The joys of multigenerational travel

NC) Multigenerational households are becoming increasingly popular in Canada—in fact, they’ve increased by 50 per cent in the last 20 years. They can bring a number of benefits, including shared responsibilities like childcare, and the chance for family members to share diverse knowledge and skills. When it’s time to plan family holidays, finding a destination that suits all ages can take a little legwork. Fortunately, Canada has a lot to offer.

Canadian destinations for all ages:

• Prince Edward Island: This scenic island is home to Canada's famous Anne of Green Gables heritage site. It also boasts whale and seal watching tours and beautiful red sand beaches. Charlottetown has a lively theatre scene and a can’t-miss waterfront with freshly caught seafood, cute shops and more.
• Quebec City: The city has a wealth of history and European charm, from museums and cobblestone streets to the Citadel, a historic military fortress. Consider taking the gondola to view Montmorency Falls—an impressive attraction 30 meters taller than Niagara Falls.
• Banff and Jasper in Alberta: The Rocky Mountains are where you can take in some of Canada’s most scenic wilderness, whether on foot or via gondola, which is ideal for seniors or young children. The turquoise waters of Lake Louise or Moraine Lake are other must-see spots.
• Okanagan Valley in British Columbia: With relatively mild temperatures year-round, adults can enjoy visiting some of Canada’s top-rated wineries, while kids may prefer beach time at Osoyoos, where there’s plenty of water sports available, and the Nk'Mip Desert Cultural Centre, which showcases the culture of the Osoyoos Indian Band.

Tips to travel seamlessly

1. Know when to split up: Not all attractions will appeal to everyone, so consider breaking the family into smaller activity groups to cater to individual interests. For example, the kids can visit a waterpark or zoo with their parents, while grandparents can enjoy a museum or art gallery. Then, everyone can reconvene at dinner to share their adventures.
2. Find flexible accommodation: The more space, the better. Look for options with separate bedrooms or kitchenettes to give everyone space and make travel and feeding larger groups simpler. Some accommodations, like Choice Hotels offer a variety of room and suite sizes in communities across Canada, which can help you find an option that works for your family.
3. Get the grandparents involved: Whether it’s help with watching the kids or researching attractions, having some extra hands, and eyes, can make visiting a new destination a much less stressful experience. Just make sure when choosing attractions to check the accessibility, so the whole family can enjoy.
4. Build in downtime: No one wants a trip that feels like work. Avoid an itinerary so full that there’s no time to stop and relax—make sure to rest and rejuvenate between sightseeing excursions. You don’t want to feel like you need a vacation after your vacation because it was too busy.

By taking some simple steps and with the right planning, you can put together a trip that the whole family will love and that everyone will remember for years to come. Find more full-family destination options at choicehotels.com/explore.