It might be a slight exaggeration to say, it’s been quite a year. Well quite a year and half. With all the challenges we’ve faced, one of the most difficult might be the loss of family connection. Sometimes divided by miles and airplane flights, and sometimes merely a few blocks, spending time with loved ones has become an even more cherished endeavour. As travel resumes, what better way to find that connection again than by doing it together? Here are some ideas that can be enjoyed between generations: kids, parents, grandparents and beyond.

Wildlife Excursion

What says intergenerational better than a visit to one of the most spectacular places in the world? Embark on an adventure to Churchill, Manitoba where tens of thousands of beluga whales swimming alongside their offspring demonstrates how family time is done. Lazy Bear Expeditions offers a variety of tours that will take you to see the whales and glimpse wandering polar bears through boat, snorkeling and tundra vehicles. At the end of the day, Lazy Bear Lodge serves up delicious fare and the perfect rustic and chic spot to lay your head for the night. Sweet dreams kids (and moms and dads and grandparents).

Bird’s Eye View

Another way to experience Churchill as a unit is through a spectacular heli-tour with Hudson Bay Helicopters. Pile into a chopper and soar over the taiga, tundra and boreal forests as you search for polar bears. Witness them frolicking with their cute and cuddly cubs and get the best view in the world of this remote northern location. In the summer, flights over Hudson Bay reveal the thousands of belugas that swim below. Guides boast extensive hand-on wildlife experience, so you can make this educational too!

West End Wander

Sometimes you want to keep things simple. Grab a latte from Seven Cafe and join a West End Mural or Architecture Tour, perfect to enjoy on a sunny day. These tours will take you through the colourful and diverse inner-city neighbourhood highlighting the history and stories that make up the community through its art and architecture. At just a few dollars per tour, they’re just right for your whole group. When you’re done, the West End is home to some of the city’s best bakeries and we wouldn’t judge if you stopped in at every one. We recommend the pizza at Hildegard’s, croissants at Gato and the rustic loaves from Eadha, but go and discover your own favourite.

Buy Me Some Peanuts

A night with the Goldeyes is the ideal way to gather up the whole crew. With some tickets costing as little as $5, it’s an affordable way to take in some pro sports without breaking the bank. A playground and parents’ room (complete with changing station and comfy couches for feeding), prove what a family-friendly environment this is. Of course, don’t miss the concessions featuring everything from samosas to perogies and stay for the fireworks, sure to dazzle everyone.

On Your Marks

Keep with the sports theme and head over to the Manitoba Sports Hall of Fame. This gallery preserves the history of sports in the province with photographs, artefacts and displays that detail the story of sport, namely how it has changed over the decades. The Hall of Fame is currently closed and set to reopen soon with some exciting updates - stay tuned and plan your visit for the near future!

Marvelous Museums

Manitoba’s Signature Museums is a collective of some of the best museums in the province that boasts everything from Métis history to aviation legends to a 40 foot marine reptile. Gather up your crew and visit every one. Museums include: Musee St. Boniface Museum, New Iceland Heritage Museum in Gimli, the Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum in Brandon, the Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, the Manitoba Agriculture Museum in Austin and the Mennonite Heritage Village in Steinbach.

Cool Campsites

Nothing creates memories like a good old fashioned camping trip. Pack up the tent or trailer, break out the s’mores and gather around the fire. But the fun doesn’t stop there--many of the province’s private campgrounds offer even more with swimming pools and water slides like at the fabulous Lilac Resort and Rubber Ducky Resort; mini golf and horseshoes at Aspen Grove Campground; or a place to park your RV and enjoy all the comforts at Arrowhead RV Park. Check out the complete list of private campgrounds and start planning your adventure.

Voyage to Brandon

Brandon is a family-friendly town that offers the ultimate multi-stay getaway. Book a night or two at the CanadInns or Victoria Inn and get wild in a waterpark. Then head downtown for some delicious treats at bakery Chez Angela or supper at Sabor Latino. To keep one and all entertained, there’s the Commonwealth Air Training Plan Museum or Brandon Flight Centre for the plane-lovers in your group. When you’re done with that, get active with archery at Jo-Brook Outdoors and horseback riding at 4B Ranch. To plan your complete adventure, visit here.

Cross-country Trek

The Trans Canada Trail is the longest network of trails in the world, extending 22,000 kilometres between the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic Oceans. In Manitoba, the trail extends from the Ontario border through Canadian Shield in the Whiteshell and travels northwest through Pinawa to Grand Beach. From there it travels south through the Red River Valley and west through Spruce Woods through to the Duck Mountain Provincial Forest to the Saskatchewan border. Pack some snacks, pick up the trail and get one with nature. Map your route by visiting Trails Manitoba.