Learn where to plan a bargain-friendly getaway with the gang.
Summer is nearly here, and with the advantageous exchange rate against the U.S. dollar in Canada, now is the time to book a getaway up north. From riding horses at a dude ranch to hiking national parks to celebrating Canada Day, there’s a lot to do, see and explore in Canada this summer. Take a look at 10 different family-friendly vacation ideas across Canada that are a great bargain right now.
Enjoy a weekend stay in a four-star hotel.
While the U.S. dollar is strong (currently $1 U.S. dollar equals about $1.30 Canadian dollars), book a stay at a hotel you might not ordinarily consider budget-friendly, like the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City. Located inside the city walls of Old Quebec, the four-star Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is one of the most elegant (and most photographed) hotels in all of Canada. Take a tour to learn historical facts about the hotel before settling in for a signature cocktail at Bistro Le Sam. Kids will love the indoor pool, including the water toys. Nightly rates start at $186.
Book a weeklong getaway at a dude ranch.
Enjoy a week of horseback riding, fly fishing, hiking, archery and sport shooting at a dude ranch like Three Bars Ranch in British Columbia. With more than 1,200 acres to explore, kids will love the open spaces where they can ride horses or hike along mapped trails. All meals are included at this guest ranch, as are all activities, including unlimited guided horseback riding. Wake up each morning to see what’s on the daily schedule, and get ready for days filled with outdoor fun. Rates start at $1,920 per person, per week.
Celebrate Canada Day.
Head to Ottawa, Ontario, for the country’s annual Canada Day celebration on July 1. You’ll find plenty of activities on both sides of the Ottawa River, including face painting, concerts, magic shows and dance performances. While in town, watch the daily Changing of the Guard ceremony and explore Ottawa’s diverse and charming neighborhoods. In the evening, plan for a fantastic fireworks show to cap off the day. For a stay to remember, consider booking a room at Arc the Hotel near Parliament Hill. Nightly rates start at $185 over Canada Day weekend.
Explore Canada’s national parks.
Instead of battling crowds celebrating the centennial at America’s national parks, consider planning a trip to one of Canada’s beloved national parks, like Banff National Park. With more than 2,500 square miles of mountains, glaciers, forests and rivers, there’s plenty to see and explore. Go biking, hiking, rafting or fishing, or simply take a scenic drive around the park and keep your eyes open for wildlife. Younger travelers will love completing hands-on activities and earning a certificate as part of the Xplorer program. For cost-effective lodging, consider retreating to the YWCA Banff Hotel. Nightly rates start at $112 for a family of four.
Get sprayed at Niagara Falls.
When you visit Niagara Falls, it’s a no-brainer to view the falls, but there are so many different ways to see and experience the destination. Throw on a poncho and climb aboard the Maid of the Mist, which takes boat passengers to the edge of the falls. Then head to Journey Behind the Falls to descend 150 feet to an outdoor observation deck behind the falls. Cap off the day with a spin on the 175-foot Niagara SkyWheel, and consider staying at Marriott on the Falls for unsurpassed views. Nightly rates start at $130.
Attend an outdoor festival.
There are lots of outdoor festivals to enjoy during the summertime across Canada. Try Whistler in western Canada, which boasts lakes, beaches and hiking trails, even an alpine village. In the summer, you’ll find free concerts, special events and loads of outdoor festivals, like the Whistler Children’s Festival in July and Crankworx Whistler, an annual mountain bike festival that takes place in August. Book your stay through Tourism Whistler to save up to 40 percent when you reserve four or more nights.
Enjoy a sports holiday.
Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver, British Columbia, have all hosted the Olympic Games, but only Calgary can claim Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. Located at WinSport’s Canada Olympic Park, Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame features a dozen interactive gallery exhibits, like Glide Gallery, which enables visitors to strap on skis and experience what it’s like to be a ski jumper. There are plenty of sports teams in Calgary too, including the Flames (a hockey team) and Roughnecks (a lacrosse team). Stay on the west side of town at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel & Suites Calgary West for kid-friendly amenities and reasonable prices. Nightly rates start at $95.
Experience Asian culture and cuisine.
Just south of Vancouver, Richmond in British Columbia is the place to go for the popular Asian Night Markets, including the Richmond Night Market and the Panda Market. Open weekends, these markets host a combined 140 food stalls and 400 vendors of clothing, jewelry and more. Enjoy hand-pulled ramen, mango desserts and bubble waffles. In town, you’ll also find authentic cuisine served up at more than 400 Asian restaurants. Stay next door to the night markets at the River Rock Casino Resort for a convenient location and budget-friendly prices. Nightly rates start at $125.
Go on a guided fishing adventure.
Summer fishing trips are a popular pastime in Canada, especially in British Columbia. Great River Fishing Adventures organizes daytrips as well as multiday guided fishing trips with opportunities to catch salmon, sturgeon, steelhead and trout. Try a family fishing adventure, which not only includes ample time for fishing, but also teaches kids about boating safety and their environment. Book a stay nearby at the Coast Chilliwack Hotel for easy accessibility and bargain rates. Nightly prices start at $92.
Take the train across Canada.
Taking the train across Canada is a bucket-list dream for many, and now it’s much more affordable to enjoy the panoramic views of the rugged coastlines and majestic Rocky Mountains from the comfort of your rail car with Via Rail Canada. Hop aboard The Canadian train to travel from Toronto to Vancouver for a four-night journey that takes you through Sioux Lookout in Ontario to Saskatoon in Saskatchewan to Winnipeg in Manitoba and Jasper in Alberta. Fares start at $860 for a one-way ride from Toronto to Vancouver.
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10 Bargain Family Vacations in Canada to Book Now originally appeared on usnews.com
