Where to stay in Canada

At the other end of the scale are the ubiquitous roadside motels. These can sometimes be the best option in terms of location (and budget) – the kids will think they have landed in a movie set. Most hotel rooms in Canada have two double beds making them ideal for younger families. Alternatively, there is the campervan option – please note these are extremely popular in the summer months and advance booking is essential.

Examples of family-friendly places to stay in Canada

With such choice of type of accommodation and location, it is hard to pick out the best. But here are some of our favourite places to stay in Canada.

For a truly remote wildlife experience, head to Farewell Harbour Lodge, one of our favourite places to stay in Canada. This family-friendly eco-lodge is nestled on the edge of the Great Bear Rainforest on the wild British Columbian coast and a fantastic location to enjoy grizzlies galore as well as whales and dolphins.

This truly is a magical place that will tap into children’s love of nature. Wild Orca skip over the blue Pacific waves, humpback whales can be viewed up close from zodiac dinghies and mighty Grizzly bears forage in lush coastal estuaries. Spot dolphins and sea lions on a kayaking tour and explore the rainforest on a walking safari in search of bears. Kids will love the floating accommodation – and the 5 o’clock swim club!

The Cabins at Ucluelet are another complete gem, located on the west coast of Vancouver Island. With the motto – ‘check-in, chill out’, there are both rainforest and oceanfront cabins in a setting that can only be described as ‘family outdoor heaven’. The two- and three-storey cabins (sleeping up to 6) provide superb self-catering facilities (including BBQ on the deck) with direct access to the beach and trails of the Pacific Rim.

The Wild Pacific Trail is right on the doorstep or you can hire a kayak or SUP from Ucluelet (known as ‘Ukee’) and head out to sea to spot whales, sea lions and otters. Tofino and Clayoquot Sound are nearby with their exciting bear-watching opportunities. Spend the morning cruising the Pacific Coast spotting whales breaching and black bears foraging on the shoreline. Head up to the skies on a scenic floatplane tour or down the sea to hit the surf. Relax in the evenings, sipping the local Tofino Brewing Company craft beer and feasting on lingcod and candied salmon (!) whist enjoying gorgeous views from your deck of the rainforest and ocean.

Canada’s Rocky Mountains have numerous fantastic family-friendly lodge accommodation, but why not splurge on a true Canadian experience – a heli-hike package. In the heart of British Colombia’s pristine wilderness lies Bugaboo Lodge, accessed only by helicopter. A stunning 10-minute flight brings you to this cosy, log-hewn lodge, perched at nearly 1,500m at the base of the Bugaboo Glacier.

From here you can enjoy a variety of heli-hikes varying from the two-hour Cobalt Lake hike to the more challenging Skyladder Via Ferrata. Discover a world of towering peaks and majestic glaciers tumbling to crystal-clear lakes then fly back to your lodge for some creature comforts. Parents can soak up the stupendous views of the soaring Bugaboo spires from the rooftop hot tub. Kids can enjoy a dip in the swimming pond, a scramble up the indoor climbing wall or some indoor fun in the games room. Winter or summer, this is a once-in-a-lifetime treat that will be the highlight of any family trip to Canada.

Blue Mountain is a purpose built resort in the heart of Ontario’s ‘cottage country’, an adventure playground for families looking to escape the city. This is eastern Canada’s top ski resort and a summertime paradise for families.

With a variety of different accommodation options to suit all inclinations and budgets, families can enjoy a wealth of activities on site. Take a panoramic ride on the mountain gondola, hit the mountain bike park or get competitive on the Cascade Putting Course. Kids will love the Plunge! Aquatic Centre and the Ridge Runner Mountain Coaster. High ropes, low ropes, ziplines, segways – there is plenty to keep the children happy.

With numerous eateries and entertainment on-site, you simply need to park your car up and enjoy the action. If you need an escape then head out on the Bruce Trail (directly from the resort) or rent kayaks and SUPs at Wasaga, the world’s longest freshwater beach. The historic town of Collingwood is nearby and the area is full of artisan craft shops and galleries.

Being only two hours from Toronto international airport means you can be splashing in a pool on the shores of Georgian Bay one moment, then flying home the next. Or why not simply recover from the jet-lag and head straight here and kickstart your time in Canada in style.