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

1. Check here for a list of locations of Radisson hotels across Canada.
2. Share in the comments below your favorite Canadian destination where a Radisson is located.
3. 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.