Looking for your next family-friendly vacation destination? Look no further than Canada, where the diverse landscape and scenery create rich travel opportunities for various personalities.
Find shimmering, summer-ready settings in Ontario and BC, where glistening lakes create a refreshing space on a hot day. Not in the mood for a more chilled-out vacation? The Canadian Rockies might fulfil your adventure craving a bit more. But if the salted-sea aroma calls your name, Prince Edward Island or Vancouver Island make for entertaining, family-friendly summer destinations in Canada.
Read on to learn more about Canada’s incredible family-friendly spots!
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Okanagan Valley
The Okanagan Valley is a summer favourite amongst Canadians. With rolling vineyards, sun-drenched lakes, and adventure opportunities, it’s hard not to fall in love with this sweeping valley. We suggest booking an Airbnb, hotel, or campsite in and around Vernon and Kelowna to make the most of your trip here. Kelowna is the bigger city but can be pretty congested during the summer.
You’ll find endless family-friendly activities here, from Davison Orchards in Vernon to the Starlight Drive-In Theatre in Enderby to biking or hiking the Myra Canyon Trestles or the Rail Trail to relaxing by the beach and playing in the sand.
A trip to the Okanagan Valley will likely involve ice cream dripping from your cone and sticking to your skin while the sun adds a freckle or two to your nose. So pack your sunscreen, towel, and bathing suit and get ready for beach fun.
Lastly, you can’t go to Okanagan Valley without checking out some of the wineries speckled across Kelowna and Lake Country!
The Canadian Rockies
Get to the Canadian Rockies, where several rugged, scenic adventures await if you’re looking for something less summer-breezy. Families seeking daily excursions from a comfortable base can easily find that via the many lodges tucked into the gorgeous setting of Banff National Park or right in the Town of Banff.
For an authentic True North summer experience, consider booking a campsite in one of the many national parks in the Canadian Rockies in Alberta and BC: Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton National Park, Kootenay National Park, and Yoho National Park. You can also look around Canmore and the Kananaskis area for other breathtaking camping locations. Head to the Parks Canada website to reserve a campsite in one of the national parks listed above.
The Canadian Rockies boast several family-friendly backpacking trips if you want to amp up the rustic vibe. Travel by foot to hidden backcountry hideaways—revel in alpine lakes, dizzying viewpoints, and lush wildflower-speckled wildflowers. You can also book hiking tours with a reputable company, such as 10Adventures, a trustworthy place to find adventure tours in the Canadian Rockies.
Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island brims with charm. You’ll find the epitome of that intoxicating charm in Charlottetown, the province’s capital. Discover old, storied buildings harking to a century before while marvelling at the Anne of Green Gables paraphernalia all over town.
Pack your swimsuit and sand toys, and get ready for a relaxing sea-scented beach getaway when you’ve had enough of Charlottetown. One of the more popular seafront locations is Brackley Beach, just 15 minutes from Charlottetown or drive five minutes to Stratford for a closer sandy escapade. Brackley Beach requires a fee, as it sits in a national park. However, this often means a clean, well-kept area, only adding to the overall wonder of this destination. You can also marvel at sand dunes and forests or go camping and rent a kayak here, to name a few things to do.
If you want to stick to the west coast or pair the Okanagan Valley and the Canadian Rockies with another BC destination, consider Victoria or Salt Spring Island for unreal seascapes and family-friendly activities.
Which destination do you think suits your family best?
