12 Not-to-Miss Family Friendly Hotels in Ontario & Quebec

The Toronto Marriott is the destination for Toronto Blue Jays fans, offering rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows opening into the Rogers Centre. Kids can eat and play, while parents can enjoy the game in the privacy of their room. As the mom of an anaphylactic child, these rooms are especially important to us, since attending a regular game is simply too dangerous with all the peanuts around.

Situated next door to Ripley’s Aquarium, the CN Tower and the Rec Room, you may not have much time to explore further afield, but if you do, you’ll find that everything you need can be found in the heart of the Entertainment District, so bring your good walking shoes and don’t worry about moving the car for the duration of your stay. A truly family-focused property, the Toronto Marriott offers complimentary cribs, microwaves, and all rooms have mini-fridges.

There’s just something about the Fairmont chain that has always made me weak in the knees. The Royal York was my first introduction to this luxury brand of hotels and remains my favourite.

Located directly across from the newly renovated Union Station, getting here is easy on Via Rail from anywhere along the Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. Once you’re checked in, everything you need is within walking distance. The hotel has a pool for kids to splash around in, but perhaps the most endearing highlight for kids staying at the Fairmont Royal York is the Children’s Afternoon Tea. Definitely make reservations before your arrival, as it fills up quickly.

Niagara Falls is a popular tourist destination year-round as much for its world-famous Horseshoe Falls, as it is for its super kitschy Clifton Hill area. At the end of the day though, families seeking a soft-landing will appreciate the Doubletree Fallsview located at the top of Clifton Hill.

Kids will love the warm cookies upon check-in, and the indoor saltwater pool. Parents will appreciate its proximity to the attractions, and the quiet areas around the property. This hotel gets bonus points for its two-room suites that allow for some private time for mom and dad. Also, I would be remiss if I didn’t point out that the Starbucks in the lobby of this hotel is the perfect way to start the day before hitting the attractions.

The obvious draw to the Sheraton on the Falls Hotel are the spectacular views of the Horseshoe Falls and the American Falls that you can have from more than half of the rooms located here. The Sheraton is also the closest hotel to the Fallsview Waterpark, for families looking to take advantage of North America’s largest indoor water park. Clifton Hill, with its wax museums, fun houses, and sweet shops is just behind this luxury property, and the Niagara Parks are all within walking distance as well.

Fair warning to parents of kids with a sweet tooth, the wildly popular Sweet Jesus ice cream shop is located in the lobby of the Sheraton. Kids will have a hard time deciding between Krusty The Cone (surrounded by candy floss) or Birthday Cake (actually rolled in cake). Parents, I have two words for you: Bounty Killah. You’re welcome.

I grew up in London, Ontario, and I fell in love with this stunning hotel when it was first erected. Built within a historic armoury, it’s a beautiful combination of old and new architecture.

Situated in the downtown core, the Delta is a block away from London’s ever popular and pretty, Victoria Park, in addition to many shops and restaurants along Richmond Row. Best bet for lunch is Prince Albert’s Diner for its wickedly good burgers and retro-style décor. Back at the hotel, the pool is the star of the show with an abundance of natural light and a brick façade surrounding it. However, no stay at the Delta in London would be complete unless you enjoyed one of their famous brunches that even the locals flock to.

The Pine Dale Motor Inn has been welcoming families for 40 years to the beach community of Grand Bend in Southwestern Ontario. The fabulous Grand Bend beach borders on the warm, turquoise waters of Lake Huron and is a short 15-minute walk from the Pine Dale. After a day at the beach and exploring the main drag, families can return to the serenity of the Pine Dale for an old-fashioned barbecue on one of their charcoal barbecues.

Take advantage of the indoor heated, salt water pool with the kids, and then relax with a glass of wine under the tree canopy on classic Muskoka chairs. Active families might want to bring their bikes to take advantage of the nearby bike trails. Finally, the Pinery Provincial Park is only nine kilometres south of the Pine Dale, so be sure to grab your Pinery park passes from the front desk before you head out to explore the sand dunes and natural wonder of the Pinery.

Can you say connected rooms? Because the Fairmont Chateau Laurier has them available, and connected rooms are what happy marriages are made of, am I right? Situated on one of Ottawa’s most scenic spots, the Chateau Laurier is within walking distance to all of Canada’s national museums, as well at the historic and hip Byward Market.

Afternoon Tea in Zoe’s Lounge with Bubblegum Tea and scones is a must for the kids. Be sure to request child-sized bathrobes for the kiddos before you head to the large, saltwater indoor pool. Finally, be sure to memorialize your time here with a stop in the very popular photo booth located in the lobby.

The capital of Canada is an extremely popular destination for families all year round with several national museums, festivals throughout the year, and of course, our nation’s Parliament buildings. A four-season destination, you’ll find something to do no matter what time of year you visit.

The Ottawa Marriott is conveniently located in the downtown area, and only steps from the Parliament buildings. Amenities parents will love include in room mini-fridges, free WiFi, and coin-operated washers and dryers so you can pack light. The games room is the perfect place for families to bond over a game of air hockey, foosball, or even shoot some hoops. Add in a fantastic indoor pool and it’s not hard to see why this hotel is a top pick among locals for staycations.

Montreal is one of my favourite family-friendly destinations. The Biodome, Planetarium, and historic Old Montreal are just a few of the popular attractions you can find here. Plus, you haven’t really lived until you’ve had a Montreal bagel, so you need to add this to your travel list.

My favourite hotel in Montreal is the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth for its proximity to attractions and of course, for the renowned Fairmont service. We once stayed in the famous John Lennon and Yoko Ono room, and although my kids had no idea who they were, they certainly enjoyed the view. This iconic room has recently been renovated for the perfect Instagram shot. All of the rooms at the Queen Elizabeth have fantastic views of Montreal, and don’t forget to pack swimsuits, so the kids can burn off a little energy after touring the city.

Most hotels are a great way to enjoy a destination, at the Fairmont Montebello though, the hotel is the destination. You’ll find zero reasons to leave the property when you visit this luxury family resort located less than an hour from Ottawa.

Among the more popular activities found here, is dog-sledding and sleigh rides in the winter, and canoeing and mini-golf in the summer. In fact, the list of activities is so extensive at any time of year, that you’ll have a hard time fitting it all in on the first trip.  This property always reminds me of the fictional Kellerman’s in the iconic Dirty Dancing movie; a resort for the whole family with fine dining, great rooms, and a social atmosphere. The Montebello is truly a family destination you’ll want to return to again and again.

Mont Tremblant is one of my favourite family destinations at any time of year. With a beautiful lake, a mountain, and endless family-focused events year-round, it’s an ideal place to bask in the beauty of La Belle Province. If you really want to up the Ooh-la-la factor though, a stay at the Hotel Quintessence is an absolute must.

The Quintessence is a world-class luxury resort built on the shores of Lac Tremblant and is a short walk from the always bustling pedestrian village in Mont Tremblant. After a full day taking in the sights and no doubt exhausting yourself with some sort of physical pursuit, the rooms at the Quintessence are a dream to return to. Enjoy the warmth of your very own fireplace and soak away any muscle aches in the freestanding pedestal tub. The heated outdoor infinity pool overlooking Lac Tremblant is opened year-round, but kids will definitely get a kick out of swimming in it the winter. For a special treat, be sure to make S’mores around the outdoor fireplace, made with gourmet ingredients provided by the hotel.

Manoir Saint-Sauveur is located in Saint-Sauveur, Quebec and is a short one-hour drive from Montreal and two hours from Ottawa. Like many ski destinations, Saint-Sauveur has worked hard to be a year-round destination for families, offering skiing, golf, a water park and ziplining.

Families that stay at Manoir Saint-Sauveur are close to all the action at this family-friendly resort. Suites are roomy with plenty of space for a family of four to spread out. Restaurants will definitely appeal to foodies, but always offer choices for the chicken finger crew. Not to be missed here is Le M Steak Moderne that offers Black Angus Beef aged from 30 to 365 days. The Manoir also offers a fabulous indoor-outdoor pool area that is open year-round. Finally, the Spa du Manoir offers spa treatments for the whole family, so even the youngest members of your family can take full advantage of the wellness offerings here.