For families looking for a budget-friendly Tofino excursion or are simply low on time, Remote Passages offers a 1.5 hour round-trip Vancouver Island hiking adventure of Big Tree Trail on nearby Meares Island. Hiking in Tofino: Located just a few fun Zodiac boat turns from the Remote Passages boat dock, Meares Island is uninhabited and protected by a local First Nations land conservation … [Read more...]
Tofino whale watching with Remote Passages
August 20, 2012 By
I'd heard the West Coast of Vancouver Island called the Galapagos of the Northwest, and never is that more apparent than while on the water, whether families are exploring tide pools, kayaking, or in this case, on the open ocean on a Remote Passages whale watch in Tofino BC. Tofino whale watching: Our Tofino whale watch with Remote Passages just may have been the crown jewel on the treasure … [Read more...]
Kayaking the Vancouver Island west coast with Majestic Ocean Kayaking
August 17, 2012 By
Families don't have to venture far into the Pacific or spend a whole day (and a whole lotta cash) seeing nature up close on a Vancouver Island west coast kayaking tour. When we joined Majestic Ocean Kayaking on their half-day harbor tour, we hadn't even pushed off from the boat dock before Calvin spotted a massive sea star glowing purple and pink under the shallow water. "What, that little thing?" … [Read more...]
Back-to-School lunches and fall travel with EasyLunchboxes
August 14, 2012 By
In the Pit Stops for Kids household (and probably yours) it's back-to-school time, but that doesn't mean the travel ends. We'll be enjoying many weekend trips and sports-related road trips, which means we're looking for school lunch box ideas that double for the car. Our solution: EasyLunchboxes. EasyLunchboxes is a great system for eco-friendly bento lunches designed by a mom. Based on the … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Ucluelet, BC: Black Rock Oceanfront Resort
August 13, 2012 By
What everyone needs after an active day hiking, kayaking, or touring Vancouver Island's west coast: a plunge pool and hot tub, rain shower, and cheery fire waiting at their resort. Families vacationing in Ucluelet BC get all that and more in Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. What, precisely? Try heated bathroom tiles, dramatic views, and fine dining, but more importantly to parenting traveling with … [Read more...]
University of British Columbia’s Museum of Anthropology
August 11, 2012 By
Vancouver's Museum of Anthropology is the perfect first stop for visiting families (and a great option during rainy weather, too). Much more comprehensive than we thought it would be, the Museum of Anthropology, or MOA, features not only an impressive main gallery of First Nations totem pole carvings, but also room after room of artifacts of native peoples (both of Western Canada and elsewhere). … [Read more...]
Where to stay in Vancouver BC: Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites
August 9, 2012 By
Vancouver, BC may be one of the best cities to tour with kids. It's full of outdoor experiences active kids crave--biking, beaches, parks and suspension bridges--while retaining the sophistication parents enjoy and seek to introduce to their children. And all within a stone's throw of the action (but please don't throw stones) is the Coast Plaza Hotel and Suites Hotel. Located in … [Read more...]
BubbleBum travel booster seat product review
August 8, 2012 By
It's not too often that I am presented with something completely new in the travel with kids product line. When I received the new BubbleBum booster seat for review, however, I was surprised: how could a small, lightweight, bright purple cinch bag contain a child's car booster seat? And yet it does. The BubbleBum is the first (to me, anyway) completely portable, travel booster seat for … [Read more...]
A stay at the Westin Mission Hills in Rancho Mirage, CA with SPG Kids’ Pass
August 2, 2012 By
The desert oasis of the Westin Mission Hills is located adjacent to Palm Springs, CA in Rancho Mirage, CA. While it may seem slightly on the crazy side to visit this part of the California desert in summer, we had a wonderful stay here, even in July. Our plan of action: tackle Palm Springs family attractions in the morning, then spend every afternoon near the pools! The Westin Mission Hills is a … [Read more...]
How to plan a multi-day backpacking trip with kids
July 28, 2012 By
Yes, kids can backpack! And yes, it's a bit more work than traditional tent or RV camping with kids, but twice as rewarding. We've backpacked annually with our kids since Nate (now age 13) was 13 months old, and while older kids make for the best backpackers, even backpacking with babies and toddlers is possible. To ensure a successful backpacking trip with kids, most of the work will take place … [Read more...]
