Family Vacation Guide to Toronto
Finally ready to take that family vacation? With new exhibits that invite kids to explore the country’s history, plus classic outings that parents can enjoy, Toronto, Canada’s biggest city, is ready to welcome the whole clan. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip for kids of all ages.
For Younger Children
Little Canada, which opened in August 2021, features miniature models of Canadian cities, including the European-style buildings and cobblestoned streets of Old Quebec, along with stunning landscapes like the towering Rocky Mountains. With moving cars, trains, and boats, thousands of LED lights, and mini people “walking” the streets, the installation brings the country’s attractions to life. Your child can even become a part of these little settings thanks to an on-site scanner that prints tiny 3-D versions of visitors.
At Black Creek Pioneer Village, costumed interpreters demonstrate life in the 1860s. Kids can experiment with a musical instrument, work alongside a tinsmith, or explore a collection of over 2,000 period toys.
For Teens and Tweens
The EdgeWalk allows kids aged 13 and older to circumnavigate the iconic CN Tower, walking along an outdoor platform 116 stories above ground. Don’t worry, harnesses and safety gear are provided to ensure a safe adventure.
Fashion-forward teens seeking activities closer to the ground will appreciate Queen Street West, featuring vintage-fashion shops and quirky cafés. This area is also steps away from the MuchMusic building, the former studio of the iconic Canadian TV channel. Children will enjoy hearing about the nostalgia of waiting to buy a physical album on CD.
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For Kids of All Ages
Take the whole family to the Bentway, a year-round trail and outdoor event space located under the Gardiner Expressway, just steps from Lake Ontario. Check the website for seasonal activities, which range from ice-skating in the winter to roller-skating in the summer.
After the kids have worked up an appetite, head to Kensington Market to enjoy an array of delicious foods from around the world, including Swedish coffee, Baja-style tacos, and Jamaican patties.
A version of this story first appeared in the February 2022 issue of iBestTravel under the headline And The Kids Came Too.
