9 Father-Son Vacation Ideas in Canada

When it comes to father-son quality time, enjoying shared interests is a great place to start. Building a whole trip around those shared interests is even better! Whether you both love sports, fishing, thrills or video games, Canada has destinations and events that are sure to make for a memorable father-son vacation. Here are just a few of the many adventures the Great White North has to offer!

1. Tour craft breweries in BC

What better way to cultivate a great parent-adult child relationship than taking a craft beer-tasting tour in BC? Vancouver Island in particular has a craft brewery scene that’s truly hopping (if you’ll pardon the pun). To help you plan your adventure, the BC Ale Trail is a great resource that provides craft beer tour itineraries throughout the province. Check out the touring options on their website or their handy mobile app!

2. Go skiing in Whistler

For the perfect father-son skiing experience, look no further than Whistler, BC. The Whistler Blackcomb resort is the largest of its kind in North America and was the site of the Vancouver 2010 Olympics. With a vertical drop of 1,530 m and over 200 trails to discover, the mountains offer something for everyone, from beginners to the most experienced thrill-seekers.

3. Check out the Calgary Stampede

Every July, over a million visitors descend on Calgary, Alberta, for an epic 10-day event that celebrates all things western. Featuring the world’s largest outdoor rodeo, chuckwagon racing, a midway, live shows and more, this incredible spectacle is an experience you won’t want to miss!

4. Go snowmobiling in the Yukon

If you’re looking for ways to explore Canada’s vast northern wilderness, consider a trip along the Yukon portion of the Trans Canada Trail. The 1,600 km of trail in the Yukon are meticulously maintained by the Klondike Snowmobile Association and accommodate snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, dog sledding, hiking and more!

5. Take a father-son fishing trip in Ontario

Ontario boasts a raft of excellent fishing destinations for a memorable father-son bonding experience. Algonquin Park’s verdant waterways are a haven for trout, and the park provides all kinds of camping options to round out your trip. If you prefer big-water fishing, Lake Huron and Georgian Bay hold plenty of trophy-sized catches. For a unique winter experience, head to Lake Simcoe just an hour north of Toronto for ice fishing!

Remember to respect Ontario’s fishing regulations and make sure to get your Ontario boating license before heading out on the water.

6. Visit Canada’s Wonderland

Do you both love thrills and extreme experiences? Consider a visit to Canada’s Wonderland, the country’s biggest amusement park. Located just outside Toronto, this 330-acre giant boasts 17 roller coasters, the third-most of any theme park in the world! This paradise of fun and excitement also contains its very own water park, which includes 16 water slides and the largest outdoor wave pool in Canada.

7. Get your geek on at Fan Expo Canada

Not all father-son activities have to be about sports or the great outdoors! If your interests tend more toward video games, comic books, science fiction and fantasy, there is nothing more special than a fan convention. Every August, over 130,000 fans descend on the Metro Toronto Convention Centre to enjoy four days packed with celebrities, incredible cosplays, a treasure trove of merchandise and fellow enthusiasts.

8. Catch a hockey game in Montreal

Montreal is renowned worldwide for its die-hard hockey fans. The crowds streaming out of the Bell Centre after a heated match have actually devolved into riots on several occasions! While the locals’ dedication to their team, the Montreal Canadiens, may raise eyebrows at times, it’s difficult not to get swept up in the feverish excitement that thrums through the city on game day.

Whether you’re watching the game at the Bell Centre itself or from one of the many pubs and sports bars full of TVs and excitable fans, sit back, enjoy the atmosphere, and don’t forget to treat yourself to a few Montreal specialties—smoked meat and poutine!

9. Visit iceberg alley in Newfoundland & Labrador

In late spring and early summer, massive icebergs can be seen making their stately way down the coast of Labrador and past Newfoundland. Some are so large; they can be seen from space—but you don’t have to go that far to watch them! Boat tours are available at many points along the coast. In addition to seeing these dazzling, ancient giants up close (but not too close!), you can also take the opportunity to watch out for whales and other marine life that inhabit the area.

Plan a unique father-son trip to Canada!

No matter what your interests are, Canada has plenty of incredible things to see and do for a truly memorable father-son vacation. Despite the extreme weather sometimes, there’s fun to be had in every season, so feel free to visit at any time of year! While most major events take place in Canada’s biggest cities, adventures await from coast to coast—so get out there and make some memories!

This content is brought to you by Andrea Mario.

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