Family travel 5: Visiting Canada

Plan a visit to Canada, our neighbors to the north. You'll find diverse culture, rich history, and extraordinary natural beauty.

Here are five destinations to consider:

Fairmont Banff Springs Resort, Banff, Alberta

Lavish and historic, this castle-like resort, built in 1888, stands as a luminous landmark in a picturesque alpine town inside Banff National Park. Tucked within a verdant forest, yet offering stunning mountain, valley and winding-river views, the 745-room hotel is a destination in itself. Hiking, rafting, fly-fishing, championship golf, tennis, indoor and outdoor pool-time and horseback riding are all available within minutes. The Fairmont Spa offers a full range of soothing options within 27 treatment rooms, plus restorative mineral pools for those seeking a relaxing stay. Choose from 14 on-site dining options, including an afternoon tea service, or wander into town for additional possibilities. Ask about the Kids in the Castle program and other adventure options for the younger set.

For more: https://www.fairmont.com/banff-springs/; https:// www.banfflakelouise.com

Huttopia, Sutton, Quebec

For an affordable and fun family outing, check out Huttopia's "ready to camp" location 90 minutes outside Montreal in the Eastern townships. Each of Huttopia's eight inspired destinations in the U. S and Canada ( a ninth to open in Quebec next year) offer a stunning setting and unique accommodations. You'll find traditional tents or a tiny house. Some offer wood-structured, glamping-style tents or cozy cabins, each with a small kitchenette, making it simple to manage varied snack or snoozing schedules. No need to shop for gear ahead of your visit as tents, cooking utensils, sleeping bags and more will be awaiting your arrival. Your job is simply to settle in and revive in a nature-centric setting. Look forward to pool, pond, lake or river swimming (depending on location), paddling, hiking, star-gazing and special activities for the younger set that might include nature art, magic shows, concerts or candle-making.

In Sutton, Quebec you'll slumber in a wooden chalet or a "ready-to-camp" tent in the midst of a 160-acre maple forest. By day, explore the nearby hiking trails, relax by the stream or splash in the heated pool.

For more: www.huttopia.com

Churchill, Manitoba

If you yearn to see polar bears in the wild, this northern Manitoba enclave is the place to be. Located on the migration route between the bear dens and their feeding grounds, the town is ground zero for those who want the chance to learn about and glimpse the animals in their native environment. Travel with guides to see the storied bears as well as arctic fox, caribou, and snowy owls. Tundra buggies transport visitors into the vast landscape outside of town to photograph and observe the seal hunters and other arctic wildlife. Helicopter tours are also possible. Slot the destination onto your list for viewing the northern lights and Beluga whale watching in the summer months.

For more: www.travelmanitoba.com

Prince Edward Island

Published in 1908, the novel "Anne of Green Gables," has played a major role in drawing tourists to Canada's smallest province, located off the east coast of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence

Today, literary fans make their way to PEI to see the sites portrayed in the book and to learn more about is author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. (It's estimated that more than 50 million copies have been sold worldwide.) Visit the old farmhouse, where much of the famous novel was set, and take part in activities at the Green Gables Heritage Place that include ice-cream making demonstrations, safe races, hiking on nature trails, carriage rides and tours offered by rangers dressed as characters from the book. During the summer months, families can experience the life of a lobster fisher during an outing with the pros. You will venture out to sea and learn how the lobsters go from the lobster pot to the table.

For more: www.TourismPEI.com.

Victoria, British Columbia

The temperate climate you'll find in this seaside enclave on the Pacific coast provides year-round opportunity for outdoor activities that include whale watching, kayaking, boat tours and even surfing. Explore the culturally rich city, infused with a blend of European, Asian and British influences, on foot, aboard a horse-drawn carriage or via bike tour. Enjoy local cuisine, picnic-style, while relaxing at the beach. Don't miss a visit to nearby Butchart Gardens, a family-owned and -operated 55-acre, year-round feast for the senses.

For more: www.tourismvictoria.com; www.butchartgardens.com.

Reminder: Passports are required for American citizens boarding a flight to Canada.

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