20 great Canadian summer getaways

Looking for the perfect place to get away with your family this summer? We’ve got you covered. Bon voyage!

Quebec City, Quebec
Sure, the tiny cobbled streets, steep hills and stairs make pushing a stroller a bit of a challenge. But Quebec City’s French Canadian culture, welcoming people and beautiful sights make it all worth it. Not to mention that the castle-like Chateâu de Frontenac and the quaint buildings of the Old City will make the kids think they’ve stepped into an enchanted kingdom. Your little ones will love the costume station at the Musée de la Civilisation where they can recreate their own fairy tales with props including secret passages and a seven-headed monster to defeat. (Available June to September.) Then hang out with some walruses, seals and polar bears at Aquarium du Québec. The whole family can also spend a day at the city’s beach, The Baie de Beauport. Join a game of beach volleyball or if the kids are really adventurous, take a kitesurfing lesson. This picturesque city is packed with tons of family fun.

For more information visit quebecregion.com

Whistler, British Columbia
Located in the Coast Mountains, just two hours north of Vancouver, Whistler offers a genuine Canadian west-coast mountain experience — yes, even in the summer! Families can participate in an array of fun and exciting activities including taking a ride in the record-breaking PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, exploring 50 kilometres of hiking trails and going on a bear tour where a guide will take you in a vehicle to see feeding sites and dens. Kids will love the Family Adventure Zone at the base of Blackcomb Mountain where the fun includes bungee trampolines and bouncy castles. And when it’s time to relax, take a break from the adventure and go unwind lakeside along sandy beaches where play areas, BBQs and concession stands beckon.

For more information visit whistler.com

For more information on great ski resorts in summer click here.

Tofino, British Columbia
Tofino is the ideal escape from city life. Whether you’re taking in the gorgeous mountain views, collecting sand dollars on the beach, exploring the grounds in Pacific Rim National Park, catching a wave on a surf board, relaxing in the hot springs cove, whale watching or climbing aboard a bear-watching boat tour, this West Coast getaway has something for every family member. Make sure to stop for a meal at Wolf in the Fog; it’s perfect for families with its friendly staff, coloring pages and kids’ menu. Try their fried chicken, barbecued ribs, pulled pork and cornbread – you’ll definitely want to go a second time. And for dessert check out Chocolate Tofino’s handmade chocolates and gelato.

For more information visit tourismtofino.com

For more information on family fun in Tofino click here.

Algonquin Park, Ontario
A Canadian National Historic Site, Algonquin Provincial Park has tons of family fun to offer including camping, fishing, mountain biking, canoeing, picnicking and swimming in the clear and clean lakes. Kids can also learn about the park’s natural and cultural heritage with the Junior Ranger Program. Just pick up a free booklet from the Visitor Centre or download one from the website and let the kids complete mazes, word searches and other activities while they explore the park grounds. The whole family can check out the Algonquin Logging Museum to get a history lesson on logging as well as admire displays such as a recreated camboose camp. The Algonquin Art Centre is another great spot to visit. Check out nature-inspired art and then treat yourself to some tea, coffee and other goodies at the Green Gazebo where kids and their grownups can participate in various art activities.

For more information visit algonquinpark.on.ca

Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
While visiting the prairies this summer may not seem like the obvious vacation choice, Saskatoon is the perfect destination for the urban-but-outdoorsy family with it’s city-meets-country vibe. Go see how the pioneers lived at the Western Development Museum and take a ride on the Prairie Lily riverboat to see the sights and learn cool facts about spots to explore. Then stop by Wanuskewin Heritage Park for a lesson in the history and traditions of the Northern Plains Indigenous Peoples. Spend some time at the University of Saskatchewan Sculpture Garden. The kids will love running around in this open and beautiful green space while you admire some free outdoor art. (It’s also a great place to spot some cute prairie dogs!) And when the kids need to cool off with a sweet treat, head over to Broadway Cafe for a giant milkshake.

For more information visit tourismsaskatoon.com

For more information on family fun in Saskatoon click here.

Grand Bend, Ontario
Grand Bend is known for its sandy beaches, warm waters, Main Street shops and camping grounds, but it’s also got lots of family-friendly activities, too. Check out the Lambton Heritage Museum to learn about Lambton County. Visitors can discover Canada’s largest collection of pressed glass and see a horse-drawn ambulance as well as explore historical buildings including a blacksmith shop. Then stop by the farmer’s market for some shopping or an ice cream. Adventurous kids can try parasailing or hop on a banana boat ride on the beach. There are various types of accommodation, as well. Try one of the area’s resorts, rent a cottage or trailer, or pitch a tent in one of the region’s great campsites.

For more information visit grandbendtourism.com

Eastern Townships of Quebec, Quebec
The Eastern Townships (a.k.a Montreal’s cottage country) are a pretty string of towns and villages along the US border known for their foodie culture and outdoor activities. Water lovers will want to splash around in heated pools and dive down the mountainside slides at the gorgeous Ski Bromont waterpark. If you’ve got a sweet tooth check out the Musée du Chocolat for a history lesson and some homemade chocolates, of course. For the nature lovers, explore the nature trails in the forests of Mont-Orford National Park. The kids will have a blast at the super-cute Zoo de Granby, the largest zoo in Quebec. The zoo also has a mini amusement park complete with a Ferris wheel and a waterpark – talk about best day ever for any kid! For more kid fun check out the enormous playroom at The Hotel Cheribourg in Orford that includes a bouncy castle, air hockey and foosball tables and a little petting zoo outside. Don’t forget to indulge in an old-fashioned sundae at one of the many “milk bars” scattered throughout the townships.

For more information visit easterntownships.org

For more information on Leah’s family trip to the Eastern Townships of Quebec click here.

Victoria, British Columbia
Known for combining old-world charm with new-world experiences, Victoria offers visitors an array of activities as well as a great escape from busy city life. Enter a tropical jungle at the Butterfly Gardens where kids can hang out with flamingos, tropical birds, geckos and thousands of free-flying butterflies. Then check out one of Victoria’s historic castles or churches to admire exquisite Victorian architecture and get a history lesson. Be sure to climb the 87 steps up Craigdarroch Castle’s Tower for the best view in Victoria. Another historic landmark worth checking out is Canada’s oldest West Coast lighthouse. Take a picnic to this historic site and enjoy a day at the beach. Adventurous visitors can also try zip lining through treetops, hiking or kayaking. For a sweet treat stop by The Soda Shoppe for some ice cream, milkshakes or floats.

For more information visit tourismvictoria.com

Township of Muskoka Lakes, Ontario
There are lots of things to do with your kids in the beautiful Township of Muskoka Lakes! Enjoy the scenic views on a boat cruise or have an aquatic adventure with some water skis. Kids can also spend an afternoon paddling in the tranquil waters in a canoe, kayak or stand up paddleboard. Visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding area and wildlife with various cycling routes, mountain bike trails and hiking trails. Don’t forget to check out Santa’s Village in nearby Bracebridge where kids can feed Santa’s deer, ride a miniature train, get soaked at the splash pads and meet Santa – it’s Christmas in summer! Then go get a blast from the past at the Muskoka Lakes Museum where kids can explore a pioneer log cabin from 1875. There are various types of accommodation throughout this popular region, including the swish JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa and the family-run, home-y Shamrock Lodge. There are also lots of great cottage rentals and bed and breakfasts in the area.

For more information visit discovermuskoka.ca

For more information on JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa or Shamrock Lodge click here.

Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax is full of all sorts of family fun. Stroll down the boardwalk for a scenic view of the water while little ones play in the ship-themed playground. The kids will also love the Discovery Centre, Nova Scotia’s only hands-on science centre. Take in the hilltop view of the Citadel Hill where you’ll get a history lesson from actors in period costumes. Then stop by the lovely Halifax Public Gardens for a relaxing picnic with the flowers. If you’re looking to enjoy a Nova Scotian seafood meal, make sure you go for some yummy crab, lobster and fish dishes at Salt Shaker Deli in Lunenburg, a World Heritage Site about an hour-and-a-half outside Halifax. While you’re there do some shopping in the quaint stores and check out Bluenose II, who’s docked where her predecessor, Bluenose I, the boat on the Canadian dime, once was. No visit to Halifax is complete without a day trip to Peggy’s Cove, one of the most popular stops in Atlantic Canada. Explore the rocky shores of this idyllic fishing village and check out the iconic red and white lighthouse.

For more information visit: destinationhalifax.com

For more information on family fun in Halifax click here.