The best time to travel with your child in the U.S. and Canada depends on several factors, including your destination, the weather, and what you want to do. Here are some general guidelines.

The United States is a great destination year-round, but the ideal travel time can depend on the age of your children. If your kids are in school, you might be limited to traveling during school holidays. Regardless of your family’s situation, we’ll make sure you plan your trip to the U.S. at the best possible time.

Spring (March to May)

• Pros:
  • Mild weather in many regions.
  • Fewer crowds compared to summer.
  • Flowers blooming, making for beautiful scenery.
  • Ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring national parks.
• Cons:
  • Weather can be unpredictable, especially in northern areas.
  • Some attractions may still be closed or have limited hours.

September is an excellent time to visit the USA. The weather is still pleasant, but it’s cooler and the crowds have thinned out, making it easier to explore and enjoy the main attractions.

Explore the seasons in the United States:

• Spring: March to May
• Summer: June to August
• Fall: September to November
• Winter: December to February.

Spring.

In the Southwest, the weather is perfect from March to May, making it an ideal time to explore Arizona, Utah, and California. During this period, grizzly bears emerge from their winter hibernation in the national parks. Additionally, you can catch sight of humpback whales between May and October. By late May, the roads in the Rocky Mountains are typically clear of snow, offering easy access for travellers.

Important to note:

Temperatures in the United States can vary significantly, ranging from nearly 49°C in Arizona to -16°C in Montana at the same time. We’ll assist you in planning every detail of your trip, ensuring you know exactly what clothing to pack.

Useful to know:

The continental United States spans four time zones—Eastern, Central, Mountain, and Pacific. Additionally, Hawaii and Alaska each have their own time zones. This means the country ranges from 5 to 10 hours behind Greenwich Mean Time.

Summer (June to August)

• Pros:
  • Warm weather, perfect for beach trips, outdoor activities, and festivals.
  • School holidays make it easier to plan longer trips.
  • Many family-friendly events and attractions are fully operational.
• Cons:
  • High season means larger crowds and higher prices.
  • Some areas, especially in the southern U.S., can be very hot.

Three weeks is a good amount of time for a trip to Canada, allowing you to travel at a comfortable pace without covering too much distance each day, given how large the country is. Renting a car lets you explore at your own pace, with opportunities to stop for a picnic or take a refreshing dip in one of the many inviting lakes. In Vancouver, we picked up a football and a cooler, so we always had cold drinks on hand and could take breaks to stretch our legs and enjoy some outdoor fun on grassy spots along the way.

Family-Friendly Dining in Canada:

How do you manage evening meals during a three-week trip with kids? The thought alone made me nervous, especially when the kids are exhausted from a day spent outdoors. Luckily, Canada offers a solution: most accommodations come with a small kitchen. We often stopped by Walmart on our way back, where you can find everything you need to cook your favourite meals. Alternatively, you can try camping for a night and roast marshmallows over a campfire. We did eat out occasionally, but only when we felt like it. Most restaurants offer a children’s menu and provide high chairs, making dining out with kids much easier.

Fall (September to November)

• Pros:
  • Cooler temperatures and stunning fall foliage in many regions.
  • Fewer tourists after Labor Day, making it a good time for popular destinations.
  • Harvest festivals and events.
  • Ideal for scenic drives and outdoor activities like apple picking.
• Cons:
  • Shorter daylight hours.
  • Some attractions start to close for the season.

Outdoor Activities in Canada:

In Canada, outdoor adventures are a big part of the experience. You can enjoy short hikes to picturesque waterfalls and crystal-clear lakes, or cycle through Vancouver and cool off at the water park in Stanley Park. On the Sunshine Coast, we went treasure hunting in our canoe, and on Vancouver Island, we searched for whales and bears. We found the Icefields Parkway to be the most stunning route, where we went sailing and, despite it being summer, found ourselves throwing snowballs in the next moment.

Winter (December to February)

• Pros:
  • Winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and ice skating are in full swing.
  • Holiday events and festivities are abundant, which can be magical for kids.
  • Off-season pricing in non-ski areas.
• Cons:
  • Cold temperatures, especially in Canada and northern U.S.
  • Snow and ice can make travel more challenging.
  • Limited daylight in northern regions.

Summer is an ideal time for a family trip to Canada. Daytime temperatures range from 15 to 22 degrees Celsius, the forests are lush and vibrant, and the rivers and lakes are fresh and crystal clear. Plus, the long, sunny days provide ample opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. We were outside every day, and it was truly wonderful.

Toronto, Ontario, Quebec City, Quebec; Alberta, Banff, Alberta; and British Columbia are must-visit places and provinces in Canada.

Autumn,

September to November brings a milder climate after the warm summer months and marks one of the most picturesque times to travel through the United States. The season offers a stunning display of colours and a diverse range of unique wildlife.

In Yellowstone National Park, you might see bears, moose, bison, birds of prey, and other species. Meanwhile, the southwestern states offer spectacular hiking opportunities and the chance to explore a variety of canyons.

General Tips:

• Avoid peak travel times like major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.) if you want to avoid crowds and higher prices.
• Consider your child’s age and temperament: Younger children may do better with shorter trips or destinations that don’t require a lot of travel time.
• Book accommodations in advance during popular travel periods to ensure availability.

Ultimately, the best time for you will depend on your specific destination and what type of experience you’re looking for.