St. John’s, Newfoundland, is an otherworldly place – one where fairies exist, where the fog physically rolls in, and where a Rock becomes home because of the friendly people. And it’s great place for an unforgettable family vacation.

In this quaint harbor town, fishing (and seafood!) is part of daily life. You’ll see this in the family-friendly activities you can do and lighthouses you can explore, as well as in its history, art, and food.

But be warned: one visit to St. John’s likely won’t be enough. This city, poised on the west side of the world’s 16th largest island, has layers like an archaeological dig. And you and your kids will want to keep uncovering more of its fascinating history.

While there are many, many things for families to do here in St. John’s, here are my top recommended family activities, plus a great place to stay and dine while visiting Newfoundland with kids.

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1: Explore Local History at “The Rooms”

I’d head to “The Rooms” as soon as you can when you arrive in St. John’s. Why? This natural history museum provides a good overview of the history, landscape, and people – and will make your experiences here much richer.

Once you know the background of a place, you’ll be more interested the whole time you’re there. This is no exception! (And it also makes a fun rainy day activity if needed!)

You can make snow goggles, try on snow shoes, and more – a whole slew of other interactive activities await. You’ll also see a polar bear, wild animals, a giant squid, enormous sea creature skeletons, and trilobites. You can read more about The Rooms in my review, here.

Tip: Try some Traditional Newfoundland Toutons (fried dough balls with molasses) at the Rooms Café, perfect for hungry kids (and their parents).

2: Cruise for Humpback Whales and Atlantic Puffins

What else, on an island known as the Rock, would you do–especially when it’s located near the world’s largest population of  humpback whales?

Don’t miss your family’s chance to head out to sea on a boat tour from St. John’s, where it’s easy to go whale watching and view hundreds of thousands of birds, including Atlantic puffins. This is a bucket list item for many – and how awesome for your kids to experience it while young! There are several options for tours, so you can find one that’s perfect for your family’s vacation.

During our three-hour “Whale and Puffin Cruise” with O’Brien’s, we saw whales (a mom and two “babies” that were almost as big as the boat!) frolic in the water for almost an hour. Then we headed to Puffin Island, where we saw (and smelled) a variety of sea birds, including puffins (which are really tiny and burrow into the earth for their nests).

Kids of all ages were delighted by the antics of the whales – and the funny and interesting commentary of the guide. Make your reservations ahead of time to ensure your space on the boat. Click here to find out more about Whale Watching Tours in Newfoundland.

3: Head East to Historic Cape Spear!

Just a few miles southeast of St. John’s is Cape Spear, the most easterly point of North America. Your kids can say, “next stop, Ireland!” as they pose next to the sign, or peer over the rocky cliffs. Cape Spear provides many possible outdoor adventures, including hiking trails that lead past WWII bunkers, along narrow paths atop cliffs (don’t worry, you’re further from the edge than you think), and through flowers and bracken.

You can also head to not one, but two lighthouses there. You can enter the smaller, square-shaped lighthouse and see how lighthouse keepers and their families lived. It’s also a place to run and play, to listen to the waves crash against the rocky shore, and to enjoy a picnic lunch outside, weather permitting.

4: Eat a Chocolate Meal While Experiencing History on Signal Hill     

The visitor centre out at Signal Hill has a pretty special café – the Newfoundland Chocolate Company Café! Here, you can have sandwiches with chocolate in them, mole tacos, gelato, chocolate fondue, and chocolates – along with hot chocolate.

Time it right to visit the Signal Hill National Historic Site and hear the boom of the noon day cannon and take a Chocolate Hike. Or come around dusk to go hiking with the ghosts of Signal Hill. Whatever you choose, your taste buds will be happy. Follow this link for more details about Signal Hill and the Newfoundland Chocolate Company Cafe.

While there: Don’t miss the Johnson Geo Center, a natural history museum cut INTO the rock of Signal Hill and taking you into the earth to learn more about our fascinating planet and solar system. Tip: The inspiring Terry Fox Monument is also nearby and an easy stop on your way out.)

1 Great Place to Eat in St. John’s: Ches’s Fish and Chips

You know it’s a good restaurant when visitors head here before going to visit their local relatives. Ches’s Fish and Chips is the best fish and chips in St. John’s, serving freshly caught fish and plenty of it. If you want to go local, get it with dressing and gravy – sort of a thanksgiving fish and chips combo.

There are other items on the menu, but why bother when they serve the best? Once you finish, you can ask for a certificate stating you’ve tasted the finest fish & chips to be found in all of Newfoundland and Labrador. For more about Ches’s and other restaurant recommendations, see my “Top 10 Family-Friendly Restaurants in St. John’s, Newfoundland.

Tip: Try the pineapple crush – our daughter likened it to crushed pineapple dum dums, and save room for dessert – not only will the waitress bring around tiny cupcakes, but you can also order lemon meringue pie, made daily.

Best Bet St. John’s Hotel for Families: St. John’s: JAG

Your kids will feel very cool staying at this rock star hotel, where the elevators are to the right of Ray Charles. At the JAG Hotel in St. John’s, walls are splashed with photos of musicians, the fresh flowers are funky, and the rooms, well, they are definitely family-friendly. You’ll note the Keurig, a small refrigerator for snacks, comfy chairs, even comfier beds, and a shower they won’t want to leave.

This boutique hotel charms in so many ways, including daily chocolates from the Newfoundland Chocolate Company, and the attentive staff is very kind to all guests, but especially to families. Located right at the east end of downtown, the JAG Hotel makes exploring St. John’s easy. You can follow this link to see more photos and read my full review of JAG Hotel.

Want more ideas of fun things to do with kids in Newfoundland?

Try a Newfoundland road trip taking in these amazing sites:

Gros Morne National Park (West Side)

Terra Nova National Park (North / East Side)

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Reader note: This post was first published September 22, 2015. It has since been updated.

The post St. John’s with Kids – Newfoundland Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Most visitors flock to Quebec City during the summer and winter months when many annual events are held. Two of the most popular are Les Grands Fuex Loto-Quebec, a multiple day fireworks festival held in August,  and Carnaval De Quebec, a large-scale winter carnival held in January.

Whether you plan to visit in the high seasons or low, here are my top quatre (4) recommended activities along with un (1) great place to eat and un (1) great place to stay while visiting Quebec City with kids.

Activity 1: Take a Step Back in Time in the Old City

Chateau Frontenac in Old Quebec

It’s a big deal to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site – and the Historic District of Old Quebec has that honor. Dating back to the early 17^th century, Old Quebec is still surrounded by its original fortified city walls. Within those historic ramparts are winding streets lined with artisan shops, cafes, and many must-see attractions including the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Quebec, the Citadelle of Quebece , and Château Frontenac.

Horse hooves clopping on historic cobblestone streets are commonly heard across the old city, and one of the most memorable and kid-friendly ways to tour Old Quebec is via a horse-drawn carriage or tramway tour operated by Calèches Québec.

A small section of Old Quebec known as Lower Town sits along the shores of the St. Lawrence River. It is separated from Upper Town by a steep cliff.  There are a few streets and a staircase connecting the two sections; however, you can score some major kid-points by taking them on the Funicular, a cool rail car system that travels 200 feet up and down the cliff at a 45-degree angle. Find out more: www.quebecregion.com

Tip: Just a short walk from the Lower Town section of Old Quebec is the Museum of Civilization. Its “Encounter with the First Nations” exhibition is especially kid-friendly.

Activity 2: Shop at Benjo

Benjo is one sure-to-please stop for those visiting Quebec City with kids.

Kids get to go through their own Little People’s V.I.P. entrance when visiting Benjo, a 25,000 square-foot toy store located in downtown Quebec. Behind the door there are 20 different departments including a huge amount of children’s books, a broad selection of board games, and stuffed animals of all sizes.

There is also children’s clothing and a massive wall of candies. If the kids get hungry while visiting Benjo they can grab a bite to eat at the store’s restaurant that also includes an ice cream parlor. Find out more: www.benjo.ca

Tip: On Saturdays and Sundays, children and adults can take a ride around the store on a colorful electric train.

Activity 3: Explore the Aquarium du Québec

Entertaining antics at the Aquarium du Quebec.

Just a 15- to 20-minute drive from downtown Quebec City, Aquarium du Québec is home to more than 10,000 marine mammals, fish, invertebrates and amphibians.

Top draws include a magnificent jellyfish exhibit, multiple walruses and seals, and a lovable polar bear. And don’t miss the glass tunnel under a nearly 100,000 gallon salt water tank filled with sea life and touch pools with sting rays, star fish, sea urchins, and more.

During the summer months kids stay cool in a water park and explore an aerial trail made with nets, catwalks, gangplanks, and vines. Find out more: www.sepaq.com

Tip: Call ahead or ask the staff upon arriving for the schedule of feeding times, which are some of the best opportunities to see various animals being most active.

Activity 4: Be Wowed by Montmorency Falls

Montmorency Falls, Quebec

At nearly 300 feet high, the Montmorency Falls are way taller – by 98 feet to be exact – than Niagara Falls.  They can be found just 7.5 miles from the heart of Quebec City and can be explored in a variety of ways.

First, observe the falls from the platform at the bottom. Then climb a winding cliffside staircase or ride the cable car to view them from the top. A breathtaking bridge crosses over them awaiting your agile feet. For the adventurous kid and kid-at-heart, a zipline travels nearly 1,000 feet across the top front of the falls. What’s more, you’ll find three via ferrata hiking trails on the rock wall adjacent to the falls. Find out more: www.sepaq.com

Tip: Before heading to the Montomorency Falls, stop by the Old Port Market and prepare a picnic lunch from among the dozens of local vendors.

1 Great Place to Stay in Quebec City with Kids: Hotel PUR

An indoor pool in the evenings is a great bonus for anyone visiting Quebec City with kids.

Hotel PUR is in the perfect location for exploring Quebec City.  It sits in the Saint-Roch District, just blocks from Old Quebec near shopping boutiques (including Benjo) and restaurants.

The modern design hotel has nearly 250 spacious rooms including many that connect. Each room has floor-to-ceiling windows framing nice views of the city. There are also 47-inch LCD TVs and multiple USB and electrical outlets to keep gadgets and techies powered up.

Beyond the comfortable rooms, the hotel features a large indoor heated pool, spacious fitness center, and a lobby lounge with a pool table and fireplace. Table is the hotel’s restaurant and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Find out more: www.hotelpur.com

1 Great Place to Eat in Quebec City with Kids: Café du Monde

Outdoor dining at Cafe du Monde, Quebec City

Café du Monde serves excellent classic French and seafood dishes. But for kids it also offers a fun vibrant atmosphere. The restaurant is located along the St. Lawrence River River, next to the cruise terminal in the Old Port. This makes its outdoor dining terrace an especially good option when the weather is nice.

However, seating inside is also nice. Enjoy large windows with views of the rivers and large open kitchen where kids can watch their meals prepared.  A special menu is available for children 10 years old and younger.  And no visit here is complete without a slice of delicious sugar pie for dessert. Find out more: www.lecafedumonde.com

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The post Quebec City with Kids – Canada Family Vacation Guide appeared first on Family Travel 411.

Although the town was discovered in 1792 by Spanish explorers, it took more than 100 years for Tofino to become an official township. This relative isolation (the first road to Tofino was only completed in 1959), has been key in shaping the town today. Small, laid back and extraordinarily pretty, it still feels like somewhere relatively unknown.

Despite its compact size, however, there’s a lot in Tofino to keep the family busy. For starters, take a look at these four family-friendly activities, plus one great place to eat (one of my favourite restaurants, ever!) and one great place to stay on your vacation in Tofino with kids.

Activity 1: Explore the Tofino Tide Pools

Tidepooling at Tofino, Vancouver Island.

Tofino’s beaches are beautiful: wild, rugged and windswept. At the right time of day, they are also home to large tidal pools where plump orange starfish fluorescent green sea anemones and giant hermit crabs cling to rocks. My kids spent hours searching for sea life in these shimmering pools, armed with a bucket and net kindly supplied by our hotel.

Be warned, however, despite the pretty setting the ocean waters here are cold! If you feel brave enough to take a dip in the Pacific, then you’re best bringing a wetsuit. We visited in August and were more than happy to keep to the sandy shoreline.

Activity 2: Hop Aboard an Early Morning Boat Ride 

Catch a morning boat ride on your visit to Tofino with kids.

And go in search of bears! Clayoquot Sound is home to a large number of black bears and they can often be spotted close to shore, foraging for food. If you’re doubly lucky, you might even spot seals sunning themselves on rocks or a falcon soaring overhead. Whale watching tours are also available.

Almost more of a thrill than spotting a bear, was watching the daybreak over the waters from our boat. The stillness, the early morning sunshine and the awe-inspiring landscape made this a truly memorable start to the day.

There are a handful of bear- and whale-watching operators in town. We went with Westcoast Aquatic Safaris and found them to be very good. Website: www.whalesafaris.com

Activity 3: Discover Tofino Botanical Gardens

Bring the kids! Happy exploring awaits in Tofino’s botanical gardens.

Tofino’s Botanical Gardens are fantastic. Set over 12 acres of gardens, forest and shoreline, it’s a wonderful place to discover with children. Follow the network of paths and raised wooden platforms as they wind their way through the herb gardens, the ‘historic’ Bernardo O’Higgins homestead, and the fanciful Children’s Garden.

We spent several happy hours here learning about Tofino’s native plant life as well as some of the town’s history. There’s a lovely café on site too. If you’re traveling with an infant, as we were, leave the stroller behind. A baby carrier or sling will be much more useful. Website: www.tbgf.org

Activity 4: Lace Up Your Walking Boots

Get your hike on! Tofino has great trails to hike with young explorers.

Of the many things that Canada does well, hiking has to be near the top of the list. This area of Canada is no exception with a huge range of walking trails to suit all abilities. Among the most popular hikes is the Wild Pacific trail, a gentle 8km walk that follows the rocky coastline and ancient forests. For a panoramic view of Clayoquot Sound and Long Beach, try the Radar Hill Trail. The Pacific Rim National Park also boasts a number of absurdly pretty trails. If you do plan on doing any walking, make sure to bring good walking shoes as the paths can get muddy. For more information on trails, take a look at: http://www.tofino-info.com/hiking-trails-tofino-bc-canada/

1 Great Place to Stay in Tofino with Kids: The Wickaninnish Inn

Family-friendly Wickaninnish Inn on Tofino’s Chesterman Beach.

Positioned at one end of Chesterman Beach with views over the ocean, the Wickaninnish Inn has one of the best addresses in town. The Wick, as its more commonly called, is also one of Tofino’s best-loved hotels and where we spent three nights as a family.

My children loved everything about this hotel; from the fantastic goody basket waiting for them upon arrival (complete with nets for rock pooling, buckets and spades, and giant cookies) to the s’mores that we enjoyed at sunset on the beach. The Wickaninnish also provides those kind of amenities that parents really appreciate such as baby cots (cribs), kiddie-sized raincoats and bicycles suitable for young children.

You can read more about the hotel in my Review of the Wickaninnish Inn. Hotel Website: www.wickinn.com

1 Great Place to Eat on Your Tofino Family Vacation: Sobo

Great eats and family-friendly dining at Tofino’s Sobo restaurant.

I would go back to Tofino just to eat at Sobo! This really is one of the best restaurants that we’ve found on our travels and during our three-night stay, we must have eaten here at least three times. Casual and relaxed (as you would expect from a town like Tofino) but with an innovative menu usually found in capital cities, Sobo really delivers.

The menu is seasonal, the food freshly prepared and the service is excellent. There’s also a kids’ menu and a playhouse on the restaurant deck area, that’s handy for keeping children busy while their food is prepared. Sobo gets busy so make a reservation or get there early. Website: www.sobo.ca

For more ideas on visiting Tofino with kids, take a look at: 10 Things to Do with Kids in Tofino and

Tofino, Vancouver Island, with Kids.

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