Growing up in India I had heard stories of how beautiful Canada was. Pristine forests, clear lakes and snowy mountains always came to mind when I thought about the True North. But it was really when my husband and I moved here more than 14 years ago that we realised how true the stories were Over the years we have travelled across the world from Holland to Kenya, New Delhi to Madrid but the natural beauty of Canada is beyond compare.
During our first few years living in this new country we explored every chance we got. And that continued even after the kids arrived on the scene. I still remember every moment of our very first road trip – the great Canadian vacation. It was a two week long break from real life. From Calgary driving through the Rocky Mountains, continuing from Banff to Golden in British Columbia, then a few days in Vancouver and finally ended up in Tofino on the western coast of Vancouver Island. The memories we made on that trip I know will stay with us forever.
And when I was given the opportunity to gift you the chance to win one free night courtesy Radisson hotels, I knew this would be a great chance for anybody to start that dream Canada vacation. So don’t miss the giveaway at the end of the article!
So if you’re planning your dream staycation in Toronto or just want to discover your own Canada with kids, here’s a 3-day itinerary with all my favourite Hogtown (Toronto) highlights.
3 Day Family Vacation In Toronto
Day 1 in Toronto
Start at Toronto’s very own and the world’s No 1 food market – St Lawrence Market. Walking around at breakfast time is a delicious assault on the sense. With Canadian peameal bacon sandwiches, Portuguese custard tarts and fresh roasted coffee beans – all vying for your attention.
After a satisfying and wholesome meal at the market head over to Lake Ontario and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Located in Downtown Toronto, the aquarium has several aquatic exhibits as well as a walk-through tank where you can stand surrounded by water with SHARKS swimming around you!
Next stop is the world-famous CN Tower. An observation tower, it has been a symbol representing Toronto and Canada since it’s construction in 1976. On a clear day the views take you all the way to Detroit, MI. Adventure-lovers can try their hand at walking on and around the roof of the main pod of the tower. This is the Edgewalk, the world’s highest full-circle, hands-free walk. Yikes!
After that experience you will need somewhere to relax and Toronto has the perfect spot for you downtown. Yonge and Dundas Square – where there’s always something going on. Grab a take-out lunch from one of the many restaurants around the square and hang out for a while. With buskers and street artists and families and people rushing to office, this is the perfect place to people-watch.
Later in the afternoon head over to the Royal Ontario Museum a couple of subway stops away. The ROM is more than a 100 years old and is among the world’s leading museums of natural history and world cultures.
If you’re an art lover then there’s also the Art Gallery Of Toronto. Housing thousands of collections from around the world, there are family-friendly activities in every corner of the Gallery. This is a creative way to spend a few hours of your family vacation, and if you are there on a Wednesday it’s free from 6-9 pm.

Spend the night at one of 3 Radisson hotels in Toronto. The Radisson Admiral at the Harbourfront is walking distance or a quick ferry ride from many of these attractions. It’s a great choice whether for a family staycation or if you’re exploring Canada with your kids.
Day 2 in Toronto
Uber or take public transit over to uptown to the Toronto Botanical Gardens. Here kids can learn about nature and the changes it goes through every season. The Teaching garden and hiking trails are a great way to sample the natural beauty Canada has to offer. Entry is free.
Head back to midtown where the Ontario Science Centre is one of my favourite haunts with the kids on the weekend. This science museum has something for every age group – from hands-on and tactile games for little ones to interactive exhibits for older kids. And then there’s the IMAX Dome theatre that the entire family can enjoy.

Day 3 in Toronto
Start the third day of your family vacation at the Toronto Zoo, the largest zoo in Canada. The zoo is divided into seven geographical zones where you can see many animals in their natural environment rather than behind bars. The splash pad is one of the best in the city and a great way to cool off on a hot day.

Head back to downtown but before you return to your Radisson hotel take the ferry to Centre Island. Toronto’s Centre Island has some of the best beaches, walking and biking trails and of course the view.
My husband and I started to explore Canada many years ago and we are so glad to have continued the adventure of a family vacation with our kids. Take the time to discover your own Canada and find your favourite destinations with the help of Radisson. They have a promotion on right now till October 3 where if you plan your trip in advance you can save up to 20%.

Giveaway CLOSED — Winner Contacted
To help families explore Canada Radisson hotels is offering one lucky reader a FREE ONE NIGHT STAY in any of their properties in the US or Canada. Terms and Conditions apply.
How To Enter Giveaway
- Check here for a list of locations of Radisson hotels across Canada.
- Share in the comments below your favorite Canadian destination where a Radisson is located.
- Confirm your email address before your submit your comment. The winner will be contacted via email.
Terms and Conditions: Open to Canadian Residents. Must be 19+ or older to win and answer a skill-testing question. Giveaway ends 10/3/2016 at Midnight 12 am. One winner will be chosen at random and notified afterwards. Winner will have 48 hours to claim their prize, and if not, another winner will be drawn at random. E-Certificate is valid for any Radisson hotel in either Canada or US. Some other conditions may apply.
I would love to spend the night in Toronto
Oh, I have a serious love for Edmonton right now. Or Vancouver. Oh, Montreal. Victoria… those fish Tacos. Too many to choose. If I win, I’ll need to throw a dart.
Toronto Harbourfront sounds nice! It has been years since I have been in there!
We love going for day trips to Toronto. There’s so much to do there and it’s only an hour drive for us. What a treat it would be to spend the night.
One of my fave destinations is White Rock, BC. The first time I went into an ocean.
My favorite Canadian destination where a Radisson is located is Vancouver, BC.
Def the the harbour front location in Toronto https://m.radisson.com/mweb/reservation/rateSearch.do?rateSearchForm.numberRooms=1&rateSearchForm.checkinDate=09/23/2016&rateSearchForm.occupancyForms%5B0%5D.numberAdults=1&rateSearchForm.redemptionSearch=false&rateSearchForm.crossBrandSearch=false&rateSearchForm.checkoutDate=09/24/2016&rateSearchForm.attractionId=7&rateSearchForm.searchBrandCodes=QCN&rateSearchForm.occupancyForms%5B0%5D.numberChildren=0&rateSearchForm.cityId=7&rateSearchForm.hotelCode=ontoront
I’m going to have to say Ottawa (Radisson – Parliament Hil)l, that’s where my grandparents live & it would be so great to visit them after so many years.
I would love to win a stay in the Toronto Radisson Hotel! 🙂
Toronto or Ottawa Radisson is where I would love to check out but I am also happy to go to the one right here in Kitchener just to enjoy a night out with my hubby
I have to say Vancouver! So much culture and the weather ❤️❤️❤️
I’d love to stay at the Radisson at Toronto Harbourfront!
I would love to win a stay in the Radisson hotel in Winnipeg! I have never been there before! (pluchinskyi@gmail.com)
We always have a great time when we visit Calgary.
I’d love to win a stay in the Radisson Admiral Hotel Toronto-Harbourfront. I love TO, & have heard great things about this hotel!
I would like to stay at the Radisson Hotel Toronto Airport.
I would stay at the raddison in St johns, Newfoundland canada
thanks
Email–> amyjaneheffernan@gmail.com
I would love a night in Niagara Falls.
My favourite location where a Radisson is located is Niagara Falls, Ontario, because it’s home to me.
My favourite location is Toronto. So much to do and 3 Radisson options you can’t go wrong.
I would love to stay at the Toronto Harbourfront Radisson, Such a beautiful hotel with an incredible view 🙂
I would love to stay at the Radisson Hotel Ottawa Parliament Hill
I love to spend a night in Toronto.
White Rock, BC
My favorite one is the one in Vancouver
would love to visit Vancouver. I would stay at the Radisson Hotel Vancouver Airport
I would love to stay at Radisson Hotel & Conference Centre Calgary Airport
I’d stay at the Radisson in Niagara Falls. It’s our favourite place to visit!
I would love to stay the Radisson Hotel in downtown Halifax, NS!
Would love to surprise my hubby with a night in Toronto so hecan see his brother.
I would like to stay at the Radisson Hotel Toronto Airport maybe the night before we have to fly down south.
I would love to stay at the Radisson in Niagara Falls.
flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com
I would love to visit the country’s capital, Ottawa and tour its historic sites and buildings.
Great itinerary! We are definitely a fan of the island, and I can’t wait to take my little one to the zoo this fall!
I would love to do a staycation in Toronto with my family!
Toronto looks awesome. I would love to see an MLB game.
Would love to follow this itinerary! Thanks for sharing, Puneeta! I am already making for my next vacation! 🙂
I’d love to stay at the Harbourfront Radisson.
I’d love to visit the Radisson in Ottawa!
Approved
we Love Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal
I’d love to spend the night in Niagara Falls at their fallsview location!
I’d love to stay at the Radisson in Toronto.
Hi Jenny, check your email inbox! Thanks! Puneeta/ MapleandMarigold.com
I would love to see the Canadian side of Niagra Falls!
I have actually never been to Toronto, so I think I would like to visit there. I read a few years ago that Toronto was named one of the best places in the world to visit.
My favourite Radisson is in Sudbury, Ontario.
I would love to visit RADISSON HOTEL & SUITES FALLSVIEW, ON – to see the falls!
I would love to stay Radisson Hotel and Suites Fallsview Ontario. My hubby and I would love to see falls and this would be the perfect anniversary trip!
I would love to stay at the Radisson in Ottawa,maybe for the 150th Canada day celebrations.
I’d love to take a family trip up north to Duluth, MN this fall. It’s on Lake Superior and is very scenic with lots to do.
Jenny.Scheldberg@gmail.com
I would love to spend a night in the beautiful city of Vancouver BC!!