We wouldn’t dare do a family road trip with our first before the age of 3. She was one of those babies who thought the car was the devil on wheels. It wasn’t until the moment where we could all sing Kumbaya together in the car before we started to play a mad game of make up for lost time. We took day-trips whenever Sam’s work schedule allowed and weekend galavants to anyplace our bank account would take up. All those places we dreampt of going the first 3 years of parenthood were enjoyed in that first year when Sofia was 4.
It’s no secret that Vancouver has some incredible destination near by, perfect for families who like to travel by car. I have compiled a list of our favorite family road trips to date. But I feel like this might need an update after Spring Break.
Our family is currently planning another road trip, this one taking us to Portland Oregon and of course Cannon Beach. I have been to Oregon as a child, visiting the sand dunes and naturally, enjoying the tax-free shopping. But I’ve not been back in 25 years, I feel like a trip is much overdue.
So, without further ado, here is my Favorite Family Road Trips from Vancouver:
Distance: 120km // Drive Time: 1.5 hours
Our family has been to Whistler more times than I can keep track of; it’s become somewhat of a Winter tradition in our family. There is nothing better than emursing yourself in all things COLD once a year and heading to Whistler for the weekend. From playing in the snow, to ice skating outdoors, and walking Whistler village only stopping for a sale sign or to get another warm walking berverage. I must mention that one of our families favorite restruants in Whistler Village has got to be El Furniture Warehouse. The food is great, the prices are even greater and the atmosphere is so loud I can relax knowing Sofia and Stella won’t bother anyone around us. Whitsler is absolutely a great destination for families.
Blog posts about Whistler: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
Vlogs in Whistler: 1 // 2
Distance: 131km // Drive Time: 1.75 hours
Harrison Hot Springs is a family road trip you must do at least once (and then twice and a third time), and let’s ensure you do it right. First things first you will wan’t to book well in advance so you can get a cabin at the Harrison Hot Spring Resort. Then, you will want to ensure you pack a bathing suit for everyone. No matter what time of year, I promise the hot springs will be calling your name. When you’re not basking away in the naurtal springs, the city has so much to offer families, from an inflatable waterpark, to sandy beaches, shops, restaurants and ridiculously fun quadracycle rentals. Our family loves how everyting is located within walking distance of eachother. Once we arrive we know we can take a break from sitting in the car and just enjoy.
Blog posts about Harrison Hot Springs: 1 // 2
Distance: 229km // Drive Time: 3 hours
Who knew Seattle would become one of my families favorite vacation spots; even with the border wait times. Then again, the more I step back and look at the whole picture, how could it not. From Pike Place Market to Seattle’s Science Centre to the Ferris Wheel, Woodland Park Zoo, Children’s Museum and the Space Needle. It makes perfect sense that it’s one of my families favorite vacation spots. We’ve been to Woodland Park Zoo more than we’ve been to our own local Zoo. It’s that good. Seattle makes for a perfect family-friendly destination; and a perfect distance to really enjoy road trip snacks (check out a little instastory road trip fun here).
Blog Posts about Seattle: 1 // 2 // 3
Vlogs in Seattle: 1 // 2
Distance: 283km // Drive Time: 5.5 hours
Tofino is another road trip that’s a must do for families. Although it does take just over 5 hours to get there, it is broken up by a beautiful 2 hour ferry ride via BC Ferries. The drive to Tofino is easily just as beautiful as the destination itself, so I wouldn’t worry too much about the lengthy drive (more time for snacks). The last time we visited Tofino we stayed at the most incredible little a-frame cabins on the beach, called Ocean Village Beach Resort. It was the perfect family-friendly resort as they had all you needed right there, including nightly s’more making on the beach. And with so much to do in Tofino for families like beach combing, surfing, whale watching, hiking, kite flying, and fishing. It makes another perfect little family vacation.
Blog Posts about Tofino: 1
Distance: 1747km // Drive Time: 18.75 hours
California is easily our home away from home, at only a 2.5 hour flight from Vancouver. And although we’ve never actually driven it, it’s on our must-do family road trip bucket list. We’ve been going to California every year for the past 4 years. Staying for 10-days and visiting our happy place, Disneyland, for 5 of those days. We’ve done and visited so many places while were there, like Santa Monica Pier, LA, Hollywood and Anaheim. We always stay in home rentals and we’ve been so lucky to find the best one during our last trip, October 2018. We stayed with Twelve Springs and boy we were spoiled. Walking distance to Disneyland, beautiful home (and lovely neighbors), family-friendly pool, a garage converted to a playroom and all the luxuries that come with staying in a home (check out our house tour here). It’s our absolutely favorite way to rest out heads in California.
Blog Posts about California: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5
Vlogs in California: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4
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Travelbuds says
I love Harrison Hot Springs. I haven’t been in years but it’s just so beautiful there. We are lucky to live in the lower mainland and have so many wonderful places to be able to drive to in a short amount of time.