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Looking for something fun to do as a family in British Columbia, there’s so much to do that will be exhilarating and the whole family will let loose in no time. Mom will be zooming along a zipline through the cedars. Dad will be capsizing his kayak into a crystal-clear lake. And the kids? They’ll be braving the 70m heights of a rope bridge and gasping as the fluke of a whale disappears into the ocean. Adventures in BC range from hiking to mountain biking to horse riding, with everything in between. Here’s our top 6 favourite family attractions.
Ages: All ages – young and old – will enjoy this. Children must be at least 102cm tall to ride.
Opening times: Daily from 10am – 9pm
Prices: Adults (13-64) – $28.05 , Children (up to 12) – $19.55
This indoor ride isn’t quite the Great Outdoors, but it will certainly get everyone in the adventuring frame of mind. The FlyOver Canada 4D experience offers an exhilarating ride across Canada’s most stunning beauty spots. Strap yourself in and soar over mountain peaks, feel the spray from Niagara Falls and smell the sweet hay of the Prairies. Vancouver is the ideal gateway to exploring British Columbia, and FlyOver Vancouver is the perfect way to get geared up for the adventures to come.
Ages: All ages. Some walking required, but the trails are good.
Opening times: Open 24/7
Prices: Free
British Columbia has swathes of pristine, temperate rainforest home to some of the most impressive trees in the world. MacMillian Provincial Park, in central Vancouver Island, is home to the famous Cathedral Grove of trees. These towering Douglas firs and cedars are around 800 years old and can be more than 9m in diameter. Kids and grown-ups alike will love trying to hug one of these giants – and feeling dwarfed in comparison!
Ages: Older children should be fine for this but check with you hire operator.
Opening times: 12pm – 9pm Mon-Fri, 10am – 7pm weekends
Prices: $35 single kayak, $45 double kayak for a half day
This stunning little lake is nestled in the Okanagan Valley. Clean, clear Vaseux Lake is ideal for a day of watersports like kayaking or SUP (stand up paddle-boarding). You can hire kayaks from outfitters like Hoodoo Adventures in nearby Penticton. Take a picnic with you and stop for lunch at a little island or beach. The kids will love paddling and keeping an eye out for wildlife life bighorn sheep. The Okanagan Valley also has the added bonus of being one of Canada’s best-renowned wine regions. A vineyard tour and wine tasting will definitely keep mom and dad happy!
Ages: All ages
Opening times: 9am-5pm or later in summer
Prices: Kiddie (under 6) – free, Child (6-12) – $14.95, Youth (13-16) – $27.95 , Adult (17-64) – $46.95
On the scenic North Shore of Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is one of the most popular attractions in the city – and in British Columbia. There is a suspended tree-top walkway and a gravity-defying Cliffwalk. The illuminating Story Centre is where interpretive guides from the First Nations community give an insight into the fascinating history and culture of the region. But the undoubted main attraction is the suspension bridge. The bridge stretches 450 feet across the canyon and 230 feet above the Capilano River. Test your mettle as you walk across the bridge, feeling it bounce beneath your feet with the rushing river below. It’s a thrilling experience!
Ages: 6 years and up
Opening times: Daily, year-round. Book in advance from the office in Whistler, open 8am to 7pm daily.
Prices: Child (6-14) – around $99, Adult (14+) – $119 depending on tour
What better way to enjoy the beautiful temperate rainforest surrounding Whistler than by zooming over 7,000 feet of it at 100km/h? ZipTrek is the pioneer of zipline tours in North America and while their tours aren’t for the faint-hearted, there is something for all abilities (and nerve levels!). The aforementioned Sasquatch is the longest zipline in North America but there are plenty of other ziplines to choose from. Pick your package with the ziplines and canopy walks that suit you. The best part is that all tours come with an award-winning ecological curriculum which helps visitors of all ages learn more about the incredible eco-system of the temperate rainforest.
Ages: 6 years and up
Opening hours: 9am–5pm, April to October
Price: Infants (under 3) – free, Child (3-12) – $80, Youth (13-17) – $90 , Adult (18+) – $120
Off Victoria, on the southern tip of Vancouver Island, the straits of Juan de Fuca and Haro are home to over 70 resident orcas. A whale watching trip with Orca Spirit is an unforgettable experience. You’ll get to see these majestic creatures in the natural environment, along with humpbacks and other species if you’re lucky too. Older kids will love the thrill of a zodiac boat ride as it zooms along the ocean waves. Younger children might be more comfortable in the warmth and shelter of a covered vessel. You’ve got the choice of either, so you can make sure the tour is something that the whole family will love.
© 2023 All rights reserved Baby & Toddler - part of parent promotions