When it comes to family vacation spots, you’re spoiled for choice. However, if you’re looking for inspiration for your next trip away with your kids, you really can’t skip Canada.

This North American nation is filled to the brim with stunning natural beauty plus numerous wildlife experiences, not to mention bustling cities to explore, historic sites, great food options and kid-friendly activities galore.

Canada is also regularly named as one of the best places in the world when it comes to liveability, and the country boasts diverse cultures and friendly people to boot. If you’re thinking about planning a family vacation soon, read on for some of the key reasons why Canada should be at the top of your list.

Ride the Rocky Mountaineer

One of the most iconic experiences in Canada has to be the world-renowned Rocky Mountaineer train. A five-star railway operator, Rocky Mountaineer runs family-suitable journeys through some of British Columbia’s most popular spots, like Banff, Lake Louise, Whistler and Jasper. Passengers eat, ride and sleep in comfort throughout and get to take in the magnificent views outside the train via huge windows on either side each carriage.

Hop onboard and, along the way, you’ll get to listen to expert commentary about the sites passed, which is a great way to not only keep everyone entertained but also to help children learn as they travel. During the trip you have the chance to spot many animals, such as eagles, moose and grizzly bears; plus you can check out snow-covered mountains, waterfalls, pine forests, gorges and numerous pretty towns.

Be Wowed by Natural Wonders

Speaking of natural beauty, since Canada is a country that is full of it, you and your family won’t have to look far to be wowed by wonders that draw millions of tourists each year. For example, go swimming in the amazingly clear and stunningly blue Lake Louise; explore the sculptured Hopewell Rocks in the Bay of Fundy; discover fossil forests on Ellesmere Island in Nunavut and watch the memorable Northern Lights sparkle.

Another truly remarkable natural wonder is Niagara Falls, in the province of Ontario. Situated on the border between Canada and the United States, these falls aren’t actually just a single waterfall but instead are made up of three separate rushing cascades: the American Falls, Horseshoe Falls and Bridal Veil Falls.

Compare accommodation options in the area and you’ll find many great packages to choose from. Often, happily, included in your Niagara Falls hotel package will be tickets for a popular boat tour that runs right up to the base of the natural phenomenon. Packages might also include tickets for the Niagara SkyWheel, a Ferris wheel that provides marvelous views of the falls and the surrounding areas or a Journey Behind the Falls experience, a tour that takes visitors down into tunnels built into rocks behind and below the thundering waterfalls.

See Bears

Another must-do experience in Canada is seeing bears. There are numerous places around the country where you can watch grizzly, black and brown bears (and sometimes even the rare spirit bear) from a distance, in their natural environment.

In particular, though, you should try to include a visit to Hudson Bay, near Churchill in the province of Manitoba, to see polar bears in the wild before they become extinct. You can book a tour in advance on a specially-designed tundra buggy that protects passengers from the huge animals while also providing the chance to see them go about their day.  

Check Out Pretty Prince Edward Island

If you loved reading “Anne of Green Gables” as a child -s and if you have passed the love of the series on to your children – no trip to Canada will be complete without spending time on Prince Edward Island, over on the eastern side of the country. PEI, as it’s known, was used as the setting for the famous children’s series by L.M. Montgomery, and the island has many tributes to the author and the books for fans to explore.

While you’re on the island, you also have to sample some of the fresh seafood the area is known for and travel around to get a look at the many vintage lighthouses. Prince Edward Island is also quite famous for top art and music festivals held on the island throughout the year.