5 Best Canadian Spots for Multi-Generational Trips
Updated: Jun. 25, 2019
Want to know the secret to planning a successful multi-generational trip? It’s all about location, location, location. Foster a closer connection with your extended family at these accessible Canadian destinations.
Parksville, British Columbia
What makes the seawater at this laid back Vancouver Island resort town so deliciously warm? The extreme tide recedes up to a kilometre from shore, making it ideal for wee ones to frolic in. The shallow tide pools also lure teens onto skimboards and away from their devices. Family gatherings are oh-so comfortable at Tigh-Na-Mara, a resort cradled within 22 forested acres. This rustic (without the dust) resort boasts 38 ocean-view suites, an outdoor playground, plus its own wide stretch of sandy beach.
We’ve counted down the 10 best things to do in British Columbia!
Winnipeg, Manitoba
One of the most family-friendly cities in Canada, Winnipeg has recently undergone a cultural metamorphosis. Begin at The Forks, where Variety Heritage Adventure Park brings the region’s history to life in a fantastic playground. Next, wander through the interactive exhibits at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, a motivational space for all age groups. Meet polar bears and other arctic creatures at the Assiniboine Park Zoo. Just outside the city, over 300 bird species have been spotted at Oak Hammock Marsh. Families can help naturalists by banding birds and releasing them back to nature.
Check out 50 Reasons You’ve Got Winnipeg All Wrong!
Ottawa, Ontario
Even if your kids say they hate museums, the ones in Ottawa are designed with families in mind. Our nation’s capital is the place to be for the Canada 150 celebrations, but it’s easy enough to day trip here from the Gatineau region, too. You’ll want to head out of town anyway to explore Gatineau Park with its many lakes, lookouts and easy trails. For affordable eats in the city, look no further than the ByWard Market District.
Looking for things to do in Ottawa this winter? Check this out!
Saguenay, Quebec
Imagine being so close to a beluga you can almost touch it. If you’re on the hunt for whales or wolves, you’re in the right place. Take a Zodiac ride to view humpback, blue and grey whales. Or, grab a kayak and glide by one of the many belugas summering at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord. Landlubbers have a howling good time at Parc Mahikan. You can sleep next door to wolves in an ecolodge, and those over those over 14-years-old get sniffed and hugged during wolf contact experiences.
Here are 10 Essential East Coast Experiences every Canadian must try.
Nova Scotia’s Lighthouse Route
On this East Coast escape, the journey is equally as important as the destination. Bypass Peggy’s Cove, in favour of Paddy’s Head Lighthouse in Indian Harbour. It’s just as pretty, much less crowded and you can tuck into fresh seafood at Ryer Lobsters for lunch. Home of Bluenose II, Lunenburg is one of the best preserved British colonial towns in North America, and worth exploring for the day. Take a break from sightseeing, and rest your head at White Point Beach Resort. Here, you have your choice of meal plans, different types of accommodation and complimentary kid’s programming. The best part? Hundreds of adorable rabbits roam the property!
Want to discover more of Canada with your family? Check out Jody Robbins’ 25 Places in Canada Every Family Should Visit (Touchwood, 2017).
