Explore

Canada

Canada is an incredible country to explore with kids — full of natural beauty, interesting cities, and wide open spaces.

But it’s also massive. Travelling across Canada takes time (and often a big budget), so it’s best to pick one region and explore it well.

While many travellers head straight for the Rockies, there’s so much more to see. Walk the historic streets of Quebec City, discover waterfalls in Ontario, watch the tides in the Maritimes, or relax on Prince Edward Island’s sandy beaches.

Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country road trip, Canada offers endless opportunities for fun, outdoor adventures and plenty of new memories.

Prince Edward Island
Algonquin Park

EXPLORE CANADA
QUEBEC CITY | TORONTO | NIAGARA FALLS

Most of our family travel content focuses on Ontario, Quebec, and Canada’s East Coast. We’re originally from Ontario and now live on the East Coast, and we still make the long road trip from Halifax to Toronto every summer, so you’ll find plenty of tips for exploring these regions, especially by car.

Below you’ll find travel ideas and blog posts organized by region, including family-friendly things to do, road trip inspiration, and helpful guides for exploring Canada with kids, like when to go, where to visit, and what to bring home as souvenirs.

Language

Canada has two official languages: English and French. English is the most widely spoken across the country, while French is dominant in Quebec and many areas of New Brunswick. In most tourist areas, you’ll find services available in both languages.
Some common French phrases are:
Hello – Bonjour (bohn-ZHOOR)
Thank you – Merci (mehr-SEE)
Please – S’il vous plaît (seel voo PLEH)
Do you speak English? – Parlez-vous anglais? (par-LAY voo ahn-GLAY?)

currency

Canada uses the Canadian dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, even in small towns, but it’s still a good idea to carry some cash for small shops, markets, or remote areas.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is perfect for exploring Canada’s national parks, cities, and coastlines, with long days and warm weather.
Winter offers snowy adventures like skiing, ice skating, and winter festivals, especially in destinations like Banff, Mont-Tremblant, or Ottawa.
Spring and fall bring mild weather and beautiful scenery, like cherry blossoms in Vancouver or fall colours in Ontario and Quebec.

two boys, one in a red tshirt and one in a blue tshirt, are sitting on a rock overlooking a blue lake with green trees in Northern Ontario
At a glance

Our experience in Canada

As Canadians, we’ve spent a lot of time exploring our own backyard, and the more we travel, the more we realize just how much there is to do in Canada with kids. From big cities to quiet forests, there’s a huge variety of places to explore, and it’s incredibly family-friendly.

We now call the East Coast home, but some of our favourite memories are from road trips through Ontario and Atlantic Canada. We’ve driven around Prince Edward Island, watched the tides rise at the Bay of Fundy, and explored the colourful waterfronts of Nova Scotia. And Northern Ontario has easily been one of the most underrated places we’ve visited—canoeing on calm lakes, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the slower pace.

We’ve also spent weekends wandering through Fredericton and Quebec City, which are both great for families who want a mix of history and walkable downtowns. And while we still have so much of the country left to explore, every trip reminds us why Canada is such a great place to travel with kids.

  • Staying Connected: You’ll find free Wi-Fi in most hotels, cafés, and some public spaces, but outside of major cities, it’s not always as widely available as in some other countries. I recommend getting an eSIM like Airalo to download maps and stay connected
  • Transportation Tip: If you’re planning to road trip or travel between provinces, having a car is the easiest way to explore. We’ve found it’s the best option for visiting smaller towns, national parks, and making stops along the way. For the best rates, we recommend renting through with Discover Cars.
  • Time zones: Canada spans six time zones, so depending on where you’re headed, you might be changing time zones, even if you’re driving. Keep this in mind when planning flights, road trips, or setting up arrival times, especially if you’re crossing provincial borders.