Why Montreal and Québec are perfect for the whole family: French-speaking Montreal and Québec City, located about 2.5 hours apart by car, are close to home but feel far away (and are a bargain at current exchange rates). While Montreal blends old and new, Québec City celebrates its 400-plus-year history with tons of charm. Both offer activities for all ages that evolve with the seasons – festivals in summer, foliage in fall, ice carnivals in winter, and maple syrup season in spring. 

Why Montreal and Québec are great for kids: The Montreal Science Center, La Ronde amusement park, Montreal Zipline, the Aquarium du Québec, iSaute trampoline center, and Winter Carnival – plus the favorite local fast food: poutine (French fries with gravy and cheese).  

Why Montreal and Québec are great for grown-ups: Summer-long music and comedy festivals, Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, Montreal Botanical Gardens and galleries, shops, and excellent dining in both cities.

Helpful tip: If your kids don’t have passports, you can still go: Children under 16 can travel to Canada with a birth certificate.