Are you looking for LGBTQ-friendly ideas for family vacations in Canada? This post rounds up some of the best family trips in Canada. From Quebec to British Columbia, discover hidden gems and classic LGBTQ family vacations perfect for all ages.
Those of us living in America tend to overlook our neighbor to the north, perhaps because it is so close to us. But Canada has some of the best LGBTQ family vacation spots. Since the Canadian dollar is weaker than the US dollar, Canada is also a great pick for budget travelers looking to maximize their resources without compromising on fun. From the rocky shores of Atlantic Canada to a gay guide to Quebec City and ski slopes and wineries of British Columbia, these family friendly holidays in Canada offer adventure for all ages AND inclusive environments for rainbow families.
Read on to discover the best LGBTQ family vacations in Canada sorted by province. Or use this bulleted list to skip ahead!
Table of Contents
- Eastern Townships
- Quebec City
- Mont-Tremblant
- Newfoundland
- Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Ottawa, Ontario
- Point Pelee National Park, Ontario
- Banff, Alberta
- Calgary, Alberta
- Pemberton, British Columbia
- Vancouver Island, British Columbia
- Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
Eastern Townships, Quebec
Just over the Canadian border with Vermont, you’ll find the Eastern Townships of Quebec, an adorable region chock full of farms, food tourism, microbreweries and…did I say food?
Spend a day driving around the Eastern Townships visiting Bleu Lavande, a lavender farm. The fields weren’t in bloom when I visited, but you can also enjoy the onsite boutique selling lavender oils and body products. Visit in July or August to see the fields perfumed by purple lavender stalks.
Nearby, Savon des Cantons / Jardin des sens sells homemade soaps, infused vinegar, and amazing cookies made with sea buckthorn, a naturally tart berry.
Abbaye de Saint-Benoรฎt-du-Lac is a working Benedictine abbey. Sit in the chapel and listen to the sound of monks chanting, or pick up some wine and cheese in the shop for a picnic lunch in nearby Parc national du Mont-Orford, a park with bike and boat rentals. Since 75 percent of the park is maple trees, it’s an ideal place to come on a fall foliage weekend road trip!
Lake Memphremagog spans both sides of the border. The massive freshwater glacial lake is ideal for swimming, kayaking, sailing and SUP (as long as you don’t get a windy day). I loved kayaking around the little islands dotted in the middle of the lake. Fair warning: the water temperatures are chilly, even in summer!
Quebec City, Quebec
Quebec City is one of the most romantic cities for LGBTQ couple trips. But it can also be a great family-friendly, with a blend of historic and active things to do. This one day in Quebec itinerary and Ile D’Orleans in a day guide will get you started exploring the city’s history, culture and food with special recommendations just for LGBTQ family travel.
With polar bears, walruses and this adorable seal on display outside, the Quebec Aquarium is a crowd pleaser. Indoors, the exhibits focus on aquatic life in and around the St. Lawrence River. There’s a touch tank of skates. You will not believe how velvety soft they are!
A short drive from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne features a waterfall walk with suspension bridges over the falls. The trail is fairly easy, with some stairs and suspension bridges. Along the way, you’ll stop at observation points to get a close-up on the canyon creating out of falling water.
Children’s activities like a puzzle hunt and myths and legends keep young ones engaged throughout. Adventure seekers can enjoy a 50 km/h ride over the waterfalls on the AirCANYON, which takes you right over the Sainte-Anne river with a view of the waterfall drop. Canyon Sainte-Anne is a short drive from Quebec City.
Along the way, you can stop at Montmorency Falls. The waterfall is taller than Niagara Falls and includes several family friendly amenities. Have a picnic lunch, do the zipline or ropes course, or walk over the falls to get a new perspective on their natural beauty.
Mont-Tremblant, Quebec
by Karen of Outdoor Adventure Sampler
Mont-Tremblant, a four season vacation spot in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, is an exciting place to take the family. All ages will enjoy the variety of outdoor activities in the area. Mont-Tremblant is a two hour drive north of Montreal and about four hours from Quebec City.
In the summer, families can go hiking or canoeing in the wilds of Parc National du Mont-Tremblant. Other active adventures include rock climbing, go-karting, laser tag, a treetop walk, and boating on Lac Tremblant. The whole family will enjoy biking on the Pโtit Train du Nord, a linear rail trail that extends for 232 km through the Laurentian region.
Fall foliage is spectacular in the Mont-Tremblant area. Take the gondola to the top of the mountain for an incredible view of the blazing peaks and valleys.
Mont-Tremont is also the premiere winter destination in Quebec. Families will love the 102 downhill ski trails on the mountain rated for all abilities. Besides alpine skiing, the area also offers the some of the best winter activities in Quebec. Cross country skiing, sleigh rides, snowshoeing up the backside of Mont-Tremblant, and snow tubing are family-friendly activities. Donโt miss a trip to a maple sugar shack to have sugar on snow.
In any time of the year Mont-Tremblant has adventures in the outdoors that will make lasting memories for your family.
Wondering whether Mont-Tremblant is an inclusive LGBTQ family travel destination? Karen, who recommended this active vacation spot near Quebec, says she and her rainbow family have been to Mont-Tremblant many times and always felt welcome!
Newfoundland
by Marianne of The Journeying Giordano’s
Located in Atlantic Canada, Newfoundland is an absolute dream for families looking for outdoor adventure. Not only is the province home to lush forests and pristine coastlines, but it also has some incredible wildlife-spotting opportunities, vibrant cities, and of course, amazing food.
Home to two National Parks (Gros Morne and Terra Nova), Newfoundland boasts some wonderful hiking and biking trails, paddling opportunities, as well as some unique camping and “glamping” opportunities. If sleeping in a tent is not appealing, but a night under the stars is, try out one of Parks Canada รasis accommodations.
These teardrop-shaped structures can be found in Terra Nova National Park, and are perfect for a family of four or less. And since the park is a designated Dark Sky Preserve, you can enjoy a night of stargazing before heading to bed in this unique accommodation.
Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush? Try ziplining at Marble Zip Tours. Located near Corner Brook, this guided tour will take you across a 9-zip course that will have your heart racing. Family-friendly and a ton of fun, this should be on your Newfoundland bucket list.
If spending the day at the beach is more your speed, Newfoundland has got you covered! No matter what part of the island you happen to be visiting, you will find a gorgeous beach to relax, kayak, or play on. Many beaches are located near small towns, so there will be amenities close by.
Of course, you can’t visit Newfoundland without going on a whale and puffin-watching cruise! Head to Bay Bulls for some of the best whale watching on the island. The ship’s captains are excellent at providing information about the province while being extremely respectful of the wildlife.
While Newfoundland’s countryside is gorgeous, the cities are equally as vibrant. Be sure to visit St. John’s to experience the warm culture, incredible National Historic Sites, and of course, the awesome foodie scene. Try the cod cheek and Scrunchions – they’re delicious!
Halifax, Nova Scotia
by Erin of Wanderlust With Kids
Halifax, the vibrant capital city of Nova Scotia, is a great destination for a family vacation due to its incredible range of outdoor activities. The city is surrounded by stunning landscapes, from coastal scenery to inland lakes and forest walks.
Halifaxโs waterfront boardwalk is a great spot to start exploring the city, with 4km of boardwalk along the Halifax Harbour. There are plenty of things to do along the way, from outdoor art and sculptures to museums and playgrounds for kids, as well as multiple spots to relax along the way. Take in the view of the harbour from a colourful Adirondack chair or one of the hammocks along the pier.
Or get outdoors and explore one of the many trails in Halifax and the nearby area. Choose from scenic coastal trails, like Duncanโs Cove or Pennant Point, or family-friendly trails around Long Lake or through Shubie Park, in neighbouring Dartmouth. There are also some great waterfalls near Halifax that are perfect for a family day out.
Halifax also has quite a few beaches to enjoy. Whether itโs relaxing on the sandy shores of Crystal Crescent Beach or one of the many supervised beaches in the city like Kearney Lake, the beaches around Halifax provide perfect conditions for swimming, paddle boarding and even surfing! Lawrencetown Beach is one of the best beaches in Atlantic Canada for surfing.
Halifax also has plenty of green space in the downtown area. Stroll through the Public Gardens and then visit nearby Citadel Hill, splash in the outdoor pool or skateboard at the Halifax Commons or borrow skates at the Emera Oval.
Whether it’s exploring scenic parks, relaxing on sandy shores, or hiking one of the many trails, Halifax promises an unforgettable family vacation.
Niagara Falls, Ontario
from Melissa of Let’s Explore Niagara
Niagara Falls is a great choice for a family vacation in Canada, offering an unforgettable experience for everyone. With its stunning waterfalls and lush greenery, Niagara Falls offers breathtaking views that will make you feel like you are part of nature itself. It is one of the most popular destinations in Canada for good reason.
There are plenty of outdoor activities to keep everyone entertained. Explore the falls from above or below on Journey Behind the Falls or one of the boat tours available. For those looking for more adventure, you can zipline or take a helicopter tour. There are multiple hiking trails around the area where you can get up close and personal with nature while taking in some stunning scenery along the way.
And don’t forget about all the amazing local restaurants and attractions that provide endless entertainment with something to suit every age group. Walk down Clifton Hill, ride the Ferris Wheel, and take a short drive down the Niagara Parkway to visit the Butterfly Conservatory. If you’re looking for a great Canadian getaway destination that your whole family can enjoy together, then a day trip to Niagara Falls should definitely be at the top of your list.
Ottawa, Ontario
by Nina of Ottawa Things to Do
Ottawa is an epic destination for LGBTQ families to explore in Canada. The nation’s capital is home to kid-friendly things to do all year long.
During the summer, kids will love hiking in Gatineau Park then heading back to the city to hunt down the best ice cream (psst.. it’s at Mooshu!). They can play beach volleyball at Mooney’s Bay or cycle along the Rideau Canal walkway and spot tons of cute dogs. Rent a car and go to a classic drive-in for kids to watch animated classics and new releases while you all snack on popcorn.
In winter, kids will adore Winterlude, with giant ice sculptures and Beavertails for everyone to snack on. They can skate off their sugar high on the Rideau Canal, and even rent a support to help new skaters stay upright on the rough ice.
In autumn, kids can go pumpkin or apple picking. Ottawa has some of the best apples. Pair it with the fall foliage and you’ll make lifelong memories with your family – and get some pretty great photos!
All year round, there are great indoor activities, like the Children’s Museum with it’s stamp collecting adventure or the Museum of Natural History with tons of animals for kids to spot.
Rain or shine, kids will love all of the fun attractions in Ottawa. And parents will love that they don’t come with a crazy high price tag!
Point Pelee National Park, Ontario
Point Pelee is a national park in southern Ontario, a 4 hour drive from Toronto, or 1 hour from Windsor. Coming from the US side of the border, Point Pelee is just over 1 hour from Detroit.
Point Pelee is a peninsula that stretches out into a long, sharp point, surrounded by Lake Erie. One of the best family activities to do when visiting the park is to hike out to the point. When you reach that spot, youโre officially standing at the most southern point in mainland Canada.
In Point Pelee National Park families can go swimming, hiking, kayaking, cycling, bird watching and stargazing. In the summer, LGBTQ families can spend sunny afternoons relaxing on one of tPoint Peleeโs sandy beaches on both the west and east sides of the peninsula.
If you like to stay active, walk one of the parkโs 8 self-guided walking trails. Many of the trails are short and easy, which makes them family-friendly. You can also rent kayaks to go paddling through the parkโs marshes.
In the spring and fall, you can watch bird and butterfly migrations. The park is one of North Americaโs most renowned spots for birdwatching, and in the spring the park hosts the annual Festival of Birds.
Point Pelee is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve. On specific nights of every month, families can stay late in the park to gaze at the stars. Be sure to check online to find out when the Dark Sky night will be, so you can plan accordingly!
Banff, Alberta
You can’t look at a photo of the clear turquoise lakes of Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada, and not want to go there. fortunately, Banff is one of the best LGBTQ family vacations in Canada for active travelers! A visit at any time of year offers multiple ways to enjoy the stunning scenery.
In January, Banff National Park hosts the SnowDays PlayZone, a family-friendly winter vacation festival. At SnowDays, you’ll find a specially-designed winter activity area for little ones. Try your hand at curling or fat biking in the snow. Or rent tubes and go tubing on specially designed hills. Families with older kids can find plenty of ski trails for every level. There’s even gear rental if you need it!
Come summer, hiking and biking routes offer the best ways to explore the mountain trails and find great views, like these. If you’re lucky, you might spot moose grazing in the fields. Banff & Lake Louise offers recommended trails including some easy family friendly bike tours of Banff to get you started!
After a long hike or bike ride, take the family to Banff Upper Hot Springs. These geothermal springs contain natural minerals perfect for soaking away stress and muscle stiffness. Temperatures fluctuate based on the time of year. In summer, the springs might feel cool at 27 C / 81 F. In the winter, 47 C /116 F water feels so good.
You’ll get the best views of those stunning turquoise lakes on the water. So be sure to leave a day to take a kayak or canoe out on Lake Louise!
The Columbia Icefield straddles Banff National Park and neighboring Jasper National Park. It’s the largest ice field in the Rocky Mountains, and it feeds into six of Canada’s glaciers.
You can ride up to the top in an ice buggy and walk around on the glacier. It was my first time being on a glacier and I loved it. The ice field is receding as the climate warms. If you get the chance to take your kids to this natural wonder, do it.
The Fairmont Chรขteau Lake Louise offers the best views of Lake Louise as it’s situated right on the lake. It’s a gorgeous property with world-class amenities, including a spa. If you can swing a stay there, it’s a once in a lifetime experience!
Budget travelers will want to explore the options on Banff Avenue. The town’s main street is filled with hotels, restaurants and shops. the main thoroughfare, boutiques and restaurants mix with chรขteau-style hotels and souvenir shops.
Calgary, Alberta
by Kristin of Global Travel Escapades
Also located in the Alberta Province, Calgary is an ideal location for a family vacation because of its many attractions and activities that the whole family can enjoy!
For example, if you’re looking to explore Calgary’s downtown area, you can walk down Stephen Avenue. This pedestrian street is located in the heart of the city and is filled with lots of commercial and boutique shops, restaurants, and striking architecture. There’s even a museum and some famous art pieces located along this pathway.
Alternatively, if your family prefers to be outdoors and surrounded by lots of gorgeous nature, a fun place to visit is Bow Habitat Station & Sam Livingston Fish Hatchery. This beautiful spot is home to a fish hatchery that you can explore the inside of. You’ll also have the chance to walk alongside the Bow River and can observe different wildlife as you stroll along the trails.
If you’re looking for a wonderful place to visit with lots of outdoor adventures available for your family, be sure to consider Calgary.
Pemberton, British Columbia
by Chanelle of Chasing Chanelle
When planning an adventurous family vacation in Canada, the first places that come to mind are usually Whistler or Banff. But Canada also has plenty of lesser-known places which are family-friendly and brimming with outdoor activities. One of these hidden gems is Pemberton, BC. At around a 2-hour drive from Vancouver, not only is Pemberton an adventure-lovers paradise, itโs also really easy to get to along the picturesque Sea to Sky Highway.
Although small, this charming mountain town has so much to offer. The Pemberton valley is the heart of the regionโs farm country and is particularly famous for its seed potatoes. Therefore, one of the best family activities to do here is to explore the local farms. You can take a self-guided tour of 8 farms which include organic fruit and vegetable, seed potato, and flower farms.
In addition to the picturesque farmland, Pemberton is also surrounded by three of BCโs most beautiful provincial parks. The most famous one is the iconic Joffre Lakes Provincial Park with its three turquoise-blue lakes. This is a great park to visit with children as the hike to the lakes is relatively easy, and even if you donโt make it all the way to the top, you will still get to enjoy some stunning views.
But these arenโt the only lakes to enjoy near Pemberton. Nearby Lillooet Lake is one of the best places to visit with a family for camping and water sports. There are multiple campsites to choose from around the lake, and you can canoe or kayak, swim, and fish here.
Vancouver Island, British Columbia
by Annie of Annie of Whales and Morels
Home to diverse breathtaking rugged landscapes and the charming Victorian provincial capital, Vancouver Island is one of the best destinations in Canada for family vacations.
Whether youโre looking to escape to a city that feels like Europe, relax in the hip surfer town of Tofino, backpack along the Pacific Coast, or see grizzlies catch salmon in the wild, Vancouver Island is the place to go.
With so much to do on Vancouver Island, the possibilities for a family trip itinerary are endless. But one of the best ways to experience this destination is via road trip. Take a ferry from the mainland (or fly) and begin your adventure in Nanaimo or Victoria.
In Victoria, explore the charming downtown streets, grab a bite in Chinatown, and donโt miss high tea at the Empress. Southwest of Victoria, stop at Sooke Potholes Provincial Park for a swim, and hike 4k (roundtrip) to the enchanting Mystic Beach which is home to a waterfall that cascades into the ocean. Northeast of Victoria, see towering trees at Cathedral Grove, try caving at Horne Lake Caves, and swim in Lake Cowichan.
Reserve at least a day if you want to see Tofino, the surf capital of Canada. The small town takes several hours to reach but is home to some gorgeous cottages and excellent camping if you wish to stay the night.
If your family is up for a big adventure, head north and see the less explored parts of the island, like Port Hardy and Campbell River. Consider booking a guided tour to see grizzlies fish for salmon in the wild.
Okanagan Valley, British Columbia
by Kamila of Expat in Canada
Okanagan Valley in British Columbia is one of the best family vacations in Canada for LGBTQ family travel. As soon as you arrive here, you’ll be mesmerized by the winding roads with rolling vineyards, crystal-clear lakes, mountains, and small charming towns. The sheer variety of activities make it easy to please every member of your group trip.
LGBTQ hikers have their choice of countless scenic trails. One of the best hikes in the Okanagan Valley is the Myra Canyon Trestles Hike, which takes you on a journey through 18 trestle bridges and 2 tunnels. Crossing the path of the old Kettle Valley Railway gives you incredible views. If a 12-km hike is a bit too far, rent bikes. The journey takes about one hour by bike.
If camping and road-tripping is your thing, check out Okanagan Lake Provincial Park which is great for RVs, or the privately owned Lost Moose Campground, which is more tent-friendly.
Letโs not forget about food! Strolling local farmers’ markets or eating at outdoor patios at top-notch Okanagan winery restaurants is a favorite familya activity. Because of Okanagan’s warm climate, you’ll find U-pick farms, orchards, and delicious fresh produce on every corner.
On a hot summer day, LGBTQ travelers can cool off by taking a swim in Okanagan Lake or enjoy the Penticton River Float, with float rental from nearby Coyote Cruises.
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Plenty of things to see and do! Love this list!
Great list! I have always loved how progressive and inclusive Canada is, and this list proves it. Thanks for sharing it
My daughter would appreciate all of these LGBTQ destinations.
Super post, thanks for the tips!