Just because camping meals require fewer ingredients and less preparation doesn’t mean taste should be sacrificed. The proof is on Pinterest, where we have been working diligently to gather the very best camping recipes and cooking tips to help you plan meal in the great outdoors. Think you’re stuck with burgers and dogs? Nope. We found a host of recipes that take campfire cooking to a new level along with tips to help you get the job done effectively with less waste.

Download a Meal Planner

A handy meal planner like this one should help you keep tummies full throughout your trip. It outlines each meal with space for listing ingredients needed. Check off each ingredient as you pack it. Without the convenience of a grocery store nearby, forgetting one ingredient can wreck a meal beyond recovery.

Use an Outdoor Kitchen Checklist

While the list of kitchen utensils and necessities appears long, this pinner’s list fits nicely into her camping box. Sure, you’ll adapt any generic list to meet your needs, but other camping enthusiasts may have tips regarding double uses for certain utensils. Making spaghetti? A grease splatter screen can also double as a strainer. And, a good can opener can be worth its weight in gold. Imagine what a disaster breaking a cheap can opener can be on a camping trip. Here is a nice checklist:

Clever Campfire Starters

Leave it to the clever campers on Pinterest to share all sorts of helpful ways to get a fire burning. Rub petroleum jelly on cotton balls and store them in a Ziploc bag. When it comes time to build a fire, pull off some strands and set them underneath your wood. Light the strands on fire.

Never struggle with your matches again with this clever jar that has plenty of sandpaper on top to strike a fire.

Eco-Friendly Hacks

If you buy spices in bulk and need a safe way to transport them, why not store them re-purposed Tic Tac containers?

Or, how about that empty, giant jug of laundry detergent? Wash the suds out and use the spigot as a way to dispense water for everyone to wash hands before eating.

Re-purpose creamer jars into handy snack dispensers that seal up tightly and are an easy way to dispense treats on the go.

Boxed Drinks (Yes, that Includes Wine)

Believe it or not, boxed wine has gone upscale and even organic so pick some up at your local specialty food store. It is perfect for camping because the boxes are now made from lightweight Tetra-Paks that do not break like glass. But, get this: After you polish off your boxed wine, why not re-purpose the box? This clever Bon Appetit article suggests rinsing the box out in a stream and filling it with water. Then, hang the box in the sun for a solar shower. Really.

Boxed milk substitutes like coconut, almond or soy milk don’t have to be refrigerated prior to opening so consider making the switch prior to camping (it is not to everyone’s taste so make sure it is before you take the leap).

Clever Substitutions

Bon Appetit also suggests swapping butter or oil for ghee, a clarified butter used in a lot of Indian cooking. The advantage to cooking with ghee is that it can keep for up to a week without refrigeration.

Skip the bowls. Use chip bags for walking tacos or even hollowed-out orange peels.

5 Gourmet Camping Recipes

A big part of camping fun is eating around the campfire. So, here are a few jazzy recipes to consider (we have more on our Pinterest board):

1. Campurritos: This easy breakfast recipe  involves at home assembly. In the morning, just toss them on the campfire.

2. Pie iron recipes

Campers rave about the doors opened by a pie iron (shown below). There are books and plenty of recipes for desserts and entrees cooked in pie irons over a campfire.

In your mind, replace the pizza dough with Hawaiian bread and the tomato sauce/pepperoni with pie filling. Oh my goodness.

3. Campfire cones

These put a new twist on s’mores, an old favorite.

4. Kid-friendly hobo packs

The convenience of foil or hobo packs can’t be argued with. The options are endless from Martha’s Stewart’s beer potatoes to sausage and vegetables for breakfast. In some cases, you can even eat out of the foil directly and eliminate the need for plates. The more you can prepare in advance at home, the better.

5. Campfire mac and cheese

A cast-iron dutch oven is a valuable camping accessory. It can handle the high heat of a campfire and evenly cook hearty meals like stews and mac and cheese. This recipe features Gouda and Gruyere cheese and the author claims it to be the best campfire food she’s ever had.

Have a favorite camping tip? We’d LOVE to hear it! And, don’t forget to follow our campfire recipes Pinterest board.

The post Best Camping Recipes: Your Guide to Family Campfire Cooking appeared first on Trekaroo.

Related posts:

How to Score a Campground at Popular National Parks Top 10 Things for Families to do in Delaware Can You Really Do This? Group Camping with Young Children Palm Beaches for Families– Not Just for the 1%

Sitting around a campfire and eating s’mores is an idealistic American dream vacation. We’ve all seen the beautiful pictures of families smiling at each other and singing happy campfire songs and we’ve dreamed of having a great bonding vacation like that. But when families face the reality of mosquitos, pitching a tent, sleeping on the ground, and those nasty bathrooms, they may think twice. Whether you are a hard-core family who hikes in with their camping equipment on their backs, or a family who only camps where there is daily maid service and Wi-Fi, we’ve identified what will make the campground experience as great as possible.

Hard-Core Family: Hike-in Camping

Families who really wants to get away from it all opt for a hike-in camping, or backpacking. When we backpack into our campsite, we’re prepared to rough it, from carting our own thin, sleeping pads to small shelters for tents and only the basic food supplies. But in exchange, we enjoy the luxury of solitude. What we lose in amenities like cable and plumbing, we make up in pristine wilderness and open space.

What makes a great campground for those who love to hike-in to campgrounds?

• Water source: Plan to camp for the night within easy walking distance of a river, creek, or lake to use as a water source. Don’t forget the water purifier!
• Beautiful nature: Talk with experts at a local outdoor gear store or read up in guidebooks to ensure your precise camping location is in an idyllic location. It could be that a wild-fire wiped the area out just last year, or spring flooding has made it a breeding ground for mosquitos.
• Great destination: Make sure your end destination offers something in the way of recreation. A lake is ideal; kids can swim and play while adults relax. Plus, everyone can rinse the trail dust off!
• Safety: If you’re hiking into bear or cougar country, be sure to bring a bear canister along to hold all food and scented items. Otherwise, look for a site with a tree with sturdy branches to hang your food at night.
• Seclusion: You didn’t hike all the way there to be next to someone else. Some backcountry  locations only offer a handful of camping sites, which fill up fast. The worst is to hike miles in, just to realize all campsites are already taken!
• A level space for the tents: They don’t come level like in the campground, so pick accordingly. Find a site with fallen logs to use as benches or tables.

Middle of the Road Family: Car Camping

When you see a minivan or truck with the windows filled to the brim with pillows, stuff piled on the roof rack, and bikes hanging off the rear, you can guess that they are going camping! Our family loves to drive to Kings Canyon National Park in California, set up camp for a week, and enjoy spending time with friends and family.

What makes a great campground for those who love to car-camp?

• Shade: Tents can be likened to greenhouses. Sit one in the sun for any length of time and the inside will be a good 10 degrees warmer than outside. Key times for shade: morning (you don’t want the sun blaring on your tent at 6 am) and afternoon: (any kids or adults that like to nap will appreciate the cool interior).
• Drinking water: Campsites that have spigots of clean water or wash basins attached to the bathroom mean that families have fresh and clean water available. Bring a water container, refillable water bottles, and dish washing equipment. Look for this key term when searching for a campsite: “Potable Water.”
• Clean bathrooms: Bathrooms that are cleaned daily with separate men and women areas are the best. Pit toilets are not good for small children or potty-trainers. More than once have I been terrified that my kid’s small body would fall through the hole to the horrible pit below.
• Electricity: Don’t take it for granted that a car campground will have electricity. Look for “hook-ups” in the description if you want to plug things in at your campsite like toasters. Some bathrooms have electricity, meaning there are lights on at night. This can be good, you can see what you are doing in the middle of the night without a flashlight, or bad, the light from the bathroom shines like the sun on your tent all night long.
• Fun activities nearby: After breakfast is cleaned up, you need something fun to do. Pick a campground with entertaining activities that your family will love. Bike trails, nature hikes, rivers to swim or fish in, lakes to boat on, caves to explore, etc.
• Ranger programs: Evening programs or guided nature hikes can be very fun for families to participate in. Kids will learn new songs, hear stories, and can earn prizes by participating.
• Bear boxes: In parts of California, bear boxes are provided in campgrounds where everyone must store their food to keep it away from the Black Bears. These bears are not usually dangerous to people but they will break into cars to get anything they want. Having a bear box means a secure place to store the food. If you are driving around picking a campsite that has a bear box, look for one that is not directly in the sun. Otherwise, it’s a perfect oven for your food, and food MUST be stored in it.
• Dirt vs. grass: At all of the National Park campgrounds in the Sierra of California that we have camped in, they all are covered by a fine layer of dirt (which is really decomposed granite and pine needles). We choose to “embrace” the dirt, knowing we will just clean up the kids before bed. But if you have the option of camping on a soft layer of grass, rejoice in the lack of dirt packed into every crevice of your child’s body.
• Area to play for kids: A campsite that has a generous amount of space, rocks to climb, or a small stream means that kids have a great area to play in your campground. There will be a lot of “down time” for them in the campground while chores get done such as meal prep and clean up and space for them to play is a must.
• Safety: Watch for dangerous areas in the campground you choose. Large rocks, steep drop-offs, rivers or streams, or large areas to get lost are all dangers you must take into consideration. One of the first things we do when camping is set clear boundaries for our kids. We tell them the extent to which they can roam, areas to stay clear of, and using the buddy system in going to the bathroom (which can be across the road).
• Campfire rings: Most campgrounds have small metal rings around the pit. DO NOT let children play in or around campfires ever. Hot embers can be buried under ash and can burn even when the fire looks out. Place chairs close to campfire ring during the day to create a barrier for small children. Always supervise children when the fire is lit and keep a hand on young toddlers. Toasted marshmallows can burn hands and lips as well, so use caution!
• Nearby market: Having even a small market nearby means that you can buy ice to refill your cooler, a newspaper from home, and ice cream for that afternoon treat. You might even score with a nearby restaurant so you don’t have to cook dinner!
• Showers: Some campgrounds have them, some don’t (or have showers in the main market area). Most are coin operated. Plan accordingly to what you desire.
• Lack of Pesky nature: Not all nature is friendly. Poison ivy/oak, mosquitos, gnats, and bees can turn any camping trip into a miserable experience. Pick a campsite away from standing water like a slow-moving creek or swamp and with enough cool breezes to blow away the flying pests. Take some time to walk around the perimeter of the campsite to find “leaves of 3, and let them be!”
• Weather: Summer is the ideal time to go for families because the days are warm for swimming and the nights are not freezing for sleeping. Check weather forecasts before you go and always be prepared for rain and cold. Higher elevations can mean temperatures below freezing at night. Extra blankets can mean getting a few hours more of sleep!
• Space: Look for spots that are on the loop edges and not inside the loop which can mean very close quarters with other campers.

Road Trip Family: RV and Campers

Some families love taking the ultimate road trip with their home away from home with them. They can pull into a campground in the evening and most things are already set up for them in their RV. Some choose to stay in a campsite for a good length of time to enjoy the area. RVs can be the best option for many beach campgrounds because it gives families a chance to warm up, get away from the wind, or relax without the blazing sun.

What makes a great campground for RV families?

Most things that make a great campground for car campers are also very important for RV families, but here are some extra things to look for.

• Long parking space: You need room to park that RV or camper!
• Level parking space: RVs need to be leveled as much as possible and if the parking space is relatively flat, it makes the job all that much easier.
• TV reception: It’s not necessary, but it sure is nice to be able to use the TV in the RV.
• Electricity: The term “hook-ups” takes on a new meaning to RV’ers because it means they can plug-in their RV and use all the electrical systems. For more primitive sites like those in National Parks, check the quiet hours for rules on when generators can be run.
• Dump stations: Look for campsites with RV services so that water reservoirs can be filled and other things can be emptied out.

Easy Street Family: Campgrounds with Rental Cabins or Tents (bonus if there is maid service and Wi-Fi)

For some families, the furthest they would consider going in the “campground vacation world” would be pitching a tent in a hotel room and letting their kids “camp-out”. There are many campgrounds that are absolutely ideal for this kind of family. Cabins with kitchens and cozy bedrooms, or fully stocked tents with outdoor fire pits can be rented nightly. Families can enjoy daily maid service and still cook s’mores over an open fire…. Outside their cozy cabin with indoor plumbing.

What makes a great campground for those who love cabins? 

• Bare bones vs. luxury: Pick your campground based on the type of accommodations you desire. Some have cabins or tents that have beds and linens, others require you to bring your own bedding.
• Indoor Bathrooms: Do you want an indoor bathroom or a nearby common bathhouse? Choose based on your preference.
• Daily maid service: Do you want your beds made and fresh towels daily? Choose a campsite with these amenities.
• Location in the campground: How far is the cabin you are staying in from the kid friendly hot spots? You may want to be closer so that your kids can play more independently, or farther away for a quieter experience.
• Pet friendly: Many are not pet friendly. Choose accordingly.
• Fun activities provided by the campground: Look for a campground with fun activities such as a swimming pool, sports equipment, boating, fishing, playground, recreational events planned by staff, and more.
• Fun activities nearby: Choose a campground with nearby family friendly activities if you would like options of fun things to do outside of the campground.
• Grill, market, or restaurant: Campers will still need to plan their meals. Look for a cabin with a kitchenette, a nearby market with easy lunches, or a burger grill for quick dinners. An ice cream stand is really great for kids in the afternoon.
• Fire pits for camping experience: Still want to roast those marshmallows? Choose a campground that has outdoor fire pits and chairs for an evening of classic campfire songs.
• Reservations: Most campgrounds fill up quickly so make reservations early before the summer season starts.

Beach Family: Camping With the Waves

Falling asleep to the sound of waves gently breaking on the shore and the stars twinkling overhead sounds dreamy. But not all beach campgrounds are built the same. In fact, we’ve camped at some that are quite miserable. So take these suggestions to heart!

What makes a great campground for those who love the beach? 

• No parking lot campsites: Some beach campgrounds are very small and built right next to the road, or on the side of the road. Sleeping in a tent on the road with only a small space between your car and the steep bluff (with the beach 100 feet below) is not ideal. Find a beach campground with plenty of space away from your car.
• Quiet hours (not near a freeway or train track): We camped between a beach and a train track one summer. That meant that the people in the train could wave at us as we cooked our dinner, and we could hear the train rumbling down the tracks in the middle of the night. Other campgrounds are near the main highway with a lot of road noise. Look for a campground away from the noise of the city.
• Good beach for swimming: Find a beach with gentle crashing waves and no small rocks littering the shore. If the beach isn’t fun to play in, there isn’t much reason to camp at the beach.
• Nearby restaurants: One of the advantages to beach camping is that they are usually near a city. So enjoy eating dinner at the local burger joint.
• Nearby activities to get out of the sun/wind/surf of the beach: After spending a day or two in the sun and surf, families will probably want a break, so having nearby hiking trails, bike trails, museums, and fun activities is essential.
• Far enough away that you don’t go home: Camping 30 minutes away from home is not ideal. The idea of camping is to get away from the demands of schedules and responsibilities. So pick a beach campground a good enough distance away from home that you aren’t tempted to sleep in your bed every night.
• Shade options: Trees are usually minimal at beaches so bring shade producing tools: Easy-Ups, beach umbrellas, small pop up tents for toddlers to play in, etc. And don’t forget your hats and sunscreen!
• Showers: Cleaning off the sand after the day at the beach is pretty essential. Many beaches have cold showers in the public areas, but look for a campground with coin operated warm showers.

Thanks to all the Trekaroo families who shared their tips on camping with us.  Have a tip?  We’d still love for you to share them with our readers.

The post What type of Camper are you? Great Family Campgrounds Tips for Every Type of Family appeared first on Trekaroo.

Related posts:

Hiking, History, and Harvest on Lake Superior’s North Shore Top 10 Things for Families to do in Colorado Wildlife Spotting in the Florida Everglades (and the search for the elusive Florida Panther) Exploring the Olympic Coast with Kids

Destinations Tips Talk Book Hotels Buy Gear Blog Giveaways

O Canada – Trekaroo Is Here! Friday May 17, 2013 We are so excited to announce that Trekaroo is now in Canada! Get the inside scoop on activities, hotels, and restaurants in our northern neighbor. Announcing Trekaroo Canada Launch: Get Rewards for Canadian Reviews Top Activities With Kids in Vancouver, BC Best Hotels for Families in Vancouver, BC Weekend Getaways From Vancouver: Where to go in BC With Kids Insider Tips for Visiting Vancouver With Kids …scroll down to explore more family friendly places in Canada Write reviews on Canada and get an Amazon Gift Card!. Monday Madness Giveaways Win a family vacation to Vancouver, British Columbia! …scroll down to enter Photo by: Flickr/findingjosephine

Sponsored Travel Deals to Favorite Family Destinations in British Columbia Vancouver – up to 33% off! Whistler – up to 30% off! Victoria – up to 35% off! Photo by: Flickr/ChristinaT

New Talk Questions ask a question About: DuPage Children’s Museum “Food and places to sit for Grandma and Grandpas?“- Tim Clue Is there a place inside the children’s Museum for older people to eat and sit comfortably. Thanks Tim Clue 773-230-3989 To view all Talk topics, click here

Fresh Off the Press Start here with a snapshot of our four inaugural Canadian provinces – British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, and Quebec. British Columbia Five Free Activities in Stanley Park – Vancouver Top outdoor attractions for families in Vancouver Kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver Family-friendly activities in Vancouver Alberta Top 5 Places To Take Your Kids in Calgary Visit beautiful Banff National Park Quebec 6 places kids will love in Montreal Places kids and parents will enjoy in Old Montreal together Places for kids to run in Montreal Pinterest BC Canada ski resorts with kids Vancouver, BC With Kids Vancouver Island With Kids

Special Picks Our favorite reviews for this week British Columbia:  Kitsilano Beach travellingmom says, “When the summer hits, Vancouverites flock to Kits Beach, on the south shore of False Creek, opposite English Bay. Families, singletons and beach volleyball players vie for space on the generous san… Oregon:  Out ‘n’ About Treesort pitstopsforkids says, “The Cave Junction Treesort is right on the way to the Oregon coast and Oregon Caves National Monument, so we’ve driven nearby several times. We finally stopped. Thank goodness! These treehouse acco…

Monday Madness Steals and Deals See all Giveaways Really want to win? Grab multiple entries by doing all the additional actions.Win a Vancouver Family Vacation including two nights of lodging & family four packs of passes to TEN of Vancouver’s best attractions! Ends May 26, 2013 11:59 PM PST. Photo by: flickr/erwins

The post O Canada-Trekaroo Is Here!-Weekly Digest-5/17/13 appeared first on Trekaroo.

Related posts:

Whale Watching with Kids Best Things to Do During Spring Break-Weekly Digest-2/27/13 Kid-Friendly Places We Love-Weekly Digest-2/14/13 Enjoying Richmond’s Olympic Oval

To help you plan a Vancouver trip for your own family, Trekaroo asked the experts–parents living in Vancouver–for their top 10 insider tips for Vancouver travel. Below are a few of our favorites, plus advice for getting to Vancouver, saving money, making the most of your stay!

Getting Around

Utilize Vancouver’s Excellent Public Transportation

Did you know you can take the SkyTrain, part of the Vancouver TransLink system, directly from the airport to downtown hotels and Canada Place? And it’s only a few dollars! Likewise, the SeaBus connects Vancouver to the North Shore. Both means of public transit are fun for kids, affordable, safe, and offer beautiful scenery.

If you’re connecting between Vancouver and Vancouver Island (maybe you’re headed to Victoria or Parksville), taking BC Ferries  is easy and fun for kids. We recommend getting reservations before your day of departure during the busy summer months, and getting to the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal well before your departure time (even with reservations). While you’re crossing the Strait of Georgia, stand at the deck or in the inside observation areas to catch glimpses of whales and other wildlife, and keep an eye out for passing cruise ships and float planes, too!

Ride the Vancouver Trolley

A great way for kids to see the city, the Vancouver Trolley Company offers hop-on, hop-off tours to many Vancouver sights. Ideal for families with young kids with short attention spans, these tours are at your own pace, so there’s no waiting or long speeches geared toward adults only…the narration happens while you ride! The Stanley Park Shuttle visits 15 locations within the park, and runs all summer long!

Save Money While Eating Well

Eat on Wheels!

Vancouver is known for its food truck scene, and for good reason. Vancouver food trucks such as JapaDog offer service that’s quick and affordable, but also delicious and healthier than you’d think. Find food trucks easily in Canada Place and plan to grab your food to go then eat along the benches overlooking Coal Harbour. Watch the planes land on the bay, and keep an eye out for bicyclists. If hot dogs aren’t your thing, families can also find food truck vendors selling gourmet mac and cheese, noodle bowls, grilled sandwiches, and seafood.

Visit Vancouver Restaurants that Welcome Kids

Vancouver is a multicultural city filled with authentic eateries which are great to visit with kids. You just have to know where to look. Luckily, Trekaroo parents have done the research for you! Our favorite Vancouver restaurants include Thai, Japanese, American, and Dutch cuisine. And yes, all include a kid-friendly wait staff and high chairs!

Buy Attraction Tickets Before You Arrive

VancouverAttractions.com saves money:

With a little forward planning, families can identify their top choices of attractions in the city and secure coupons and discounts of 15% at Vancouver Attractions. Not only will you save money on your vacation, but you’ll come prepared: no need to wonder what you’ll be doing on any given day! Insider tip: while visiting some attractions, such as Capilano Bridge, be sure to take advantage of the free shuttle!

Meet our Top Canadian Experts

No one knows the city better than Vancouver parents! We recommend looking for local events, the best parks, and insider tips at the following Vancouver-focused sites, written and published by local parents:

ModernMama Vancouver:

Modern Mama is a social and educational community for moms. With everything from local events and resources to blogs and articles, they’re your modern ‘moms club’ in Vancouver. These moms know Vancouver inside and out!

yoyomama:

Yoyomama.ca is the trusted source for families when it comes to what to do with your kids, whether that’s events, family travel, kid-friendly crafts and activities, or local products and services for families. With an eye to the innovative and eco-friendly, they research local finds and destinations for you, making it easy for you to make the most of your time with your kids.

The Travelling  Mom:

The Travelling Mom has it all: local attraction and lodging reviews for experiences and vacations in Vancouver and British Columbia, as well as destination reviews for families traveling abroad. Founder Claudia LaRoye is an experienced international traveler with kids, making TravellingMom both a local resource and a visual bucket list.

Tourism Vancouver: Not sure what you’re going to do in Vancouver? Tourism Vancouver is a great place to start, with tons of information. Stop by their friendly office in Canada Place when you arrive!

Vancouver and BC Apps

Don’t forget to enlist the help of your smart phone! We use the following apps when touring Vancouver:

On the Go Kids: This app from YoyoMama is chock full of events, festivals, and daily activities to do with kids in Vancouver, Calgary, and Toronto. We love that parents can find events in the city that only locals may know about, schedule them in the app, and find them easily on the included map.

Vancouver Maps and Walking Tours: Not every one of the numerous tours in this app will be applicable for family touring, but many are, and the maps are invaluable while you’re walking the city! Hint: pair this app with On the Go Kids for a comprehensive guide to the city.

Vancouver Street Food: Find out where the most kid-friendly food trucks are hanging out on any given day, download menus ahead of time, and check pricing!

Vancouver Island Exploration Guide: Find out where the whales are spawning, where to find the freshest seafood in a kid-friendly environment, or where to go kayaking.

More from Vancouver week:

The post Travel Tips from Local Families: Visiting Vancouver BC with Kids appeared first on Trekaroo.

Related posts:

Vancouver BC Attractions: Top Activities with Kids in Vancouver Vancouver Lodging: Best Hotels for Families in Vancouver BC O Canada-Trekaroo Is Here!-Weekly Digest-5/17/13 Weekend Family Getaways from Vancouver, British Columbia

It’s Day 4 of Vancouver Week, where we are exploring the best of Vancouver BC with kids! Have you entered to win our Monday Madness Vancouver vacation giveaway? Are you earning Canada Rewards?

Families could easily fill an entire vacation with activities and events in Vancouver, but what about the rest of the province? There’s so many things for families to do in British Columbia, no trip would be complete without taking at least one of the following weekend family getaways outside of Vancouver.

Whistler Blackcomb

Winter or summer, families will have a blast visiting Whistler, British Columbia. In winter, world-class skiing awaits, along with tubing (or tobogganing, as they call it in Canada), ice skating, and snowshoeing. Families will want to devote at least three days to skiing at Whistler in order to explore most of the two connected mountains, and even then, save time to explore the Whistler Village for shopping and dining. Take the world-famous Peak 2 Peak tram between Blackcomb and Whistler mountain, and look for on-mountain play areas on each peak where kids can take off skis or snowboards to slide, climb, and explore wintery play sets. In summer, mountain bike, hike, horseback ride, or zip-line in this outdoor oasis!

Where to stay: If you really want to indulge, a stay at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler is like a fairy tale come true. With the appearance of a castle and the service of one too, the Fairmont pampers with an on-site ski valet, delicious food, lovely public spaces, an indoor-outdoor pool and hot tub complex, and proximity to Whistler Village dining and shops. Plus, they’re within steps of Blackcomb skiing! For additional lodging options, check out Whistler lodging page.

Getting there: Whistler is an easy hour’s drive from downtown Vancouver on the beautiful Sea to Sky Highway. En route, stop at breathtaking vistas and overlooks, or take the time to visit the Britannia Mine Museum.

Victoria

Known for English gardens and elegant tea time, Victoria is more than meets the eye. Not that you’ll be complaining about what you see: this beautiful city is full of blooms, trees, and beautiful architecture. Take tea in the Fairmont Empress Hotel or learn about Canadian government at the British Columbia capitol and the Royal BC Museum. Families will want to take a day trip to visit Butchart Gardens, filled with rose gardens, quarry gardens, a children’s garden, and more. With three active boys, I didn’t realize we’d have so much fun in Victoria!

Where to stay:

The Royal Scot Hotel and Suites is a great option for families looking to stay close enough to the downtown areas of Victoria while staying within a reasonable travel budget. Families can walk to the harbor locations from the Royal Scot, plus get suites instead of rooms (allowing for different bedtimes or simply room to spread out) and an indoor pool.

Getting there: It’s an easy and fun ferry ride from Vancouver to Victoria, BC through Nanaimo, then a short drive down Vancouver Island to Victoria.

Parksville and Tofino, Vancouver Island

Families with more time of their hands will want to stay on Vancouver Island to explore this region’s beautiful and surprisingly warm beaches. Start in Parksville, where the public beaches span for miles, revealing amazing sea life and shells at low tide. The Parksville community park is a great place to spend an afternoon, as is the Morningstar Golf Course. Rent beach gear or try your hand at kayaking, or just enjoy stunning sunsets on the Strait of Georgia.

If you’re more adventurous, cross Vancouver Island to Tofino, where families can beach comb on windswept, wild beaches and enjoy whale watching or storm watching. The drive to Tofino takes a few hours from the east side of Vancouver Island, but the scenic landscape makes it seem much faster. Once there, explore tide pools at Chesterman Beach and discover seals, eagles, and whales with Remote Passages, one of the best tour companies we’ve ever experienced.

Where to stay:

In Parksville, a stay at Tigh-Na-Mara Resort is a must. This full-scale family resort offers cabins and lodge rooms, beach access, an indoor pool, playgrounds, tennis courts, and a full children’s program, including nature classes, off-site golfing clinics, and more. Devote at least two days!

In Tofino, the Mackenzie Beach Resort offers rustic and affordable cabins right on the beach. Mackenzie Beach is well-known for sunsets and tide pools, and its protected cove is a great swimming location for small kids.

Getting there: The drive across Vancouver Island is very straight-forward. Parksville is an easy drive from Victoria or Nanaimo (where BC Ferries delivers you from Vancouver), and Tofino is straight across the island on Highway 4.

More from Vancouver week:

Stay tuned for more great British Columbia destinations on the Talking Trekaroo blog in the coming months! 

The post Weekend Family Getaways from Vancouver, British Columbia appeared first on Trekaroo.

Related posts:

Vancouver BC Attractions: Top Activities with Kids in Vancouver Travel Tips from Local Families: Visiting Vancouver BC with Kids Vancouver Lodging: Best Hotels for Families in Vancouver BC Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort for families: How to Make the Most this BC, Canada Resort with Kids