Canada is vast and varied, stitched together by Indigenous histories, French and British influences, and some of the world’s most dramatic landscapes. In five days, the smart play is to focus—Toronto’s dynamic neighborhoods and lakefront pair beautifully with nearby Niagara Falls, one of North America’s classic family sightseeing destinations.

Expect great food (from butter tarts to peameal bacon sandwiches), parks galore, and easy logistics. Public transit is reliable, attractions are stroller-friendly, and kids 12 and under ride many systems free. Spring through fall brings patio dining and boat rides; winter swaps in twinkling lights, indoor attractions, and cozy markets.

This plan is built for a multi-generational crew with an infant and four kids ages 4–8. Mornings are active, afternoons allow naps or pool time, and evenings keep walking minimal. You’ll get gentle trails, playgrounds, and memorable highlights—without long drives or late nights.

Toronto

Canada’s largest city spreads along Lake Ontario, a mosaic of neighborhoods where you can eat the world in a single day. The skyline winks with the CN Tower, while ferries whisk families to the Toronto Islands for bikes, beaches, and splash pads. Streetcars rattle past murals in Kensington Market and cafes steam up windows along Queen Street.

Top family hits include the Toronto Islands (car-free, flat, perfect for strollers), Ripley’s Aquarium (shark tunnel magic), and High Park (zoo, playgrounds, and easy ravine trails). For “live like a local,” browse St. Lawrence Market’s legendary vendors and picnic on the waterfront.

• Getting in (flights): Book flights to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. Pearson to downtown is ~35–45 minutes by UP Express train or ~45–60 minutes by taxi depending on traffic.
• Where to stay: For space, search family-ready rentals on VRBO Toronto or hotels on Hotels.com Toronto. Specific picks: The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (indoor pool, central), Chelsea Hotel, Toronto (waterslide, kids’ club, great for families), or The Rex Hotel Jazz & Blues Bar (budget-friendly, compact rooms, steps from Queen St).
• Food to try: Peameal bacon sandwiches at St. Lawrence Market (Carousel Bakery), Portuguese custard tarts on Dundas West, and family-style dim sum in Chinatown.

Day 1: Arrive in Toronto, Waterfront Welcome

Afternoon: Land and drop bags. Stretch at Harbourfront Centre’s boardwalk—flat, stroller-friendly, views of sailboats. If energy allows, let the kids run at Sherbourne Common’s playground and splash features in warm months.

Evening: Early dinner near St. Lawrence Market: try Buster’s Sea Cove (grilled fish tacos) or Uno Mustachio (massive veal parm sandwiches). For a sit-down, head to Bier Markt Esplanade (kids’ menu, wide space). Cap it off with gelato at Nani’s Gelato. Turn in early to sync up with the time zone.

Day 2: Islands, Aquarium, and Market Bites

Morning: Ferry to the Toronto Islands from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal (Centre Island). Rent surrey bikes, ride flat paths, and pause at Gibraltar Point Beach for sandcastle time. Centreville Amusement Park (seasonal, gentle rides) is perfect for ages 4–8; bring a stroller for the infant.

Afternoon: Back in town, visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. The moving walkway through the Dangerous Lagoon tunnel is infant-and-stroller friendly; touch tanks delight older kids. Snack on BeaverTails pastries outside (warm cinnamon sugar flat-dough heaven).

Evening: Explore Kensington Market and Chinatown. Dinner ideas: Rol San (classic dim sum, fast turnover), Seven Lives (Baja tacos; eat on a bench), or Pizzeria Libretto (Neapolitan pies, reliable with kids). Walk Graffiti Alley’s murals nearby before bedtime.

Niagara Falls

Just 90 minutes from Toronto, Niagara Falls thunders at the edge of a tidy park system threaded with paths, gardens, and easy trails. Clifton Hill delivers arcade-and-mini-golf chaos for kids; the Niagara Parkway promises peaceful river views, and Dufferin Islands offers a mellow loop with ducks and bridges.

Families love the mix: up-close Falls viewpoints, a dramatic boat ride (seasonal), the ever-popular Skylon Tower, and spacious hotel rooms with pools. When you need a breather, drive 25 minutes to Niagara-on-the-Lake for ice cream, heritage streets, and flat riverside strolls.

• Getting there from Toronto: Drive ~1.5 hours via the QEW (toll-free) or take GO Transit (train+bus combos ~2 hours; adults from ~$20–$25 one-way; kids often ride free—check current policy). A rideshare or private transfer typically runs ~$180–$250 per vehicle each way.
• Where to stay: Search VRBO Niagara Falls or Hotels.com Niagara Falls. Family-friendly standouts: Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa (prime views, indoor pool), Days Inn by Wyndham Near The Falls (value, walkable), or Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls (indoor waterpark; ideal if you want a full water-play day).
• Seasonal note: Niagara City Cruises boat typically operates roughly April–November; in winter, swap in Skylon Tower, Journey Behind the Falls (open year-round), and the indoor Butterfly Conservatory.

Day 3: Transfer to Niagara, Clifton Hill Fun and Dufferin Islands

Morning: Depart Toronto after breakfast. Aim to arrive in Niagara Falls by late morning. Check in and leave time for naps or pool splash—key for an infant and younger kids.

Afternoon: Head to Clifton Hill for kid-friendly picks: Niagara SkyWheel (enclosed gondolas; views without long walks), Dinosaur Adventure Golf, or the Great Canadian Midway arcade. For a nature reset, wander the Dufferin Islands loop—flat, stroller-friendly paths, ducks to spot, and shaded benches.

Evening: Dinner near the Falls: Table Rock House Restaurant (Canadian fare with Falls views) or Weinkeller (house-made pasta; ask for a table away from the bar). After dusk, watch the nightly Falls illumination; on select dates there are fireworks—aim for an early show and easy walk back.

Day 4: Niagara Falls Highlights Tour (Boat, Skylon, Behind the Falls)

Make today the centerpiece with a guided experience that bundles the top attractions—ideal when traveling with kids and grandparents.

• Option A (popular): Best of Niagara Falls Canada Premium Tour: Behind Falls and Boat

  

  Expect Skylon Tower views, the iconic boat cruise (seasonal), and Journey Behind the Falls—timed and guided so you minimize waits. Great for mixed ages; strollers can be managed at most stops.
• Option B (compact): Niagara Falls Tour with Boat Ride & Journey Behind the Falls

  

  A shorter guided option covering the essentials; handy if you want a slower morning or longer nap window.

Post-tour evening: Picnic in Queen Victoria Park (grassy lawns, views) or an easy riverside stroll along the Niagara Parkway. Dinner ideas: Niagara Brewing Company (casual, kids welcome; soft pretzels and mac & cheese) or Mom’s Family Restaurant (homey, budget-friendly). Pack light ponchos for damp clothes after the boat ride.

Day 5: Butterfly Conservatory & Niagara-on-the-Lake (Departure Day)

Morning: Visit the Butterfly Conservatory and the adjacent Botanical Gardens—warm, stroller-friendly greenhouse where kids can spot Blue Morphos and Owl butterflies up close. If your hotel is Great Wolf Lodge, consider a morning swim instead.

Afternoon (departure): If time allows, drive 25 minutes to Niagara-on-the-Lake for a gentle stroll on Queen Street and cones from COWS. Then return to Toronto Pearson (allow ~2 hours door-to-door). Book outbound flights via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.

Practical Tips for a Multi‑Generational Crew

• Strollers & naps: This plan places indoor attractions after lunch to allow naps in-car or hotel, and flat routes for stroller ease.
• Transit & tickets: In Toronto, kids 12 and under ride TTC free; single adult fares are ~CA$3.35. Prebooking Niagara tours saves time standing in lines with little ones.
• Safety & gear: If you rent a car, reserve child seats in advance. On the Niagara boat, infants are typically permitted (check your chosen tour’s policy); bring a waterproof cover or carrier rain shield.
• Food strategy: Late morning picnics and early dinners beat crowds. Top picnic stops: HTO Park, Toronto Islands lawns, Queen Victoria Park in Niagara.

Extra Dining Shortlist (Kid-Approved)

• Toronto breakfasts: Eggstatic (all-day breakfast, big booths), Brick Street Bakery (St. Lawrence Market; sausage rolls), Mildred’s Temple Kitchen (fluffy blueberry pancakes; reserve weekends).
• Toronto lunches: St. Lawrence Market—Carousel Bakery (peameal bacon), Buster’s Sea Cove (grilled fish), St. Urbain Bagel (Montreal-style bagels). Queen Street West—Fresh Kitchen (bowls, smoothies).
• Toronto dinners: Kinka Izakaya Original (lively, shareable plates), Miku (sushi; request a booth), The Pickle Barrel (huge menu, quick service).
• Niagara bites: Napoli Ristorante (classic pies and pastas), Tide & Vine (seafood; ask for kids’ portions), The Works (custom burgers), Flying Saucer (retro diner that kids remember).

Optional Hotel Upgrades and Alternatives

• Toronto: For apartment-style space, browse VRBO Toronto. For downtown polish and a quiet pool, see The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto or value-friendly Chelsea Hotel, Toronto with kids’ zone.
• Niagara Falls: Maximize pool time at Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls. For Falls-view rooms, Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa is hard to beat.
• Niagara-on-the-Lake (if you extend): Elegant classics include Prince of Wales Hotel, The Olde Angel Inn, or Pillar and Post Inn & Spa.

In five easygoing days, you’ll sample Toronto’s lakefront life and Niagara’s unforgettable roar—balanced with naps, playgrounds, and plates the whole family will love. With short travel times and stroller-friendly paths, this Canada itinerary keeps stress low and smiles high.