No matter which province in Canada you choose to vacation with your family this summer, you are guaranteed to find fun and adventure wherever you stay. From coast to coast, travelers will discover a multitude of outdoor recreation adventures, beautiful parks, beaches and gardens, spectacular sightseeing, historical landmarks and much more.

In Ontario
Summer is the time of year when Ontario sparkles. Your family will have endless enjoyment in the vibrant fast-paced large cities, or relish the slow pace of nature in full bloom at one of Ontario's many magnificent parks. While vacationing in Ontario you can choose to cruise the historic waterways, fish in its more than 400,000 lakes and rivers or tour its many charming towns and villages.

Some "must see" locations:

• Algonquin Provincial Park is a must see for outdoor enthusiasts. Here you can explore more than 930 miles of canoe routes. You will be able to catch a glimpse of beavers, otters or grazing moose in their environment. To find out more about Algonquin and the adventures to be discovered in the 7,725 square kilometers of forests, lakes and rivers, visit the Friends of Algonquin.

• Toronto, Ontario, is a city that boasts lush parks, renowned architecture and excellent art galleries. Amid the soaring skyscrapers of the city, Toronto is a city beckoning to be strolled. You can board the ferry at the downtown docks and take a short ride to the Toronto Islands where bicycle rentals are available, or take the kids for a day filled with excitement at Centreville amusement park. The CN Tower, the highest freestanding building, is a definite sight to see while in Toronto. It offers an exceptional panoramic view, shopping and dining right in the tower. For a day of amusement for kids of all ages, Paramount Canada's Wonderland is the place to go. Here you will find a water park, thrilling rides and attractions and colorful shows for the whole family to enjoy. For more adventures in the city of Toronto, visit its tourism site at www.torontotourism.com.

• Niagara Falls, Ontario, is a border city that boasts one of the world's greatest natural wonders – Niagara Falls. This city is host to many family-oriented attractions, one-of-a-kind museums and historical sites. The largest and grandest attraction is the Falls, but there are many other things to see and do while vacationing in the region. There are affordable theme parks, more than 40 golf courses and more than 30 private campgrounds. For a spectacular view of Niagara Falls, don't miss an opportunity to ride on The Maid of the Mist, a double-decker steamboat that travels across the Niagara River just below the Falls. The view is spectacular and the experience is second-to-none as you are sprayed by its vast waters as they empty into the Niagara Basin.

From the "Big Nickel" in Sudbury to the gold mines of Timmins, there are exciting things to see and do in every city or town in Ontario.

In the Rocky Mountains
"In the heart of the Canadian Rockies, there is a tiny little town called Kimberly," says Patrysha Korchinski of McLennan, Alberta. "This town is noted for being the town with the highest elevation in Canada and its kitschy Bavarian themed town center called the Plazl. It's a small place with big time fun for the entire family all year round. It's a wonderful vacation destination that will satisfy most tastes."

Korchinski describes Kimberly as a place that will excite both young and old alike. For families that enjoy the outdoors, Kimberly offers wonderful hiking in the summer months, as well as a few campgrounds. Train rides from the Cominco Mine are a hit among families.

"Whether it's a weekend getaway or a full blown vacation, I think Kimberly is the destination that I would suggest," says Korchinski. "It's off the beaten track, but it's a town that knows how to treat tourists."

Nestled in the Rocky Mountains, this picturesque town is a beauty. The Bavarian-style village is a pleasure to visit – be sure to pack a camera!

Visitors to the Rocky Mountains come to take in the spectacular sight of the mountains, and stay to soak in the wonderful naturally heated mineral pools. This alone will rejuvenate the spirit and soothe the body.

Visit this tourism site for more information on destinations in and around the Rocky Mountains. Find it at www.bc-tourism.com.

Nova Scotia and the Maritime Provinces
Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, the home of Celtic Music is a destination rich in history, culture, world-class golf courses and numerous scenic trails. On the western "Sunset Side of the Island" you are invited to do a little kayaking, sailing and whale watching. The Cabot Trail is one of the most fabulous scenic drives you will find. Located on the northern shores of the island, it caresses undulating mountain ranges and crystal waters. Sites of interest on Cape Breton Island include:

• Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site;
• The Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site;
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park;
• Marconi National Historic Site;
• St. Peters National Historic Site.

Visit Saint John, New Brunswick to witness the Reversing Falls, a fascinating site to see first hand. Drive "up" the famous Magnetic Hill. Here you can drive your car downhill, and at specific spot stops, shift into neutral and your vehicle will actual appear to coast uphill. This is a unique experience created by an optical illusion – fun and exciting for the whole family!

"Gros Morne National Park is the place to take the kids," says Al Robere of London, Ontario. "It's in Newfoundland, on the northern peninsula. There are hiking trails, picnic areas, mountains, beaches, sand dunes and a lot of wildlife. There are caribou and moose to be seen – the kids love it."

The park covers 458,000 acres and includes mountains of the Long Range. The park takes its name from the Gros Morne Peak, which rises to 2,644 feet. Here you can arrange boat tours, kayaking and skiing or just take a swim in the cool waters.

Nanavut
"Looking for someplace really 'cool' to visit? How about a weekend in Canada's newest city – Iqualuit, Nanvut," says Roger Burch, a retail manager at The Great Canadian Travel Company in Winnipeg, Manitoba. "Iqualuit lies 1,300 miles north of Ottawa in the southeast of Baffin island. It is the capital of Canada's newest territory, Nanavut."

Nanavut, in the language of the Inuit, means "our land." Visitors will be amazed at the unique discoveries in the vast Arctic wilderness. There are a variety of wildlife to be seen, including polar bears and muskoxen. In the arctic blue waters, whales frolic and walruses lounge on the rocky shorelines.

The Nunatta Sunakkutaagit Museum is a wonderful stop with a collection of artifacts and exhibits. The Visitors Centre next door boasts magnificent displays of artwork – including a life-size carving of a drum dancer.

Be sure to bring your sunglasses and sunscreen – and be willing to be flexible with your schedule. Everything in the north is dependant on weather conditions. It's the Arctic – let loose and have a blast!

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