Canadian family vacation: 8 family-friendly destinations

Looking for the best family vacations in Canada? From the mighty Niagara Falls to the slopes of Whistler, Canada has no shortage of incredible family-friendly vacation destinations. As the second largest country in the world, we’re spoiled with wide open spaces, awe-inspiring national parks, and warm smiles from friendly locals.

When it comes to picking the best places to visit in Canada with kids, the hardest part is narrowing down your itinerary.

Is Canada a good place to travel with kids?

In short, absolutely! Our country is brimming with stunning natural wonders, welcoming cities and adventurous activities for kids of all ages.

With plenty of airports connecting our 10 provinces and three territories and an abundance of scenic driving roads, visiting multiple destinations in a single trip is easy, too.

Explore the big smoke of Vancouver and Toronto or get back to nature at Banff National Park or the Great Bear Rainforest. Every corner of our amazing country is packed with unforgettable, family-friendly vacation destinations.

North Cover Tip: Are your kids interested in the underwater world? Plan a whale-watching adventure between May and early October. Head to Vancouver Island, Newfoundland and Labrador to catch a wide variety of whales, from orcas to humpback whales and even eye-catching belugas.

8 best places to visit in Canada for families

Bow River, Alberta

• Perfect for active families searching for paddling and rafting spots
• Must-see attraction: Enjoy world-class trout fishing along the 50-kilometer stretch of river between Calgary and Carseland

Ready for a day on the water? Winding from the Canadian Rockies in Banff National Park to Calgary and beyond, Bow River offers 587 km of scenic water fun. Rent a canoe or kayak for a day paddling along the calmer stretches of the river. If you’re closer to Calgary, venture to Prince’s Island Park to enjoy a family picnic on the lush banks of the Bow River instead.

Stanley Park, British Columbia

• Perfect for families with older kids ready to hike over 27 km of scenic trails
• Must-see attraction: Spend the day at Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s largest aquarium located in the heart of Stanley Park

A family vacation in Vancouver isn’t complete without a visit to Stanley Park. Rent a bike and cycle along the iconic 9 km Seawall Bike Route or let the little ones burn off some energy at one of the four kids' playgrounds dotted across the park.

North Cover Tip: Visiting during summer? Cool off with the kids at the Stanley Park water park (next to Lumbermen’s Arch), Second Beach Pool or the spray pad at Harbour Green Park—these are local favourites for families in Vancouver!

Granville Island, British Columbia

• Perfect for foodie families ready to sample the best of Pacific Northwest cuisine
• Must-see attraction: Head to the Kids Market for multi-level play areas, bumper cars and virtual reality rides

There are plenty of reasons why over 10.5 million people visit Granville Island each year. Known for being home to the famous Granville Island Public Market, it’s the perfect place to come hungry and experience everything from fresh seafood to sweet treats, like those from Lee’s Donuts (one of the six original tenants operating at the markets since the 1970s).

Whitehorse, Yukon

• Perfect for families chasing the Northern Lights
• Must-see attraction: Stroll through the Yukon Wildlife Preserve and encounter over 12 iconic Yukon species, including the Arctic Fox and Wood Bison

If there’s one family-friendly destination to visit during the winter months, make it Whitehorse. Located in the Yukon Territory, visiting in winter gives your family the best chance of spotting the Northern Lights. Plus, you’ll be able to warm up in the Takhini Hot Springs, an outdoor thermal pool. Just make sure to visit during the day and ensure your kids are accompanied by an adult at all times.

North Cover Tip: It plays to plan ahead and time your visit to The Yukon Wildlife Preserve. Visit during fall to enjoy the Halloween scavenger hunt, or schedule your trip for spring to take part in the annual Easter egg hunt. You’ll also have the best chance of spotting the arrival of baby animals, too!

Kelowna, British Columbia

• Perfect for picking fruit (like cherries and apricots) from local orchards
• Must-see attraction: Don’t miss a day trip to Kangaroo Creek Farm, with plenty of kangaroos and wallabies to meet

From lush parklands to sparkling beaches, Kelowna is a winning family vacation spot in Canada. From tackling a ropes course at Wildplay Kelowna to exploring the fields at Kelowna Lavender Farm, this is the perfect holiday destination to keep the kids happy.

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

• Perfect for winter sports like dogsledding, skiing and snowshoeing during winter
• Must-see attraction: Visit during autumn or winter to catch the Aurora Borealis (a.k.a. The Northern Lights) in all its glory

Rug up and bring the kids to the winter wonderland of Yellowknife. Visit the galleries and historic museums in Yellowknife Old Town and experience the Yellowknife Ice Castle during one of the town’s winter festivals. This is a remote Canadian holiday destination that boasts plenty of activities to keep the whole family entertained.

North Cover Tip: If your family isn’t accustomed to the cold temperatures of the Northwest Territories, listen up! In winter, temperatures can regularly drop below -30°C (especially if you’re out at night trying to catch the Northern Lights). Make sure your kids are ready with a parka rated for extreme cold as well as waterproof, insulated boots.

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

• Perfect for families looking to escape the summer heat
• Must-see attraction: Take the Panoramic Gondola for incredible views of the mountain range and valley below

Venture to Mont Tremblant, one of the highest peaks in the Laurentian Mountains range. This is an adventurous vacation destination best suited to older kids. Tackle Quebec’s longest zip line, ride down the 1.4 km luge trek or experience a Birds of Prey show at the summit of the mountain.

Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick

• Perfect for families looking for the perfect camping destination
• Must-see attraction: Catch the incredible tide changes at the Bay of Fundy, rising up to 50 feet every six hours

Pitch a tent and bring the kids along for an outdoor adventure in New Brunswick. Located in Fundy National Park, the Bay of Fundy and its surrounding hiking trails are easily accessible from five outdoor campgrounds. There are also unique roofed accommodation options, including rustic cabins and even a Yurt.

Looking for more vacation inspiration? Discover six must-try scenic trips in Canada.

How to protect your family’s future with life insurance

Now that you’ve got your family’s vacation plans sorted, it’s important to prepare for anything unexpected. Life insurance acts as an important safety cushion, providing financial security for your loved ones even if life takes an unforeseen turn.

North Cover Life Insurance can help maintain your family's standard of living, cover outstanding debts, and provide peace of mind, allowing your family to face life’s uncertainties with confidence.