19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Canada
Canada is a playground of epic proportions, making it a dream destination for families seeking both adventure and ease. This 19-day journey traverses the heart of Ontario and Quebec before heading west to the breathtaking Canadian Rockies, ensuring a mix of cultural discovery and natural wonder.
We have carefully curated this route to prioritize stroller-accessible paths, kid-approved interactive museums, and comfortable intercity transport. With a relaxed pace and focus on iconic landmarks, your family will experience the very best of the Great White North without the stress of over-scheduling.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Toronto, Canada - Arrival & Downtown Discovery
Arrival at Pearson International
Touch down in Canada's largest city and take the UP Express for a smooth, stroller-friendly ride directly to Union Station.
St. Lawrence Market
Explore this historic market for a casual lunch. It is wide and accessible, offering everything from fresh fruit to the famous peameal bacon sandwiches.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Walk through the shark tunnels in North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel. It is fully accessible and a massive hit with toddlers.
Harbourfront Centre Walk
End your first day with a gentle stroll along Lake Ontario, enjoying the fresh breeze and views of the Toronto Islands.
Day 2: Toronto, Canada - Iconic Heights & Play
CN Tower Experience
Take the glass elevator to the observation deck. The floor-to-ceiling windows provide a safe but thrilling view for children.
Distillery District Lunch
Enjoy a pedestrian-only zone filled with Victorian-era architecture, perfect for kids to walk safely without car traffic.
Sugar Beach Relaxation
A quirky urban beach with pink umbrellas and soft sand, ideal for children to play while parents enjoy the lake view.
Dinner in Kensington Market
Experience the bohemian side of Toronto with diverse food stalls that cater to every picky eater's palate.
Day 3: Toronto, Canada - Animal Encounters
Toronto Zoo
Spend the day at one of the largest zoos in the world. Use the Zoomobile to navigate the sprawling grounds easily with a stroller.
African Rainforest Pavilion
See the gorillas and learn about conservation efforts in this climate-controlled, indoor environment.
Rouge National Urban Park
A short drive from the zoo, this park offers gentle trails that are perfect for a family nature walk before heading back to the city.
Evening at Yonge-Dundas Square
Watch the bright lights and street performers in what is often called Toronto's version of Times Square.
Day 4: Niagara Falls, Canada - The Great Falls
Journey to Niagara Falls
Take a comfortable shuttle or train from Toronto to the world-famous waterfalls.
Table Rock Welcome Centre
The best place for your first close-up view of the Horseshoe Falls, featuring accessible ramps and facilities.
Journey Behind the Falls
Don your yellow ponchos and descend into the tunnels to feel the vibration of the water crashing down.
Clifton Hill Fun
Explore the 'Street of Fun' with the Niagara SkyWheel, a climate-controlled ferris wheel offering panoramic views.
Day 5: Ottawa, Canada - Capital Exploration
VIA Rail to Ottawa
Travel by train to the capital. The spacious seats and on-board dining make it the most family-friendly way to move between cities.
Parliament Hill
Walk the beautiful grounds and catch the Changing of the Guard ceremony (seasonal) which is a spectacle for all ages.
ByWard Market
Ottawa's oldest market. Try a 'BeaverTail' pastry—a Canadian classic that kids absolutely adore.
Rideau Canal Stroll
Walk along the UNESCO World Heritage site, which is lined with paved paths perfect for strollers.
Day 6: Ottawa, Canada - History & Play
Canadian Museum of History
Located just across the river in Gatineau, this museum houses the incredible Canadian Children's Museum inside.
Grand Hall Totem Poles
Admire the world's largest indoor collection of totem poles in a breathtaking architectural space.
Major's Hill Park
A great spot for the kids to run around while you enjoy views of the Fairmont Château Laurier and the Ottawa River.
Elgin Street Dinner
A vibrant street with many family-friendly restaurants offering everything from Italian to classic Canadian fare.
Day 7: Ottawa, Canada - Nature in the City
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
A working farm in the middle of the city! Children can see cows, sheep, and horses up close.
Dows Lake Pavilion
Rent a pedal boat or simply enjoy a picnic by the water in this scenic part of the Rideau Canal.
Dominion Arboretum
Explore wide-open spaces and exotic trees in this peaceful, stroller-friendly parkland.
Farewell Ottawa Dinner
Enjoy a final meal in the downtown core before heading to Quebec tomorrow.
Day 8: Montreal, Canada - French Charm
Train to Montreal
A quick two-hour train ride brings you into the heart of Montreal, the world's second-largest French-speaking city.
Old Port of Montreal
Wander along the riverfront, which is completely flat and filled with family activities and food trucks.
Montreal Science Centre
Features many hands-on exhibits specifically designed for younger children in the 'Clic!' zone.
Place Jacques-Cartier
Enjoy dinner in this lively square filled with street artists and musicians.
Day 9: Montreal, Canada - Views & Villages
Mount Royal Park
Designed by the same architect as NYC's Central Park. The walk to the Kondiaronk Lookout is paved and stroller-friendly.
Saint Joseph's Oratory
Visit Canada's largest church, which offers incredible views of the city and beautiful gardens.
Plateau Mont-Royal Stroll
Walk through the colorful streets of 'The Plateau' and admire the iconic spiral staircases.
Poutine Tasting
You cannot leave Montreal without trying authentic poutine. La Banquise is a local favorite with dozens of options.
Day 10: Montreal, Canada - Botanic Beauty
Montreal Botanical Garden
One of the world's greatest botanical gardens. The Chinese and Japanese gardens are particularly peaceful for families.
The Biodome
Walk through four distinct ecosystems of the Americas, from a tropical rainforest to the sub-polar regions.
Olympic Park
See the site of the 1976 Summer Olympics and take the funicular up the world's tallest inclined tower.
Dinner in Quartier Latin
End your stay in Montreal with a meal in this vibrant, student-friendly, and affordable neighborhood.
Day 11: Quebec City, Canada - Old World Magic
Drive to Quebec City
Rent a car for the 3-hour drive to enjoy the scenic 'Chemin du Roy' along the river.
Quartier Petit Champlain
Often called the most beautiful street in Canada. It feels like a European village, though some parts are hilly.
Place Royale
The site where Quebec City was founded in 1608. Great for photos and a quick history lesson for the kids.
Dinner with a View
Find a crêperie in the Old Town for a classic French-Canadian dining experience.
Day 12: Quebec City, Canada - Falls & Fish
Montmorency Falls
These falls are actually taller than Niagara! Take the cable car to the top for a stroller-accessible boardwalk.
Île d'Orléans Lunch
A short drive over the bridge takes you to this island known for its strawberries and cider farms.
Aquarium du Québec
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, this aquarium features polar bears and walruses.
Evening at Plains of Abraham
A massive park perfect for a sunset walk or letting the kids run free on the historic battlefields.
Day 13: Quebec City, Canada - Castle Walls
Dufferin Terrace
Walk the wide boardwalk in front of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac for the city's best river views.
Old Quebec Funicular
Save your legs and take the funicular between the Upper and Lower towns—it's a fun ride for kids.
Citadelle of Quebec
Take a guided tour of this active military base. The museum inside is very engaging for school-aged children.
Farewell Feast
Enjoy a final dinner in Quebec City before your flight to the Western provinces tomorrow.
Day 14: Calgary to Banff, Canada - Gateway to the Rockies
Flight to Calgary
Fly from Quebec City or Montreal to Calgary. The flight is about 4.5 hours and crosses two time zones.
Drive to Banff
Pick up a rental car and make the easy 90-minute drive into the heart of Banff National Park.
Banff Townsite Stroll
Explore the charming mountain town, grab a souvenir, and enjoy the views of Cascade Mountain.
Dinner at Bear Street
A pedestrian-friendly street with great pizza and family-oriented restaurants.
Day 15: Banff, Canada - Mountain Peaks
Banff Gondola
Soar to the top of Sulphur Mountain. The boardwalk at the top is stroller-accessible and offers 360-degree views.
Sky Bistro Lunch
Dine at the top of the mountain with one of the most spectacular views in the world.
Banff Upper Hot Springs
Relax in the natural hot water. It is family-friendly and towels/suits can be rented on-site.
Bow Falls
A quick stop to see the powerful turquoise water just a short walk from the town center.
Day 16: Banff, Canada - Iconic Lakes
Lake Louise
Arrive early to see the most famous lake in Canada. The path along the lake is flat and easy for strollers.
Moraine Lake
Visit the 'Valley of the Ten Peaks.' Note that personal vehicles are no longer allowed, so the shuttle is mandatory.
Fairmont Lake Louise Tea
Enjoy an afternoon treat inside the historic hotel while looking out at the Victoria Glacier.
Lakeview Walk
Take one last quiet stroll around the lake before the evening sets in.
Day 17: Icefields Parkway, Canada - Glaciers
Drive the Icefields Parkway
Regarded as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. Numerous viewpoints are just steps from the parking lots.
Peyto Lake Lookout
A short, paved uphill walk leads to a viewpoint of this wolf-shaped, bright blue lake.
Columbia Icefield
Take the Ice Explorer (all-terrain bus) onto the Athabasca Glacier—an unforgettable experience for kids.
Glacier Skywalk
Walk on a glass-floored platform suspended 918 feet above the Sunwapta Valley.
Day 18: Banff, Canada - Canyon & Caves
Johnston Canyon
Walk the steel catwalks built into the canyon walls. The path to the Lower Falls is easy for families.
Picnic at Two Jack Lake
A quieter spot popular with locals, perfect for a relaxed family lunch with mountain reflections.
Cave and Basin National Historic Site
Learn about the birthplace of Canada's National Parks in this interactive and accessible museum.
Final Canadian Dinner
Celebrate your 19-day journey with a hearty meal at one of Banff's cozy alpine lodges.
Day 19: Calgary, Canada - Journey Home
Drive back to Calgary
Head back to the city, stopping for a final photo of the Rockies in your rearview mirror.
Calgary Zoo or Telus Spark
If you have a late flight, these two world-class attractions are right next to each other and perfect for kids.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Core Shopping Centre or Stephen Avenue for any last-minute maple syrup or Canadian woolens.
Departure from YYC
Check in for your flight home, carrying memories of an epic 19-day Canadian family adventure.
Best Time to Visit Canada
For a family trip of this scale, the best time to visit is during the shoulder months of June and September, or the peak summer months of July and August. During summer, the weather is warm across both the east and west, and all seasonal attractions like the Banff shuttles and Niagara boat tours are operational. If you enjoy winter sports and festive markets, December to March is magical, but be prepared for extreme cold and limited accessibility in mountain parks due to snow.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Canada is a highly digital society; credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex) are accepted almost everywhere, including for small purchases at markets. However, carrying a small amount of cash is useful for small tips or rural stops. Tipping is customary in Canada, typically 15% to 20% at restaurants and a few dollars for hotel staff or tour guides.
Getting Around Canada
Given Canada's immense size, a mix of transport is best. Between Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, and Quebec City, the VIA Rail train system is comfortable, scenic, and very family-friendly. To get from the East Coast to the Rockies, a domestic flight (Air Canada or WestJet) is necessary to save time. Once in the Rockies (Calgary/Banff), renting a car is the most practical way to explore at your own pace, especially with children and strollers.
