With summer coming and school being out soon, it’s a good time to start planning your family vacation. So how about a road trip? It’s a great opportunity to expose your kids to a bunch of new and exciting experiences and create memories that’ll last forever. So, load up the car and hit the road to one of these five fun family destinations!
1. Sandbanks (Ontario)
If you’re looking for an idyllic vacation setting only a few hours’ drive away from Quebec, then this is the place to go to! Located in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks is a provincial park boasting a 25 km stretch of dunes, gold-sand beaches, clear water and loads of sunshine. The choice is yours—you can either indulge in some R&R in the comfort of an inn, or experience the joy of nature by taking your kids on their very first camping trip. Tip: Outlet Beach is Sandbanks’ most family-friendly beach due to its shallow waters—perfect if you have young kids!
2. Ogunquit (Maine)
If you want to venture a little farther out, try Ogunquit, a town in Maine known as the “beautiful place by the sea.” If you’re a family of outdoor enthusiasts looking to feel at one with nature, then spending a few days here is a must. It has the perfect forests to hike in, and the perfect beaches to walk along. There are also a bunch of boat tours to choose from if you want to take in the sights. Why not stroll along the docks where fishermen unload their lobster catch, then follow it up with a nice lobster supper? Or, if you’re looking for some bigger thrills, head to the Wells Reserve at Laudholm, a 15-minutes drive from Ogunquit. You can kayak on one of the reserve’s estuaries, or take in a natural-sciences workshop with the kids. What’s more, the region puts on several concerts in the summertime.
3. Bay of Fundy (New-Brunswick)
If you’re in the mood for a vacation that’s out of the ordinary, choose Bay of Fundy (wedged in between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia) as your next travel destination. Spend a few days island-hopping around the Fundy Isles. Admire the bay’s marine life by riding a ferry, scuba diving, kayaking or whale watching. For those who suffer from seasickness, we recommend visiting Fundy National Park, which you can get to on foot when the tide is low. (On a side note, the Bay of Fundy is famous for having some of the highest tides in the world, up to 12 metres high!) Once you’ve reached Fundy National Park, go on an epic hike through the forest—you’ll come across some beautiful waterfalls there.
4. Winnipeg (Manitoba)
Winnipeg makes for a wonderful destination because of its simple beauty and family-friendly amenities. You’ll be surprised at how many things there are to do there! For example, you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor pursuits with your family at Whiteshell Provincial Park. Located near the province’s eastern border, the park is loaded with hiking trails and lakes. Water-sports lovers can water-ski, scuba dive or do some leisurely swimming there. Fans of the great outdoors will enjoy hiking the trails (check out the Gabriel Dufault Trail!) and experiencing the breathtaking forest landscapes.
5. Niagara (Ontario)
The last destination on our list is an obvious must-see for any family: Niagara Falls! It’s a magical place that will appeal to kids of all ages. The falls alone will take your breath away. Take a stroll at sunset and admire the spectacular views. We suggest renting a family cottage near the main attractions. That way, your family can do all the fun stuff AND unwind in its own little haven of peace. There are loads of parks to explore (perfect for nature lovers), boat tours to go on, and even a butterfly conservatory!
Now that you have all these ideas, how about planning that family road trip! For the road, we also recommend that you bring along an “emergency kit” containing Cascades Tuff® paper towels and Cascades FluffTM bathroom tissue—just in case of accidental messes and spills, or sudden urges.