Sometimes you don’t need to get on a plane to have an amazing family vacation. Family vacations in Ontario are a great option if you are looking to A: not break the bank or B: want to do a quick one that doesn’t require you taking loads of time off work.
We normally like to taking off during the winter months to warmer spots and then spend our time adventuring through Ontario during the summer months. We have done winter vacations too which have also been a blast but I do hate the cold and snow so always prefer the summer months!
Our summers aren’t long either so I love maximizing every moment here! I have rounded up some of our favourite family spots in the province that we visit year after year! Some of these in the list are very well known while some of the spots are hidden gems in my opinions!
The Best Family Vacations in Ontario
#1. Crystal Beach, Ontario
Crystal Beach, Ontario is one of the best places to vacation in Ontario if you want to feel like you have been transported to California! This tiny, little coastal beach town has all the right things to make you feel like you are away somewhere far. With smoothie shops, boutique hotels and one of the most pristine beaches on the coast line, it’s oe of a kind. It’s also really walkable making it a great spot for families
Where to Stay: Hotel Phil Co
Where to Eat: Rizzo’s House of Parm
You might like these other Ontario blog posts:
- 9 Cool Breweries in Hamilton, Ontario
- Merrickville, Ontario: A Guide To One Of the Cutest Towns
- 14 Places To See Fall Colours in Ontario
- Glamping at Long Point Eco Resort in Norfolk, Ontario
- 10 Of the Best Beaches in Hamilton, Ontario
- Ultimate Guide to Norfolk, Ontario: Glamping, Wineries & Beaches!
#2. Niagara Falls, Ontario- An affordable family vacation option in Ontario
If you are born and raised in the GTA, you likely have done a few visits to Niagara Falls! While you have likely been there, I highly suggest you revisit and make a staycation out of it. Especially if you have kids.
I hadn’t been in years so we decided to book a 1 night stay as a family and I was blown away by it. It felt like I had experienced it for the first time all over again. It is truly magical and you often forget that when you live so close.
It’s one of the wonders of the world after all!
Get yourself a Niagara Parks attraction pass ( the most expensive one is $104 CAD and includes everything). You will get access to all of the fun things to do under their portfolio including the Butterfly Conservatory, The Tunnel, Whirlpool Aero Car, White Water Walk and more!
Where to Stay: Hilton Niagara
Where to Eat: Tide and Vine ( Cool + Hip Restaurant), Corso (All inclusive Family option right in the Hilton!), Table Rock Restaurant ( Epic view of the falls) OR Rainforest Cafe ( amazing for the kids)
#3. Muskoka, Ontario
Muskoka, Ontario has become one of the most popular spots in the province over the years. What started as a city filled with cottagers and people who were looking to escape city life has turned into an international hotspot. Celebrities and the whose who of the country flock here every summer for the ultimate retreat.
There is good reason for this though- Muskoka is something special. And while it has gotten very popular over the years ( and pricey), it is still very much an awesome place to escape to. The main lakes there are stunning and there are a lot of smaller lakes surrounding them that also are beautiful.
Where to Stay: Muskoka is filled with a ton of cottage and Air Bnb Rentals but if you are looking for a resort, I highly recommend Deer Hurst Resort! It’s the ultimate family vacation in Ontario for those who love the up north vibe!
Where to Eat: Before reaching Muskoka, it’s mandatory for you to stop for a burger at Weber’s
#4. Perth, Ontario
Perth, Ontario is a great Ontario staycation spot! If I was doing a road trip and looking to do a vacation in the province for a week, I would visit Perth followed by Ontario for the perfect trip combination.
Perth is a small town with a lot of personality. It has a ton of monthly events, a big culinary scene and is extremely walkable.
Discovering smaller towns in Ontario has been a favourite activity over the last few years and Perth is one of the best!
Where to Stay: Nevis Estate. This unique property has been thoughtfully restored and is one of a kind!
Where to Eat: You can find all of the best Perth, Ontario restaurants in a post I did after my visit!
#5. Ottawa, Ontario
Want to have a family vacation in Ontario but also learn a little while you are there? Book yourself a vacation in Ottawa! It’s filled with history, has more museums than any other city and
Ottawa was one of the family vacations in Ontario that really surpassed our expectations. It was our first time there and not our last. We actually visited in the Winter so we want to go back for a summer visit to see it in bloom.
While I can’t speak for the summer vibe of the city, visiting in Winter offers so many fun things to do outdoors from skating to wild life parks to even Christmas markets! The Byward market is also such a unique attraction that you can’t miss!
Where to Stay: Marriot Hotel on Kent Street. This hotel is amazing if you are travelling with kids! It’s walkable to all of the parliament buildings and has an indoor pool!
Where to Eat: Ola Cocina Taqueria for Mexican, Supply and Demand and you have to visit Zak’s Diner for an iconic milkshake.
#6. Stratford, Ontario
Visiting Stratford is like stepping into a Hallmark film. It is SO unbelievably charming, has an insane dining scene and is home to some of the best theatre in Ontario!
We have visited as a family and have also done couples trips there and both experiences have been perfect. For kids, they have lots of family friendly restaurants, a chocolate trail where you can visit various stops in town ( almost like a scavenger hunt) and so much green space making it perfect for picnics!
It’s a great place for a family vacation in Ontario if you are short on time and just want to escape for the weekend!
Where to Stay: Bradshaw Lofts (so spacious, have kitchenettes and make you feel like you are in NYC with the exposed brick)
Where to Eat: I wrote a full Stratford Travel guide that includes some of my favourite spots to hit up for food!
#7. Niagara on the Lake, Ontario- The most Picturesque family vacation in Ontario!
A lot of people think of Niagara on the Lake as just wine but it is so much more than that. It is the perfect spot for a family vacation in Ontario- one where you can honestly spend a week!
I would recommend at least 3-4 days to properly see everything in the area and then do a day trip to Niagara Falls or even Crystal beach if you wanted. It’s a great spot to base yourself in if you want to explore a few of these areas.
Niagara on the Lake is not only home to some incredible wineries but it has tons of cute shops, restaurants, museums, golf courses and even has some great hiking trails!
Where to Stay: The Pillar and Post
Where to Eat: Oast House, Ravine Winery ( their pizzas!), The Pie Plate, Cow’s (Best ice cream!), Two Sisters ( for a nicer meal), RPM Bakery ( in Jordan but worth checking out and The Watering Can (I actually have a whole list of restaurants in Jordan for you to discover!)
Where to Do: Hike Ball’s Falls! This is a family friend hike and offers different routes and trails depending on your fitness level
Other Family Vacations in Ontario to consider:
- Collingwood, Ontario ( Blue Mountain!)
- Tobermory, Ontario ( some of the clearest water in the province!)
- Sauble Beach, Ontario ( home to so many cute restaurants and hotels)
That is my list of the best family vacations in Ontario that I would recommend if you are looking to travel somewhere with your kids this season! I hope you enjoyed it and found the info useful! I am so proud to live where I live and always love sharing the places I find.
Please always reach out on Instagram or email me with any specific questions you might have!
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