Top 17 things to do in Canada with kids
From ice carnivals and skiing, to dinosaur museums and moose spotting, get the best of your trip with these top things to do in Canada with kids.
Canada is home to interesting wildlife, an impressive outdoor adventure scene and some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the world. Festivals and family activities run year-round through Canada’s kid-friendly cities – Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal – immerse in the history and cultural delights of these impressive modern cities. The landscape throughout Canada’s northern regions and National Parks are both awe-inspiring and full of adventure – hike, ski and camp your way through the Canadian Rockies and experience up close encounters with moose, elk, bears, eagles, whales and other unique wildlife. With diverse experiences and something to entertain all – families will be impressed with all that Canada has to offer!
Canada is an adventure-packed destination for the whole family. The Canadian National Parks are full of hiking trails for all levels and ages as well as horseback riding throughout the country. A variety of water sports run throughout the warmer seasons – canoeing, kayaking, white-water rafting and other boating sports are just the beginning of what’s on offer – and world-class snow sports during winter – skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, sledding and dog sledding.
Canada is home to unique and diverse wildlife, particularly throughout its northern regions and ubiquitous National Parks. Spot moose, elk, eagles, bears and polar bears. Take wildlife oriented expeditions through some of the most impressive landscapes in the world, and whale-watching tours along coastal areas.
Toronto is traipsing through green parks in summer and ice-skating in winter. The city is bustling with activities – Ontario Science Centre, Canada’s Wonderland theme park, Art Gallery of Toronto, CN Tower, High Park – and is located right next door to the impressive Niagara Falls!
Vancouver is full of kid-centric activities – Granville Island tops the list for families with live entertainment, the buzzing Public Market, Kids Market, theatres, art galleries, water park, kayaking and paddle-boarding, as well as Stanley Park – Vancouver’s ‘green heart’ with playgrounds, trails, Capilano Suspension Bridge, water play park, nearby beaches, and the city’s several world-class museums.
Canada’s diverse regions are beautiful to visit year-round, for vastly differing reasons. The high season in most parts of the country is summer, June to August. There are several festivals during this time and warmer weather in most areas, while the most northern regions experience a brief respite from freezing temperatures. Accommodation prices hike up to 30% during this period in most cities.
November to April brings a freezing wintertime across the country. The holiday season, November to December, hosts ‘festivals of light’ with Christmas parades and Christmas tree lightings, while January to April is the most ideal season for snow sports.
The shoulder periods, May and September to October, bring lower crowds and dropped accommodation prices. Fall is a wonderful time to visit – the landscapes are breathtaking and temperatures are cool throughout the country, but remain relatively comfortable.
Young kids will love cities Toronto and Vancouver – both buzzing with open green spaces, water sports, kid-centric activities and amusements. Both are super kid-friendly with dedicated programs and hands-on exhibits, engaging for young kids.
Canada’s National Parks are a source of wonder and intriguing outdoor entertainment for kids. Canada offers unique wildlife encounters – through both guided tours or individual exploration. Camping is a great option for kids and great for making friends whilst travelling.
Canada’s wealth of outdoor activities is impressive. With snow-sports galore in winter and a wealth of water and hiking activities throughout the warmer months – there is always something for older kids to do in the great Canadian outdoors!
Air travel in Canada is the most efficient and convenient way to travel the country, and can save a lot of time. Air Canada is the largest domestic network and there are several regional airlines which travel to more remote northern destinations, often inaccessible by road or train.
Car is an efficient way to travel across Canada, which has an extensive highway system that links most towns. Rentals are available from airports, train stations and city centres for approximately $35 to $70 per day. Car seats are compulsory for children and can be rented for around $15 per day. Liability insurance is required by law for all rentals.
Recreational Vehicle (RV) hire is popular for travelling families, particularly throughout west Canada. RVs are available for hire for approximately $175 to $280 per day, plus insurance. Two reliable companies are Canadream Campers and Cruise Canada.
Bus company Greyhound Canada has an extensive network, travelling to most destinations across the country, as well as there are several other companies with extensive regional routes. Buses are affordable, clean and reliable, often with amenities for the longer journeys.
Train travel is efficient and reliable between Quebec City, Montreal and Toronto, and outside of these routes is predominantly used for scenic journeys. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer, and economic rail passes are available from company VIA Rail.
You’ll find family and kid friendly shows at Adelaide’s wild and wonderful Fringe festival.
Australia’s premier Arts festival showcases theatre, world-class musicians, dance, writers and visual art.
This motorsport spectacular is packed with action and entertainment for families. The 2021 Superloop Adelaide 500 will occur on revised dates in 2021.
March – South Australia History Festival
Enjoy hundreds of events such as talks to workshops exploring the local history.
Enjoy family friendly performances and workshops by the world’s best traditional and contemporary musicians, dancers and DJs.
May – DreamBig Children’s Festival
This arts festival for schools and families is the largest of its kind in the world.
September – Royal Adelaide Show
Experience animals, rides, food and entertainment as the country comes to the city.
Australia’s biggest Asian arts festival.
From ice carnivals and skiing, to dinosaur museums and moose spotting, get the best of your trip with these top things to do in Canada with kids.
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