Super Visa: 10 Activities for Your Summer Family Reunion in Canada!

If you're visiting your family in Canada, summer is without a doubt, the prime season.

By:

April 29, 2024

If you're visiting your family in Canada, summer is without a doubt, the prime season. The days stretch long, inviting us to relax on sunny patios. Festivals bring energy to every corner of the cities, and outdoor sports like soccer and baseball are in full swing.

The zest for life is palpable, embracing the delights of spending time outdoors without the winter's chill.

With a Super Visa in hand, summer in Canada opens up a world of opportunity. Imagine the laughter of your grandchildren as you build sandcastles on a pristine beach or the joy of exploring the majestic Canadian Rockies with your children.

It's a season ripe for reconnecting with loved ones and immersing oneself in the country's natural beauty and cultural richness firsthand.

Here are 10 ideas for family activities to fully enjoy your summer in Canada:

1. Witness Whales in a Zodiac Adventure

Experience the breathtaking sight of whales breaching the water's surface on a guided Zodiac tour in Tadoussac, where the St. Lawrence River stuns with its incredible whale population. These affordable excursions offer optimal viewing of minke, humpback, beluga, and fin whales, with certified captains sharing fascinating stories about these majestic creatures.

One of the biggest perks of a Zodiac tour is that you skim right across the water's surface. This puts you practically nose-to-nose with the whales (without disturbing them, of course!) for incredible close-up views you just can't get from a larger boat. Children will be mesmerized by the whales, while adults will appreciate the educational aspect and the breathtaking scenery.

2. Rent a Campervan to Explore the Canadian Rockies

Canada is full of breathtaking scenery! The Rockies are known to be a must-see, and the best way to experience them as a family with kids and grandparents is to rent a recreational vehicle (RV).

Campervans are a great way to get away from it all—there is no need to pack and unpack your bags; you have a hotel and a car all in one.

Grandparents can relax at the campsite while younger family members explore and participate in outdoor activities. The flexibility of having your own transportation allows you to customize the itinerary to suit everyone's interests and abilities.

Book early and check multiple platforms to find the best deal on RV rentals. RVezy.com and Outdoorsy.ca are both online platforms that connect campervan owners with renters. You can read reviews, compare prices, and ask the owner questions before booking your trip.

Don't miss the Icefield Parkway: The drive between Banff and Jasper is known as the Icefield Parkway. It's no wonder that this 232-kilometre (144-mile) road is one of the most scenic in the world.

3. Beach Bliss for the Whole Family

Canadians love going to the beach—with such a long winter, everyone looks forward to packing a picnic and putting on their swimsuit to head to the beach with the family once summer rolls around. There are beaches all over Canada, no matter what province you're in, whether at the ocean or lakeshores.

It's the perfect activity for the whole family, no matter the age. Everyone can enjoy themselves, whether it's working on their tan, teaching little ones how to swim, or walking along the water's edge.

4. Have a Picnic in a Public Park

Canada has an incredible number of national, regional, and municipal parks, many with picnic tables and even public barbecues. Imagine a delicious meal surrounded by nature—the perfect way to reconnect with family!

Some parks even allow group reservations. A quick online search will reveal hidden gems near you.

5. Make a Splash at a Water Park

Escape the summer heat with a splashtacular adventure at a Canadian water park! While Canadian summers may be fleeting, the country's numerous water parks offer a wave of excitement for the whole family, from heart-stopping slides to exciting wave pools.

Little ones will make a splash in specially designed wading pools and play areas that ensure their safety and enjoyment. Thrill-seekers can defy gravity on towering water slides and exhilarating aquatic rides.

Many water parks also cater to those seeking a more relaxed experience, featuring hot tubs and lazy rivers where you can unwind and soak up the sunshine.

Pro Tip: Arrive early to beat the crowds and maximize your day!

6. Attend a Pow Wow

Immerse yourself and your family in the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture by partaking in a Pow Wow. Summer heralds the time for these vibrant gatherings, where people of all ages converge to celebrate, connect, and rejuvenate through food, tradition, and spiritual communion.

Children and adults alike will be captivated by the atmosphere of traditional dances and songs, and feel the palpable pride of the Indigenous dancers, drummers, and singers.

7. Step Back in Time in a Living History Museum

You can learn about the history of the early settlers in Canada by visiting a pioneer village. It's an ideal experience for all ages, and there's no chance of getting bored.

You'll wander through streets bustling with activities, meet colourful characters, participate in period games, listen to traditional music, and even take a horse-drawn carriage ride.

Here are some popular choices for families:

Heritage Park Historical Village (Calgary, Alberta)
Upper Canada Village (Morrisburg, Ontario), one of the largest living-history museums in Canada
Village québécois d’antan (Drummondville, Quebec)
Acadian Historical Village (Caraquet, New Brunswick)

8. Take a Gondola Ride for Panoramic Views

Many ski resorts offer gondola rides during the summer, whisking you to stunning mountaintop vistas. It is a perfect activity for older relatives or those with limited mobility, as it allows them to enjoy breathtaking scenery typically only accessible after a long hike.

The little ones will also be amazed by the panoramic beauty unfolding beneath them.

Summer offers clear skies and warm temperatures, making it the ideal time to enjoy these gondola rides.

Here are some of the best gondola rides across Canada:

Banff Gondola
Peak 2 Peak Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Jasper SkyTram
Mont Tremblant Panoramic Gondola

9. Go on a Self-Drive Wildlife Safari Adventure

Imagine the thrill of seeing majestic creatures roaming free, and the joy of petting and feeding some of them too! Canada offers unique opportunities like Parc Omega in Quebec, a vast preserve where you can embark on a self-drive tour and interact with animals in their natural habitat. You might even get to hand-feed a deer or two!

Or head to the African Lion Safari in Hamilton, Ontario, where you can observe and even interact with over 100 species, some of which you might even be able to feed!

10. Raise a Glass at a Local Winery or Microbrewery

As the temperature rises, so does the desire for a cool, refreshing drink. You may be surprised to learn that Canada boasts a flourishing network of wineries and microbreweries across the nation.

While grown-ups raise a glass to delectable local wines or craft beers, children can run in the open-air spaces, surrounded by lush vineyards or charming gardens.

Many locations cater to families with non-alcoholic beverages and kid-friendly snacks, ensuring an inclusive and enjoyable experience for all.