Canada
Where to stay with your family in Canada
When choosing the best accommodation for your family in Canada there are a few things to be aware of. The most important is that standard rooms include two double beds. This works well if children are happy to share a bed (and a room with Mum and Dad), but needs insider knowledge of rooming options if you have more than two children or older teens.
Generally, hotels in Canada tend to be a place to spend the night rather than a destination in themselves. So, think comfortable and functional rather than breath-taking boutique gems. There are of course exceptions, including some incredible wildlife lodges on the west coast.
Breakfasts are rarely included; we can add them in but they tend to be expensive and not worthwhile given that there are usually many good cafes or bakeries found nearby. Swimming pools are also relatively uncommon (as they are not needed for so much of the year) but if a pool is a priority, we can suggest suitable hotels (usually upgrades).
Our favourite family-friendly places to stay
Family-friendly accommodation in Canada ranges from 5-star international chains to simple motels and from mountain ranches to water-access wilderness lodges or rustic lakeside cottages. Here are some of our favourites.
Black Rock Resort, Vancouver Island
This popular oceanfront resort is surrounded by Vancouver Island’s amazing beaches, pristine forest and wild Pacific Trail. Enjoy whale-watching cruises and kayaking trips to spot bears foraging on the shore. Hike or surf, then relax, sipping the local Tofino craft beer and feasting on lingcod and candied salmon. Book early as 2-bedroom suites sell quickly.
Berry Island Wilderness Lodge, BC
For a truly remote wildlife experience, this boat-access-only lodge is nestled on the edge of BC’s Great Bear Rainforest. Enjoy grizzlies galore as well as whales and dolphins. With a generous minimum age of 10yrs, this is a magical place that allows children to reconnect with the natural world. And Stubborn Mule families love the 5 o’clock swim club!
Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre
Yes, this is a chain, however, it is a very good quality hotel, in a superb downtown location with close access to all the key sights. Its indoor pool is perfect for those post-long-haul flights – and there is even an on-site Starbucks! Plus (sssh), we get really good rates here.
Chelsea Hotel, Toronto
Toronto is usually the start of family road trips around Ontario, and our families regularly rate the Chelsea Hotel as their favourite downtown city sleep spot. Key reasons – an indoor pool, a Fun Zone with pool, waterslide and Teen Lounge, laundry facilities, and (wait for it), rooms that can take up to 6 people.
Pillar and Post Inn & Spa, Niagara
Many families choose to visit Niagara as a day trip from Toronto. If however, you want to spend more time here (vineyards, Mum and Dad?), we always prefer the unbelievably quaint Niagara on the Lake rather than the bold and brash Niagara Falls township. And this historic inn even has an outdoor heated pool.
Why book Canada with Stubborn Mule?
Our team has spent years travelling both on our own and with our families. We’ve tried out hundreds of different properties, from luxury wilderness lodges to wallet-friendly B&Bs and everything in between. It’s this knowledge and practical experience that enables us to suggest the properties that we know you will love.
Some families will think the all-inclusive Blue Mountain Resort in Ontario is heavenly, with its wide range of facilities for children of all ages. Others will want something much smaller and more personal, and will adore the quaint cabin that we have up our sleeve in the nearby township of Collingwood.
During our first chat, we will discover what makes you tick as a family and what you want to get out of your holiday. We will then be able to suggest the perfect properties for you.
Canada in pictures
