HILTON TORONTO

Toronto

The Hilton Toronto prides itself on offering healthy, local fare to tots at Tundra Restaurant and through its 24-hour room service. Pick turkey, cheddar cheese, grape and dried-apricot kebabs from the no-fried-food menu, or mac-and-cheese served with grilled vegetables and a fresh, housemade tomato sauce seasoned with herbs from the hotel’s own rooftop garden. Plus, mini-foodies in the making are invited to go behind the scenes on a  tour of the kitchen and garden. 

145 Richmond St. W., 416-869-3456, hilton.com  

BROOKSTREET

Ottawa

Brookstreet, outside Ottawa, has both indoor and outdoor pools to seduce young ones. But that’s nothing compared to the family golf lessons – and children’s golf camps, during the summer months – it offers at the adjacent Marshes Golf Club. After instruction from the infinitely patient Brad, our five-year-old tester gushed, “It was the best golf lesson I ever had.” (It was his first.) 
525 Legget Dr., 613-271-1800, brookstreet.ca

SUTTON PLACE

Vancouver

The Sutton Place’s spacious apartments have full kitchens for fussy eaters, but the kids’ menu truly caters to the smallest whims. The three-course Baby Trio features seasonal purées for the pre-teeth set – start with green pea, spinach and broccoli soup, followed by a fresh blend of carrot and butternut squash, and long-grain rice porridge. The only downside? Baby may start requesting lemon sorbet between courses.  
845 Burrard St., 604-682-5511, vancouver.
suttonplace.com

WICKANINNISH INN

Tofino

At Tofino’s Wickaninnish Inn, in the middle of Vancouver Island’s Clayoquot Sound Biosphere Reserve, kids will love scooping up slime and sea urchins on walks led by a naturalist along the beach and through the old-growth forest in the resort’s backyard, or going for a spin in a sea kayak. Best of all might be a ride on Tofino’s legendary waves on Chesterman Beach – the Inn will gladly make arrangements all year round for lessons with a local surf school, including Surf Sister, which offers a special three-day camp for mothers and daughters. 
500 Osprey Lane at Chesterman Beach, 250-725-3100, wickinn.com

WESTIN CALGARY

Calgary

There’s no excuse not to write home from the Westin Calgary. The Kids’ Discovery Pack includes do-it-yourself postcard kits and crayons for penning, “Wish you were here,” in big bold letters that Grandma can’t miss. 
320 4th Ave. S.W., 403-266-1611, westincalgary.com
 

What to Bring

Looking like pint-size wetsuits, Sun Smarty one-pieces have a sun protection factor of 50, which means you don’t have to keep chasing a reluctant toddler to reapply sunscreen. While the Superman version (complete with towel cape) may seem a little goofy at first, it scores extra points for making your kid the most popular one at the hotel pool.  sunsmart.ca 

With its three carrying options (crossbody, backpack and tote) and more pockets than you can shake a baby bottle at, Ellington’s Amelia Convertible Tote is the parent’s best friend. It comes in six dashing colours and is made of wipeable, lightweight nylon. Now if only it could change diapers.  
ellingtonhandbags.com

Parents know it’s more like the great schlep than the great escape when you’re loaded down with kiddie gear. The baby equipment rental companies Wee Travel and BébéGoGo lighten the load by delivering car seats, baby moni­tors and the latest quality strollers right to the hotel or airport. A box of toys is a bonus, keeping small hands busy while you stay hands-free – just be ready to explain why Thomas the Tank Engine won’t be making the trip home. 

BébéGoGo Serving Montreal and surrounding areas, 888-338-8316, bebegogo.com
Wee Travel Serving, Serving Victoria, Vancouver and Toronto, 800-647-9031, weetravel.ca

 

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