I'd heard the West Coast of Vancouver Island called the Galapagos of the Northwest, and never is that more apparent than while on the water, whether families are exploring tide pools, kayaking, or in this case, on the open ocean on a Remote Passages whale watch in Tofino BC. Tofino whale watching: Our Tofino whale watch with Remote Passages just may have been the crown jewel on the treasure … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Vancouver Island west coast with Majestic Ocean Kayaking
August 17, 2012 By
Families don't have to venture far into the Pacific or spend a whole day (and a whole lotta cash) seeing nature up close on a Vancouver Island west coast kayaking tour. When we joined Majestic Ocean Kayaking on their half-day harbor tour, we hadn't even pushed off from the boat dock before Calvin spotted a massive sea star glowing purple and pink under the shallow water. "What, that little thing?" … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Ucluelet, BC: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
August 13, 2012 By
What everyone needs after an active day hiking, kayaking, or touring Vancouver Island's west coast: a plunge pool and hot tub, rain shower, and cheery fire waiting at their resort. Families vacationing in Ucluelet BC get all that and more in Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. What, precisely? Try heated bathroom tiles, dramatic views, and fine dining, but more importantly to parenting traveling with … [Read more...]
University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology
August 11, 2012 By
Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology is the perfect first stop for visiting families (and a great option during rainy weather, too). Much more comprehensive than we thought it would be, the Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, features not only an impressive main gallery of First Nations totem pole carvings, but also room after room of artifacts of native peoples (both of Western Canada and elsewhere). … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites
August 9, 2012 By
Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It's full of outdoor experiences active kids crave--biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges--while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone's throw of the action (but please don't throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel. Located in … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Sewell’s Sea Safari
June 26, 2011 By
Ready for a wet and wild way to spend a day in Vancouver, B.C.? Sea Safari tours of the beautiful Howe Sound and adjacent fjords are conducted by Sewell's Marina, located right on the water west of the city. A full service operation, visitors can rent various sized boats to tour the bay on their own, join charter fishing trips, or sign up for the wildly popular (and with good reason) Sea Safari. … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver B.C.: Capilano Suspension Bridge
June 23, 2011 By
Only ten minutes outside of the city center, Vancouver offers family-friendly outdoor attractions kids will go crazy for in Capilano and Grouse Mountain. The first stop (and an easy free shuttle ride from Canada Place), is Capilano Suspension Bridge, an engineering marvel stretched 450 feet across a high river gorge in thanks to nineteenth century Vancouver settler and builder George Grant Mackay. … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver, B.C.: Granville Island with kids
June 20, 2011 By
When I set out to explore Vancouver's Granville Island on a sunny Monday afternoon, I didn't expect to like it as much as I did. Known best for its upscale public market and boutique shops, I certainly didn't think it would have much to entice kids. I was wrong. Granville Island began winning me over before I even got there: from the dock at the very end of Hornby Street, I waited (all of two … [Read more...]
Exploring Vancouver, B.C.: Stanley Park by bicycle
June 17, 2011 By
Vancouver’s Stanley Park consists of an expanse of wilderness at the northern end of the city that begs for family exploration. It’s dotted with totem poles, lakes, botanical gardens, beaches, and even an aquarium and offers hiking, carriage rides, interactive historical and ecological displays, and playgrounds. It’s also 1000 acres in size, which makes it the ideal space to explore by bicycle. … [Read more...]
The Four Seasons Vancouver: kid-friendly luxury
June 15, 2011 By
Last week, had I been asked to describe the Four Seasons family of resorts, I would have used phrases such as 'exceptional reputation', 'luxury accommodations', or 'famed attention to detail'. After spending three blissful days at the Four Seasons Vancouver, I can add: 'family-friendliness'. Surprised? You shouldn't be. The same qualities that make the Four Seasons Vancouver an outstanding … [Read more...]
