How to Travel to Canada With an Infant or Toddler
Here are some ideas to consider for your next trip to Canada with a baby or toddler. These are just the things we do for a great adventure. Buckle up. This is going to be an exciting and unpredictable ride. Whether you are wandering for a beautiful place, diving into the hustle and bustle of city life, or meeting family upcountry, your little one always makes the trip memorable—interesting, of course; wild, maybe!
I remember the very first time I loaded up my infant (car seat and all), somewhat nervous (also excited) about our Canadian adventure. Cue the suspenseful music. Could we make it through airport security without a breakdown? Would she nap the entire flight, or would I be that parent who gets side-eyed for hours on a 12-hour overnight? Spoiler: ⅓ wins, ⅔ lessons.
However, I am here to tell you that not only is it possible, but traveling to Canada with a baby or toddler can be fun! Of course, there are times when the journey is fraught with literal and metaphoric bumps, but then you get to moments where you see the wonderment new experiences bring to your child’s eyes. But let me tell you, somehow these things all make for some pretty good stories masquerading as family lore that you will shamelessly regurgitate at every family get-together for the next 100 years.
If you are ready to set off and conquer the Great White North with your little jet setter, then grab a cup of whatever caffeinated concoction fuels your chaotic life
(believe me, you will need it), and let us dive into some helpful travel tips that just might make all the difference on this merry adventure—because nobody said vacation is complete without a heap of chaos and a bucketload of fun!
Organizing Your Travel Documents
There’s nothing quite as existentially dramatic as the joy of an upcoming trip with young children unless you’re on the one hand also full-to-bursting with travel-makes-me-feel-the-most-alive AND GETTING ME TO MARS EVEN SIRI CANNOT RIDE WITH US excitements. Believe me, you do not want to be rifling through your bag at the airport only to realize on clicking purchase for your ticket that you have left some essential documents behind. Ok, let’s dissect what has to be done to make sure your life is in order before you and the littles hit the road for Canada or wherever it is you go.
We did find out, and the first thing is to check the entry as well as exit requirements from every county you plan on visiting. It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s crucial. Do you need visas? Maximum valid passports after a return to Canada Oh, and yeah, are return air tickets necessary for you to carry along? And these are not small details; they can make or break a trip. A phone call or email to the embassy or the consulate before you arrive in their country will save you endless headaches later.
Okay, now for the juicy bit: passports. You will need at least one valid Canadian passport for each child if there are children traveling with you. No exceptions here. And guess what? Kids under 16 can sign their own passports! If they don’t, leave the signature block on page 3 blank. However, be sure not to sign it on their behalf, as this would void the passport. Ha, that is the travel blog you never read about.
If you have dual or multiple citizenship like some of us do, make sure to always travel with your Canadian passport. It is your Golden Ticket to have any Canadian consular services you might need while abroad, but it is also really just a huge time saver when returning to Canada. In entering or leaving the country of your other nationality, just flash your Canadian flag as much as you can in front of foreign authorities (if not pop them a salute—unless it requires using that country’s passport, of course).
It is also advised to have additional identification for each child with you. It could be a copy of a birth or citizenship certificate; divorce papers or authorization letters to accompany the parent out of the country; and documents that set out custody or access to the child, among other things. These documents are essential in proving your child’s citizenship, residency, and custodial rights upon arrival to Canada. Believe me, the last thing you want is to be mired in a bureaucratic red tape labyrinth while you’re trying to figure out where that paperwork that you left on the counter… at home.
BTW: You also need a consent letter signed and prepared if your child is not flying with both parent(s) or legal guardian(s), or maybe with friends, relatives, or a group.
This letter is evidence that a child has legal authorization to travel without their parent(s) or guardian(s). You may be required to provide it as you enter or leave a foreign country and even when re-entering Canada by Canadian authorities. Rather safe than sorry, am I right?
Importantly, the consent letter must be signed by every person with legal decision-making authority over the child. This applies to persons with custody, guardianship, or parental authority. And, oh, that thing where you write the date on which said child will be home. Better yet, if the letter has been notarized, it will be that much more respectable when you get buzzed by border officials.
If you have a custody issue—or fear that one may arise while your child is abroad—speak to an attorney. I mean, it really leaves nothing to chance. Your custody order or agreement must state that your child can travel outside Canada. Not having the legal ability to travel can have serious legal ramifications, with criminal penalties. Oh, and btw… Canadian custody orders are NOT necessarily enforceable elsewhere — more legal hoops to jump through if things get complicated!
In the very worst case, if your child has been kidnapped or is being wrongfully held in another country, contact local police and the closest Canadian embassy or consulate. This is one of those things that you will be thankful that you paid attention to and were prepared for.
And there you have it—a comprehensive overview of what to keep in mind when securing your travel documents for Canada. That might sound like a lot, but believe me when I say the time and effort you took to be prepared properly is going to save you mad costs in the long run. Not only that, it will take your mind off other aspects of moving abroad, giving you more time to focus on the fun parts!
Stay Healthy
Staying healthy when traveling with a baby or toddler is just like riding a bicycle and juggling at the same time except this too can be done! This is coming from one who has gone through it. Because you know what they say, the traveling pharmacy is half the battle. Baby-safe painkillers, allergy medications, and most likely a thermometer because of fevers are just like crashing during parties. Hydration is key too. I always grab a reusable water bottle, and yeah, I know a LOT of silly drinking faces now too so that my one chugs it down. Although it can be a great idea to allow them to taste exotic food, snacks that they are already familiar with will prevent those on-the-road bellyaches. No one wants to be spending their holiday tracking down baby supplies in a foreign-speaking country!
Children Flying Alone
It is like sending a small little man, the world explorer, into the big bad world on HIS OWN and there are times when I scream with pride but times when my heart races out of control! Remember that airlines all have their own guidelines when it comes to children flying solo so check everything out thoroughly before they set off. I make sure to include snacks, a book or two, and an item they can use to help pass the time. Talking to yourself before you take off works wonders as well. I feel like I have no safety net when it seems to me (though I know better) that they do, and then remind myself that they can maintain this — so can I!
Pregnant Travelers
Traveling while pregnant? Wow, that is a completely different story! It kind of feels like traveling with your little best friend and adds some excitement to everything. But from my own experiences, I know that comfort and preparation are important. Schedule plenty of pit stops and have high-energy snacks on hand (i.e., crackers and water). Ask for an extra cushion or a few more pillows if all else fails—you’re on a quest for your own comfort and that of your little one. And as always, take it slow and listen to your body. The bottom line is, just have fun with it and make the most out of your travels while you are even traveling with a little one.
Publication Information
It may not be the most mesmerizing subject, but it is something you are going to need, and they call this section publication information. In short, I’ve read tons of sources to help you get current and reliable tips while traveling with little ones. Imaginative is like having a current manual that has done all those busy moves for you. Always make sure to consult with reliable travel resources and official channels for the most current information, as who in their right mind wants to be stuck in a less-than-desirable situation due to out-of-date info? When in doubt, consult the experts. It gives information that could prevent those travel-aggrandizing moments and lets you focus on creating memories with your family.
My Personal Tips and A Few Canada with Kids Thoughts to Get You Started
Kids Camp: Let’s be real, taking kids to Canada is a lot like opening up a box of chocolates–you never know what you’re going to get, but inevitably it’ll be kids running wild and the occasional tantrum. So here is my ‘This Happened to Me, but this time in
Australia’ list, which after how much I have moved around the place (with plenty of oops moments) you will almost call a full-out guide. The lovely thing about Canada is that it really has a bit of everything, which means fantastic summers and complete opposites, making for great snowball fights in July (Had to add!). que in Niagara Falls at the least convenient times for naps.
The first step is to plan ahead. Some things I have learned/experienced the hard way about parenthood are that you can’t exactly wing it, or else certain things happen and you die of embarrassment. List out your Top Attractions, then sprinkle in some things for the kids to be sure they have time at local parks or children’s museums. It’s akin to having a backup for when the kids have decided they are finished with looking around at an air and space museum but still have more energy that needs to be burned.
Second, pack as if you are going on a mini-expedition. I ALWAYS overpack—because, seriously, how do they manage to get filthy in 2.2 seconds—and it’s a serious issue that I contend with all too often. Pack layers, snacks, and then all that other stuff you never thought in a million years you would need — like that favorite blanket or an entire small box of crayons. I swear, those crayons are a godsend on long waits and unexpected delays.
Accommodation is key. Search for convenient family-friendly locations That said,
Proximity to a grocery store and park can make or break your experience getting out of the RV (e.g., hotel or rental). And a pool or an indoor salt box too, yes? That’s pure gold.
Fun and doable activities. Personally, I have learned that although there is a temptation to do activities every single day, the less frequently you do things, the more they are enjoyable. Provide room for some downtime and fun on a whim. Some of our most memorable moments were those we never expected—a pop-in to the local festival or a fight with a snowball.
And, perhaps most important of all: Be sure to have your sense of humor at the ready. Still, kids are fickle, and sometimes things won’t go perfectly! Now I can laugh at the inconvenience of something going wrong and take it in stride versus stressing myself out. After all, the whole point is to enjoy it and not just get through it!
That is, my tips and tricks to help make your adventure in Canada with kids a little smoother. So embrace the chaos, create memories, and remember that life is one hell of a ride. Happy travels!
When To Go / Where to take the kids in Canada
Choosing where in Canada to visit can be like finding a needle in a haystack, especially if you are traveling with kids. Having been on several trips with my own little adventurers, I know that these myriad options can be a lot to sort through, so I’ve compiled a list of some things that could help you decide. But here is a basic guideline on when and where to go to Canada as a family.
Choosing the Right Time
Summer: My kids transform into mini, energy-generating machines and Canada’s great outdoors is the ultimate playground. With summer comes a plethora of things to do and see, from national parks and beach fun in the sun to festivals near and far.
P.S.: Be aware that it gets very warm there; take the sunblock and hats! June is normally a bit quieter, which is good when you want to avoid the summer crowds.
Winter: If you enjoy the snow and hot cocoa, then, believe me, winter in Canada is just like Christmas from a fairytale book. Think of skiing in Whistler or ice skating in Ottawa. Just bundle up because, obviously, it’s cold there. Winter holidays are a particularly busy time, so make sure you book ahead. However, if you love winter sports or have a cozy time by the fire in a winter lodge, Canada is perfect.
Spring and Fall: This is Canada’s dark secret; these are the hidden treasures of Canada. There are fewer tourists in spring, which also sees blooms like cherry blossoms in Tokyo or Kyoto commence blooming.RedditOrnamentsGetty ImagesCherry blossoms stopped blooming. Spring offers nice memories, and in Japan, I adore the times of year for a casual feel. Spring and fall are less busy times of the year, which is nice for traveling with kids who want a little more space to let loose.
Picking the Best Place
OntarioIf you plan on visiting Ontario, then be prepared for a great time. Some examples of those that are ideal for kids include the CN Tower and the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. Naturally, there is no way you can skip visiting the magnificent Niagara Falls. If you like a nice environment and all activities, May to September would be the ideal time for visiting Ontario and enjoying good weather.
The West: Outdoor lovers, the Canadian Rockies were made for you! From the incredible read of Banff and Jasper National Parks to endless outdoor activities, there is something for everyone. Summer is when the region comes alive for hiking and watching wildlife, whereas winter transforms it into a snowy wonderland that’s perfect for skiing. The West, meanwhile, delivers the dramatic with plenty of outdoor fun to back it up.
The North: Even cooler stuff Unique Adventure in the North This includes the amazing Southern Lights visible from Yellowknife, for example. But tune up for chillier weather with proper packing. The North is made for those who right now feel a desire for the unknown and unforgettable.
The Maritimes: You simply cannot ignore this beautiful part of the East Coast! They are generally made up of a large number of small, charming coastal towns and stunning vistas. Newfoundland and Nova Scotia For those who love summer, the region will offer you delicious fresh seafood and beautiful fisherman villages. That makes it feel much more relaxed and ideal for a south-of-the-border family vacation.
Always be open to flexibility on when and where you travel. Traveling with kids is an experience all its own, but some of the best moments are often serendipitous. Pack your bags, head off on a Canadian adventure, and soak up every precious moment with family. Good luck on your trip and enjoy this lovely territory!
You need to plan everything in advance
If I am about to go out with my toddler, it is plan, plan, and plan! Believe me, it has made a difference in how smooth the trip tends to become compared to when I wing
things. I map the fudge out—flights, rooms, and even the millimeter that is high chair presence at a restaurant. Like the time I completely forgot to book a hotel that provided cribs and slept on the floor beside it with couch cushions and blankets. Generally, it wasn’t a five-star arrangement… spoiler alarm. This prevents me from being shocked hours before the paper when I realize I have hardly studied at all. I make a list of items to pack, which not only means clothes but something in case my toddler gets bored… and some food in case he becomes hungry. and his favorite blanket. Double-check all of my travel documents and have emergency contacts available if needed. I know that there will always be the occasional hiccup, but staying on top of things helps me to deal with it a little easier (and with less panic). There is no better feeling than a properly packed bag when you go on any trip and are prepared, so don’t get caught off guard — especially when taking the whole family on an adventure.
Work Out a Daily Budget
Like working out what your toddler will be like today (bet gives you a bit of an idea—fingers crossed), budgeting while on the road is much the same. Trust me, I have come to realize that just going in without a specific route or plan often ends by paying loads more cash than originally considered!! I’ve since realized that I need to account for what I eat every day and also activities, plus the “one more treat” syndrome. Of course,
I’m not saying I always stick to that (whatever… it’s too bad that anyone in their right mind can decline an impromptu dessert!), but here is what follows: having a budget helps me from going overboard! Plus I always over-cushion it a bit—because, well, travel is just defined by unexpectedness!
Renting a Car or RV
In my mind, planning a road trip with a baby is like deciding between an RV and car rental—two great options (a cozy blanket or fluffy pillow), but ultimately it comes down to squish-space requirements. If I simply intend to pop around town or even explore a few places, a dependable rental car will generally do the trick. It’s simple and doesn’t require the headache of trying to park something as big as most 10 new houses. However, if we are looking for a longer adventure or I know my toddler needs the space to stretch out, then an RV could be the answer. Just picture owning your very own mini-home on wheels—it even has a kitchen, bathroom, and an area for the kiddo to take naps—©! Just be warned, it can give you a little hiccup every now and then… trying to park it in a tight spot? (yes, I learned the hard way) or understanding how the propane system works. In short, to a greater or lesser extent, these key steps are necessary and can contribute a lot to the comfort and convenience of our road trip.
Kids Car Seats
I quickly discovered that safety is non-negotiable with kid’s car seats. For starters, the seat needs to be correct for the age, weight, and height of your child—no, you can not just put them in any old car seat, and off you go. Key to this is installation—no one likes a wobbly car seat, just like we all hate sitting at a table that’s out of balance. I usually examine and make sure that I do a picture diagram and replace the pieces snugly. Comfort is also a huge factor and can be just as important because the more comfortable your little one is, the less of those “Are we there yet?” you are going to hear. question every five minutes. And a quick reminder: if the car seat has been in an accident, it should be replaced because no one wants to see how well it works during a crash. So fasten your seat belts (and double-check that car seat); we are going to be cruising together, with the exception of spilling a snack from time to time!
Accommodation
Accommodations I have found has the ability to make or break a family trip.
NEEDED LOCATION: Kids’ legs get tired and start tantrumming with feet closer to the action—parks, activities. I always search for a place with baby amenities like a crib or
high chair. You will thank me when you’re not lugging a travel crib or feeding chair on your back! Furthermore, a room with a kitchenette can be a lifesaver when those midnight cravings hit or if you have to heat up baby food without turning your room into a home for the hungry human live fish cooking channel. And we can not ignore comfort—after a full day playing with kids and exploring new stuff, there is nothing better than a nice bed. Lastly, do not underestimate the noise; ideally, you would not want a hotel that is near a busy street, which could turn bedtime into a circus. Therefore, get a place that ticks off these boxes, and you will not have to worry!
Realistic Expectations: Understand Your Kids are Human
Friends, let us just be real here—your munchkins are not superheroes ( even if they wear that cape with fanatic pontification). Their limits are still very important to determine. Dragging a toddler who naps every afternoon on a six-hour hike may turn your dream adventure into a highway of meltdowns. So, keep it simple! Don’t push it —unless you want to carry a sleepy, cranky child back to the car (trust me, I’ve been there). Pack in breaks and snacks. Beware, happy child = happy trip!
Popular Children’s Highlights
I have learned this much about crowd-pleasing kiddie highlights: They are rarely what you might predict. You can keep all the impressive vistas; sights of historical interest will go ignored while kids scramble over a puddle to splash in and chase squirrels. Wait for it. Wait for it. I busted your bubble because, in truth, I have seen this happen. This may be exactly what you want; after all, you could be trying to expose them to the wonders of maps, but they may just be impressed by the basics. That’s just how it goes! Accept it, because a happy family means your trip is already a success.
Visitor travelling with minor children
Traveling with kids can be an adventure, but entering Canada with a minor involves some extra steps and considerations—especially if you aren’t flying together. Let me break it down for you.
Children traveling alone will have to carry a letter of authorization signed up both by the father and the mother, or even through both legal guardians. Add your own contact info and the team managing them in Canada.
Top tip: Stick a photocopy of their birth certificate—tidbits like that keep customs from having a go at you!
When you travel with your child but without the other parent, have a letter of consent signed and notarized by the absent parent. Alongside that information, include contact information of who you will be staying with and a statement on why you should go. And let’s face it, turning in a birth certificate of overkill is probably good planning.
If you have joint custody of the child, carry with you the legal papers showing that the ex-husband must not agree to anything and a similar letter from your spouse stating as such. Oh yeah, the birth certificate! It may seem excessive, but take it from me: dodging a border migraine is totally worth it.
If You Have Sole Custody—The custody papers that say you are the only decision maker for travel. Take the birth certificate, because nothing says “I have things well in hand” like having all of the forms there. Customs won’t stand a chance!
If one parent is deceased, you will need a death certificate as well as the birth certificate. It is difficult, but we must ensure the functioning of everything at the border. Nobody needs an entire extra round of questions on an already emotional trip.
For starters, if you are the parent or adoptive guardian, have all your legal documentation stating so. You must also provide adoption papers, documents providing guardianship, and a birth certificate. Besides, what harm can hearing from the biological parents (perhaps) really do—better to have more than not enough!
If your child is traveling with another adult, someone other than the parents (like a grandparent or an uncle/aunt), the adult must have written consent from both parents to guarantee entry in Mexico. That should read THEY ARE AWARE OF, AND CONSENT TO, THE TRIP. Throw in the birth certificate while you’re at it. It might make you feel like you’re carrying a personal little library, but trust me—better to collectively read at the border than solo wait.
Lastly, the more you prepare, the better set you will be to travel to Canada with a minor. Bring all the documents you can think of (and probably a few more, for good measure)—everything that could possibly be needed, because Murphy’s Law adores a border crossing. Now that you have all of this under control, concentrate on having a great trip and letting your little one learn just how amazing our beautiful country is!
eTA For Family Members
One of the important assets you simply do not want to miss when traveling with family
is eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization).When you’re off to Canada, remember that each family member must have his or her own eTA—even babies. Ask me, I almost learned the hard way! It’s not that difficult to fill out, but don’t procrastinate, as no troupe wants that guy who delayed the trip because he forgot to check a box online. Well, before you pack up the snacks and the “Are we there yet?” distractions, you need to have all eTA sorted This is the type of small thing that can save you a whole lot of headache at the airport!
Going to travel to Canada with a baby or even worse, a toddler may seem like flying with a whirlwind—most of which consists of excitement and diaper changes—but it is possible. Pack the basics and remember to bring a lot of patience (and maybe a few additional snacks for yourself). When it comes to getting your tot through customs with the right documents in tow or soothing those (inevitable) meltdowns, think of this quote—and know that each challenge is but a new adventure. But the smiles and giggles when you finally arrive at your destination are worth every bit of it. Hold on for the ride, and make some great family memories in the Great White North!
