With summer around the corner, many families are looking closer to home for their next adventure and there’s no better time to rediscover the beauty of Canada. From coast to coast, the country offers a diverse landscape of experiences perfect for family travel, whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring charming small towns, enjoying the great outdoors, or just wanting to unwind at a resort.
In this multi-part series, let’s break it down by journeying across the country, exploring family-friendly destinations region by region, from the coastal charms of the East coast to the rugged beauty of the West. I’ll share some of the fun experiences my family has enjoyed, along with destinations that are still on our hit list.
In this post, we’ll be exploring the Eastern provinces of Ontario and Quebec.
In This Post
- Muskoka, Ontario
- Prince Edward County, Ontario
- Tobermory, Ontario
- Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
- Montebello, Quebec
- Old Quebec City, Quebec
- Quebec by the Sea, Quebec
- Using Fixed-Value Programs
- Conclusion
Muskoka, Ontario
Muskoka is one of Ontario’s premier cottage country destinations, known for its lakes and natural beauty. It’s home to a variety of lakeside, family-friendly resorts like Deerhurst Resort and the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, kayaking, or paddleboarding, it’s the ideal spot for a relaxing family getaway.
It’s also a stone throw away from Algonquin Provincial Park, where wildlife spottings are plentiful as are the hiking trails. If summer isn’t an option, fall is a popular time to visit for stunning foliage views.
Muskoka Wharf is also a great place for a stroll on its boardwalks while checking out the small shots. Take a ride on North America’s oldest operating steamboat, the RMS Segwun from here or check out the Discovery Centre with the kids.
Recommended Stay: JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa, located on the shores of Lake Rosseau, offers a perfect mix of rustic charm and modern comfort. Suites are spacious and styled with cozy cottage-inspired décor, complete with kitchenettes for added convenience. Guests can enjoy a unique half-indoor, half-outdoor pool, unwind on the private beach, make use of complimentary water sports equipment, and cap off the day roasting marshmallows by the fire.
Nightly rates this summer range from $600–700 (all prices in CAD) or 61,000–70,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, which means you could redeem a 85K Free Night Award for a night. Cash and points rates drop significantly in the fall, where even a 35K Free Night Award (with a points top-up) that can be earned with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Express®* Card can be redeemed.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Residence Inn Gravenhurst Muskoka Wharf. It offers great value with amenities like an indoor pool and complimentary breakfast for all guests at nearly half the cost of the JW.
Paying for your Marriott stay with your card will earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy points per dollar spent, helping you rack up rewards faster for your next redemption.
- Earn 55,000 Bonvoy points upon spending $3,000 in the first three months
- Also, receive an annual Free Night Award worth 35,000 Bonvoy points starting in your second year with the card
- Also, receive 15 elite-qualifying nights every year and automatic Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status
- Bonus Bonvoy points for referring family and friends
- Annual fee: $120
Prince Edward County, Ontario
Prince Edward County in southeastern Ontario is a scenic, laid-back getaway known for its beaches, wineries, and countryside charm. My husband and I have visited both as a couple and with the kids, and I’ve shared our experience in a previous post. Despite its small size, this county is bursting with things to see and do.
Families can visit Noble Beast Farms to meet alpacas, meet a beekeeper, or wander through fragrant lavender fields. Meanwhile, adults can explore boutique wineries and savour farm-to-table dining–making it the perfect mix of fun and relaxation for everyone.
For some outdoor fun, kids can climb the sand dunes or swim at Sandbanks Provincial Park. With mostly shallow water and calm waters, it’s an ideal spot for little ones to play safely. You can also hike or bike a section of the 46-km family-friendly Millennium Trail, enjoying the local fauna and flora of the wetlands along the way.
Recommended Stay: You won’t find hotel chains like Hilton or Marriott here, but if you’re willing to stay 40 minutes away in Belleville, you’ll find TownePlace Suites and Hampton Inn & Suites. Instead, enjoy a more intimate stay at local bed and breakfasts or boutique accommodations like the Drake Motor Inn, a contemporary and fun option that can accommodate families of four and offers complimentary Polaroid cameras, and access to communal spaces like a living room, outdoor terrace, and fire pit.
If you’re looking to splurge, Wander the Resort offers luxurious Nordic-style cabins with direct beach access and a brand-new onsite spa facility. Day passes to their beach and spa can also be purchased separately. Day passes to the beach and spa are also available for purchase. I have an upcoming stay and will be happy to share my review afterward.
This property can be booked through our in-house travel agency, Prince Collection.
Book luxury hotels and preferred partner programs with Prince Collection.
Tobermory, Ontario
If you’re seeking an outdoor retreat with crystal-clear turquoise waters and a rugged landscape, Tobermory is the perfect choice. With attractions like Flower Pot Island and Bruce Peninsula National Park, you’ll find plenty of outdoor adventures, from exploring caves and grottos to discovering sunken ships and more.
As a certified dark sky community, Tobermory also offers exceptional stargazing opportunities, perfect for observing constellations. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of the northern lights here.
Recommended Stay: Once again, a bed & breakfast or vacation rental will be your best option here. During the peak summer season, nightly rates are going for $400+. For a unique and budget-friendly option, consider a booking a RV camper for the night.
Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town in southern Ontario, known for its historic architecture, award-winning wineries, and scenic lakefront. With boutique shops, gourmet dining, and the Shaw Festival theatre, it’s a romantic and relaxing getaway full of small-town charm.
If you’re bringing the kids along, Niagara-on-the-Lake and it’s surrounding area has plenty to keep them entertained. Head over to Fort George National Historic Site where you can step back in time and watch the War of 1812 come to life with musket demonstrations, costumed interpreters, and a reconstruction of the fort itself.
If the weather is nice, take a stroll on the Niagara River Recreation Trail or pick fruit from one of the many orchards in the area. Niagara Falls is also just stone throw away and deserves a visit if you’re in the area. Clifton Hill provides nonstop fun well into the evening with arcade games, laser tag, mazes, mini-golf, and go-karts at Niagara Speedway.
Lastly, check out my review of our stay at Great Wolf Lodge. If you haven’t been, it’s the perfect getaway for school-aged kids and adults alike; and its not just a massive indoor waterpark with a wave pool and water slides, but a full entertainment hub with an arcade, bowling, and MagiQuest, their interactive adventure game.
Recommended Stay: The Great Wolf Lodge gets my vote but it can be pricey for an extended stay. If you’re looking for a points redemption, then the Hilton Garden Inn Niagara-on-the-Lake is a great option. In additional having an indoor pool, it’s also located across from a Wendy’s if kids are craving burgers and fries. Cash rates for the summer are under ~$250 or 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night.
Montebello, Quebec
The main draw of this small town found between Ottawa and Montreal is the attractions around it, namely the Fairmont Le Château Montebello and Parc Omega.
The Fairmont Le Château Montebello boasts a rich history, having once served as a private club for Canadian Pacific Railway executives. As the world’s largest log cabin, it also houses Canada’s largest indoor pool. Combining rustic charm with modern elegance, the resort offers a variety of activities, from hiking and kayaking to complimentary evening s’mores by the fire.
Park Omega, located just a 5-minute drive north of Montebello, is an outdoor wildlife park offering visitors a chance to experience Canada’s diverse fauna in natural settings. The park’s main attraction is a 12 km self-drive safari route where guests can encounter animals like elk, bison, and wolves, and even feed them. It’s an amazing experience for kids to get so close to these animals.
Make your visit even more memorable by turning a day trip into an overnight stay. When stayed in wolf cabin last year, and it was unforgettable experience watching a whole pack just outside, hearing their howls at night, and seeing them up close.
Recommended Stay: Break up your stay between the two properties for a truly memorable family vacation. Both properties can be booked through our in-house travel agency, Prince Collection.
The Fairmont Le Château Montebello participates in Accor HERA, and we’ll be able to offer additional perks such as complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 USD resort credit, a room upgrade, and more, all at no additional cost to you.
Book luxury hotels and preferred partner programs with Prince Collection.
Old Quebec City, Quebec
If you’re looking for a bit of European flair without crossing the Atlantic, come visit Old Quebec. This UNESCO World Heritage site, rich in French colonial history, features cobblestone streets lined with boutiques and cafés, narrow alleys, and historic city walls, offers the perfect blend of history, adventure, and family fun.
For outdoor excitement, families can zipline at Montmorency Falls, go rafting and hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park, or cool off at Village Vacances Valcartier, home to a huge summer waterpark with 35 waterslides, adventure rivers, and a wave pool.
Go see the cannons at the Plains of Abraham and catch the Regimental Band performance at the Citadelle. Indoor fun awaits at Méga Parc, Quebec’s biggest indoor amusement park, and the Aquarium du Québec, where over 10,000 marine animals, including seals and polar bears,await.
Lastly, for a cultural experience, visit Wendake to explore the traditions of Quebec’s first inhabitants in a way that’s both educational and engaging.
Recommended Stay: For a family vacation that feels straight out of a fairytale, consider booking a stay at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac. The iconic hotel, with its castle-like charm and French Renaissance-inspired architecture, captures the city’s rich European roots. With spacious rooms and a variety of kid-friendly activities like scavenger hunts, balloon sculpting, cookie decorating, and face painting, that make it a magical experience for the kids.
The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is a part of Accor HERA, which means that when you book through our in-house travel agency, Prince Collection, you’ll enjoy exclusive perks like complimentary breakfast for two, a $100 USD resort credit, a room upgrade, and more.
Book luxury hotels and preferred partner programs with Prince Collection.
If you’re looking for a rare all-inclusive experience in Canada, check out Club Med Quebec Charlevoix. Set along the St. Lawrence River, it offers stylish accommodations, gourmet dining, and a wide range of family-friendly activities, including childcare and programs for kids aged 4 to 17.
Quebec by the Sea, Quebec
Québec by the Sea spans the St. Lawrence Estuary and Gulf, including the regions of Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord, and the Îles de la Madeleine. It’s known for its stunning coastal landscapes, dramatic cliffs, tranquil beaches, and picturesque seaside villages, and offers off-the-beaten-track adventures for the whole family.
The Gaspé Peninsula features seven national parks and endless outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Highlights include the iconic Percé Rock towering over the sea, Bonaventure Island to see grey seals and the one of the largest Northern Gannet colonies, Bioparc de la Gaspésie for opportunities to have close encounters with local fauna (even an overnight experience with wolves), and Exploramer, St. Lawrence’s biodiversity centre, where you can visit an aquarium, join a sea excursion to pick up crab traps, or go explore what gets stuck in a fishing net.
If you’re an art fanatic, you’ll also want to check out Centre d’Art Marcel Gagnon to see the Gagnon family’s collection of art pieces, the most impressive of which is the Le Grand Rassemblement (“The Big Gathering”), where over 100 concrete sculptures emerge onshore.
Over on the north side of Côte-Nord, drive along the Whale Route (Route 138) to visit charming coastal villages, go whale watching, and see Canada’s largest number of monoliths at Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. Take the family sea kayaking, or if you in search of some thrill, go rafting along the Magpie River.
Recommended Stay: Big-name hotel chains are rare in Québec by the Sea, so vacation rentals and boutique hotels are your best bet. You can find woodland or waterfront cabins for $200–$400 a night–a price that’s hard to match in more well-known tourist spots.
Using Fixed-Value Programs
As you move beyond larger cities, you’ll notice fewer big-name hotel chains, and some of best family-friendly resorts are independently owned. A great way to offset the cost of these stays is by using credit cards that offer fixed-value rewards programs.
For example, Scene+ points earned through a Scotiabank Gold American Express® Card can be redeemed against any travel purchases at a rate of 100 Scene+ points to a $1.
- Earn 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $2,000 in the first three months
- Plus, earn an additional 20,000 Scene+ points upon spending $7,500 in the first year
- Earn 6x Scene+ points at Sobeys, IGA, Safeway, FreshCo, and more
- Plus, earn 5x Scene+ points on groceries, dining, and entertainment
- Also, earn 3x Scene+ points on gas, transit, and select streaming services
- Redeem points for a statement credit for any travel expense
- No foreign transaction fees
- Enjoy the exclusive benefits of being an American Express cardholder
- Annual fee: $120
Alternatively, TD Rewards Points earned through a TD First Class Travel® Visa Infinite* Card can also be redeemed for travel purchases. Every 200 points is worth $1 off travel purchases on Expedia for TD, which is the best redemption option for their program.
- Earn 20,000 TD Rewards Points upon making your first purchase†
- Earn 115,000 TD Rewards Points upon spending $5,000 within 180 days of account opening†
- Plus, earn up to 10,000 TD Rewards Points back on your birthday†
- Plus, earn 8x TD Rewards Points† on eligible travel purchases when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Get an annual TD Travel Credit† of $100 when you book through Expedia® for TD†
- Use your rewards for any travel bookings available on Expedia® for TD†
- Minimum income: $60,000 personal or $100,000 household
- Annual fee: $139, rebated for the first year†
- Application must be approved on or after January 7, 2025 to receive this offer
Conclusion
Whether your family is into outdoor adventures, relaxing at a fun resort, or diving into culture, Ontario and Quebec have something for everyone. These spots are just a glimpse of the many great family-friendly destinations in the region.
Traveling within Canada means getting more value for your money, without missing out on unforgettable experiences. Stay tuned for our next post as we continue exploring even more of what Prairie provinces of Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta have to offer.
