Best Places to Visit in Canada for Family

Canada is big. Like, really big. And when you’re trying to plan a family trip, that can feel overwhelming—especially when everyone wants something different. One kid’s dreaming of dinosaurs, another wants beach time, and you’re just trying to find a spot that isn’t a total logistics nightmare.

As a Canadian family who’s travelled through much of the country—from summer canoe trips near Algonquin to fall adventures in PEI—we’ve learned a lot about what makes a destination work for families. Some spots are absolute winners with kids (hello, giant waterfalls and dinosaur museums), while others might look good on paper but end up being more “meh” than memorable.

So this list? It’s not about ticking off every province. It’s about the places that have truly stood out—for us, for our friends, and for families we’ve met along the way. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, hands-on museums, or just a place to let the kids run wild while you enjoy a coffee, these are the best places to visit in Canada for families.

Best Places to Visit in Ontario for Families

Ontario is home to Canada’s biggest city, Toronto, but there’s so much more for families beyond the city limits. From the roar of Niagara Falls to quiet lakes in Algonquin Park and road trips into Northern Ontario, it’s a province full of variety and family-friendly adventures.

Toronto

Toronto may be Canada’s biggest city, but it’s surprisingly manageable with kids—especially if you plan around neighbourhoods. We’ve done day trips and overnight stays here, and there’s always something new to explore.

Start with Ripley’s Aquarium, located right next to the CN Tower, where kids can walk through a tunnel surrounded by sharks and stingrays. Then check out Little Canada—a miniature world showcasing tiny versions of Canadian landmarks, complete with day-night lighting and fun scavenger hunts. It’s one of those spots where adults are just as amazed as the kids.

If you’re visiting in the summer, taking the ferry to Centre Island is a must. There’s a beach, an amusement park for little ones, and plenty of space to picnic or rent bikes. It feels like a mini-vacation right in the city.

For something more educational, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) has plenty to explore, from dinosaur skeletons to hands-on discovery galleries.

Tip: Toronto traffic can be chaotic—use transit or stay close to the attractions you want to visit. And if your kids need a break, High Park or Riverdale Farm are great low-key stops.

Yes, it’s touristy. And yes, it’s still worth it.

Niagara Falls wows kids in a way few places can. The waterfalls themselves are jaw-dropping, and the boat ride right up to the base is one of the most popular ways to see them (just be prepared to get soaked!). But what surprised us most was how much there is to do beyond the waterfall.

Clifton Hill offers cheesy but entertaining attractions like mini-golf, a giant Ferris wheel, a wax museum and arcades. Great for a quick weekend trip or as an add-on to a southern Ontario itinerary.

And when you’ve had your fill of the lights and attractions, the Butterfly Conservatory makes for a great break from the crowds—kids can wander through and spot butterflies all around them. The Floral Showhouse and gardens are another nice stop, while the Niagara Parks Power Station, with its underground tunnel leading to a viewing platform, has quickly become a new favourite.

In the winter, it’s pretty incredible to see parts of the falls frozen over—if you can brave the cold. And in December, the Winter Festival of Lights is worth the trip, with thousands of sparkling displays lighting up the park.

Tip: Niagara Falls works well as either a quick day trip from Toronto or a weekend getaway. If you go in peak summer, try to arrive early to beat the crowds.

Algonquin Park

Every summer (or at least part of it), we’ve made our way just north of Muskoka to Algonquin Provincial Park, and it never disappoints. Canoeing on glassy lakes, hiking, and spotting wildlife like the iconic moose —this is what Canadian childhood memories are made of.

Algonquin is a place tied to so many of our own family traditions. Until we moved to Nova Scotia, we spent part of nearly every summer here, and now, when we drive back to Ontario, we make a point of driving through Algonquin, whether it’s for a hike, a picnic, or simply enjoying the park.

For me, it even goes further back—some of my best memories as a kid are of multi-day canoe trips here in September with school. Paddling across quiet lakes and camping under the stars is still one of those experiences I carry with me.

But don’t worry if you’re new to backcountry camping – Algonquin also has plenty of car-camping options with amenities like flush toilets and playgrounds. It’s a great balance for parents who want a taste of the outdoors without going full rustic.

Note: Bugs can be intense from June through the end of August—black flies early in the summer and mosquitoes later on. Fall, on the other hand, is stunning here, and Algonquin is one of the best places in Ontario to see the fall colours. Either way, don’t forget the bug spray.

Northern Ontario

Northern Ontario often gets overlooked, but if your family loves wide-open spaces, scenic drives, and the feeling of really getting away, it’s an incredible region to explore. We’ve done a few long road trips through Northern Ontario, and it always feels like a reset—no crowds, no tight schedules, just fresh air and forest-lined highways.

Some of our favourite stops include quirky roadside attractions (like a giant bison, UFO and large snowman), quiet provincial parks, and stretches where you can go hours without seeing another car. It’s a great place to disconnect, especially with kids who enjoy hiking, swimming, or spotting wildlife from the car window.

Places like Chutes Provincial Park or the trails near Sudbury offer easy hikes with waterfalls, and you can mix in fun pit stops like the Big Nickel or science exhibits at Science North.

Tip: Bring snacks, download offline maps and podcasts, and embrace the detours. The magic of Northern Ontario is in the slow travel and unexpected stops.

Quebec’s Top Family Destinations

Quebec is a province full of history, culture, and plenty of family fun. Between the cobblestone streets of Quebec City and the lively neighbourhoods of Montreal, it’s easy to find a mix of old-world charm and kid-friendly activities—all without leaving Canada.

Quebec City

Quebec City is one of those places that feels magical no matter the season. We’ve visited in winter, spring, and fall, and each time has been a completely different experience—snow-covered streets that feel like a storybook, summer afternoons perfect for wandering the cobblestones, and crisp autumn days when the whole city seems to glow.

Kids will love exploring the city, from walking along the ramparts and visiting the Citadel to trying the toboggan run by the Château Frontenac in winter or watching street performers in the Old Town squares. There are so many fun things to do in Quebec City with kids, and the historic centre is compact enough that families can easily explore on foot.

And if you’ve got the time, a quick trip from the Old Town takes you to Montmorency Falls, which is always worth a visit. At 83 metres, it’s actually higher than Niagara, and the suspension bridge across the top is a hit with kids (as long as no one minds heights). There’s also a cable car to the top, which my kids thought was a highlight in itself.

Montreal

Quebec City may steal the spotlight with its old-world charm, but Montreal is just as worth a visit—especially with kids. One of the biggest highlights for us was the Biodome—walking through its recreated ecosystems, from rainforest to polar zones, kept the kids completely hooked. Down at the Old Port, the pirate ship playground was another unexpected favourite, with climbing nets and water views that make it hard to drag the kids away.

The city also shines when you’re outdoors. You can bike along the Lachine Canal, climb up to the lookout on Mount Royal, or just relax in one of the neighbourhood parks. And in summer, there always seems to be a festival happening—many with free performances and activities that kids can enjoy as much as adults.

Montreal is a city where even picky eaters usually find something they love. It’s home to the famous Montreal bagel (yes, they really are different!) and legendary smoked meat sandwiches, but you’ll also find just about every kind of international cuisine here.

Family Travel Highlights in the Maritimes

The Maritimes are one of our favourite parts of Canada to travel with kids. Each province has its own charm—PEI’s red-sand beaches, Nova Scotia’s coastal history, and New Brunswick’s Fundy tides—but they all share a relaxed pace that makes family travel feel easy.

Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Prince Edward Island is one of those places that instantly feels like it was made for family vacations. With its red-sand beaches, quiet roads, and small towns, the pace of life here makes it easy to slow down and just enjoy time together.

Our favourite days on PEI have been spent at the beach—building sandcastles, splashing in the waves, and watching the tide roll out. 

The island has no shortage of great family-friendly beaches, each with its own personality. Some are the famous red-sand beaches, better for exploring tide pools than castle building, while others are white-sand stretches perfect for digging, running, and swimming.

And of course, for Anne fans, no trip is complete without a stop at Green Gables Heritage Place.

Since moving to the East Coast, we’ve visited PEI every fall—partly because I run the PEI Marathon while the rest of the family does the shorter races, but also because it’s a beautiful time to be there. The crowds are gone, the weather is still pleasant, and the island feels even more relaxed.

Tip: If you’re taking the ferry to PEI or exploring the southeastern end of the island, Kings Castle Provincial Park is a fun stop for families. The playground is filled with storybook characters in the woods, a giant pumpkin play area, and a great wooden playground that kids can spend hours exploring—plus a beach that’s perfect for a picnic or a quick swim.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has been our home for a while now, and it’s such a fun province to explore with kids. From the busy Halifax waterfront to the quiet backroads of Cape Breton, there’s a mix of history, outdoor adventure, and easy day trips that work well for families.

Halifax is often the first stop, and it’s one of the most family-friendly cities we’ve been to. The waterfront boardwalk is always a hit, whether it’s grabbing ice cream, watching ships in the harbour, or letting kids climb on the wave-shaped playground (although the sign says “Do Not Climb”). 

There’s also plenty more to keep families busy in the city, from the Discovery Centre on rainy days to the simple fun of taking the ferry across the harbour—one of the cheapest activities around, and one my kids still love every single time. 

A few hours’ drive brings you to Cape Breton, where the Cabot Trail is as scenic as everyone says. There are plenty of kid-friendly hikes along the way, and even just pulling over at the lookouts is worth it. The island has a slower pace that makes road tripping here feel relaxed, even when travelling with kids.

For smaller-town charm, Lunenburg is an easy day trip from Halifax, with colourful waterfront buildings, excellent seafood and a compact centre that’s easy to walk around. Or head to the Annapolis Valley, where farm markets, apple orchards, and U-picks make for fun family afternoons.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick doesn’t always make the top of Canadian travel lists, but it should—especially for families. It’s a province full of outdoor adventure and low-key, kid-friendly cities that are easy to explore.

The Fundy coast is the biggest draw, and for good reason. Hopewell Rocks is a must-see: kids can walk on the ocean floor at low tide, then return a few hours later to watch the bay fill back up. Kayaking here is another incredible way to experience the tides, though best for older kids or teens.

We’ve been a few times now, and it never gets old. The coast has plenty more to explore too—like hiking in Fundy National Park or visiting the St. Martin’s sea caves, where kids can walk right inside at low tide, then come back later in the day to see how completely different they look once the tide has returned.

Inland, cities like Moncton and Fredericton make great bases for families. Moncton has plenty of family-friendly activities, from hands-on exhibits at Resurgo Place to quirky attractions (ever rolled a car up Magnetic Hill?), while Fredericton offers nature parks, riverfront trails, and a small-city vibe that’s easy with kids.

For us, New Brunswick has often been part of a bigger road trip—whether as a stopover on the way from Toronto to Nova Scotia, or more recently, as a weekend escape on its own. That’s part of its charm: you can do the highlights in a couple of days, or slow down and really explore.

Western Canada Family Favourites

Western Canada is full of big landscapes and even bigger adventures. It’s the kind of region where kids can spot wildlife one day, dig for dinosaurs the next, and finish the trip by splashing in the ocean.

Banff & Jasper – Canada’s Rocky Mountain Playground

Banff and Jasper are bucket-list spots for many travellers, and they’re just as incredible for families as they are for adventurers. Snow-capped peaks, turquoise lakes, and endless opportunities to spot wildlife make them unforgettable.

Some of the most famous sights are also the most kid-friendly. Lake Louise and Moraine Lake might look straight out of a postcard, but you don’t need to do a long hike to see them—parking and shuttle systems make access easier, and there are short trails perfect for little legs. Driving the Icefields Parkway between Banff and Jasper is also an adventure in itself, with plenty of pull-offs for views, waterfalls, and maybe even a bear or elk sighting.

For kids who love hands-on experiences, the Columbia Icefield is a highlight. You can take a bus right onto the glacier or walk the glass-bottomed Skywalk. And if your family enjoys hiking, there are countless options—many of them short and manageable, with big payoffs like waterfalls or viewpoints.

The towns themselves are worth a stop too. Banff has family-friendly restaurants, hot springs, and a gondola ride up Sulphur Mountain, while Jasper feels quieter and closer to nature, with plenty of easy hikes and wildlife right at the town’s edge.

Drumheller

If your kids are fascinated by dinosaurs, Drumheller is the place to go. Set in Alberta’s Badlands, it feels like stepping into another world—strange rock formations, wide open spaces, and fossils everywhere.

The star attraction is the Royal Tyrrell Museum, one of the best dinosaur museums in the world. Kids can get up close to towering skeletons, try hands-on exhibits, and even join programs that let them learn about real fossil digs. Honestly, I wish we had made it here a few years ago when my kids were really into their dinosaur phase—it would have been pure magic for them back then. That said, it’s still a fun and fascinating stop at any age.

Drumheller has plenty more to offer too. Families can climb inside the mouth of the World’s Largest Dinosaur (a giant T. rex statue downtown), hike short trails through hoodoos and canyons, or drive the Dinosaur Trail for more prehistoric fun. It’s a destination that feels both educational and adventurous—perfect for curious kids.

Vancouver

Vancouver might be a bustling city, but its real draw for families is how close nature always feels. Within minutes you can go from downtown streets to forest trails, sandy beaches, or mountain viewpoints.

One of the top spots for families is Stanley Park—kids can ride bikes along the seawall, stop at the playgrounds, or spend hours in the Vancouver Aquarium, one of the best in Canada. On sunny days, the city’s beaches (like English Bay or Kitsilano) are perfect for picnics and sand play, while rainy days are made for exploring indoor attractions like Science World.

Even day trips are easy here: you can take a gondola up Grouse Mountain, visit the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or hop a short ferry to explore the North Shore. It’s rare to find a city where kids can go from playgrounds to beaches to mountain views all in the same day, but that’s exactly what Vancouver offers.

Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island has a slower pace than the mainland, but that’s exactly what makes it such a great family destination. You can wander historic streets in Victoria, go whale watching right from the harbour, or spend a day at Beacon Hill Park, which has playgrounds, gardens, and even a petting zoo.

Outside the city, the island is all about nature. Families can explore tide pools, walk through towering rainforests in places like Cathedral Grove, or spend the day on sandy beaches that seem to go on forever. On the west coast, towns like Tofino and Ucluelet are known for surfing, storm watching, and so many opportunities to connect with the ocean.

No matter what your kids are into—animals, beaches, or just running wild outdoors—Vancouver Island has something for them.

Tips for Visiting Canada as a Family

Plan for Distances

Canada is huge—driving between destinations can take much longer than you think. We’ve done plenty of long road trips here, and even when we think we’ve planned well, it always takes longer than expected. And because of its size, I suggest focusing on one region at a time, rather than trying to see the whole country in a single trip—it makes for a much more relaxed (and enjoyable) family holiday.

Pack for All Weather

Even in summer, the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains or along the coast. Layers are your best friend—think T-shirts and shorts, but also rain jackets and warm fleeces. I’ve had July trips where the kids were in swimsuits one day, but needed hoodies the next, so it’s worth being prepared for anything.

Look for Kid-Friendly Trails and Parks

National and provincial parks usually have a mix of short, family-friendly hikes alongside longer trails. Parks Canada also runs the Xplorers Program, which gives kids activity booklets and small souvenirs at most of their sites—something my kids always love.

Budget for Entrance Fees

Canada’s parks, museums, and attractions are fantastic, but entrance fees can add up quickly. If you’re planning to visit multiple national parks, a Parks Canada Discovery Pass can save money—and kids under 17 get in free. The same goes for some museums, which often have family passes or reduced rates for children, so it’s always worth checking before you go.

Embrace the Outdoors

Whether it’s a city park, a beach, or a hike in the Rockies, some of the best Canadian experiences are outside. Don’t be afraid to keep it simple—kids often love skipping rocks, spotting wildlife, or just running around as much as the “big” sights.

Think About Accommodations

Family travel in Canada doesn’t have to mean only hotels. We usually camp in the summer, which keeps costs down, but for families who prefer more comfort, roofed accommodations or cottages are a great way to get extra space. In cities, hotels with suites or kitchenettes make family life on the road much easier, and if you’re travelling in summer, some universities even rent out dorm rooms and apartments—an affordable option that works surprisingly well for families.