For families heading to Canada the list of things to do is seemingly endless and with a rugged and beautiful terrain, the more adventurous kids are well catered to.
But for those who may not necessarily huge ski fanatics, there’s still plenty of fabulous experiences that will ensure a perfect vacation. Below are the top five Canadian experiences for kids, as chosen by the Bound Round Kids Board.
1. Maple Syrup Festivals
Maple syrup is Canada’s sweetest national symbol! Canada produces around 80% of the world’s maple syrup with many areas holding their own maple festivals when sugaring season rolls around. Celebrate all things maple at farms around the country with tours to see how the trees are tapped for their sap, the syrup making process and, of course, taste tests of the super sweet final result.
One popular tradition is to take piping hot syrup from the fire and pour it over snow or ice to make instant maple taffy for the kids! (Photo credit: Dave Love)
Check out:
Elmira Maple Syrup Festival– Ontario
Festival Beauceron de l’Erable– Quebec
Sugar Moon Farm– Nova Scotia
2. Ice Skating
Ice-skating is one of Canada’s most popular pastimes with most people learning to skate not long after learning to walk! The country’s most celebrated skating location is the Rideau Canal Skateway in Ottawa- a UNESCO World Heritage Site that freezes in the winter to become the world’s largest skating rink.
At 7.8km long and open to skaters 24 hours a day, many local Ottawans actually use the skateway as a fun way to rejuvenate the morning commute.
Check out:
Rideau Canal Skateway– Ottawa
The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise– Alberta
Bonsecours Basin– Montreal
3. Ice Hockey
Originating in Canada during the 19th Century, modern ice hockey as we know it today is widely considered to be Canada’s national pastime, as well as its official winter sport. Canada has the highest number of registered hockey players in the world, making it a huge part of Canadian culture.
This sport is not for the feint of heart, however, as due to its fast pace and full-contact techniques, the sport has become renowned for breaking out into brawls on the ice.
Check out:
Air Canada Centre– Toronto
Bell Centre– Montreal
Canadian Tire Centre– Ottawa
4. Wildlife
Across Canada there are amazing opportunities to experience a close and personal encounter with native wildlife such as moose, wolves, bears and whales. More than 33 species of whales can be spotted in Canada’s waters, while Canada is also home to the second largest wolf population in the world.
Canada also offers one of the best chances in the world to see polar bears in their natural habitats, as well as their black and grizzly relations. Wildlife tours operate all year round across the country to allow visitors to see Canada’s incredible native fauna.
Check out:
Churchill Nature Tours– Churchill
Algonquin Provincial Park– Ontario
Vancouver Island Wildlife and Whale Watching– British Columbia
5. Niagara Falls
Comprised of three individual waterfalls- Horseshoe Falls, American Falls and Bridal Falls- Niagara Falls are one of Canada’s most stunning geological attractions. The falls collectively produce the highest water flow rate of any waterfall on Earth and are visited by around 30 million people each year.
The thundering water and churning Niagara whirlpool are definite must-sees at this unforgettable natural wonder.
Check out:
Journey Behind the Falls– Ontario
Hornblower Niagara Cruises– Ontario
Niagara Falls Grand Helicopter Tours– Ontario
