Four Family Adventures in British Columbia

Beautiful wildlife, world-class facilities and hubs of entertainment – with so much fun packed into one province, there is an adventure to be had for every family in B.C.

Whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or escape the elements with engaging indoor activities, you’ve come to the right place.

Here’s a look at four adventures you won’t want your family to miss out on.

1. Fitness Focus

Get your family’s blood pumping while staying dry under the spectacular arched roof of the Richmond Olympic Oval.

Not only is this award-winning multi-use facility in Richmond, B.C., a sight to behold, but its history as a venue for long-track speed skating during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games may be enough to pique your children’s interest.

There is fun to be had for every member of the family, with drop-in hockey, figure skating, public skating, batting cages and climbing on an impressive 40-foot rock wall.

Not only is this a great option during dreary weather, but its promotion of health and physical activity is beneficial for all ages.

For more information, visit richmondoval.ca or call 778-296-1400.

2. View From the Top

For an experience that will take your senses to new heights, journey to Squamish for an excursion on the incredible Sea to Sky Gondola.

Located an hour outside Vancouver, this landmark screams out for some family exploration.

With floor-to-ceiling glass windows, the eight-passenger gondolas reach 885 metres above sea level in a 10-minute ride that provides breathtaking views of Howe Sound, coastal forest and mountains. Check out our latest adventure in Squamish HERE.

And if a ten-minute thrill doesn’t seem worth the trip, don’t worry – there is much more to see and do once you’ve reached the summit.

Walking trails with cantilevered viewing platforms, a suspension bridge and rock climbing are just a few of the additional adventures that await on this family-friendly outing.

For more information, visit seatoskygondola.com.

 

3. Make Your Exit

If you’re looking for an adventure that will give your body a rest but put your brain to the test, be sure to check out gaming facility EXIT.

This mind-boggling Richmond attraction uses different themed rooms to simulate situations in which participants must ‘escape.’ The catch? Players must solve puzzles and answer riddles in order to find their way out within the 45-minute time frame.

The rooms have varying levels of difficulty and can hold up to 10 people, making the experience customizable for individual family dynamics.

So strap on your thinking caps and see if your family can pull together when under the gun.

To learn more, visit e-exit.ca

4. Something for Everyone

For an adventure that is just as leisurely as it is exciting, round up the family for a trip to Vancouver’s historic Stanley Park.

With so much to do in this beautiful slice of West Coast paradise, every family member is sure to leave satisfied, no matter their ages and interests.

Cycle the park’s famous 8.8-kilometre Seawall or take the adventure afoot and explore the 400-hectare forest. Head to the beach on a sunny day or, on a rainy one, retreat to one of the popular restaurants.

Not only is there a variety of resident wildlife to enjoy, but the park is also home to Canada’s largest aquarium and a miniature train.

This adventure can be enjoyed inside or outside, and can be as active or relaxing as you’d like it to be.

Visit tourismvancouver.com to plan your trip.

 

If there’s one thing B.C. offers, it is variety. No matter your family members’ ages or likes, you can’t go wrong with one of these unforgettable experiences just a short trek from the Fraser Valley.

~ Article also posted in the Toyota Open Road Newsletter