Family Travel Guide to Nova Hotels: Kid-Friendly Adventures in Western Canada

Travelling with kids is one of life’s great adventures — and Western Canada is one of the best places on Earth to do it. From wildlife encounters in Jasper to splashing in Saskatchewan’s lakes to watching the Northern Lights with wide-eyed wonder in Yellowknife, the region delivers the kind of memories that last a lifetime. Nova Hotels properties across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and the Northwest Territories are built for every kind of traveller — including families. This guide breaks down the best kid-friendly activities, family-friendly hotel amenities, and insider tips for planning a seamless family vacation with Nova Hotels as your home base.

What Makes Nova Hotels Great for Families

Before diving into the activities, it’s worth highlighting what makes Nova Hotels an excellent choice for families specifically:

• Spacious rooms and suite options: Plenty of space for everyone to spread out and rest comfortably
• On-site dining: No need to pile everyone back in the car for dinner — Nova Hotels’ signature restaurants offer menus that suit all ages
• Pools and fitness facilities: Kids can burn off energy at the end of a big day
• Convenient locations: Close to parks, attractions, and major roads so you spend less time driving and more time exploring
• Friendly, helpful staff: Our teams are always happy to recommend family-friendly activities and help with trip planning

Alberta: Big Adventures for Little Explorers

Calgary & Area

Families staying at Nova Inn Calgary have an incredible array of kid-approved attractions at their fingertips:

• Calgary Zoo: Home to over 1,000 animals including giant pandas, gorillas, and African lions — endlessly captivating for children of all ages
• Heritage Park Historical Village: Canada’s largest living history museum, with costumed interpreters, steam-powered rides, and a working midway
• Canada Olympic Park: Year-round activities including zip-lining, mountain biking, and bobsled experiences
• Calaway Park: Alberta’s largest outdoor amusement park, located just west of the city

Edmonton & Area

From Nova Inn Edmonton, families can take on the legendary West Edmonton Mall — which contains an indoor waterpark, an ice skating rink, a sea life aquarium, a full amusement park, and a mini-golf course all under one enormous roof. Beyond the mall:

• Valley Zoo: A beloved community zoo with a focus on conservation and animal habitats
• Fort Edmonton Park: A hands-on historical experience where costumed guides bring Alberta’s history to life
• TELUS World of Science: Interactive science exhibits, an IMAX dome, and a planetarium that kids absolutely love
• Muttart Conservatory: Four glass pyramids housing exotic plants from around the world — a surprisingly captivating stop for curious kids

Hinton & Jasper National Park

Families based at Nova Lodge Hinton are right at the doorstep of Jasper National Park — one of Canada’s most family-friendly national parks. Highlights include:

• Wildlife viewing: Elk, deer, black bears, and mountain goats are commonly spotted right from the roadside
• Maligne Canyon: A dramatic limestone gorge with easy walking paths and interpretive signs
• Miette Hot Springs: Canada’s hottest natural hot springs — kids love soaking after a day of hiking
• Jasper SkyTram: A gondola ride to stunning mountain summit views that wows every age group

Saskatchewan: Lakes, Beaches & Prairie Fun

Saskatoon

Families at Nova Inn Saskatoon will find a wonderfully liveable city with plenty of kid-friendly offerings:

• Wanuskewin Heritage Park: Educational and engaging, with trails, tipi camps, and bison viewing — an ideal introduction to the region’s Indigenous heritage
• Remai Modern: Free for children under 18, with regular family-oriented art programming
• Kinsmen Park: A classic city park with rides, mini-golf, and splash pads
• Forestry Farm Park & Zoo: A low-key, affordable zoo that younger children absolutely adore

Prince Albert National Park (Day Trip from La Ronge or Saskatoon)

Prince Albert National Park is Saskatchewan’s crown jewel for outdoor families. Waskesiu Lake has a sandy beach perfect for swimming, kayak and canoe rentals, and easy hiking trails suitable for young children. The park’s visitor centre runs junior naturalist programs designed specifically for kids. Guests at Nova Inn La Ronge are perfectly positioned for extended park exploration.

Northwest Territories: Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences

Yellowknife: Northern Lights & Arctic Wonder

Seeing the Northern Lights with your children is the kind of experience that stays with a family forever. Nova Inn Yellowknife is the ideal base for aurora adventures, dog sledding, snowshoeing, and ice fishing in winter — read our complete Northern Lights travel guide for everything you need to know. In summer, the midnight sun means kids can play outside at 11pm, which feels like an adventure all on its own.

Other Yellowknife family highlights:

• Yellowknife Farmers’ Market: A fun, lively summer market with local food and live music
• Frame Lake Trail: An easy, paved urban trail around a beautiful lake — great for strollers and beginner cyclists
• Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: Free admission, fascinating exhibits, and hands-on programming for curious young minds

Family Travel Tips for Western Canada

• Book connecting rooms or suites: Contact Nova Hotels directly to arrange connecting rooms for larger families
• Pack for all weather: Even summer can bring cool evenings — layers are essential, especially in the mountains and NWT
• National Parks passes: A single Parks Canada Discovery Pass covers the whole family and pays for itself quickly if you’re visiting multiple parks
• Kids eat free deals: Ask at the front desk about any current dining promotions for families at Nova Hotels restaurants
• Plan for rest days: Young travellers (and their parents) need downtime — build in at least one relaxed hotel day per week

Your Family Adventure Starts at Nova Hotels

From mountain wildlife to prairie sunsets to Arctic auroras, Western Canada offers families a travel experience unlike anywhere else in the world. Nova Hotels provides the comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality your family deserves after a full day of exploring. Whether this is your family’s first big trip or you’re seasoned Western Canada adventurers, we’re here to make every stay special.

Explore more of what Western Canada has to offer with our summer road trips guide and our overview of Nova Hotels locations across the region.

Ready to create lifelong family memories? Book your family stay at Nova Hotels today!