By Lynn O’Rourke Hayes
From FamilyTravel.com
Canada, America’s neighbor to the north, offers families a wide range of vacation opportunities. You'll find history, culture and extraordinary natural beauty. And polar bears.
Here are five destinations to consider:
Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, Banff, Alberta
Lavish and historic, this castle-like resort, built in 1888, stands as a luminous landmark in a picturesque alpine town inside Banff National Park. Tucked within a verdant forest yet offering stunning mountain, valley and winding-river views, the 745- room hotel is a destination in itself. Hiking, rafting, fly-fishing, championship golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor pool-time and horseback riding are all available within minutes. The Willow Stream Spa offers a full range of soothing options within 27 treatment rooms for those seeking a relaxing stay. Choose from 14 on-site dining options, including an afternoon tea service, or wander into town for additional possibilities. Ask about the Kids in the Castle program and other adventure options for the younger set.For more: https://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/; https://www.banfflakelouise.com
Prince Edward Island
Published in 1908, the novel Anne of Green Gables, has played a major role in drawing tourists to Canada’s smallest province, located off the east coast of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence Today, literary fans make their way to P.E.I to see the sites portrayed in the book and to learn more about author Lucy Maud Montgomery. (It’s estimated that more than 50 million copies have been sold worldwide.) Visit the old farmhouse, where much of the famous novel was set, and take part in activities at the Green Gables Heritage Place, including ice-cream making demonstrations, safe races, hiking on nature trails, carriage rides and tours offered by rangers dressed as characters from the book.For more: www.TourismPEI.com.
Churchill, Manitoba
If you yearn to see polar bears in the wild, this northern Manitoba enclave is the place to be. Located on the migration route between the bear dens and their feeding grounds, the town is ground zero for those who want the chance to learn about and glimpse the animals in their native environment.Tundra buggies transport visitors into the vast landscape outside of town to photograph and observe the seal hunters. Helicopter tours are also possible. Slot the destination onto your list for viewing the northern lights and beluga whale watching in the summer months.
For more: www.TravelManitoba.com
Dawson City, Yukon
Make your way to Dawson City, at the confluence of the Klondike and Yukon Rivers, to learn about the gritty gold rush days and the great stampede of treasure seekers who hastened north in search of fortune. Visit the Dawson City Museum and stop by the Robert Service Cabin during the summer months for daily poetry readings. Hiking, fishing, cycling, canoeing and dog sledding are among the popular activities in the fabled territory. Wild, mountainous and sparsely populated, the Yukon attracts adventuresome souls eager for wide open spaces, outdoor adventure and quirky bits of history.For more: www.TravelYukon.com
Victoria, British Columbia
The temperate climate you’ll find in this seaside enclave on the Pacific coast provides year-round opportunity for outdoor activities that include whale watching, kayaking, boat tours and even surfing. Explore the culturally rich city, infused with a blend of European, Asian and British influences, on foot, aboard a horse drawn carriage or via bike tour. Enjoy local cuisine, picnic-style, while relaxing at the beach. Don’t miss a visit to nearby Butchart Gardens, a family-owned and -operated, 55-acre, year-round feast for the senses.For more: www.tourismvictoria.com; www.butchartgardens.com.
Reminder: Passports are required for American citizens entering Canada. Inquire about other current health-related requirements.
Lynn O’Rourke Hayes (LOHayes.com) is an author, family travel expert and enthusiastic explorer. Gather more travel intel on Twitter @lohayes, Facebook, or via FamilyTravel.com
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