A family trip to Canada? 6 unforgettable experiences you can't afford to miss!
Canada is a dream destination for many of us! Especially for families in search of nature, adventure or cultural discovery.
The country offers the charm of the wide-open spaces of the American West, coupled with historic French-speaking cities in the East, Native American culture and gold prospectors in the West. It’s also a welcoming, family-friendly country.
A popular destination for those who want to take a big trip with their children. We’ve come up with 6 family activities to make your stay unforgettable.
1. Whale watching in Tadoussac
If you’re looking for whale watching, Canada, and in particular Tadoussac, is the number 1 place to go. The St. Lawrence River in Quebec is one of the best spots in the world for observing these giants of the sea.
The mouth is home to a concentration of krill and small fish, a veritable smorgasbord for the rorquals and belugas that come here to feed.
Getting there couldn’t be easier! Many agencies offer zodiac trips from the Atlantic coast: Tadoussac, but also Les Bergeronnes or Les Escoumins to see the rorquals. Other marine excursions departing from Rivière-du-Loup include a visit to the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent Marine Park and the chance to see dolphins.
The region is also well worth a visit on foot: beaches, picturesque villages and forests. You can even spot the famous caribou!
Practical tip: bring warm clothing, even in summer, as sea outings can be chilly.
2. Explore the Canadian Rockies
If you love hiking and breathtaking scenery, head for Western Canada!
Alberta’s Banff and Jasper national parks are perfect for an immersion in nature.
We also recommend a stop in Victoria, the former capital of British Columbia. Its typical 19th-century architecture and, in particular, its Inner Harbor are a must-see in the region.
The Canadian Rockies offer breathtaking scenery between sea and fjord, turquoise lakes and dense forests. You can choose to explore typical Canadian wildlife (moose, bears, eagles) or the history of the 19th-century gold diggers.
Things to do :
- Stroll around Lake Louise and Moraine Lake.
- Ice Explorer excursion on the Athabasca Glacier.
- Overnight in a wood cabin in one of the national parks (Jasper or Banff).
3. A road trip in a camper van
Going to Canada for 3 weeks? We can’t recommend your trip enough.
A unique, immersive experience that lets you explore Canada in complete freedom, with no accommodation constraints. From Ontario to British Columbia, via New Brunswick, you can tailor your itinerary to suit your desires and your children’s interests.
Why choose a motorhome?
- More flexibility and comfort.
- An immersive nature adventure.
- Savings on accommodation and meals.
Practical advice: book your motorhome in advance, especially in high season, as demand is high. As in France, some cities are closed to motorhome parking. In Quebec, this applies to Montreal, and in Ontario to Ottawa. In Ottawa, however, you can park in Hull, just a 10-minute walk across the Ottawa River.
Don’t forget to anticipate your GPS data needs.
4. Visit Toronto and Niagara Falls
Toronto is a dynamic, family-friendly city, ideal for a first urban stopover in Canada. Its location on the shores of Ontario and the Great Lakes makes it an atypical city, and its size (one of Canada’s largest cities) means there are plenty of museums and attractions for everyone!
Discover the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum), the country’s largest museum, and above all the world’s largest natural history museum with superb dinosaur skeletons.
Other highlights include the Hockey Hall of Fame, the CN Tower with its dizzying glass floor, and a stop at Riverdale Farm.
If you’ve already arrived in Toronto, it would be a shame not to drive just 1 h 30 out of the city to visit the famous Niagara Falls. Iconic and world-famous, they’re truly awe-inspiring to see up close!
Climb aboard the Hornblower boat for a waterfall experience, or explore the underground tunnels to see the falls from a unique vantage point.
5. Discover Old Quebec with your family
For a cultural immersion experience, there’s nothing like Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its cobbled streets, European architecture and friendly atmosphere make it the perfect destination for a family outing.
Discover the Château Frontenac, the Citadelle and the Plains of Abraham. And why not take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the historic streets!
Tip: Try poutine and maple syrup, local specialties that will delight the whole family!
6. Experience unusual accommodation
There’s no shortage of extraordinary places to visit in Canada. When traveling, don’t miss the opportunity to go even further by staying in an unusual accommodation.
Some original ideas:
- A tree house in Gaspésie
- A transparent dome under the stars in British Columbia
- A lighthouse on the St. Lawrence River
- A tepee in a national park
Practical tip: These accommodations are in high demand, so book several months in advance!
Practical information for organizing your family trip to Canada
1. What's your budget?
- Air tickets: Approximately €600-1200 per person, depending on the season. March is often the cheapest month to go. The most expensive months are: July, August and October.
- Accommodation: €100-200/night for a family hotel, cheaper for camping.
- Car or camper rental: €50-150/day
- Activities and excursions: please allow an extra budget for outings or tour operator-type excursions.
2. What's the best time to go?
Summer (June-September): Ideal for outdoor activities, especially whale watching.
Autumn (September-November): the magnificent colors of the forests.
Winter (December-March): Enjoy the snow and cold for unique experiences (dog sledding, skiing, ice festivals).
3. Formalities and advice
Remember to obtain your AVE (Electronic Travel Authorization) before you leave.
Make sure you have travel insurance covering medical care
Would you like to rent a car? An international permit may be required.
To be able to have internet/phone we propose you our prepaid SIM or eSIM card. To discover all the solutions to stay connected during your Canadian trip, you can also consult this article.
Canada is full of wonders for the whole family to discover. Between spectacular nature, outdoor activities and unique experiences, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable vacation.
