Family Adventure Travel in Western Canada

From the never ending forests to the snow capped mountains, Western Canada has something for every outdoor adventure seeker.

Destination Highlights

Active Adventures

Kayaking on glacial lakes.

Hiking along the magnificent trails in world class National Parks.

Fishing some of the most pristine rivers in the world.

Surfing off Vancouver Island.

World class skiing at Whistler Blackcomb.

Nature

Viewing grizzlies catch leaping salmon in late summer and fall.

Watch the resident Orca pods from up close.

Photo by Jeremy Koreski

Culture

Culinary Vancouver, one of the great foodie cities of the world.

Totem poles and First Nations cultures.

Highlights

  • Float plane flights over glaciers and mountains
  • Polar bear safaris in the far North.
  • Explore the Great Bear Rainforest for close up wildlife encounters
  • Glacial turquoise lakes of the West
  • Wine tasting in the Okanagan.

Western Canada Sample Itinerary

Day 1
Arrive Vancouver. Vancouver is Canada’s showpiece city on the Pacific. Regarded as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Vancouver offers something for everyone – it is an incredible foodie destination, has a huge craft beer scene, and for outdoors lovers has hiking along spectacular forest, mountain and lakeside trails, biking, beaches and of course winter sports.

Day 2
Exploring Vancouver – today you will hike or bike through Stanley Park, ascend Grouse Mountain, and this evening enjoy a spectacular Asian food experience – choose from Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese or Korean cuisine.

Days 3
Take a float plane to Victoria, the very pretty capital of British Columbia, located on beautiful Vancouver Island. Victoria seems to many like a last bastion of Britain on the Pacific, and you will enjoy a tour of this lovely small city, including a visit to the spectacular Butchart Gardens and a whale watching cruise.

Day 4
Travel to Tofino, a small surfer friendly town on the far edge of Vancouver Island. Fringed by long beaches, Tofino is perfect for surfers and those looking for relaxation alike.

Day 5
Depart Tofino for a 5* tented glamping resort (summer only), located off the grid and accessible only by float plane or small boat. This is truly an escape from civilization, with luxury tent accommodation, fabulous world class food, and daily excursions along the water, in the forest or up into the mountains, even by helicopter!

Day 6
At the resort.

Day 7
Return to Tofino for a final night. Enjoy a kayaking excursion, surf lesson or fishing trip this afternoon.

Day 8
Return to Vancouver and continue to your next destination.

Extend your trip?

Take a luxury train trip from Vancouver through the Rocky Mountains to Calgary, or fly to Calgary and drive to iconic Banff.

Traveling in winter: Continue to Whistler, one of the finest ski resorts in the world.

Western Canada Trip Tips & FAQ's

What time of year is best for family travel to Western Canada?

Summer (June- September) is best, when the weather is warm and the days are long. It is possible to visit all year round, but outside of summer the weather tends to be rainy, though seldom seriously cold. For winter sports, one must come in winter of course, and snow is usually best from January – late March.

Is Western Canada a good destination for family travel?

Resoundingly yes. If your family loves the outdoors, then Western Canada is ideal.

What can a family do in Western Canada?

Experience the great outdoors! Hike, bike, fish, ski, and explore mountains, lakes and forests.

What are accommodations like in Western Canada?

Excellent. All major hotel chains are to be found, and accommodations range across all price levels.

Is Western Canada expensive?

During high season (summer) accommodation and services are expensive, but bear in mind that the Canadian dollar is often quite weak compared with other major currencies, meaning that Canada can offer some excellent value to those coming from the USA, UK and Europe for example. Winter is high season at ski resorts such as Whistler.