From Vancouver to Nova Scotia, Canada has a lot of fantastic places to commend for itself for summer travel. It is, after all, a huge country; people planning family summer vacations in Canada have a plethora of options from which to choose. These are four Canadian destinations (of many) recommended for fun, outdoor summer family travel. One is well-known and very popular with travelers; the others are less touristy. 

Vancouver, Canada. Photo by Jill Browne

Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver is often recognized as being the best city in the world (Economist Intelligence Unit). What makes it the most livable also makes it a great Canadian vacation destination. It’s urban in parts, sure, but cosmopolitan, with some terrific restaurants and wonderful museums. Vancouver is so diverse, though, that summer outdoor adventure seekers have plenty to do here. A half-hour walk from downtown will take travelers right to the West End beaches of English Bay and Sunset Beach. Stanley Park, at the end of the peninsula, has seasonal whale watching as well as its own lovely beaches. Second and Third Beaches are popular for family BBQs and sunset viewing. The Vancouver Trolley Company is a hop on/hop off sightseeing tour that stops at 26 sights and attractions in Vancouver. The Trolley is especially recommended for families traveling with little kids; those feet can get tired!

Mont Tremblant, Quebec

Mont Tremblant is primarily known for its fantastic ski resort area (considered the best in Eastern North America). Summertime is a great time to visit Mont Tremblant, too. Families with a love for outdoor activities would have a great vacation here; from ATV rides, to canoeing, to whitewater rating, there’s plenty to keep kids busy and excited here. Did I mention paintball? Tremblant Resort offers a paintball package that includes all the necessities (mask, suit, paintball gun, etc) and a great course to play in. Parents can also teach their older children how to play golf on the two public courses. Le Geant and le Diable are considered two of the best public golf courses in Quebec, with beautiful landscaping and some tough elevation changes.

Families should consider staying at the Homewood Suites by Hilton – Mont Tremblant Resort Hotel in Quebec. It’s right at the base of the mountain’s slopes, by the village. 

Edmonton, Alberta. Photo by Jill Browne

Edmonton, Alberta

Edmonton is far from the beaten paths of Vancouver and Montreal, and that’s precisely what’s attractive about it to some travelers. For a summer vacation with history and nature, but with decidedly less urban options, some families choose to visit Fort Edmonton Park. It’s the largest “living” museum in Canada; four different areas of the park represent four eras in Edmonton’s history, starting with the 1846 Fort and the fur trade. 1920 Street, showing Edmonton’s Metropolitan Era and showing life during World War I, is the last area. Throughout the park, children can enjoy period-appropriate rides in stagecoaches and buggies, along with free steam engine train rides.

Nova Scotia

For coastal vacation lovers, it’s hard to beat Nova Scotia. The gorgeous shorelines here in this eastern Canadian province are rugged and romantic, but also completely family friendly. Whale watching in Digby is a prime summer activity; Finback, Humpback, Minke, and Right Whales spend their summers here at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy. 375 miles of shoreline make Chedabucto Bay the largest bay on the Atlantic coast of Nova Scotia. There are some wonderful, small fishing villages and hiking trails along Chedabucto Bay. Kids especially love exploring secluded areas such as Fogarty’s Cove. Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail is one of the most scenic drives in North America. It’s also the only region outside of the UK where Gaelic culture is part of everyday life. Last, Lunenburg is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Families enjoy visiting the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic here, and the fishing port, shops and restaurants all combine to make this a lovely, charming seacoast village. Thanks to Doug Anweiler for providing this information.

Vancouver, Canada. Photo by Jill Browne.

Vancouver is very popular with summer travelers, while Mont-Tremblant, Nova Scotia and Edmonton are quieter and more personal. While there are many other fun places to explore in Canada, these four destinations are terrific starting points for families enjoying their summer vacations. Residents of the United States should remember to carry a passport with themselves at all times.