Things to Do in Canada: 18 Amazing Activities for Families
Planning your next family vacation? Canada offers an incredible array of adventures that will create lasting memories for every member of your family. From coast to coast, this beautiful country combines natural wonders, thrilling experiences, and cultural discoveries that appeal to kids and adults alike.
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures in the Rocky Mountains, cultural experiences in historic cities, or natural phenomena that will leave your family speechless, Canada delivers it all. In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover 18 amazing things to do in Canada that are perfect for families, complete with practical tips to help you plan the ultimate Canadian adventure.
Eastern Canada: Maritime Wonders and Historic Charm
1. Gananoque: 1000 Islands Cruise
Your Canadian family adventure begins in the heart of the 1000 Islands region. The 1000 Islands Cruise from Gananoque offers your family a magical journey through one of Canada’s most scenic waterways. As you glide between the islands, your children will be amazed by the historic castles, luxury mansions, and pristine natural beauty.
The cruise provides excellent commentary that keeps kids engaged while teaching them about the region’s history and ecology. Many cruises offer special family packages, and the gentle boat ride is perfect for children of all ages. Don’t forget to bring your camera – the photo opportunities are endless!
2. Niagara Falls: Boat Trip & Journey Behind the Falls Tour
No list of things to do in Canada would be complete without mentioning Niagara Falls. The combination boat trip and Journey Behind the Falls tour creates an unforgettable experience that will have your entire family talking for years to come.
The boat trip takes you right up to the base of the thundering falls, where you’ll feel the mist on your faces and experience the raw power of nature. The Journey Behind the Falls allows your family to walk through tunnels carved into the bedrock, emerging behind the cascading water for a truly unique perspective.
Family Tip: Bring waterproof jackets or purchase ponchos . The experience is wet but incredibly thrilling!
3. Niagara Falls, Canada: Evening Fireworks Cruise
Extend your Niagara Falls experience with the magical evening fireworks cruise. This special evening adventure combines the beauty of illuminated falls with spectacular fireworks displays that reflect off the water, creating pure magic for your family.
The evening cruise offers a completely different perspective of the falls, and the fireworks show typically runs during summer months. Your children will be mesmerized by the combination of natural beauty and pyrotechnic artistry.
4. Niagara Falls: Premium Tour, Boat & Journey Behind the Falls
For families wanting the complete Niagara experience, the premium tour combines multiple attractions into one comprehensive package. This tour includes the boat ride, Journey Behind the Falls, and often additional attractions like the White Water Walk or Butterfly Conservatory.
The premium package saves you time and money while ensuring your family doesn’t miss any of the must-see Niagara attractions. It’s particularly valuable for families with limited time who want to maximize their Niagara Falls experience.
5. Ottawa: Bilingual Guided City Tour by Amphibious Bus
Ottawa’s amphibious bus tour provides your family with a unique way to explore Canada’s capital city. These special vehicles travel on both land and water, giving your children the excitement of transitioning from street to river seamlessly.
The bilingual guides share fascinating stories about Canadian history, government, and culture while keeping young passengers engaged with interactive elements. The tour covers major Ottawa landmarks including Parliament Hill, the Rideau Canal, and various museums and monuments.
6. Ottawa: Rideau Canal Cruise
The Rideau Canal cruise offers your family a peaceful way to see Ottawa from the water. This UNESCO World Heritage site provides beautiful scenery and historical insights that appeal to both adults and children.
During winter months, the canal transforms into the world’s largest skating rink, but the summer cruises offer comfortable sightseeing with informative commentary about the canal’s construction and importance to Canadian history.
7. Quebec City: Hop-on Hop-off Open-Top Double Decker Bus Tour
Quebec City’s hop-on hop-off bus tour is perfect for families who want flexibility in their sightseeing. The open-top double decker buses provide excellent views of this UNESCO World Heritage city, while the hop-on hop-off format allows you to explore attractions at your own pace.
Your children will love riding on the top deck, feeling the wind in their hair as you explore the cobblestone streets and historic architecture. The tour includes stops at major attractions, making it easy to customize your family’s Quebec City experience.
8. Quebec City: Montmorency Falls with Cable Car Ride
Just outside Quebec City, Montmorency Falls offers your family an spectacular natural attraction that’s even taller than Niagara Falls. The cable car ride to the top provides breathtaking views and an exciting experience for children.
At the top, your family can walk across the suspension bridge over the falls or explore the various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. The park offers year-round activities, with the falls creating stunning ice formations in winter.
9. Tadoussac/Charlevoix: Whale Watching Zodiac Tour
The whale watching zodiac tour in Tadoussac provides your family with one of Canada’s most incredible wildlife experiences. The St. Lawrence River confluence creates ideal conditions for spotting various whale species, including beluga whales, minke whales, and sometimes even blue whales.
The zodiac boats offer an intimate wildlife viewing experience that gets your family closer to these magnificent creatures than larger tour boats. Professional guides provide fascinating information about whale behavior and marine conservation.
Western Canada: Mountain Adventures and Natural Wonders
10. Banff: Banff Gondola
The Banff Gondola takes your family on an unforgettable journey to the top of Sulphur Mountain, offering panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies that will leave everyone speechless. The eight-minute ride provides stunning vistas of Banff townsite, the Bow Valley, and surrounding mountain peaks.
At the summit, your family can explore the boardwalks, visit the interpretive center, and enjoy the restaurant with its incredible views. The experience is suitable for all ages and provides excellent photo opportunities for your family vacation album.
11. Jasper: Columbia Icefield Skywalk and Ice Explorer
The Columbia Icefield experience combines two incredible attractions that showcase the power and beauty of glacial landscapes. The Ice Explorer takes your family onto the Athabasca Glacier in specially designed vehicles, while the Skywalk provides a thrilling glass-floored walkway suspended over the Sunwapta Valley.
Your children will be amazed by the opportunity to walk on a glacier and learn about glacial formation and climate change. The Skywalk adds an element of excitement with its glass floor and spectacular mountain views.
12. Emerald Lake, Moraine Lake, Louise & Johnston Canyon Day Trip from Banff
This comprehensive day trip from Banff takes your family to some of the most photographed locations in the Canadian Rockies. Each destination offers unique beauty and family-friendly activities that showcase the diversity of the mountain landscape.
Lake Louise provides canoe rentals and easy walking trails, while Moraine Lake offers stunning turquoise waters surrounded by towering peaks. Emerald Lake features a peaceful setting perfect for family picnics, and Johnston Canyon provides an easy hike to spectacular waterfalls.
13. Banff National Park: Bow River Horseback Ride
The Bow River horseback ride offers your family a unique way to explore Banff’s beautiful landscape while creating authentic Canadian memories. Professional guides ensure safe and enjoyable rides for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced riders.
The gentle trail rides follow the scenic Bow River, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and enjoy the mountain scenery from a different perspective. Most outfitters offer family-friendly rides with calm, well-trained horses suitable for children.
14. Vancouver: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers your family an adventure that combines natural beauty with thrilling experiences. The famous suspension bridge stretches 450 feet across the Capilano River, providing an exciting challenge for brave family members.
Beyond the main bridge, the park features Treetops Adventure with its network of smaller suspension bridges through the forest canopy, and Cliffwalk, a series of narrow walkways clinging to the granite cliff face. The park also includes educational displays about local ecology and First Nations culture.
Central Canada Highlights
15. Toronto: Casa Loma
Casa Loma provides your family with a fairy-tale castle experience right in downtown Toronto. This Gothic Revival mansion features secret passages, elaborate gardens, and towers that will spark your children’s imagination while providing interesting Canadian history.
The castle offers family-friendly audio tours, seasonal events, and interactive exhibits that keep children engaged throughout the visit. The gardens are particularly beautiful during spring and summer, providing perfect settings for family photos.
Family Tip: Check the castle’s event calendar – they often host special family programs and seasonal celebrations.
Planning Your Canadian Family Adventure
When planning your things to do in Canada itinerary, consider the vast distances between attractions and plan accordingly. Canada‘s size means you’ll likely need to focus on specific regions rather than trying to see everything in one trip.
Seasonal Considerations: Summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather and longest days, but also the largest crowds. Spring and fall provide pleasant weather with fewer tourists, while winter opens up unique activities like ice skating and winter festivals.
Transportation: Renting a car provides the most flexibility for families, especially in western Canada where attractions are spread out. Eastern Canada offers more public transportation options, particularly in cities like Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver.
Accommodation: Book family-friendly accommodations in advance, especially during peak season. Many Canadian hotels offer family packages that include attraction tickets or breakfast.
Making the Most of Your Canadian Family Vacation
To maximize your family’s enjoyment of these amazing things to do in Canada, involve your children in the planning process. Let them research attractions and choose activities that interest them most. This involvement creates excitement before your trip and helps ensure everyone has experiences they’ll treasure.
Consider purchasing attraction passes for cities you’ll spend multiple days in, as they often provide significant savings for families. Many attractions also offer family packages or group discounts that can help stretch your vacation budget.
Remember to pack appropriately for Canada’s variable weather conditions. Even summer days can be cool, especially in mountainous regions or near large bodies of water. Layers are always your best friend when traveling in Canada.
Creating Lasting Family Memories
These 18 amazing things to do in Canada offer your family opportunities to bond over shared adventures, learn about different cultures and ecosystems, and create stories you’ll tell for years to come. From the thundering power of Niagara Falls to the serene beauty of Lake Louise, each experience adds another layer to your family’s travel story.
Canada’s combination of natural wonders, cultural attractions, and family-friendly infrastructure makes it an ideal destination for creating those special moments that define great family vacations. Whether your family prefers outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a mix of both, Canada delivers experiences that will exceed your expectations and leave you planning your return visit before you’ve even left.
Start planning your Canadian family adventure today – these incredible experiences are waiting to become your family’s next great story!
