Canadian Summer Must Visits

Canada is blessed with many sights to see and things to do. With so many places to learn about and visit, have fun this summer exploring these sites across Canada that family members of all ages are sure to like!

British Columbia - Davison Orchards Country Village

Located in Vernon in the Okanagan Valley, Davison Orchards Country Village is a fun place for the whole family to visit. Owned and operated by the Davison family since 1933, visitors can explore the orchards on a Tractor Tour, see the farm animals, take a look at antique tractors, and shop for local produce and gifts. If you have some time, enjoy a snack or lunch at the Farmhouse Cafe while taking in the views of the valley and surrounding hills.

Davison Orchards: https://www.davisonorchards.ca/

Alberta - Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park

Take a trip to southern Alberta to Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park! About a 90-minute drive southeast of Lethbridge, this provincial park is home to hoodoos as well as carvings and pictures on stone. Visiting this park can be planned to include going on a guided tour to learn more about the area, having a picnic, or making it a longer stay by camping.

Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park: https://albertaparks.ca/parks/south/writing-on-stone-pp/

Saskatchewan - Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa (Geothermal Pool)

If you like hot pools, the Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa is a place to stop for a while while visiting the city of Moose Jaw. The pools are located on the rooftop of the hotel overlooking Crescent Park and can be enjoyed during any season as they are open year-round.

Temple Gardens Hotel & Spa (Geothermal Pool): https://www.templegardens.sk.ca/pool.php

Manitoba - McNally Robinson Booksellers

Featuring a variety of books, magazines, and gifts, McNally Robinson Booksellers is a must for every booklover to spend some time at. With two locations in Winnipeg (and one in Saskatoon, too), McNally Robinson is also home to Prairie Ink Restaurant & Bakery where you can make your selection of tasty treats and dishes to try.

McNally Robinson Booksellers: https://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/home

Ontario - National Gallery of Canada

Home to one of the best collections of art at a museum in Canada, the National Gallery is a great place to gain knowledge about different art periods and styles as well as learn to appreciate art. Some of the collections that the Gallery is home to include:

Canadian Art
Indigenous Art
European, American, and Asian Art
Prints and Drawings
Photography

If you are planning to visit the nation’s capital, then this is one stop to include when in Ottawa.

National Gallery of Canada: https://www.gallery.ca/

Quebec - Old Quebec City

With architecture and history that is over 400 years old, make sure to take a stroll through the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec City, walk through Chateau Frontenac, ride the cable car, order Crepes Suzette, and more.

Old Quebec City: https://www.quebec-cite.com/en/old-quebec-city

New Brunswick - Hopewell Rocks

Looking out onto Shepody Bay, Hopewell Rocks is a rock formation caused by tidal erosion. Just a 35-minute drive southeast of Moncton, make sure this stop is on your list of summer places to visit.

Hopewell Rocks: https://www.thehopewellrocks.ca/index.php/en/home

Nova Scotia - Point Pleasant Park, Halifax Waterfront, Mahone Bay

Halifax has several lovely places to enjoy the outdoors and also take in views of the water. Situated on a peninsula, Point Pleasant Park is a great place for a walk. After, the Halifax Waterfront is a fun place to explore while seeing downtown. Just under a one-hour drive west of Halifax and for a change of scenery, picturesque Mahone Bay awaits your visit to enjoy views of the ocean and local stores.

Point Pleasant Park: https://www.halifax.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails-gardens/parks-outdoor-spaces/point-pleasant-park
Halifax Waterfront: https://discoverhalifaxns.com/explore/halifax-waterfront/
Mahone Bay: https://www.mahonebay.com/

Prince Edward Island - Point Prim Lighthouse

Having the distinction of being Prince Edward Island’s first and oldest lighthouse, Point Prim Lighthouse was built in 1845. About a 35-minute drive east of Charlottetown, Point Prim Lighthouse offers magnificent views of the Atlantic Ocean. Other nearby attractions include MacPhail Homestead and Orwell Corner Historic Village.

Point Prim Lighthouse: https://pointprimlighthouse.com/

Newfoundland - MUN Botanical Garden

Maintained by Memorial University in St. John’s, the MUN Botanical Garden is a perfect place for visitors to explore. It first opened to the public in July 1977 and over the years has grown from 4 acres to now including 110 acres.

MUN Botanical Garden: https://www.mun.ca/botgarden/

Yukon - S. S. Klondike National Historic Site

Sitting on the banks of Whitehorse’s Yukon River, the S. S. Klondike was a riverboat and a primary method of transportation in the Yukon before the days of roads and highways. You can take a tour of the S. S. Klondike to learn more about the history of the boat and the area.

S. S. Klondike National Historic Site: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/yt/ssklondike

Northwest Territories - Great Northern Arts Festival

Held in Inuvik, the Great Northern Arts Festival provides an opportunity to learn about and see the arts and creativity in the Northwest Territories.

Great Northern Arts Festival: https://www.gnaf.org/

Nunavut - City of Iqaluit

When in Nunavut, visit its capital city of Iqaluit to learn about the local history, culture, and arts of the area.

City of Iqaluit: https://www.iqaluit.ca/visitors

From arts to botanical gardens and architecture to lighthouses and parks, there is something on this list to appeal to all ages. This summer, make sure to take some time to explore the above sites found across Canada while creating special memories with your family that will last a lifetime.

This article has been written by homeschooling staff writers of The Canadian Schoolhouse (TCS). Enjoy more of our content from TCS contributors and staff writers by visiting our Front Door page that has content on our monthly theme and links to all our content sections.