Why Canada is your perfect destination for a multi-generational family holiday

Canada is such a welcoming country, from the friendly locals to the beautiful landscapes, with great food and fun activities all the way, making it the perfect holiday destination to suit all ages.

These days our family groups have a varying number of parents, children, and often grandparents now want in on the action, and who can blame them? Where better to holiday together then Canada – where we share a language, a sovereign, and a love of good food and fun times. Here’s a round up of our favourite family holidays, which will appeal to kids, teenagers, and adults young and old.

Let’s start in the eastern part of Canada, which is so well connected with direct flights. Begin in Toronto, where you can take a deep breath, adjust to the time difference and start with a trip up the CN Tower to see the massive beauty of Lake Ontario, the city spread below, and dare each other to stand on the glass floor over a thousand feet above the ground. Sports fans can visit the (Ice) Hockey Hall of Fame, shoppers will enjoy a browse around Yonge Street and everyone will enjoy a cruise around the harbour and islands.

Niagara Falls is a great next stop, although it’s also a good place for a dramatic end to your holiday, and only an hour drive to Toronto airport for your flight home. Everyone will enjoy the cruise to the thundering waters, children will love the zip-line and the older party members will enjoy the Falls Incline Railway to the “Bridge of Flowers” over the Niagara Parkway, enjoying the spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls and Table Rock Centre, with an easy return to your hotel. There’s masses to do here and we can book your Voyage to the Falls plus the Niagara Falls Pass which includes lots of activities.

Then head away from the more populated areas and into the Algonquin Provincial Park – a stunning protected area of rivers and lakes, larger than Devon and filled with flora and fauna. We love that you can park up and stroll, hike or kayak into its depths, but easily return to your car and enjoy a packed lunch at a picnic table and take advantage of the conveniences…very handy to have the wilderness tamed to deal with the “call of nature”.

Another great family destination in this province of Ontario, is the Blue Mountain Resort, nestled on the shores of Georgian Bay. A ski resort in winter, it turns into a superb activity centre in the warmer months. The energetic can enjoy hiking, biking, zip-lining, rock climbing, or ropes courses, whereas those looking for a more relaxing day indulge in spa treatments or leisurely strolls through the village for shopping and sipping.

Crossing over to the province of Quebec, there is the ski resort of Mount Tremblant, which also becomes a summer playground. With a pedestrianized village and great lift system, its easy to get around and enjoy the cafes and shops. You can rent bikes and kayaks to explore the gorgeous surrounding countryside, and there’s some well-marked trails for all abilities to walk.

Check out our selection of holidays here:
Exhilarating Ontario – Toronto, Niagara Falls and Algonquin Canoe Adventure
Exhilarating Ontario - Family Self-Drive
Family Self-Drive Great Parks of the East

Time to head west, which may be a longer flight but results in spectacular scenery, wildlife spotting opportunities and amazing outdoor experiences. There are direct flights into Calgary, where you can begin your western adventure with a few nights in “Cowtown” (known for the Calgary Stampede every July). The Heritage Park is a great place for a relaxing family day out, showcasing the history of western Canada with costumed actors. Tour the Park on an antique steam train, set sail aboard a paddlewheel ship, visit the farm animals at the ranch, learn about Blackfoot culture in the First Nations area, and discover their fantastic collection of antique vehicles at Gasoline Alley Museum.

Moving out of the city and into the Rockies, Banff is a charming town in the heart of the national park. A perfect activity for all the extended family to enjoy is the Cowboy Cookout – the adventurous can saddle up and take the tour on horseback, those looking for a more sedate experience can board the covered wagon to sit back and let someone else steer. We can pre-book this so that you don’t miss out! There are several other ranching experiences to be had in western Canada – have a look at our holiday suggestions below. Banff really does have something to offer everyone - with wildlife tours, biking and kayaking experiences, the wonderful Banff Gondola to the top of Sulphur Mountain, and beautiful walking trails along the Bow River and Valley.

Moving over to the beautiful province of British Columbia – here you will find wildlife, wilderness and stunning coastlines. The best whale-watching is on Vancouver Island – a lovely ferry ride across from Vancouver on the mainland. Eagle Tours in Victoria is one of our favourites, with a whale-spotting guarantee, experts giving an entertaining and educational commentary, rest-rooms and refreshments on board, as you sail through spectacular scenery and spot myriad wildlife.

Here is a selection of our best wildlife and wilderness experiences in BC:
Experience an epic wildlife & wilderness holiday in British Columbia

Check out our selection of holidays here:
Family Adventure - Dinosaurs, Ranching and the Great Outdoors of Alberta
Pacific Rim Whales & Bears Family Adventure
Family Self-Drive Western Wonders

And finally, another holiday suggestion to whet your appetite – experiencing Canada by motorhome (or RV as they’re also known) A motorhome is an amazing way to see the beauty of Canada and have the flexibility to explore at your pace. What child doesn’t like camping? And a motorhome is a pretty civilised way to enjoy camping whatever your age. One of the great things about renting an RV is having your own mini kitchen with you wherever you go….whether it’s cold drinks, cups of tea, breakfast at any time that suits, it really helps to have this convenience when you’re travelling as a family. Plus you can fire up that BBQ and enjoy your choice of grills, followed by that Canadian favourite s'mores (toasted marshmallow and chocolate sandwiched between two graham crackers - yum). Of course there’s never “one size fits all” for a multi-generational group, so you may want more than one vehicle, of different sizes. The C19 sleeps up to three, the C25 up to five and the C30 up to seven – so mix and match the RV’s that you rent to suit your family. Here are some suggested itineraries for you to consider:

Eastern Canada, Niagara Falls & the Great Lakes by Motorhome
Best of Canada's West by Motorhome
Maritime Canada by Motorhome