Have you been looking at family holidays to Canada, but getting absolute swamped with options? It’s so common, Canada offers a huge range of locations, holiday types and activities. Here I break down a few ideas with some personal recommendations. Hopefully this gives you a flavour of what’s on offer in one of my absolute favourite countries, but please do drop me a line to discuss ideas specifically for you and your family.
Explore the Wilderness
On the West Coast of Canada you’ll find the luxurious Sonora Resort. This eco-friendly retreat is gateway to wildlife adventures, it’s only accessible by sea and air (making it a destination for celebrities wanting privacy too!). They offer wildlife safaris where you can spot grizzly bears, bald eagles, and seals in their natural habitat. A great touch here is the chance for kids to learn a little about the conservation efforts in progress to protect these beautiful creatures too.
Another fantastic option is Nimmo Bay, a remote wilderness lodge accessible only by seaplane. Here, guided kayaking expeditions are available to glimpses of playful dolphins and orcas. This resort is a little more rustic in style but with some fab luxury elements, and also has a great wellness space and yoga studio.
If you have your heart set on spotting some bears, Tweedsmuir Park Lodge is a fantastic option. It sits right in the heart of grizzly bear territory, and they can be spotted both on foot and from the river. Meanwhile, Spirit Bear Lodge is another favourite location with exclusive access to wildlife viewing and cultural sites within Kitasoo Xai’xais Nation traditional territory.
Skiing Adventures
For ski lovers, or even those who are looking to try it out for the first time, we highly recommend the Westin Whistler, a family-friendly resort with easy access to the slopes. Whistler boasts some of the best skiing and snowboarding opportunities in North America, and it doesn’t disappoint. If you’re travelling with a toddler the Westin Kids program caters for children aged 18 – 48 months, allowing you some stress-free time on the slopes.
You’ll spend your days carving through pristine, with the kids taking skiing lessons to hone their skills. The sheer size of Whistler Blackcomb is staggering, offering a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers. The family-friendly atmosphere and après-ski activities mean the evenings are just as enjoyable as the daytimes too!
For another option, we also recommend the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, another resort that combines luxury with family-friendly facilities. It’s cosy ambiance, complete with roaring fireplaces, is the perfect place to unwind after a day on the mountain. As well as skiing you can can enjoy ziplining, hiking, biking, golfing, wildlife tours, tennis, canoeing, and so much more. Kids will love the delicious hot chocolate and fondue too (so will the adults!).
Ranch Retreats
How about a taste of Western Canada’s cowboy culture? Three Bars Ranch is a working dude ranch nestled in the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Here, the kids get to try their hand at horseback riding and enjoyed fun-filled days of outdoor activities like archery and fishing.
Echo Valley Ranch is a great option too, and one of the most luxurious ranches in the region. Surrounded by stunning landscapes, this ranch offered an authentic Western experience with horseback rides through lush forests and opportunities for wildlife spotting, including moose and deer. A swimming pool, fitness centre and lovely spa are on offer too.
The Perfect Family Holiday to Canada
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a ski aficionado, or even a city explorer, Canada has something special to offer to everyone. And don’t forget, we can combine lots of the above into a multi-stop trip with a bespoke itinerary. Simply call 020 8968 0501 to get started.
