BRACKLEY BEACH, P.E.I. - While walking on the red sandy beach that Canada’s smallest province is so famous for, my playful son Noah pulls on my braids and tells me “you look just like Anne.”

TORONTO - Noah stares in bewilderment as I pack his dolphin bathing suit next to his snow pants. I explain several times to my 7-year-old that we are going on a fun “staycation” in our own city. He keeps asking if I’m sure I didn’t make a mistake and we’re in fact going back to the Bahamas.

MONTREAL - Dozens of laughing children are running after huge floating bubbles. My son Noah is among the mix of locals and tourists chasing the super-suds along Place Jacques-Cartier.

OTTAWA - The Eternal Flame burns brightly and swishes in the summer breeze, while the Canadian flag atop the Peace Tower appears to be touching the clouds.

QUEBEC CITY - We have transformed into dwarfs with pointy green hats. Suddenly, I feel shorter and wonder if I will grow a long white beard.

QUEBEC CITY - The red-and-white icing covering the biggest birthday cake I’ve ever seen is making my mouth water in anticipation. I want to swish my finger across the top to taste the sugary sweetness, but I don’t dare.