We’re a family that lives for the weekend. At the end of each month, I sit down with my calendar and plan out our weekends and the days off that we have together.
Since the kids are still young, we’re able to get away for a weekend here and there with no commitments or activities… yet! If you’re like us here are some ideas for quick, affordable weekend getaways near Vancouver.
Weekend Getaways Near Vancouver with Young Kids
There are a few things I keep in mind when planning a quick getaway with kids.
- How long is the drive/commute?
- Can we do things without having to get in a car?
- Can we stay in a place with a full kitchen?
Whistler
In Whistler, as a family, we’ve stayed at The Sundial hotel in the Village and Crystal Lodge. The Sundial hotel is very spacious and you can get a suite with a kitchen and living room. The pool is across the street.
Crystal Lodge, the rooms are your typical hotel rooms with 2 queens. But there’s a pool and a hot tub! Also, there’s a Spaghetti Factory is downstairs (super fam-friendly).
We love Whistler because you just park the car and leave it. There are lots to see and do in the village as a family. While you’re there you can walk around the village, grab a coffee and baked goods at Pure Bread and watch the kids play in the very cool playground across the way.
Sunshine Coast – Sechelt
The Sunshine Coast is a 45-minute ferry ride from Vancouver. Along the coast are many quiet and family-friendly towns. We stay in Sechelt a lot since we have family who have a place there. But rent an Air Bnb in Gibsons or Sechelt. There are breweries that don’t turn away kids, cute cafes and lots of exploring to do. Let the kids run around and climb trees and rocks at Smuggler’s Cove, visit the weekly farmer’s market, or collect rocks, spot seals or count starfish in the tidal pools near Davis Bay or drive over to Porpoise Bat to play on the sandy beach.
Bring groceries with you! The stores are surprisingly pricey!
Coombs – Near Nanaimo
The ferry to Nanaimo is 2 hours, then it’s a 40 minute drive from Nanaimo to Coombs. Once you’re there it’s a cute little town. Coombs is known for their goats on the roof at the Old Country Market. That place has HUGE cinnamon buns and all kinds of goodies and gifts. It’s like World Market.
You can rent an Air BnB. But what we’ve done in the past is stopped at Coombs on our way to Ucluelet where we’ve stayed in a cabin (see Ucluelet post)
Seattle
Get your passport! Seattle is about 3 hours away. We’ve always stayed at a Hampton Inn because… free breakfast! It makes a difference if you’re on a budget! 🙂 After fuelling up, we’ve driven down to Seattle, strolled around Pike Place! There are also lots of museums and other things to do but Pike Place has always been enough for us.
Other places people have recommended are:
Victoria
Kelowna (Must visit the Kangaroo Farm)
Semiahmoo Resort in Blaine, WA
Tigh-Na-Mara Resort & Spa, Parksville
Amanda is a writer, photographer, videographer and a content creator with a passion for sharing stories. With her family of 5, they share experiences, tips and ideas that empower Moms to make memories with their families right here in British Columbia.
