Wendy

Two summers ago I came to this forum planning a family trip to Canada and thinking about Vancouver and Victoria. Upon reading the ages of my children(then 6 and 11) and our interests, it was suggested by a number of posters that I consider Alberta instead. After researching their advise (and agreeing wholeheartedly) we had a fantastic trip including Calgary, Drumheller, Waterton, and Banff. This summer we would like to return to Canada for around 10 days in late July or August. Our family consists of two adults and two kids, boy 8 and girl 13. We enjoy cultural events, easy walks or hikes, wildlife, museums,history. I was beginning to look into Nova Scotia and PEI. I think my daughter might enjoy reading the Green Gables books then seeing the "real" Green Gables. <BR> Where are your favorite Canadian family trips? All suggestions are appreciated.

Wendy B

Hi Wendy; <BR> <BR>I live in Nova Scotia and my mother's family is from PEI. I think that your family would love it here in the Summer. There are always lots of cultural festivals during these months. You should call in advance and order a Nova Scotia Doer's and Dreamer's Guide. This book will tell you everything you need to know. 1-800-565-0000. <BR> <BR>Hope you enjoy your vacation.

Brian Kilgore

Depending on where you are coming from, I'd make a case for Vancouver / Victoria, or the Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa triangle. <BR>Vancouver has the ocean, lots of parks, the mountains, good museums, beaches that are maybe too cold for much swimming but lots of fun to explore. It is agreat area for the outdoorsy type, with enough culture to appeal to sophisticated kids and their parents. <BR> <BR>Toronto - Ottawa - Montreal is more urban andhistoriacal, with more and better museums and art galleries, the Ontario Science Center in Toronto, a pile of different museums (airplanes, war, civilization, art) in Ottawa, and a bug museum (appeals to adults, too) in Montreal. Plus Montreal is Fench, and that makes Canada even more foreign to Americans, yet it is easy to get around, and language is no problem. <BR> <BR>I've lived in Toronto, Montreal and ottawa, and used to work in Vancouver. If it was me, I'd rather be in BC than in Ontario just about any day, with or without kids. <BR> <BR>BAK

Island Girl

Hi Wendy, <BR>I'm from PEI, so am very biased, but you would love the Maritimes in the summer! On PEI, there are the beaches (of course), warm enough for swimming, and great to just relax on. There are lots of great walks to do, including the new TransCanada trail. If you go to NS, I would recommend the Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, and also Fortress Louisbourg. It's a fort that has been brought back to life, and includes people dressed in period clothing, and acting out their parts in the daily life of the fort. <BR> <BR>Try www.gov.pe.ca for PEI info, and I believe there's a link to Nova Scotia tourism at www.gov.ns.ca. Have fun!

Allie

Hi! <BR>I suggest you check out http://www.travelforkids.com which has lots of cool ideas about traveling with kids in general and some great tips on traveling with kids in Vancouver and Victoria (as well as other places in British Columbia). <BR>A real-world approach to family travel. <BR>- A

Wendy

Thank you all for your suggestions. I will do some more research and then make a decision on our destination. Once that is determined I am sure I will be back with more questions. Your help is always appreciated. <BR> <BR>Wendy B: Thanks for the phone number! I called and ordered my Nova Scotia guide. <BR> <BR>Island Girl and Allie: Thanks for the web sites I will check them out. <BR> <BR>Brian: You seem to have experience with a number of Canadian destinations. Thanks for your input.

aileen

Wendy, <BR> <BR>I would also recommend Nova Scotia. Cape Breton Island especially. I went last September and it was beautiful. <BR>In addition to the the cabot trail & Louisbourg, it is a grat location to go whale watching from. Fundy bay (southern Nova Scotia) has some of the fast/largest tides in the world which stirs up plankton(sp). Whales of all types come to the bay to feed in the summer. We went out once from Cape Breton and once on the bay of Fundy and saw whales, dolphins, seals and eagles, both days. <BR> <BR>Have fun where ever you go! <BR>Aileen

Bo

I too vote for the Toronto-Ottawa-Montreal trip. All three are great. It is a chance to experience 2 cultures in an easy trip. Ottawa is especially nice in the summer. It is a beautiful city, with many things to see and do. During the summer they have the changing of the guards at Capitol Hill. Can't say enough good about Ottawa. Toronto and its lake front is wonderful and many things to do and see as well. And, finally, ah Montreal. France in North America. Great food, great sights, and the French culture. <BR> <BR>Canada is one great place to visit.

rob

Wendy, <BR> <BR>I have lived in Southern Ontario (ie. the greater region around Toronto my entire life) my entire life, but have visited Nova Scotia and BC. <BR> <BR>There really is no easy choice for your trip. <BR> <BR>The Maritimes is beautiful, and offers an experience that is culturally and geographically different from central and western Canada. If you go there, be sure to visit Newfoundland, the people are friendly, the accents are wild (something akin to an Irish brogue), and the scenery astounding. Nova Scotia and PEI offer wonderful scenery as well. <BR> <BR>The Quebec City (which has not been mentioned, but is perhaps the most beautiful, historic city in Canada) to Toronto corridor is equally magnificent. Certainly more urban -- Toronto, Quebec City, Montreal, and Ottawa are four of this country's largest cities -- and presenting the most culturally diverse aspects of Canada. French Canada is essential if you want to really experience all that Canada has to offer. Ottawa is home to some of this country's best museums and galleries (The National Gallery, The Museum of Civilization, and the National War Museum) as well as being the seat of government for the country. Toronto is perhaps the most culturally diverse city in the world -- every nationality is represented, and the opportunities are too great to mention. Also, Toronto is home to the best shopping and theatre in the country. You could end your trip just SW of Toronto in the Niagara Falls region -- the falls are gorgeous, and the region is home to some of Canada's best vineyards. <BR> <BR>Vancouver is gorgeous too, and certainly not a city you want to miss. <BR> <BR>Of course, unless you have a lot of time and money, seeing all of these places is impossible. For money, I would start in Toronto or Quebec City, and take the train (www.viarail.ca) or drive the corridor. <BR> <BR>There is another possibility, and that is taking one of the many package train tours offered by VIARail (essentially, the national train carrier). Some of the tours are, from what I've heard, truly outstanding. <BR> <BR>Please feel free to email me if you have any questions. <BR> <BR>Rob

Ross

Hi Wendy!!! <BR> <BR>I would recommend a trip to Quebec City with a drive around the Gaspe peninsula!!! You would be visiting a WONDERFUL city, both historic and beautiful, and breath-taking, STUNNING scenery out in the countryside. Both you and your family will ABSOLUTELY love seeing the animals &lt;&lt;seals, whales, birds, etc...&gt;in their natural habitat. In addition, the Quebecois are extremely friendly and helpful. Any questions, just ask. <BR> <BR>Have fun!!! <BR>Ross.

Shelley

Hi! May I suggest the province of Manitoba! I live in Winnipeg and there are so many wonderful places to see. In the summer, there is Whiteshell Provincal Park, about 120 km drive east of Winnipeg. Beautiful lakes, beaches campgrounds, cottages to rent. Excellent hiking trails. Also to north of Winnipeg, there is the town of Gimli on Lake Winnipeg. Beautiful town, nice shops, beach. Also Grand Beach on the opposite side- white sand, water is shallow- you can walk out a ways. Rates as one of the best beaches in North America. Winnipeg, has plenty of activities during the summer. There is Folkarama. It is a cultural event that happens two weeks during the summer. There are various sites that have ethnic groups such as German, Italian, Caribbean etc. They display there dances and you can even try some of the food. The Forks Market is where the Assiniboine and Red River meets. It is a place with wonderful shops and restaurants. There is also a nice paved walkway by the river. So many things I could list. Manitoba has such a variety of landscape. From prairie to rolling hills to forest. I hope you have fun!