks that you could spend a lifetime visiting and getting value from, but it’s also how to some lesser-known places that can offer big wins in terms of value-adding, life-enhancing experiences.

Churchill is one of those places. It sounds a bit stuffy, like the top-hat wearing Prime Minister from the 1940s, but it’s way more interesting than that. This is polar bear country, and if you visit, there will definitely be a chance to see one of these towering giants – eat your heart out Churchill.

Old Montreal

If you love Quebec City, then you will also love Old Montreal. It dates back to around the same time as Quebec City, established in 1642. And like Quebec City, it can be found in the heart of the city. Montreal is a very culture rich and authentic place to visit.

Travel to Montreal if you want a continental experience within the Canadian borders. You will find plenty of historic buildings, nightlife, and seasonal events to keep you and your family entertained. There’s lots to see and do in Montreal. This is the cosmopolitan Canada that will appeal to everyone.

Banff National Park

Banff National Park is a gateway to the Rockies and perfect if you have all the gear but lack some experience of hiking. Banff National Park is located around some natural hot springs and gives you the best of both worlds.

Spend some time hiking in the surrounding wilderness, following the well-trodden paths to low summits where you get the best view of the landscape. Absorb it all, then return to the springs for a well-earned relaxer.

Stanley Park

Stanley Park in Vancouver is a bit like Central Park in New York. It’s an extensive city park that is in all seasons and is famous for all the right reasons. Stanley Park is where many of the romantic fall walks in TV shows and the movies are filmed, even ones set in NYC.

Stanley Park is a big place, and there are tons of things to keep you occupied and entertained. You can spend all day at the park and take a leisurely walk, going hiking, lay on the beach, visit native totem poles, and drop by the lively aquarium.

Okanagan Valley

If you’re in Western Canada, and you’re in Vancouver, then you are a short flight or 4-hour drive to the Okanagan. Take full advantage of this and head northeast to the Okanagan Valley. Here you will find the Okanagan Lake and plenty of sunshine and native wine.

Okanagan Valley has it all. Food highlights include chef prepared outdoor farm to table dining experiences for small groups. The lake is clear and sparkling, the sunshine is pretty much continuous, and you can visit many orchards and vineyards.

Things To See and Do in Ottawa

Featured14 Comments

Canada’s capital city is beautiful and dynamic, which makes it very interesting to explore. It’s also one of the most multicultural cities in the country. If you like discovering magnificent architecture, world-class museums, and strolling through quiet parks, you’ll love this place. This charming city is located along the Ontario side of the Ottawa River, right across from Quebec. Its downtown is lively and inviting, and it’s great for walking or riding a bike. Here’s our list of the most interesting things to see and do in Ottawa.

Explore the Rideau Canal

While walking through the center of Ottawa, you can’t miss the Rideau Canal. It’s one of the city’s most popular attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

During the summer, Rideau Canal is filled with boats. The pathways surrounding it are crowded with walkers, cyclists, and runners. You can tour the canal by boat, and cruising is one of the best ways to experience it. There are more than 30 notable sights along the canal. For those who like to stay fit while traveling, there’s the option of canoeing and kayaking as well.

If you happen to visit Ottawa in the winter, you can still get out on the Canal. Your experience will be totally different but not less impressive, as this canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink. In case you need a break from the cold, visit the nearby heated huts and stands selling hot chocolate and other beverages.

Visit Parliament Hill

The magnificent Parliament building is an architectural masterpiece, built in Gothic style. It’s located right in the heart of the city center, overlooking the Ottawa River. A gorgeous garden surrounds the structure and attracts many tourists.

The complex and its surroundings are the sites of various national celebrations and shows throughout the year. Guided tours are available in English and French, and they last from 30 to 60 minutes. The highlights of this place are:

The observation deck of the Peace Tower offering the best view of the city
Changing of the Guard ceremony which happens every summer day at 10 AM (June to August)
Northern Lights Sound and Light Show (during the summer months)

Canada's Parliament Buildings in Ottawa — Parliament hill is one of the most popular attractions in the city.

Head to the ByWard Market

The ByWard Market in Ottawa is one of the oldest and biggest markets in the country. It’s also conveniently located in the city center. There are main buildings surrounded by open-air stalls offering a wide choice of goods. This colorful, charming place is where you’ll find the most beautiful flowers, the best maple syrup, and delicious fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as other grocery items. There are plenty of restaurants, fast food kiosks, coffee shops, galleries, and boutiques in the ByWard neighborhood. All of this makes it a great place to discover more about the local culture, tradition, and culinary scene.

Learn about Canada by visiting museums and galleries

Ottawa is home to many national museums and galleries worth visiting, where you can experience the true spirit of Canada, such as:

Museum of History
War Museum
Museum of Nature
Science and Technology Museum
Agriculture Museum
Museum of Contemporary Photograph
The National Gallery of Canada
The Portrait Gallery of Canada

As you can see, there’s something for everyone’s age and interest, from those who like history, science, and technology to those who admire art in all its forms.

Ottawa architecture panorama — Ottawa has plenty of national museums and galleries worth visiting.

Book a biplane flightseeing tour

Did you know that you could fly in a World War II Biplane? Yes, you can! It’s one of the best things to see and do in Ottawa. You can experience it if you visit the Canada Air and Space Museum in the summer months. During an approximately 25-minute flight, you’ll pass over the Ottawa river, the Gatineau Hills, the downtown, and the Parliament. It’s an incredible experience, and what’s most amazing is that you’ll sit in an outdoor cockpit in front of the pilot because he is in the back.

Relax in Gatineau Park

For a little break from the city and its highlights, head to Gatineau Park – a peaceful oasis and a national treasure. It offers a variety of activities for all seasons. You can enjoy comfortable Ottawa and go hiking, biking, camping, cross-country skiing, or swimming. There are also various heritage sites and beautiful nature everywhere around.

While here, don’t miss scenic Champlain Lookout for the best view from the Gatineau Hills over the Ottawa Valley. One more attraction that shouldn’t be overlooked in Gatineau Park is the Mackenzie King Estate. You can explore the paths surrounding it and peek into its restored cottages which feature various interactive exhibits.

Couple sitting on a bench during Fall in the park in Ottawa, Canada — When in search of relaxing things to see and do in Ottawa, head to one of many peaceful parks.

Watch a sports match

Ice hockey is Canada’s national winter sport, and lacrosse is its lesser known national summer sport. Ottawa has several professional sports teams, and if you’re passionate about sports, you should complete your visit by watching at least one match.

Canadian Tire Centre is a multi-purpose indoor arena that hosts various sports matches and a must-see for sports lovers. One more place worth visiting is the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame, located in the Heritage Building of Ottawa City Hall.

TD Place Stadium is the place where you can see Canadian football. Baseball fans can head to the Raymond Chabot Grant Thornton Park to watch a match.

Moving to Ottawa can be an excellent choice

There are many reasons why one should decide to move to Ottawa, and there are many possibilities once you do it. Apart from unique things to see and do in Ottawa, keep in mind that you’ll be living in a city with great job opportunities, excellent healthcare, great schools, and various cultural activities year-round, as well as great entertainment for all generations.

If you decided to move to Canada’s capital, be sure to leave enough time for a stress-free preparation. To save time and make the process more effective, you should consider hiring a reliable moving company that has all you need for your Ottawa-based relocation. Then you can choose from a wide selection of moving services, such as packing services, storage solutions, and much more. When you finally settle in, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and discover many of its gems by yourself.

Final thoughts

Whether you’re planning to visit Ottawa only for a short time as a tourist or you plan to relocate to the city permanently, you’ll be delighted by its charm. The number of things to see and do in Ottawa is almost limitless, so there’s guaranteed fun for every season and each person. Good luck with exploring, and good luck to those who come to stay!