There’s nothing more exciting than planning a long overdue family getaway. However, planning can equally be challenging as you have to settle on a spot where everyone will be happy and entertained.
The perfect blend of natural wonder, adventurous activities and rich culture, Canada is a destination that the whole family is destined to love.
Not convinced? Here are six reasons why you should visit Canada on your next family holiday.
1. Endless photo opportunities at spectacular natural wonders
Canada has some truly wonderful man-made attractions, but nothing can match the raw beauty of the country’s natural wonders.
If you have a natural history buff in the family or you’re just a bunch of Jurassic Park fans, Alberta’s Dinosaur Provincial Park is worth a visit. One of the world’s biggest dinosaur graveyards, the park was once a thriving hub of pre-historic life.
Time your trip to Canada right and you might be able to catch the Northern Lights. Also known as the Aurora Borealis, the technicoloured sky is best seen in Yukon, Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
Tick off a natural wonder that is probably on the whole family’s bucket list, North America’s most powerful waterfall, Niagara Falls. One of the most famous wonders of the world is definitely worth a visit, just don’t forget to pack a change of dry clothes for afterwards!
You can get up close and personal with one of the greatest natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls.
(Image: Getty Images)2. Experience one of Canada’s best ski resorts
Whether your family loves to ski or you’re hoping to embark on your first snow getaway, the west of Canada is bursting with ski adventure opportunities. The Rocky Mountains are jam-packed with lots of all-inclusive ski resorts, but some can become incredibly busy during peak season.
Our pick of the lot: Panorama Mountain Resort. Perfect for family’s looking for a real Canadian mountain experience, the resort is bursting with adventure activities and offers a wide terrain with skiing opportunities for beginners and experts. Not to mention, there are ski lessons available for kids and adults, plus plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, too.
Canada’s ski resorts offer plenty of fun activities for the whole family.
(Image: Getty Images)3. Taste some real Canadian maple syrup
The landscape is breathtaking and the adventure activities are out of this world, but it’s the cuisine that really sells Canada as the perfect family holiday destination.
From decadent sweet treats to indulgent savoury meals, Canadian food is something every member of the family can sink their teeth into, even the picky eaters! A must try is the world-famous poutine — crispy fries topped with squeaky cheese curds and a rich gravy. The dish is available all across the country, but the best versions can be found in the Quebec region.
A dessert that will have the kids begging for more, maple taffy is a sugary sweet candy prepared by pouring boiling Canadian maple syrup over snow. Another typical Canadian cuisine native to the Quebec region, it’s most commonly enjoyed during the winter months.
There’s nothing sweeter than Canadian maple taffy!
(Image: Getty Images)4. Go on a Canadian wildlife safari
Spotting animals in their natural habitat is enough to get both kids and adults excited. You can see pods of the white beluga whales in several Nunavut Rivers, spot elk and moose at Jasper National Park in Alberta and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of the rare large bison at Wood Buffalo National Park.
To get up close and personal with some of Canada’s most unique wildlife, check out APT’s 22 Day Rockies Odyssey and Alaska Cruise. Covering some of the country’s most iconic landmarks — including Banff National Park and Lake Louise — the tour also travels along the Blue River where you can spot grizzly and black bears. Talk about a once in a lifetime experience!
If you venture into some of Canada’s national Parks, you might be able to spot the native grizzly bear.
5. Swim in the largest freshwater lake in the world
Just like Australia is famous for its beaches, Canada is famed for its magnificent lakes. The country has more than three million lakes, including the world’s second-deepest lake, Great Slave Lake in the Northwestern territories.
Our top lakeside destinations are Lake Louise, a small glacial lake in the Banff National Park in Alberta. In summer, the lake glistens an emerald green and reflects the beauty of the surrounding mountains, in winter it becomes a spectacular ice-skating rink. Then there’s Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world. The coastline is almost 3,000 kilometres long and is filled with plenty of attractions and activities for the whole family.
Lake Superior’s shoreline
(Image: Getty Images)6. Canadian culture is incredibly diverse
Canadian people are easily some of the friendliest people in the world, something that is bound to make your holiday experience all the more pleasant. If you stand around looking confused in a Canadian city, chances are a friendly Canadian will come along and help you on your way.
A friendly nature isn’t the only signature trait of the Canadian culture, it is also incredibly diverse. The first French arrived in Canada in 1608 and the French cultural influence is still prevalent in the food, architecture and language. The French influence spreads across Quebec, New Brunswick, Ontario, Manitoba and Nova Scotia.
The Indigenous culture of Canada is also very prominent, with over 1.6 million people identifying as Indigenous in Canada. The history of the people can be viewed in many cultural centres and museums across the country, and if you’re lucky, you might even catch an Indigenous festival while you’re there!
