Summer time Journey in Canada 2025: Exploring the Maritimes with Youngsters

With summer time across the nook, many households are trying nearer to dwelling for his or her subsequent journey and there’s no higher time to rediscover the fantastic thing about Canada. From coast to coast, the nation affords a various panorama of experiences good for household journey, whether or not you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring charming small cities, having fun with the good open air, or simply desirous to unwind at a resort.

On this multi-part sequence, let’s break it down by journeying throughout the nation, exploring family-friendly locations area by area, from the coastal charms of the Maritimes to the rugged great thing about the West. I’ll share among the enjoyable experiences my household has loved, together with locations which are nonetheless on our hit listing.

Let’s begin off with Jap Canada, the place for those who love the good open air, there’s positively quite a bit to see and discover.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island delights households with its iconic crimson sand seashores and a contact of literary magic. At Inexperienced Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, children can step into the world of Anne of Inexperienced Gables and convey the beloved story to life.

Of the quite a few seashores that dot the island, my prime picks are:

• Cavendish Seashore. which supplies good sandcastle-building with supervised swimming areas
• Basin Head Provincial Park, nicknamed “Singing Sands Seashore”, which options distinctive squeaking sand and a maritime museum
• Thunder Cove Seashore. which affords secluded crimson cliffs and a well-known sandstone arch good for exploring throughout low tide.

Beneficial Keep: Delta Inns Prince Edward in downtown Charlottetown affords spacious, no-frills lodging with an indoor pool, all inside an hour’s drive of most of Prince Edward Island’s prime sights.

Nightly charges this summer time vary from $300–400 (all costs in CAD) or 39,000–50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors, which suggests you possibly can use a 35K Free Evening Award (with a factors top-up) that comes yearly with the Marriott Bonvoy® American Categorical®* Card.

Paying on your Marriott keep together with your card will earn 5 Marriott Bonvoy factors per greenback spent, serving to you rack up rewards quicker on your subsequent redemption.

Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island enchants guests with its breathtaking coastal views, greatest skilled alongside the scenic Cabot Path. Cape Breton Highlands Nationwide Park affords seashores, mountain climbing trails, wildlife recognizing and spectacular views.

One family-friendly hike to not miss is the Skyline Path—simple, rewarding, and providing sweeping vistas.

For one thing completely different that celebrates Canadian heritage, head to the seasonal Alexander Graham Bell Nationwide Historic Web site, the place children can get hands-on with interactive reveals and discover the world of invention.

On the south facet of the Cape Breton, go to the Fortress of Louisbourg the place historical past comes alive with costumed interpreters and demonstrations. 

Beneficial Keep: Cape Breton Villas is a good trip rental property to discover the northern a part of the Cabot Path from. It’s proper near the coast and affords as much as 4-bedroom villas. Costs begin at simply over $300 per night time for a 2 bed room villa throughout the summer time.

If in case you have golfers within the household and are up for a splurge, the Cabot Cape Breton affords luxurious however dear rooms and villas with gorgeous coastal views. I stayed right here a couple of years in the past on a {couples}’ golf journey and whereas I’m not a golfer myself, I’d return only for the setting.

Vacation Inn Sydney-Waterfront, situated additional south, supplies snug lodging with an indoor pool and waterslide and quick access to downtown sights for beneath $200–300 per night time, or an inexpensive 26,000–40,000 IHG One Rewardsfactors per night time.

St. Andrews by-the-Sea, New Brunswick

When you’re on the lookout for a resort-style escape in a picturesque coastal city, St. Andrews by-the-Sea in New Brunswick is a improbable alternative. Considered one of Jap Canada’s most charming small cities, it’s stuffed with boutique retailers, artwork galleries, and a laid-back seaside vibe.

On the town you’ll additionally discover the Kingsbrae Backyard, the place children can work together with alpacas whereas having fun with the floral shows. When the tide goes out, you possibly can even drive throughout the ocean flooring to succeed in Minister’s Island, as soon as dwelling to Canadian Pacific Railway President Sir William Van Horne.

For an up-close have a look at the area’s marine life, go to the Fundy Discovery Aquarium for hands-on reveals nice for youths. Older children and adults can be a part of one among their Huntsman Marine Experiences – land and boat day excursions led by skilled naturalists–for an immersive, enjoyable, and academic dive into the area’s sealife.

When you’re already in New Brunswick, it’s properly value making the three.5-hour drive to Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park, the place you possibly can stroll on the ocean flooring at low tide and marvel on the towering rock formations.

Beneficial Keep: The Algonquin Resort St. Andrews by-the-Sea, Autograph Assortment is the place you’ll wish to stick with your loved ones. This full-service resort has all of the facilities you’ll need for a enjoyable, laid again household trip, with an indoor pool and waterslide, out of doors pool, and Playzone video games room.

Nightly charges this summer time vary from $300–500 per night time. Base room redemptions vary from 37,000–50,000 Marriott Bonvoy factors per night time, however sadly solely accommodate as much as two visitors.

When you’re reserving a money fee, make sure you get in contact with our journey company, Prince Assortment, for a quote. This property participates in Marriott Luminous, and we’re in a position to supply further perks similar to complimentary breakfast, a $100 USD resort credit score, and extra, all at no further price to you.

Sable Island, Nova Scotia

When you’re up for a splurge and a singular journey, Sable Island sits 300 km southeast of Halifax. This distant sandbar is legendary for sand dunes and wildlife. Entry requires chartered flights or boat excursions from Halifax with advance Parks Canada permits. 

Points of interest embrace observing wild horses, beachcombing pristine shores, and photographing numerous chicken populations and seal colonies. With no on-island lodging, households ought to base in Halifax. 

Though the lodges in Halifax are affordable, the island expertise doesn’t come low cost, with transfers costing at minimal $2,000 per individual, however will probably be a memorable one. This premium tour affords a once-in-a-lifetime alternative to see one among Canada’s most protected ecosystem.

Whilst you’re in Halifax, try the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. It’s an academic and fascinating cease for youths who love ships, tales, and hands-on discovery. They’ll discover actual boats, find out about pirates and the Titanic. Afterwards, seize lunch and let the youngsters burn off some vitality on the harbourfront play space.

Beneficial Keep: Muir, a Luxurious Assortment Lodge, Halifax  supplies an expensive choice alongside the harbour for ~$700 or 72,000–80,000 Bonvoy factors per night time for a room with two queen beds. This property can also be part of Marriott STARS, a most well-liked accomplice program out there by way of our in-house journey company, Prince Assortment.

For extra economical choices, there’s the brand new Moxy Halifax Downtown for beneath $300 or 25,000–33,000 Bonvoy factors per night time, or a full-service lodge with a pool, contemplate the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Lodge for ~$400 or 42,000–49,000 Bonvoy factors per night time. 

Fogo Island, Newfoundland

Fogo Island affords a particular expertise on Newfoundland’s northeast coast. This distant vacation spot options rugged magnificence, conventional fishing tradition, and world-class structure. 

Other than taking within the wonderful ocean views, summer time is a good time for mountain climbing the varied terrain, whale watching, puffin viewing, berry selecting, and probably iceberg viewing for those who’re fortunate.

The Marine Interpretation Centre additionally supplies interactive reveals about native marine life whereas on the Picket Boat Museum children can find out about boat constructing.

Beneficial Keep: The architecturally gorgeous Fogo Island Inn affords an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive expertise and welcomes youngsters aged 8 and older. Meals and native experiences like hikes, jam-making, foraging, wildlife watching, and extra, are all included.

E book this property by way of our in-house journey company, Prince Assortment, which might give you entry to unique perks to raise your keep.

Price range-conscious choices are additionally out there for $200–300 an evening all through the island and could be booked by way of Airbnb (and bear in mind to guide by way of British Airways’s platform to earn Avios on your keep).

Gros Morne Nationwide Park, Newfoundland

Gros Morne Nationwide Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site in Newfoundland, isn’t only for hardcore hikers–it’s an unimaginable playground for households, too. With its dramatic fjords and views that rival these of New Zealand, quiet seashores, and straightforward trails, there’s one thing for youths of all ages to get pleasure from. 

The Discovery Centre options interactive reveals explaining the park’s distinctive geology in kid-friendly methods earlier than embarking on a mountain climbing path. For a comparatively flat, simple hike, the place it seems such as you’re strolling on Mars, try the beginner-friendly Tablelands path.

The Inexperienced Gardens path affords an extended trek that results in coastal cliffs, sea stacks, and grassy meadows. Lastly, for many who are up for a climb, try the Lookout path for wonderful panoramic views. 

For a extra stress-free day, households can discover tidal swimming pools at Shallow Bay Seashore or take a ship tour of Western Brook Pond for a better view of the spectacular fjords, towering cliffs, and waterfalls. 

Beneficial Keep: You’ll wish to keep near the the Nationwide Park to make the most of all it has to supply. The cities of Rocky Harbour, Norris Level, and Woody Level are 10–45 minutes away and shall be the best choice.

Sadly, they don’t have lodge chains like Hilton, Marriott, or Vacation Inn. As a substitute, they provide a choice of regionally owned mattress and breakfasts and boutique lodging that present a extra intimate and genuine expertise. Many of those could be booked by way of Airbnb. 

Utilizing Mounted-Worth Applications within the Maritimes

As you enterprise past the cities within the Maritimes, you would possibly discover an absence of big-name lodge chains. A good way to offset the price of boutique stays or Airbnbs is by utilizing bank cards that supply fixed-value rewards packages.

For instance, Scene+ factors earned by way of a Scotiabank Gold American Categorical® Card could be redeemed towards any journey purchases at a fee of 100 Scene+ factors to a $1.

Alternatively, TD Rewards Factors earned by way of a TD First Class Journey® Visa Infinite* Card will also be redeemed for journey purchases. Each 200 factors is value $1 off journey purchases on Expedia for TD, which is one of the best redemption choice for his or her program. 

Conclusion

If your loved ones loves the good open air, the Maritime provinces supply loads of locations good for a summer time getaway. This submit highlighted just some, however hopefully it’s sparked your curiosity in exploring the East Coast for some household enjoyable this 12 months.

Staying inside Canada means your greenback goes additional—with out sacrificing the journey. Keep tuned for the subsequent submit the place we’ll discover the opposite Jap provinces, Ontario and Quebec.