FamilyFun, Canada

Centreville Theme Park is the ultimate summer destination for families! Located on the Toronto Islands, Centreville offers a full day of family fun — featuring more than 30 kid-sized rides & attractions, alongside beautiful beaches and 14 casual restaurants for grown-ups and kids to enjoy. One of the top attractions for families in Canada, guests are invited to revel in Centreville’s new & improved Sky Ride. You are welcome to explore 600 acres of natural parkland, interact with farm animals and experience stunning lake and city views. Getting to Centreville is almost as exciting as the park itself. Everyone likes the scenic Centre Island ferry ride across Toronto Harbour. You can choose to arrive by private boat or water taxi just minutes from downtown Toronto, along the Harbourfront. http://www.seetorontonow.com/listings/centreville-theme-park/#sm.0017houyxdtier210nr1h126u6a73

With a huge range of creatures from around the globe, the Toronto Zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain and the Tundra Trek. Animals can be seen indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in naturalistic environments. The Toronto Zoo also participates in many conservation initiatives including captive breeding and reintroduction, habitat and species research and much more. Set in the beautiful Rouge Valley in the east end of the city, the Zoo is open 364 days a year and is accessible by car and public transit. https://www.seetorontonow.com/attractions/in-the-spotlight-toronto-zoo/

Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's first, largest, and most beloved urban park! Designated a national historic site of Canada, Stanley Park is a magnificent green oasis in the midst of the heavily built urban landscape of Vancouver. Explore the 400-hectare natural West Coast rainforest and enjoy scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall. Discover kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. The park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests, including Canada’s largest aquarium. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

Carnarvon Park offers many recreation opportunities, from a multitude of sports fields to a fitness circuit and a children’s playground. The dappled shade of the tree-lined walks makes for a very enjoyable stroll, with a diversity of trees that include ash, plum, crabapple, and hornbeam. This park was first assembled by the Point Grey Municipality prior to the City of Vancouver amalgamation in 1929. It was secured by tax sales from the B.C. Government. The Park is named for one of its bounding streets which in turn is named for the Earl of Carnarvon who was Britain’s Secretary of State and introduced the British North America Act thereby bringing into confederation the Canadian provinces. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=2

Hastings Park now has more unique features than ever! There's lots to enjoy and discover: recreational activities, park spaces, gardens, playground, and sport fields, mixed with an amusement park, horse race trace, and large sport and entertainment venues. Explore the ecologically rich green space at Hastings Park, featuring spectacular gardens and the Miracle Mile statue. This Italian-styled garden features fountains surrounded by whimsical sculptures inspired by famous Italian operas. Pear trees and plantings of lavender and Italian cypress add to the Mediterranean feel. A large children's play area is adjacent to the garden. http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/hastings-park.aspx

Quilchena’s wide green fields are welcoming to sports enthusiasts and those looking for a pleasant stroll alike. Majestic poplars tower over the rolling lawns and shelter the seating areas below. Originally owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the CPR leased this land (40 acres in total) to the Quilchena Golf Club. The word “Quilchena” means “flat place near the water” in the local First Nations language. On February 11, 1956, following the expiration of the CPR’s lease with the golf course, the Park Board purchased the eastern area of the course for park purposes and this site was designated Quilchena Park. The western portion of the golf course became Prince of Wales Secondary School. Park development began on January 22, 1962. https://covapp.vancouver.ca/ParkFinder/parkdetail.aspx?inparkid=6

A stroll along rue Saint-Jean is a must for anyone visiting Québec City. Starting from centrally located Place D’Youville, a string of boutiques, restaurants, churches, and historic buildings create a unique and eclectic ambiance. And when the street is closed to traffic in summer, pedestrians take over and a festive atmosphere reigns. Religion, politics, and education converge at Place de l’Hôtel-de-Ville, home to City Hall and just steps from Notre-Dame de Québec Cathedral-Basilica and the historic Séminaire de Québec. In summer, you can watch the performances of the public entertainers while the charming wooden kiosks of the German Christmas Market settle there from late November to end of December. The ice rink at Place D'Youville is the perfect place to experience Québec City's winter. From mid-November, put on skates and enjoy its magical atmosphere! https://www.quebecregion.com/en/old-quebec-summer/rue-saint-jean/

Only 20 minutes from Québec City, Valcartier Vacation Village becomes the largest winter playground in North America, with more than 35 inner tube runs for thrill-seekers of all ages, 17 mechanical lifts and skating paths. The four steep slopes of the Himalaya are Xtreme fun! https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/businesses/outdoor-activities/snow/sliding/village-vacances-valcartier/

The Old Port of Montreal is the historic port of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Located in Old Montreal, it stretches for over two kilometres along the St-Lawrence River in Old Montreal. It was used as early as 1611, when French fur traders as a trading post. The Old Port was redeveloped in the early 1990s, under the direction of architects Aurèle Cardinal and Peter Rose. Today it is a recreational and historical area and draws six million tourists annually. Old Port offers access to a wide variety of activities, including the Montreal Science Centre, with an IMAX Theatre, and the Montreal Clock Tower. It offers riverfront access for walking, cycling, roller-blading, quadricycle, pedalo and Segway rentals. https://www.attractionscanada.com/quebec/Montreal/Old-Port-Montreal.asp

Where to start before such a vast choice? Right here. See all the fascinating things you can do at La Ronde, a roller coaster that will give you adrenaline rush to the sweet rides for toddlers. Take a break watching one of our shows or grab a bite at one of our restaurants. Do not forget to bring back memories of your day! The whole family finds its account in La Ronde. Be ready to laugh a big shot! From the highest peaks to the loveliest adventures, we have a host of rides that you can enjoy together. In La Ronde you will find the rides that will make your group happy. Nothing leaves memories as memorable as a great show, especially when you're there with friends or family. In addition to offering you the most exciting rides on the planet, La Ronde presents a variety of high caliber entertainment, which you will remember for a long time. https://www.laronde.com/fr/larondeFR/rides-and-attractions

Standing beneath a towering hoodoo with a cactus at your feet, it’s easy to imagine a time when dinosaurs roamed the area. At Dinosaur Provincial Park, history is rediscovered every day and you’re invited to join in. Located about half an from Brooks, this place is a must visit if you are visiting Alberta. Camp, tour, and explore all that Dinosaur Provincial Park has to offer. There is so much to see and do at Dinosaur Provincial Park that in order to truly enjoy the entire extent of the park you should be prepared to stay a day or two. https://www.todocanada.ca/dinosaur-provincial-park/

Operated by Alberta’s oldest charity, Calgary Zoological Society, Calgary Zoo is the second largest zoo in Canada. The zoo which had its origins in early 1900s, suffered extensive flooding during June 2013 Calgary floods. The zoo was closed during this period and reopened in November 2013. Calgary Zoo is also a leading Canadian Centre for conservation and is home to Centre for Conservation Research with many endangered animals in its care. https://www.todocanada.ca/city/calgary/listing/calgary-zoo/

When Devonian Gardens opened in 1977, it attracted international attention. Today it remains Calgary's only indoor park, full of tropical plants, natural light and balmy temperatures all year long. Meandering walkways lead guests past water fountains, over tree-decked plazas, to ponds teaming with fish. Enjoy the park during hours the CORE Shopping Centre is open, especially before or after the lunch hour on weekdays when it bustles with downtown office workers. https://www.visitcalgary.com/places/devonian-garden

Escape Today at Heritage Park Historical Village. See and feel the past as it comes to life in front of your eyes. This unique Park’s attractions and exhibits span Western Canadian history from the 1860s to 1950s. You will see the vital story of the settlement of the west not only preserved, but presented alive and in great working condition! Ride the authentic steam train, make old-fashioned ice cream with the prairie townsfolk, explore our First Nations encampment, enjoy the antique midway, savour fresh baked treats from the Alberta Bakery, enjoy a horse-drawn wagon ride, and set sail on Calgary’s only paddlewheeler. With over 180 exhibits on 127 acres of land, Canada’s largest living history museum offers an authentic experience from four key periods: the 1860s fur trading era and First Nations encampment, 1880s rustic pre-railway settlement, a bustling 1910 prairie railroad town and the 1930s -50s in Gasoline Alley Museum and Heritage Town Square. As an accredited museum, Heritage Park is proud to preserve and share history in a way that lets visitors experience it with all five senses. Costumed interpreters add another dimension to the immersive historical experience and bring the attractions and exhibits to life. https://www.visitcalgary.com/things-to-do/attractions/heritage-park-historical-village

Kayben Farms’ Sunshine Adventure Park is a refreshing place to take the whole family for a delightful day of farm fun, about 10 minutes south of the city of Calgary. http://kayben.com/sunshine-adventure-park-home/

The Farm in the Heart of the City! The Museum offers programs and exhibitions on Canada’s agricultural heritage, food literacy, and on the benefits and relationship of agricultural science and technology to Canadians’ everyday lives. Visit the animal barns and explore the captivating exhibitions. Celebrate a Canadian crop in the Museum’s newest exhibition — Canola! Seeds of Innovation. Other exhibitions include Tractors, Food Preservation: The Science You Eat (presented by Nestlé Canada), and Discovery Park. Programming includes special weekend theme events, school programs, summer day camps, interpretive tours, and demonstrations. All admission prices do not include applicable taxes and are subject to change without notice. https://www.ottawatourism.ca/member/canada-agriculture-and-food-museum/

Located minutes from downtown Winnipeg in beautiful Assiniboine Park, the Assiniboine Park Zoo is one of Manitoba's premier tourist attractions. Home to nearly 200 animal species, the Zoo is a great place for exploration and family fun. Open year-round, the Zoo is the home of Journey to Churchill, one of the best arctic species exhibits in the world. Here visitors can experience polar bears and seals swimming above them in the amazing Sea Ice Passage as well as encountering musk ox, snowy owls, caribou and more! The Zoo also provides visitors with the opportunity to experience animal species from all corners of the globe including Amur tigers, camels, snow leopards and more. With over 80 park-like acres to explore, the Zoo has been a favourite destination for families, tourists, school groups, and animal lovers for over a century. https://www.assiniboineparkzoo.ca/

One of Canada’s architectural marvels, this 30-block district boasts North America’s most extensive (and handsome) turn of the 20th century buildings. While walking its charming streets you’ll find some of the city’s trendiest and tastiest spots including small plate restaurants and bistros who flaunt their exposed brick and beam, up-and-coming and established galleries, vintage and antique shops and some of the best the city has to offer in coffee and café culture. Also find an unparalleled collection of independent shops, locally made goods, delightfully curated vintage, and Winnipeg’s longest operating toy-store. The Exchange District is the perfect place to discover something new. https://www.exchangedistrict.org/

Six hundred-forty acres of pristine prairie beauty are waiting to welcome you to this natural oasis, which is located right inside the city. In the summer feel the wind in your hair canoeing or sailing on one of FortWhyte’s several lakes; in the fall sip a locally brewed beer on their restaurant patio while witnessing North America’s largest animal (the bison) roam in its natural habitat as migrating birds fill the sky; in winter go cross country skiing on their many trails or take the kids out for a ridiculously fun day of sliding on the Richardson Rrrun Toboggan slide. No matter what the season, there is always an adventure to be had at FortWhyte Alive. https://www.fortwhyte.org/

Saturated in 6,000 years of history, the meeting of the Red and Assiniboine rivers has always been a gathering place for people. Across 54 beautiful acres you’ll find a bustling central market, exceptional dining and accommodations, vast tree-lined paths overlooking all the bends in the riverbank, a world-class skate park, a children’s play area and water park, and all the best things a Winnipeg winter has to offer like skate rentals and access to one of the world’s longest skating trails. It also bridges, via the sexy Esplanade Riel, très-European St. Boniface — with its restaurants, cafes, artistic flair and francophone flavour — and the downtown core. https://www.theforks.com/

It all began with a tree nursery. Millions of saplings and a hundred years later, the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park & Zoo remains a cornerstone of ecology, inspired learning and lasting memories in the Prairies. Today, this National Historic Site boasts carefully crafted gardens, restored heritage buildings, a great new naturally-themed playground and Saskatchewan’s only CAZA-AZAC accredited zoo. Whether your visit is lively and exciting or quietly reflective, this distinctly-Saskatchewan experience is sure to be a memorable one! There are over 300 animals at the Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo! Take a look at the animals you may see on your next visit to the Zoo! Challenge your friends to a cricket match, cast a line or find your Zen in the gardens. The expansive grounds of the Forestry Farm Park have a proud tradition of fostering old-fashioned values like connecting with loved ones and appreciating the nature around us. Take sanctuary from the pressures of everyday life in the Robin Smith Meditation Garden, and the Heritage Rose Garden. The hard work and creativity of the Saskatchewan Perennial Society was poured into each of these gardens and the results are spectacular! https://www.saskatoon.ca/parks-recreation-attractions/events-attractions/saskatoon-forestry-farm-park-zoo

Brighten your day with a visit to the Berry Barn, one of Saskatoon’s premier attractions! The panoramic view of the South Saskatchewan River is breathtaking with the splendid array of gardens in a relaxed country setting. Visit the country style indoor eatery and enjoy some home cooked meals and scrumptious Saskatoon Berry pie. Complete with a gift shop filled with Saskatoon Berry preserves and a variety of giftware. https://www.berrybarn.ca/

Wanuskewin Heritage Park sits above Opimihaw Creek and the South Saskatchewan River near Saskatoon – a window into a part of Canada’s history that remains largely undiscovered, and a link to our past unlike any other National Historic Site in Canada. Wanuskewin’s uniqueness is not just the fact that there exists evidence of ancient peoples, but rather the composition of many different aspects of habitation, hunting and gathering, and spirituality – all in one place. The Wanuskewin area contains some of the most exciting archaeological finds in North America, many of which predate the pyramids of Egypt. To date, 19 Pre-Contact archaeological dig sites have been identified on the terraces and point bars in the Opimihaw Creek valley bottom or coulee depressions along the valley wall of the South Saskatchewan River. As soon as the Opimihaw Creek valley became available for human occupation 6,000 years ago, virtually every Pre-Contact cultural group recognized across the Great Plains visited this location. https://wanuskewin.com/

Transport yourself back to early 20th century Boomtown - from the general store overflowing with everything from nails to gingham, to be blacksmith shop ringing with the sound of the hammer striking the anvil. Explore the world of alternative fuel vehicles with the Fuelled by Innovation exhibit and Saskatoon's only vintage car collection. Don't miss Winning the Prairie Gamble - the story of Saskatchewan farm family as they grow and change over 100 years. Take your breath away - step into the WDM Saskatoon. A visit to Boomtown lets you walk through time. Saskatchewan inspired stories unfold everywhere as you journey from 1910 to the present. https://www.wdm.ca/stoon.html

All aboard! Ride the visitor shuttle and discover a NEW side of Batoche. Hop on and off or Journey Through Time on an interactive and fun tour. Re-live the last battle of the Métis resistance in 1885, led by Louis Riel and Gabriel Dumont against the government troops of General Middleton’s men at Batoche. The bullet holes in the rectory wall and gravestones in the cemetery tell an eloquent tale. Join staff in authentic costume sharing further stories of Métis life beside the banks of the South Saskatchewan River. Ready, set, fun with family and friends! Choose from competitive, recreational or kids adventure relay, which includes canoeing, horseback riding, pack running, biking and running. Costumes welcome! Don’t miss the popular Saskatoon berry pie eating contest, line up for archery practice and try canoeing. Kids activities, pavilions, live music, bannock tasting and food vendors round out the festivities. Register your team early for the Louis Riel Relay. New unique twists on a classic Saskatoon event that you won't want to miss! Louis Riel Relay and Kidfest is brought to you in collaboration with the Friends of Batoche. Canoeing and Kayaking : Hear the gentle slosh of the water as you dip your paddle into the cool South Saskatchewan River. Your canoe or kayak glides along as you look up at the lush, green river valley walls stretching towards the sky. With an area so full of history and beauty how can you not be intrigued? Do not have a canoe or kayak? No problem! We have eight canoes and two kayaks available to rent on a first come first serve basis. Want to book ahead to be sure you will have one for your visit? You can reserve a canoe or kayak with a credit card. Contact us for details, reservations are recommended. http://www.tourismsaskatoon.com/listings/Batoche-National-Historic-Site/8/?fromMenu=628

Canada's largest totally ski-in/ski-out resort village, located one hour from the Kelowna International Airport, has everything you would expect from a world-class resort. Spectacular scenery of the Monashee Mountains, groomed & powder runs and a state-of-the-art lift system, the resort is blessed with ideal ski and snowboard conditions, receiving over 750 cm of dry powder snow annually. https://www.tourismkelowna.com/listing/big-white-ski-resort/3314/

Arion is a peaceful farm sanctuary for people and animals situated on 12 acres in a beautiful valley in South-East Kelowna. The farm is a serene, volunteer-driven social enterprise that offers an escape from city life just 10 minutes out of town. Open daily for interactive tours, various programs surrounding organic farming and animal care, as well as therapeutic farm and horse experiences. http://www.ariontherapeutic.farm/

Beacon Hill Park is in downtown Victoria and within easy walking distance from most downtown hotels, motels and the inner harbour. Just walk up Belleville Street past the Museum of Natural History and the Imax Theatre to Douglas Street. Take a right on Douglas Street. You'll climb a short hill and at the top of that hill is the beginning of Beacon Hill Park. Keep in mind the park is huge (200 acres), and there's much to see and do there, so allow plenty of time to view the entire park. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/beacon-hill-park

Just around the corner from Victoria's Inner Harbour, Fisherman's Wharf is a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. With a brand new park offering an area for kids to play or for adults to read a book, this unique marine destination offers food kiosks, unique shops and eco-tour adventures in a working harbour setting. Wander down to the docks with your lunch, buy seafood fresh off the boat, check out the unique array of commercial, pleasure vessel and float home moorage and watch the commercial fishing vessels unload their wares. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/garden-parks/fishermans-wharf

Come enjoy our breathtaking 22 ha (55 acres) of gardens year around. In Spring, countless tulips, daffodils and hyacinths will give you a buffet of fragrances and colours. You’ll be saying “wow” when you experience our Summer: The Rose Garden, evening entertainment, subtle night illuminations, the Saturday firework show, and boat tours to name a few of the delights. In Winter, Colourful lights, carollers, ice skating and festive fayre — Christmas is a cheerful time of year at The Gardens. Bundle up and stroll through the Twelve Days of Christmas display, sing along to the sounds of the season with Traditional Carollers or listen to the Festive Brass, then stop in at the Coffee Shop to warm up with a hot chocolate and gingerbread by the fire. https://www.tourismvictoria.com/see-do/activities-attractions/attractions/butchart-gardens

The Saskatchewan Science centre strives to ignite scientific curiosity and innovation in Saskatchewan communities through interactive, dynamic, and engaging learning opportunities. The Centre’s exhibit floor features over 150 hands-on science exhibits and live stage shows and demonstrations. The exhibits showcase all scientific disciplines with everything from space, to energy, to the wildlife of Saskatchewan being open to exploration. Visiting exhibits mean that there is always something new to learn about and play with at the Science Centre. In the past, the science centre have we’ve featured such exciting exhibitions as Dinosaurs Unearthed, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, and for the summer of 2015 we are thrilled to host Arctic Voices! Watch live demonstrations at the Space Stadium Stage to learn about everything from cryogenics, to air pressure to the sweet science of sugar. Not a kid anymore? That doesn’t mean the Science Centre isn’t for you! Enjoy advanced programming and a licenced bar at one of our Adult Science Nights! https://www.todocanada.ca/city/regina/listing/saskatchewan-science-centre/

Science North is Northern Ontario’s most popular tourist attraction and an educational resource for children and adults across the globe. Science North maintains the second and eighth largest science centres in all of Canada and features an IMAX® with Laser theatre, digital Planetarium, butterfly gallery, special exhibits hall, and so much more! Head to the second floor of the science centre for some one-of-a-kind visitor experiences. Polish a mineral in the Lapidary Lab, visit tropical butterflies in the F. Jean MacLeod Butterfly Gallery, handle exotic invertebrates, and trade some natural artifacts at the Nature Exchange. Take a voyage through Ontario’s natural landscapes with Northern Ecosystems. Visit Science North’s animal ambassadors and learn about the wildlife found in our own backyards. Discover what fish live in Ramsey Lake, learn how you can help at-risk species in Ontario, and even come face to face with a snake! Tinker, play, and have fun in our Tech Lab. Build race cars, learn about space exploration, and take a spin in the Gyroscope. Or discover the latest breakthroughs in biology in our Bio Lab. https://www.sciencenorth.ca/science-north/