Canada is loaded with both adult and kid-friendly attractions from coast to coast and whether you live in this beautiful country or are just here for a visit, there are a few key ones not to miss. From the highest point in Toronto to the red sands in Prince Edward Island to the frozen city of Quebec, here are 10 Canadian attractions that every kid should experience in their lifetime.
10. The Carnaval (Quebec City, Quebec)
If there is a winter experience that every kid should have in Canada it would be the Carnaval that takes place every year in Quebec City. Every year thousands of visitors flock to this cold weather event which plays host to a slew of activities including snow sculptures, human foosball, snow slides, night parades, outdoor dance parties, sleigh rides, skating, and more.
Kids love to meet the mascot of the Carnaval, Bonhomme-the giant real-life snowman who loves to meet with the kids. Make sure to visit him in his epic Ice Palace that is created especially for him and serves as a focal point for several of the activities. Visit a traditional sugar shack, watch as brave men and women frolic in the snow in only their bathing suits at the snow bath, and take in one of the family-friendly shows. Whatever you do, make sure you bundle up!
9. Green Gables (Cavendish, P.E.I)
Every year hundreds of thousands of people come to the tiny island of Prince Edward Island to visit the site that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s famous Anne of Green Gables novel. This is the perfect place to take the kids and one of the most famed attractions across the country. Located in the popular town of Cavendish visitors to the site will have the opportunity to tour the house and take part in interpretation programs, as well as a stroll through the Haunted Woods and Balsam Hollow trails as found in the book.
Head down to Avonlea Village, a recreated rural community based on the village where Anne lived. Here you can enjoy a children’s music show, browse electric shops and join an authentic PEI kitchen dance party with the kids. Don’t miss the chance to let the kids dress up as Anne at Gateway Village where they can get a replica photo was taken, memories that will certainly last a lifetime.
8. Santa’s Village (Bracebridge, Ontario)
This 60-acre family entertainment park is nestled in a beautiful setting on the Muskoka River in Bracebridge, Ontario, just a couple of short hours from Toronto. It was established in 1955 and this particular location was chosen, as it is exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole, a place where Santa chooses to spend his warm months. This park is only open in the summer and plan on getting there early in the morning to enjoy breakfast with Santa, every day between 9:30-10:30.
Younger ones will love the rides such as swan paddleboats, air bouncers, a miniature Santa roller coaster, and more. The splash pad features giant water buckets that tip and towering candy cane fountains. Come decorate your Christmas cookies at the bakeshop, head to Santa’s cabin to grab a photo, or visit the farm where there are plenty of deer, sheep, and goats. It is truly Christmas in July here at this unique Canadian attraction.
7. Algonquin Park (Ontario)
If you are looking to get outdoors in the summer and hit the campgrounds there is no better place than Algonquin Park in Ontario. Let’s face it, as much work as it is for parents to take their kids camping, kids absolutely love being able to explore the outdoors. A canoe ride in this park should be on anyone’s bucket list, slicing over the still water with an expanse of water, rock, and pine trees in the distance.
Although this park offers a ton of backcountry experiences, they have also made it extremely family-friendly with kid-friendly camping areas, rentals on-site and recommended short canoe trips. There is no shortage of beaches to explore, hiking trails, wildlife, and enough room for any kid to run around until they can run no more. Hey, maybe they might even sleep in the past 7 am.
6. Canadian National Exhibition (Toronto, Ontario)
With a name like that, it’s hard to write this list without recommending that this Canadian attraction is visited. The CNE, also known as The Ex is an annual event that takes place for 18 days leading up to and including Canadian Labour Day. Activities here range from an incredible air show, rides, and games, a farm, special kids world, talent shows, special demonstrations, and foods that kids will go crazy for.
Every year there is one day during the event that has super discounted prices for kids with the purchase of adult admission. It is here where you will find sing-along with Dora, meet and greets with your kid’s favorite characters, art studios, toy workshops, and enough activities to keep you busy for days. Bring a stroller for the wee ones though as it does require a lot of walking.
5. West Edmonton Mall (Edmonton, Alberta)
It is the largest shopping mall in North America and absolutely littered with things to see and do, from amusement parks to theatres to an indoor water park. Galaxyland, the indoor amusement park features 24 rides and attractions including roller coasters and thrilling launch rides. World Waterpark is the second-largest indoor waterpark and features the world’s largest indoor wave pool and towering twisting waterslides.
The Ice Palace invites skaters of all levels to skate on this scaled-down version of an NHL ice rink in the center of the mall. Other exciting things to do here with the kids are indoor mini-golf, an arcade, bowling alley, indoor skate park and explore the theme areas throughout. We promise you could spend 5 days here and still not run out of things to do.
4. CN Tower (Toronto, Ontario)
It is Toronto’s most famous landmark and going to the top as a kid is absolutely one of the most memorable moments. For a long time, this city attraction was the tallest free-standing structure in the world, and although it lost that title in 2010 it still remains a popular tourist attraction. Kids will love riding in the glass-fronted and glass-floored elevator up to the SkyPod for fantastic views over the city, especially if the kids are a little older to appreciate just how high up they actually are.
The lookout level offers the chance for kids to step out onto the glass floor and really feel like they are floating. If you have kids under the age you will want to make your way to the KidZone, a recent addition to the CN tower which features over 1,500 square feet of space for kids to play. Kids also happen to love the short 14-minute film that features streetcars and propels the audience through the city. Fun for both kids and adults, visit this iconic landmark next time you are in Toronto.
3. Calgary Stampede (Calgary, Alberta)
This annual rodeo, exhibition, and the festival is held every July in Calgary, Alberta, and calls itself the greatest outdoor show on earth. Kids love the chance to get up close and personal with the animals at the Stampede including cows, horses, donkeys, sheep, dogs, and more. Captivating shows such as superdogs, acrodunk, Thomas and Friends, Dora the Explorer, and more happen throughout the festival.
Fun interactive activities and rides are located throughout the park, along with enough deep-fried chocolate treat to keep them going all day long. With a midway, market, one epic parade, the rodeo, and plenty of parties; the time is now to put on those cowboy boots and hit this epic Canadian attraction with the kids.
2. Canada’s Wonderland (Toronto, Ontario)
It is one of the best theme parks in Canada and the largest, opened in 19981 and improving each year that passes. Located in the north of Toronto, it is the perfect day trip for families with kids of all ages. Open daily from May to September and then weekends only until November your best bet to avoid lines is to go during the week before school is out for the summer. Featuring 16 roller coasters, a waterpark, many thrill rides, and a special kids-only zone; this park has something for everyone.
Planet Snoopy and Kidzville are perfect for the wee ones in your life and features character meet and greets, miniature roller coasters, live entertainment, bumper cars, train rides, swings, and more. If you have older kids you won’t want to miss the Halloween Haunt where the park transforms into one giant spooktacular experience complete with rides, mazes, and scare zones with live actors throughout the park.
1. Niagara Falls (Niagara Falls, Ontario)
It is well known that the Canadian side of Niagara Falls is far prettier than the American, but truth be told how many kids really care about that. Sure they love to see the gushing waterfalls but what makes this attraction really awesome in Canada is the amount of kid-friendly attractions near the falls.
The best-known attraction has to be the Maid of the Mist boat cruise which takes passengers into the rapids immediately below the falls, an exciting experience for all ages. Lundy’s Lane is where the kids will want to head in this town as it offers activities such as bowling, arcades, mini-putt, haunted houses, laser tag and an indoor waterpark. Watch the fireworks over the falls during the summer, grab a bite to eat and wander alongside the impressive thundering falls.
