America’s neighboring countries offer a vast array of great vacation getaways for families. Choose Mexico for beachfront fun and historical ruins or Canada for picturesque scenery, great outdoor activities and cultural experiences.
And with being only hours away by plane or car, why not book your 2023 vacation today? Contact Damon’s Getaways for all your family vacation needs. We can book air, hotel and tours for your desired location.
Mexico
America’s southern neighbor, Mexico, is a popular destination for families because it has amazing beaches and warm weather, tons of outdoor activities including snorkeling, diving, and sailing, as well as historical sites and ruins, cultural events, tasty cuisine and hospitable locals, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults. Passports are required for adults and children to enter Mexico.
Riviera Maya and Yucatan Peninsula
With white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, family-friendly resorts, and hotels, there are plenty of things to do in the Riviera Maya area beyond spending time at the beach or resort pool. Located south of Cancun on the western shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, activities include snorkeling and diving at some of the most amazing reefs, sailing and catamaran tours, ziplining through waterfalls and lush forests, ATV rides and last but certainly not least, the Mayan Ruins that kids can have a blast exploring them.
Puerto Vallarta
On the eastern coast of Mexico, Puerto Vallarta offers family-friendly beach resorts, snorkeling, ziplining, parasailing, horseback riding, dolphin and whale watching, and so much more.
Families can take tours to hidden beaches, waterfalls, hidden rivers and breath-taking lookout points throughout the area, which is also full of beachfront resorts and cobblestone street towns. The kids and adults will enjoy walking along the 1.6-mile Malecon boardwalk in downtown Puerto Vallarta, where vendors sell crafts and tasty snacks.
Cabo San Lucas, Baja
Cabo San Lucas, located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, also known as Los Cabos, is the fifth largest travel destination in Mexico because of the marine life diversity and incredible beaches.
The area offers all-inclusive resorts, family-friendly hotels and self-catered rentals. This location offers snorkeling, sunset cruises by sailboat or glass bottom boat, ATV desert rides, horseback and camel riding, and of course, beach activities.
Cancun
If you’re looking for something more upscale with a mega-resort experience that includes a wide range of things to do, Cancun is home to a plethora of family-friendly options. This location offers water parks and massive pools and is home to some of the most beautiful powdery stretches of white sand beaches.
It’s located on the Western shores of the Yucatan Peninsula, with several Mayan ruin sites for your family to explore. There are four Mayan Ruins located within Cancun: San Miguelito, El Meco, El Rey, and Yamil Lu’um and several others nearby, including Chichen Itza Ruins, Tulum Ruins and Coba Ruins.
Families may also visit Xcaret, an eco-park with an underground river for swimming, archaeological marvels and wildlife, including manatees, monkeys and jaguars. Other family fun activities include ziplining, ATV jungle adventures, and snorkeling with sea creatures. Isla Mujeres Island
Isla Mujeres is home to Playa Norte, or North Beach, which is often ranked as the most child-friendly beach in all of Mexico, with its soft sands edged by calm, clear shallow waters. Surrounded by coral reefs, it’s ideal for snorkeling and diving too. At its southern tip, you’ll find the ruins of an ancient Mayan temple. While the island is only eight miles from Cancun, it offers an entirely different experience without being saturated with mega-resorts like its neighbor.
Mexico City
If you are seeking a city escape, consider Mexico City as one of the largest cities in the world by population. It is in constant evolution. Mexico City is at the heart of Mexico and is creative and contemporary, and offers many options for family fun!
The country’s sprawling capital city is full of historical buildings and culture – Zocalo, the Metropolitan Cathedral, Palacio Bellas Artes, Frida Kahlo Museum – and has Aztec ruins right at its heart and just outside Teotihuacan. As you explore the city, enjoy traditional Mexican foods like tacos, tostadas, tortas, and chicharrones.
If you like good food, sprawling green parks, world-class museums and beautiful weather, then Mexico City may be your ideal next family vacation destination.
Canada
Canada is a country well known the world over for its natural beauty, from glaciers and mountains to secluded forests and lakes. The country is known for its great outdoors and has safe, clean, multicultural, and friendly cities. Passports are required to enter Canada.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls is considered one of the top natural wonders of the world. The Niagara River rumbles toward a 188-foot waterfall at about 68 mph, creating a wonderous site creating a misty fog and a thunderous roar heard from miles away. Crowds flock to the railings from the top to feel the mist on their faces. As you follow the water’s path downward, boats, platforms and observation decks support colorful poncho-clad visitors.
You can also opt for boat tours during the day or at night when the falls are lit up, which is an amazing site to witness. There are also helicopter tours to see the magnificent water feature by air, or for the more adventurous, take a zipline. You can even view the falls from the Ontario Observation Deck located 775 feet above the falls or the 175-foot Skywheel from the Candian side.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver, British Columbia, is the crown jewel of the country’s West Coast, where you can experience its indigenous culture, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit people, by visiting an array of historic sites, boutiques, and museums.
Vancouver has breathtaking views of the North Shore Mountains and the Straight of Georgia, the body of water fronts the city on its western side. Outside the city, there are loads of family-friendly activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, white-water rafting and skiing. Or for a more relaxing day, there are 11 miles of beaches. Kids will enjoy one of the family-friendly attractions, such as Granville Island or the Capilano Suspension Bridge.
Whistler, British Columbia
Snow-capped peaks and powdered steeps, sparkling lakes and gushing waterfalls. Hiking trails and inviting restaurants – Whistler’s offerings suit every season. Kids will enjoy ziplining through a rainforest, canoeing, biking, paddleboarding or taking a gondola ride to get a 360-degree view of the mountains.
While Whistler is an ideal vacation spot for outdoor activities, families can also enjoy the area’s museums and art galleries, which are filled with informative exhibits.
Quebec City
Québec City is a must-see destination for American travelers, especially for families with kids. The only walled city in Canada, Quebec City is home to historic buildings, kid-friendly museums, world-famous toy stores, famous festivals, and a tradition of street performers. With its winding cobblestone streets and towering cathedrals, this French-speaking city will charm you like no other.
Walk along the fortified walls surrounding the UNESCO World Heritage Site with its 400 years of incredible history. This area of Old Quebec is full of charming little streets and local shops and is best visited on foot. Or, to get a wider view of the city, consider taking a ride to the top of the Observatoire, where you’ll learn about local historical landmarks while enjoying a 360-degree view of the city and beyond.
An alternative option is for families to take a ferry ride across St. Lawrence to Levis, where you’ll enjoy the spectacular backdrop of the city, including the famous Chateau Frontenac.
Banff
Are you dreaming of a Canadian Rocky Mountain escape with your family? Then head to Banff! There are so many great things to do in Banff with kids, making it an ideal vacation destination for families who love the great outdoors with a touch of luxury.
Banff is 60 miles west of Calgary, near the border of British Columbia and Alberta. Banff is home to Banff National Park, a Canadian Rocky Mountain paradise.
Kid-friendly activities include a dip in the natural hot springs and hiking around waterfalls. A must-visit is Cave and Basin Historic Site, Yoho National Park and Lake Louise.
Don’t miss a chance to stay at the “Castle of the Rockies,” the Fairmont Banff Springs — or even pop in to admire its beauty while in Banff. The hotel is kid-friendly, including an outdoor swimming pool that guests can enjoy year-round!
If you can’t decide which part of Canada to visit, you may want to ride aboard the Rocky Mountaineer train this summer.
Whatever locale you choose for your next family vacation, let Damon’s Getaways book it for you. Contact us today!