If your family is planning a trip to Eastern Canada, look no further than Montreal, Quebec. There are so many choices that your children won’t have time to complain of boredom; rather, they will focus their energy on deciding what to do next! Here are some tips for a delightful family vacation in Montreal, Canada. You can read more about planning a trip to Montreal on www.travelmag.org.
Old Montreal
This is the heart of the 18th century city. This is home to the Notre Dame Basilica Montreal, Montreal’s oldest and most impressive Catholic church. Your family can travel on foot and explore the architecture and old side passages and not become over-tired, as the area is not too big. There are trendy new shops inside some of the preserved and renovated buildings. Some of them offer Old French cuisine for an unusual treat while others may be tourist traps, so be wary! Another option is to ride around in horse-drawn carriages.
Château Ramezay
If you want to introduce your children to Montreal history, but you don’t want to drag little ones through large museums meant for adults, this might be more to your liking. It is a beautiful 18th century manor house, registered as an historic monument. Inside, displays show the history of Quebec from pre-contact to 20th century times. There are so many things to see and explore, but it is not a hands-on place, so think about what would be most fun for your children.
Centaur Theatre Company
If your children have had their fill of history, this activity is fun while still offering an enriching experience. The company offers a Saturday Morning Children’s Series in which they offer puppet shows and plays in English, especially designed for kids. Check with their schedule to see what is available, as it is always changing.
Montreal Botanical Gardens
If your children are fascinated by nature, this is a great stop. The grounds include vast open spaces to run off some energy, greenhouses that hold over 22,000 plant species, a treehouse, a “Courtyard of the Senses” which is a hands-on experience, and Insectarium, and 30 themed outdoor gardens. This is easily an all-day experience, depending upon your kids’ interest levels.
Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium
The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium will appeal to older children the most. There are two theaters offering mesmerizing movies (get there early for a bean bag seat), and there are hands-on displays. Included in the experience are running a robot on Mars or turning themselves into space aliens.
Sugar Shacks
A simple break from the heat and expenses of big attractions is an old-fashioned sugar shack. This is a tradition in Quebec to commemorate maple syrup season. You and your kids can learn about where maple syrup comes from while enjoying a tasty treat.
The Traveling Family pursues experiences that explore kid-friendly activities that appeal to children as well as adults in family friendly cities. From children’s’ museums to outdoor activities, we search for memorable family friendly activities that will enhance your travel experience. Let us know what you think! Connect with us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest.