Unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories together with these Canadian experiences.
When the school year winds down and the days grow longer, families across Canada start looking for ways to spend quality time together. But instead of adding more stuff to your home, why not give something unforgettable? The best experience gifts aren’t wrapped up in boxes, but are shared moments. They spark laughter, encourage bonding, and fill family photo albums with memories that go beyond the usual backyard barbecue.
Experience gifts offer something a toy or trinket can’t: time well spent together. For summer, that time is best spent outside, exploring new places, or trying new things without the stress of rushing from one tourist trap to another. This list focuses on laidback, family-friendly experiences that don’t require hiking boots, skydiving nerves, or long car rides, just a sense of fun and curiosity.
Why Slower Experiences Make Family Time Better
Not every summer activity needs to be go-go-go. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from the simplest things: learning something new, walking through beautiful scenery, or solving a mystery as a team.
Here’s why slower-paced experiences can be a big win for families:
- Everyone can join in. Grandparents, kids, teens, and even the family dog, in some cases, can participate. No need to split into separate groups.
- They encourage real conversation. Without distractions or jam-packed schedules, families can connect naturally.
- They’re less exhausting. No meltdowns from overtired kids (or parents). Everyone goes home smiling instead of burnt out.
- They’re more flexible. Many of these experiences offer multiple dates, different locations, or times, which makes planning around vacations easier.
7 Laidback and Family-Friendly Experiences to Try This Summer
And without further ado, here are seven relaxed yet exciting activities that make excellent summer gifts for families who want to unwind while making the most of their time together:
#1 Private Archery Lesson
Take aim at family fun with a private lesson that hits the mark.
Archery is one of those rare activities that’s as fun as it is meditative. This private lesson is ideal for beginners and offers a safe and personalized introduction to the sport. A certified instructor guides your family through stance, aim, and technique, creating a calm and focused environment everyone can enjoy.
Perfect for: Tweens, teens, and parents ready to channel their inner Hawkeye or Katniss Everdeen
👉🏼 Where to book:
#2 Toronto Distillery District Segway Tour
Cruise, snap pics, and roll your way through history.
The cobblestone streets and Victorian-era buildings of the Distillery District are perfect for a slow-paced Segway cruise. With a guide leading the way, families can learn fun facts, spot hidden art installations, and stop for photos. It's a gentle ride with lots to see, and yes, it's kid-friendly for ages 12 and up.
Perfect for: Families with older kids or teens interested in history and city exploring
👉🏼 Hop on here: Distillery Segway Tour
#3 Banff and Its Wildlife Tour with Gondola
Take it slow and high above with a gondola ride your family won't forget.
Banff National Park is a dream for families, and this experience lets you explore it with ease. The tour includes scenic stops to see elk, bears (from a safe distance!), and eagles, plus a relaxing gondola ride offering panoramic views. It’s educational, photo-worthy, and easy on the feet.
Perfect for: Nature-loving families who want to explore without hiking for hours
👉🏼 Book your Banff experience here: Banff & Wildlife + Gondola Tour
#4 Clue Solving Adventures
Discover cities in a brand-new way with your very own mystery crew.
These self-guided clue-solving adventures are a fresh way to explore a city together. Armed with a smartphone and your wits, you’ll work as a team to crack codes and follow clues around top landmarks. It’s active but at your own pace, and perfect for all ages.
Perfect for: Puzzle-solving families who enjoy teamwork and exploring
👉🏼 Available in:
#5 Zombie Scavenger Hunt
Turn an ordinary afternoon into a family mission for survival!
The zombie apocalypse is here… but it’s more of a laugh than a scare. These hunts use a smartphone app to send your family on missions to survive the fictional outbreak. It’s a mix of trivia, teamwork, and walking, with no jump scares involved.
Perfect for: Families with a fun sense of humour who love horror and quirky outdoor games
👉🏼 Battle the undead in:
#6 Niagara at Night Walking Tour + Fireworks Cruise & Dinner
Dine, cruise, and watch the sky light up with your favourite people.
Spend a magical evening in Niagara Falls with this combo experience that starts with a guided walking tour and ends with a cruise past the illuminated falls. The finale? A fireworks show and dinner on the water. It’s as peaceful as it is exciting and a great excuse to stay up late.
Perfect for: Families who love scenic sights and a touch of evening magic
👉🏼 Catch the magic here: Niagara Falls Night Experience
#7 Vallea Lumina Night Walk, Whistler
Walk through wonder after dark with a trail that glows.
This immersive night walk takes you and your family through a forest trail glowing with lights and filled with music, projections, and interactive storytelling. It’s definitely like stepping into a fairytale! The path is gentle, the visuals are stunning, and the mood is pure wonder.
Perfect for: Families who enjoy storytelling, nature walks, and interactive experiences
👉🏼 Experience the magic: Vallea Lumina, Whistler
Final Thoughts: The Gift of Time Together
Summer doesn’t have to be go-go-go to be special. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments come from simply trying something new together, with no pressure, no stress. These laidback experience gifts are a great way to spend real time with the people you care about.
So whether you're aiming for a bit of fresh air, a quirky challenge, or an easygoing evening stroll, there's something in Canada this summer that your family will love.
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Ready to give your family a summer they’ll always remember? Browse the best experience gifts for families at BreakawayExperiences.com and surprise them with something they’ll talk about for years!
