Family-Friendly Adventures in Britannia Beach, BC!

Britannia Mine Museum

Why Visit?

Embark on an exciting journey into the past at the Britannica Mine Museum, a perfect day-trip destination for families! Located just 45 minutes north of Vancouver along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, this historical site offers a rich blend of education and entertainment.

Getting There

Driving is the best way to reach the museum, with ample parking available on site. Alternatively, visitors can use public transportation by catching a bus from Vancouver towards Squamish and alighting at Britannia Beach.

Start Your Adventure

Begin your visit at the Visitor Reception Area where you can purchase tickets. Family passes are available, offering savings for groups.

Underground Tour

The highlight of your visit will be the Underground Tour, which departs every hour. Board the mine train and plunge into the dark tunnels of the once-thriving copper mine. The guide, dressed in mining gear, will lead you through the damp tunnels, sharing fascinating stories and fun facts, like how over 60,000 people once worked in these caverns, extracting vital minerals.

Gold Panning

After emerging from underground, try your hand at gold panning. This interactive activity is fun for kids and adults alike, and you get to keep any gold flakes you find!

Beaty Lundin Visitor Centre

Next, explore the multi-story historical building that houses artifacts and exhibits detailing the mine’s history. Don’t miss the captivating film that showcases the mine"s operation and its role in Canadian mining history.

Finish at the Company Store

Conclude your visit at the Company Store, where you can pick up unique souvenirs like gemstone kits or mining-themed toys.

This enriching visit not only provides a peek into the life of a miner but also highlights the technological advancements in mining. The Britannia Mine Museum offers an unforgettable adventure for the whole family, making history come alive in an engaging way.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Shannon Falls

Why Visit?

Family Adventure Itinerary to Shannon Falls

Morning

Start your day early by driving to Shannon Falls Provincial Park, located just off the Sea to Sky Highway (Highway 99) about 58 kilometers north of Vancouver. There is ample parking available, and it’s just a short, easy walk from the parking area to the viewing platforms. As you stroll along the well-maintained path, enjoy the lush greenery and listen for the roar of the falls, which are the third-highest in British Columbia, cascading from a height of 335 meters.

Fun Fact: Shannon Falls is named after William Shannon who first settled the property in 1889 and used the falls as a power source for his sawmill.

Midday

After marveling at the falls, enjoy a family picnic at the designated picnic areas within the park. Pack your favorite snacks and a blanket, and relax amidst the natural beauty. Post-lunch, take a short scenic drive to the nearby Sea to Sky Gondola. The gondola ride offers a breathtaking ascent, culminating in panoramic views of Howe Sound. Once at the top, explore a series of walking trails or the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge.

Afternoon

Spend the afternoon at the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park, which is just a short drive from Shannon Falls. The Chief offers several hiking options with varying levels of difficulty, and the views from the top are worth the climb. For families, the first peak is the most accessible, ensuring a fun challenge for kids and a rewarding view for everyone.

Evening

Wrap up your day with dinner in Squamish. The town has a variety of family-friendly restaurants that cater to different tastes, ensuring a delightful end to your adventure-filled day.

Remember: Always check the weather and trail conditions before heading out, wear appropriate footwear, and carry water and snacks. Enjoy your family day at Shannon Falls and surrounding attractions!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Squamish Adventure Centre

Why Visit?

Family Itinerary: A Day at Squamish Adventure Centre

Morning Arrival

Start your day at the Squamish Adventure Centre, located conveniently off Highway 99, just an hour"s drive from Vancouver. This architecturally stunning building, resembling an eagle in flight, is your gateway to a day of exploration and fun.

Explore the Centre (9:00 AM - 10:00 AM)

Begin with a self-guided tour through the Adventure Centre. Learn about the area"s rich history and diverse ecology through engaging, interactive displays perfect for kids. Don’t miss the informative visitor"s kiosk for a deep dive into local culture and nearby attractions.

Brackendale Eagles Park Visit (10:30 AM - 12:30 PM)

Take a short drive north to Brackendale Eagles Park, a prime location for viewing one of North America’s largest gatherings of bald eagles. The winter months are best for eagle watching, where these majestic creatures can be seen perched in trees or soaring overhead.

Lunch and Leisure at Shannon Falls (1:00 PM - 2:30 PM)

Just a 10-minute drive south from the Adventure Centre, enjoy a picnic lunch at Shannon Falls Provincial Park. Marvel at the third-highest waterfall in British Columbia, cascading from a height of 335 meters. The easy walking trails and picnic areas make it a perfect spot for families.

Afternoon Climbing at the Adventure Centre (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM)

Back at the Squamish Adventure Centre, engage in some indoor rock climbing. Their beginner-friendly climbing walls offer fun challenges for all ages, with equipment rental available on-site.

Departure (5:00 PM)

Wrap up your adventure-filled day by browsing the Adventure Centre’s gift shop, featuring local crafts and souvenirs, ensuring you take a piece of Squamish home with you.

Fact Check

- The Squamish Adventure Centre’s design symbolizes the Squamish people’s reverence for the eagle.

- Brackendale once held the world record for the largest number of bald eagles in one area.

This itinerary blends educational content with physical activity, making it a perfect, balanced day-out for a family in Squamish!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Audain Art Museum

Why Visit?

Plan an enriching family day out at the Audain Art Museum in Whistler, British Columbia! This modern museum, nestled in the picturesque landscape of Whistler, is a treasure trove of British Columbia"s art, from historic First Nations works to contemporary pieces.

Morning Arrival

Start your visit early to enjoy the serene morning ambiance. The museum is conveniently located at 4350 Blackcomb Way, just a short walk from Whistler Village. If you’re driving, parking is available in the nearby lots, or simply take a local bus which stops right in front of the museum.

Exploring the Museum

Upon entering, pick up a family activity guide designed to engage children with the museum’s exhibits. Begin with the permanent collection which features an impressive array of First Nations masks, a highlight for both kids and adults. These masks, rich in history and culture, offer a great starting point for discussions about the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.

Transition next to the temporary exhibitions, which vary throughout the year and often include interactive elements that captivate the imagination of younger visitors. Don’t miss the works by Emily Carr - her lush, evocative landscapes are a window into British Columbia’s past environments.

Interactive Fun

Allocate time for the children"s art area, where hands-on activities are available to help kids create their own masterpieces inspired by the artwork they"ve seen.

Lunch Break

Take a midday break at the museum"s café, which offers light refreshments and kid-friendly options, or enjoy a packed lunch in the serene outdoor picnic area.

A Walk Through Nature

Post-lunch, take a leisurely walk along the Cultural Connector path. This scenic route links the museum to other cultural institutions and is dotted with public artworks and stunning natural views, perfect for letting the kids run around and enjoy the fresh mountain air.

Wrap up your visit by browsing through the museum shop for unique souvenirs and books, giving your family a lasting memory of an educational and fun-filled day at the Audain Art Museum!

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Why Visit?

Family-Friendly Itinerary at Fairmont Chateau Whistler

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration

- Morning: Arrive at Fairmont Chateau Whistler, situated at the base of Blackcomb Mountain. Check-in and explore the grandeur of the hotel with a self-guided tour; don"t miss the beautiful art collection displayed throughout the property.

- Afternoon: Head to the Family Adventure Zone located a short walk from the hotel in the Upper Village. The Zone offers mini-golf, bungee trampolines, and go-karts, perfect for an energy-burning family outing.

- Evening: Enjoy a family dinner at The Wildflower, one of the hotel’s dining options known for its kid-friendly menu and locally sourced ingredients. Post-dinner, wind down with a movie under the stars, offered by the hotel during the summer months.

Day 2: Outdoor Activities

- Morning: After breakfast, take the complimentary hotel shuttle to the Whistler Blackcomb Gondola. Enjoy breathtaking mountain views and easy walking trails at the top. Keep an eye out for local wildlife!

- Afternoon: Visit Lost Lake, just a 15-minute bike ride from Chateau Whistler. Rent bikes from the hotel or nearby rental shops. The lake has a family-friendly beach, perfect for a picnic and a swim in the summer.

- Evening: Return to the hotel for some relaxation at the Vida Spa while the kids enjoy supervised activities at the Kids Club.

Day 3: Cultural Discovery

- Morning: Explore the Squamish Lil"wat Cultural Centre, a short drive or bus ride from the hotel. Immerse in the fascinating history and art of the local First Nations through interactive exhibits and guided tours.

- Afternoon: Enjoy a scenic drive to Brandywine Falls Provincial Park, about 15 minutes south of Whistler. Witness the stunning 70-meter waterfall and enjoy a light hike.

- Evening: Cap off your stay with dinner at Portobello, located within the hotel, known for its lively atmosphere and delicious family-friendly meals.

Departure

Check out and take home wonderful memories of a well-spent family vacation at Fairmont Chateau Whistler.

Family-Friendly Tips: Check for specific amenities and accessibility features relevant to family-friendly travelers.