Canadian Vacations with Children

Amusement parks are fun. I'm a 37-year-old kid who still loves to go to amusement parks, even more so than my daughters. I tend to steer clear of the thrill rides, but I enjoy myself while being amused on some of the simpler rides such as the Ferris wheel and mini train.

However, speaking from a big kid's perspective, I wouldn't be able to handle an amusement park for more than a day.

Even when we go to Galaxyland at West Edmonton Mall, my family and I have had enough after a couple of hours. We've taken the rides we've wanted, played some games at the booths, and we're ready to move on to the next adventure.

In my experience, nature sights have been our most rewarding vacations. We love to take photos and there are only so many photos we can take in an amusement park setting whereas, in nature, we are only limited by our surroundings, if not our imagination.

Don't forget that a nature setting could be a trip to the zoo or a safari.

Having a picnic beside a beautiful waterfall or taking a scenic cruise along a river provides great family excursions.

Visiting a beach is also enjoying a part of nature. Observe seagulls as they walk along the shoreline, or sit on the rocks as the waves crash against the shore.

Hiking provides wonderful family outings and, when hiking mountain trails, you are provided with breathtaking scenery.

When in the mountains, regardless of the season, wearing layers is definitely recommended because of the various temperatures involved - especially hiking at high altitudes - and it's best to go slow to allow lungs to adjust to the decreased level of oxygen.

Hiking at ground level provides a chance to relax and get some exercise without taking on strenuous activity. It's great for families with younger children who tire easily.

When hiking, the opportunities to enjoy nature are as broad as the number of trails you may take, especially when living in, or visiting, areas where hiking is the in thing to do.

Waterfalls, wildlife, a beautiful secluded spot or a rippling brook are only a few of nature's gems you may come across.

At one point, my family and I took a whale-watching cruise just off Cape Breton. We enjoyed ourselves immensely as we watched the whales making appearances no more than twenty five feet from the boat.

Another year, we went horseback riding through the mountains (my first time ever on a horse) and enjoyed the breath-taking views. Having shared that experience with my oldest daughter, a devoted horse lover, caused us to bond more deeply.

Of course, sunsets have been standard fare - though not taken for granted - and we've seen our share of those. Absolutely glorious!

Hearing the roar of a waterfall as water rushes over a cliff is a thrilling, awe-inspiring experience.

It allows family members to relax and, depending upon the proximity to the waterfall, it's common to have raised voices in order to be heard over the thunder of the falls.

Waterfalls provide a perfect backdrop for picnicking because there aren't as many mosquitoes present as in other areas, especially if sitting closer to the falls.

Depending upon how waterfalls and their environs are established, adventure seekers may be able to get close enough to touch the water and feel its spray.

Breath-taking doesn't come close to describing such an experience...and the drive to Takakkaw Falls is an experience, in and of itself!

Catching up with family and friends is always an added perk when planning vacation.

Though all family vacations won't solely revolve around spending time with family and friends, it's always nice to have the opportunity to talk face-to-face, as opposed to e-mailing, chatting on the phone, or instant messaging.

It's just so nice to sit and have a conversation, visit places together and even to receive the simple gift of a hug.

Seeing the same places every year can grow boring, even when surrounded by people we love. Branching out to see a few new places is definitely on the agenda and it doesn't always require airline travel.

Taking a road trip - whether for a few hours or a few days - can be rewarding. Families are able to explore their surroundings and can bond together over new shared experiences.

Renting a cottage for a few days, or even a week, is a great idea; it provides ample opportunity for you to relax in a home-like setting while providing several opportunities for day trips, especially if you are in mountain, hiking or beach country.

A campfire provides a wonderful atmosphere in which families/friends can relax and enjoy conversation.

Children can play with each other, roast marshmallows and wieners, and everyone has an enjoyable evening - as long as mosquito repellent is worn during summer months, especially in wooded areas.

Take half a day, or a full day, to explore a National Historic Site. Visit the various buildings located within a fort to see how people lived years ago.

Listen to guides who will provide in-depth knowledge of what it was like to live in the forts years ago. They will also provide the history behind the establishment of the forts and - if visiting a fort such as Fort Williams located in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada - experience riding in a horse-drawn carriage as settlers did years ago, or rowing down the river in a canoe.

Touch the furs the fur-traders dealt with and see the buildings that were set up for business.

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Conversely, visit a national monument such as the one set up honoring the Acadians, located in Grand Pre, Nova Scotia, Canada.

Videos are made to depict events which were reported to have taken place at the time the Acadians were forced to leave their homeland.

An on-site museum provides much background information. There's also a gift shop with reasonable prices for those who wish to bring home souvenirs.

The grounds contain a few buildings and features a duck pond as well as a flower garden. The church which the Acadians used to attend is on the grounds, and some people have been known to look through the records and find distant relatives from their past.

Evangeline is a woman whose story is portrayed more than any other. She was separated from her true love, Gabriel, when the men were deported - being separated from their wives and children.

However, she didn't give up searching for her beloved and, in the end, she did find him lying on his death-bed in an infirmary in Philadelphia, after searching through all of what is referred to now as, The United States of America.

There's a statue of Evangeline on the grounds and Nova Scotia boasts The Evangeline Trail which runs along the Bay of Fundy through orchards, as well as those villages which were affected by the deportation.

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There are various places to visit which serve some level of national importance and, regardless of the places visited, the experiences won't be disappointing.

The prices are relatively cheap for visiting such places, and taking photos is permitted.

* The photo posted is taken in front of the statue of Evangeline. *