Family holidays in Canada
Canada is an enormous and enormously varied country. From the beautiful beaches and mountains of the West coast and the Maritime charm of the eastern provinces to the European sensibilities of French-speaking Québec and the wilderness of the North, Canada's diversity is endlessly appealing. It's an ideal location for family travel, and cities like Montréal and Toronto cater brilliantly to the younger traveller.
When to go
Eastern Canada is a place of contrasts. Heat and sun in the summer and severe cold and snow in the winter. In western Canada winter is extremely snowy and cold and great for winter sports. Spring to autumn is perfect for sightseeing and travelling.
Top tip
The CN Tower is the world's tallest building with views of up to 75 miles on a clear day.
Food
It's unlikely you or your children will go hungry in Canada. Portions are normally generous, and much of Canadian cuisine will appeal to kids, although traditional Québecois food such as poutine (French fries, cheese curds and gravy) might not be immediate favourites. Canadian restaurants offer some of the best service in the world, and children are more than welcome at the vast majority of establishments.
Entertainment
If you and your family are outdoors types, you'll love Canada. Whatever the season, there are a multitude of choices, from canoeing and white-water rafting to skiing and snowboarding. The spectacle of baseball, ice hockey or basketball will thrill most children, and cities like Toronto and Montréal also boast world-class museums and art galleries.
Flying time
7 - 10 hours
Time difference
GMT + 5 hours
Transfer times
- Toronto:
- Toronto Lester B Pearson International Airport - 45 mins
- Vancouver:
- Vancouver International Airport - approximately 30 mins
- Montreal:
- Montreal Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport - approximately 30 mins