Sure, you might hear the odd, “But Moooooom, I don’t want to look at a stupid waterfall!” when you tell your children you’re visiting Niagara Falls. But the joke’s on them, as this is far from a “stupid waterfall”―believe us, in person, the Falls will impress even the most jaded teenager. In warmer months, get an up-close view on the Maid of the Mist. And the Fallsview Waterpark and the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory are great for children.

Whistler offers all the typical ski resort activities (downhill and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowtubing, etc.), but for adventurous families, it also has a few surprises up its sleeve. How about going on an aerial runway over freshly fallen snow at 80 km/hour? Or dogsledding? And you don’t have to be a skier to take a ride on the Peak2Peak Gondola―it’s the highest lift of its kind, and the views are incredible.

Banff is best known as a ski destination―with luxury lodges and perfect powder, it’s popular with families who want to hit the slopes. But the town also has year-round appeal, due to its glorious setting in the Canadian Rockies. Do you have children with adventurous palates? Local specialties include elk, wild boar and even rattlesnake (served up in fondue at the Grizzly House).

You'll feel right at home in vibrant, expansive Edmonton. The historic Old Strathcona district has a neighbourhood feel, while Whyte Avenue leads to the University of Alberta and its youthful crowd. A short drive outside town is the North Saskatchewan River valley. But Edmonton's most famous attraction is the West Edmonton Mall, boasting 800 shops plus an indoor roller coaster and water park. Seriously.

Ottawa is a compact, clean, cleverly planned centre of culture and politics. Start downtown at the architecturally stunning National Gallery of Canada, and don't miss the Canadian Nature Museum and the National Aviation Museum. Rideau Canal offers boating in the summer and ice-skating in the winter. Gatineau Park attracts cyclists and walkers, while Byward Market blends old and new Ottawa.

Modern children can enjoy Old World charm in Quebec City. Vieux Quebec’s winding streets are full of quaint cafes and shops. Take a tour at the Citadel for a good introduction to the city’s history. And while you’ll find all sorts of restaurants, make sure to try poutine (French fries topped with gravy and cheese curds).

This city offers so many different family activities that you’ll have a hard time choosing what to do. Watch seaplanes landing in the bay… visit the largest free waterpark in North America… or go swimming in a heated outdoor saltwater pool. Make sure to visit the aquarium and science museum, and to spend plenty of time exploring Stanley Park (perhaps on a horseback tour).

Since Cartier landed here in 1535, Montreal has evolved from a tiny village to a major metropolis. Old Montreal's Parisian-style streets are a wonderful place to wander-- stop at an intimate bistro or sidewalk café for a taste of Europe. But in addition to all the old-fashioned elegance, you'll also find a vibrant dining and art scene that reflects contemporary Montreal's culturally diverse population.

We've heard Toronto described as "New York City run by the Swiss," and it's true-- you can find world-class theatre, shopping and restaurants here, but the sidewalks are clean and the people are friendly. The best place to start is literally at the top-- the CN Tower, the tallest freestanding structure in the Western Hemisphere.

If your children like having tea parties with their dolls, they’ll think Victoria―where you can visit a different tearoom every day of the week―is heaven. But if that’s not their cup of tea (sorry, we couldn’t resist), you’ll still find plenty of options in Victoria. Outdoor activities like kayaking and whale watching are popular… or check out what may be the world’s only Bug Zoo (complete with Canada’s largest ant farm).