British Columbia - Pitstops for Kids

Family Apres Ski at Whistler Village

January 10, 2018 By Amy Hagstrom

After a full day of skiing or boarding, nothing is so satisfying as unbuckling your boots and shedding your coat to warm up amid the lively ambiance of fellow skiers and perhaps a live band. Add a cold brew or warm beverage, and you just might be in heaven. We’ve already told you where to eat on a budget at Whistler, but you don’t have to pass up the fun of apres ski drinks and appetizers, even if you do have a full kitchen at your Whistler home rental. Check out the following family-friendly apres ski at Whistler Village locations.

1. Mallard Lounge, Fairmont Chateau Whistler:

Located within the elegant lobby of the Fairmont (right off Blackcomb’s Wizard chair), the Mallard offers cozy couches fireside and a designated family seating area. In fact, the whole lounge is kid-friendly until 8 pm. On Friday nights until peak season, parents can order $5 drink specials while the kids sip gourmet hot chocolates and listen to nightly live entertainment.

2. Earl’s:

Earl’s is hard to miss coming down from any of Whistler’s main runs into the Village. Ski right to the front door, and grab a spot by the fire. The atmosphere here is very casual and fun; no one minds kids underfoot and the crowd is very family-oriented in the early evening after the lifts stop turning. Stay for dinner or depart after a drink or two (the burgers are great, but pricy).

3. Elements:

Located off the beaten path in Whistler Village North, Elements manages to be both casual and upscale, with inventive cocktails and appetizers that don’t break the bank. Kids will like the tapas that are disguised as finger foods. Unlike some of the noisier bars and pubs along the Village and Upper Village (think Wizard Bistro), Elements remains full without feeling crowded.

While you wait for drinks or while you’re still deciding where to go, let the kids play on one of the many snow hills piled up along the pedestrian streets of the Village Stroll. They’ll have a blast playing ‘king of the hill’ or sledding down them in their ski pants even after a full day on the slopes. (If only I had that sort of energy!)

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10 tips for using ferries for Northwest travel with kids

October 6, 2017 By Amy Hagstrom

If you travel extensively throughout the coastal northwest, your route will eventually necessitate using Washington State (WSDOT) ferries or BC Ferries. Both are well-run ferry transportation options, but can seem intimidating to the occasional Northwest traveler. My family and I learned the ropes (at least, most of them) the fun way on a 10 day trip throughout coastal BC and Washington islands. What we found families need to know before traveling by ferry with kids in the Pacific Northwest:

10 tips for using ferries:

1. Know which ferry passages can be reserved in advance.

Most BC Ferry routes can be reserved ahead of time (though not all…more on that below), whereas most Washington State ferries cannot. If you’re traveling during peak tourist season (summer), reservations are at very least helpful, and sometimes crucial. BC Ferry schedules are listed clearly, and travelers can create an account on the BC Ferry website to make reservations for most routes. Reserving ahead of time is helpful not only because it ensures your passage, but also because it allows you to use the website to receive email alerts for any schedule changes to your route. Smaller routes, such as the ‘most scenic short-cut in the Northwest’ from Mill Bay, BC to Brentwood Bay, BC, are not reservable, but the heavily traveled routes, such as Vancouver to Nanaimo, always are.

Schedule your ferry passages at the time you plan your travel itinerary.

Ferry passages (and their schedules) just might change your plans. For instance, I was surprised to find out that my preferred route of travel from the San Juan Islands straight to Seattle was not possible, despite being geographically close by, nautically-speaking. Neither was my plan to traverse from Victoria to Friday Harbor. No worries: once I’d seen where offered ferries do travel, I was happy to adjust my plans. After all, there’s really no bad place to be along the Pacific Northwest coast.

3. Be on time.

And by on time, I mean at least 1 hour early, if you’re driving a car onto the ferry. Yes, even if you have a reservation. And yes, even on the small ferry routes. This seems inconvenient, but on our recent trip throughout Vancouver Island, Washington, and Vancouver BC, we didn’t mind. Once you’ve queued, you’re free to turn off your engine and get out of your car. At every ferry terminal we encountered, restrooms were available at minimum. At maximum, we enjoyed restaurants, scenic views, gift shops, and more.

4. Consider purchasing a Waves2Go or Experience Card if you’ll be using ferries for an extended time (or numerous passages).

Waves2Go is WSDOT’s monthly pass, and the Experience Card is BC Ferries convenient swipe card that can be preloaded with fare (at a discount).

5. Budget in the cost of bringing your car along for the ride.

The most expensive passenger on any ferry ride is your car. On our BC Ferry passage from Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver) to Nanaimo, our car cost us $75, and our Washington ferry ride from Sidney BC to Friday Harbor, WA cost us $45 in car fare. (Passengers are typically around $15 on longer passages, and as low as $7.50 on shorter passages.

6. Consider your ferry passage as both transportation and a scenic tour.

Northwest ferry passages are downright beautiful, and often wildlife can be spotted. (We saw jelly fish swimming on our shorter passage, and harbor seals in the San Juans.) In poor weather, most viewing decks have covered areas; go outside rain or shine!

7. Get out of your car as soon as you’re given the go-ahead by ferry personnel.

We quickly learned that there’s precious real estate on every ferry: window seats. The sooner you’re up from the car decks, the better your chances of snagging some. A few seats do have outlets, so don’t forget to bring any devices that need charging from the car. The ‘get out of the car early’ rule goes double on large BC Ferries if you’re planning to purchase a meal (at mealtime) onboard. Lines at breakfast and lunch go long.

8. Entertainment on board a Northwest ferry varies.

On large BC Ferries, you can expect gift shops, child play spaces (similar to what you’d find in airports) and even small arcades. Inter-island and Anacortes ferries in Washington will have snack shops and viewing decks, but little else. Tip: look for partially completed jigsaw puzzles on random ferry tables…they’ve been left for the next passengers. See how many pieces you can contribute before disembarking.

9. Remember to convert your money before leaving BC for Washington, or vice versa.

Washington ferries no longer take Canadian currency for on-board purchases, and shops and restaurants on the Sidney, BC side will not take American as a rule.

10. Don’t forget your passports.

Crossing the border by sea requires the same documentation and immigration process as crossing by land. All adults will need a passport, and kids will need a passport or birth certificate. If you’re traveling without one custodial parent, a letter of consent is required. (We didn’t have one from my husband, who was not with us, and we were allowed to enter Canada anyway, but the officer let us know it is needed.)

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: what not to miss with kids

December 12, 2016 By Amy Hagstrom

Twenty minutes before lifts stopped turning on a perfect Whistler ski trip, we were still finding fresh powder. Whistler Blackcomb is just that big. Everywhere we skied at Whistler Blackcomb, the kids discovered new routes, new glades, and new jumps. After spending two full ski days exploring the duel mountains, we could only say we’d had a ‘sampler’ of what this resort offers to families.

Whether you have an ideal 3-4 ski days at Whistler Blackcomb, or just a short few like we did, Pit Stops for Kids is happy to share our top sections of the mountain for families, including runs, lifts, lodges, and dining.

Where to ski or snowboard on a Whistler ski trip:

The best thing about Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain layout is the fact that no matter where you are on either of the mountains, from peak to base, beginner (green), intermediate (blue), and advanced (black) runs are available. This means families can ride the lifts together even if they’re of different ability levels, and even young kids and novice skiers and riders can experience the whole resort. Our favorite sections of the two peaks for kids (of any level):

1. Jersey Cream area of Blackcomb: This area is accessed by the Solar Express lift (from Wizard Express at the base), and provides expert to beginner runs situated high enough on the mountain to be challenging but just below the tree-line (to keep out of the wind). We spent the majority of our time here, alternating between the double-black-diamond Jersey Cream Bowl and its many side runs (most of which are intermediate). The Green Line (beginner) offers a fun alternative to those not so sure about moguls and steeps. For those wanting to go higher up, the Glacier Express loads adjacent to Jersey Cream.

2. Whistler Family Zone: Located on Whistler Peak directly across from Blackcomb after off-loading from the Peak 2 Peak Gondola (or off the Whistler Village Gondola), this Family Zone is a relaxing place to try out new skills without fear of fast skiers or riders nearby. Marked by bright green flags, the Family Zone offers groomed slopes and is placed next to one of Whistler Blackcomb’s many Nintendo Terrain Parks. It’s easy for kids to dip in and out of the terrain park (every feature is clearly marked as S (small), M (medium) or L (large) and still meet up with non-jumping family members. If your kids like easy glided skiing or riding, look for the large wooden arch marking the entrance to a not-so-steep tree glade filled with powder and trails (when snow levels permit).

3. Blackcomb lower mountain: Younger kids will like the numerous intermediate runs off the Wizard Express (and parents will like that the Blackcomb lower mountain gets less traffic than the Whistler lower mountain). When they’re ready, take intermediate and beginner kids up Solar Express for new terrain, including another Nintendo Terrain Park. (Look for the magic ‘castle’ play area nearby…though we had trouble finding it in deep snow, even with signage!)

Tip: If you’re new to the mountain, a great way to orient yourself is to ride to the top of Blackcomb and take the Green Line (beginner) all the way down. This cat-track trail, marked ‘Easiest Way Down’, traverses the entirety of Blackcomb while winding slowly down. Parents can get a feel for the mountain while kids get their ‘feet wet’. Plus, we clocked it: it’s a 30 minute run!

Where to eat and rest:

Whistler Blackcomb is very big, which means that traversing to your favorite pit stop could take a while, depending upon where you are on the mountain. Families will waste time getting from Point A to Point B if they’re not careful. The good news is, there are dining options on both mountains, of course. Our best advice: no matter where you eat, try to avoid the two largest lodges, Roundhouse and Rendezvous, during peak lunch hours (12-1pm).

1. Glacier Lodge: Located at the base of Jersey Cream and Glacier lifts, this smaller lodge is just enough off the beaten path to be an ideal lunch spot for families. (Also recommended is Crystal Lodge, but it’s so far off the main lifts it may take too much time to get to.)

2. Rendezvous Lodge: As long as you avoid the peak lunch hour, Rendezvous is a good bet (and easy to get to from either Whistler–take the Peak 2 Peak–or Blackcomb). Even during the busy holiday season, we didn’t have trouble finding a table or getting through the cafeteria-style dining area. Tip: even adults can order kid meals, which are a great value at $8.99 and include an entree, two snacks (all healthy options), a piece of fruit, and a drink. If the kids finish eating before you do, let them go downstairs to the Nintendo gaming area, where they can play the latest Wii and Nintendo DS 3D games for free!

3. Try to avoid Whistler Village at lunch, as this congested area will delay your return to the slopes. The exception: if you’re staying at a ski-in-ski-out hotel. During our stay at the Fairmont Chateau, we were able to ski down to the hotel, eat a healthy meal in our room, and be back on the hill within 45 minutes. It was worth returning to the base to skip the lunchtime crowds (and hassle).

Riding the Peak 2 Peak:

At some point, you’ll want to cross between Whistler Peak and Blackcomb Peak, and while you can return to the Whistler Village and ride the Excalibur Gondola to the Blackcomb side, you’ll have far more fun riding the Peak 2 Peak. Located between the Rendezvous and Roundhouse lodges, the Peak 2 Peak takes about 20 minutes to ride. This is a great time to adjust clothing and gloves, eat a snack, or simply warm up! The views are jaw-dropping (as is the height!). Your lift ticket includes the Peak 2 Peak, so take advantage of it!

Don’t be surprised if you experience less than 30 percent of Whistler Blackcomb in one day, and don’t be afraid to ride lifts all the way to the peaks (when open). There will be an easy way down option every time!

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced Whistler Blackcomb as guests of the resort. While we appreciated this opportunity to share tips and advice with other traveling families, it not come with the expectation of a positive review.

A week stay at Three Bars Ranch, British Columbia

July 27, 2015 By Amy Hagstrom

There are beautiful resorts and vacation properties all over the world. The best start with a stunning destination, then add experiences, dining, and activities in a way that feeds both a sense of adventure and the need for relaxation. Then there are a few truly special, tucked-away places that manage to do all of the above, plus add a certain something that take them over-the-top for family travel. What is this secret sauce? It’s hard to say, but you know it when you experience it: it’s genuine, organic, and rooted in excellent guest service. These magical places make our top 1% of destination reviews.

The Three Bars Ranch in the Canadian Rockies of British Columbia is one of these places. One of the top 1% ones. One of the cream of the crop ones. They don’t get this rating from us by offering the most luxurious accommodations we’ve ever seen (we’ve seen nicer). They don’t get it from serving gourmet food. They don’t get it with a Michelin rating or a bunch of diamonds after their name in the guidebooks. They get it by being themselves, which is an authentic guest dude ranch with a long-standing family history, and by doing for guests: if it’s on your bucket list and can be done in the Rockies, they’ll make it happen.

We’ve now reviewed multiple dude ranches, and our standard advice continues to be: know what you want before you book, then book accordingly. Some dude ranches we’ve experienced focus almost exclusively on their riding program, and are best for experienced riders. Others are more like B&Bs or farm stays. Three Bars Ranch wins in the ‘all-round best for everyone’ category, but after staying for a week, I urge families not to think of it as a dude ranch.

Instead, think of Three Bars as an all-inclusive Canadian holiday, or as a family camp. With rafting, mountain biking, sport shooting, tennis, swimming, fly fishing, hiking, and golf in addition to its riding program, Three Bars truly does have something for everyone. But it’s more than that: remember the secret sauce? Three Bars manages to offer all of the above, and do so seamlessly, in a way that makes families feel relaxed, welcome, and comfortable both with the ranch staff and with each other. Trust us: not all dude ranches achieve this.

What to expect at Three Bars Ranch:

Like most dude ranches, families typically book at week at Three Bars. We arrived on a Sunday in late June, pulling up to the ranch house, barn, and other structures at about 4 pm. We were greeted by two of our wranglers at the main lodge, and shown to our cabin, one of about 20 circling the lodge on a grassy court. We settled in, and explored the grounds.

Three Bars is situated on over 1200 acres of pasture, forests, and mountainsides, plus uses an additional 60,000 acres of leased land in the heart of the Canadian Rockies along the St. Mary’s River. The ranch property includes the main lodge where we checked in, the cabins, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool and hot tub, an activities barn with mountain bikes, and the horse padlocks and barns. Right away, it was clear that we were to consider this property ‘ours’ during our stay, and immediately, the kids felt comfortable wandering (as did we). They found the ping-pong and foosball tables, the pool table in the bar (open to youth players), the cozy gazebo, and the petting ‘zoo’, which is a true manaserie of animals all in need of lots of petting and holding (including a donkey, pigmy goat, pony, chickens, kittens, and goats).

After a Sunday evening meet-and-greet, welcome dinner, and orientation, daily life at the ranch settles into a routine. Every day, a bulletin board will list the day’s schedule, which will always include a morning and afternoon horse ride, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and an evening activity. Alternative afternoon activities are always offered: whether it be a scheduled rafting trip or a specifically arranged fly fishing trip, ATV ride, or mountain bike trip. Every morning, head wrangler (and ranch owner) Tyler Beckley comes around to each breakfast table to arrange the day’s activities for each family. This is the time for families to choose which type of ride to go on, or what alternative activity to schedule. As the week wore on, we, like many families, met friends and arranged to ride and play together, asking for teen rides, group rides, and ladies only rides. All were easily arranged.

Our typical day (Mon-Fri at the ranch) started by barely waking up in time for 8 am breakfast (unheard of for us, early-risers!), taking a morning ride of our choice (usually a fast ride while the kids rode with friends, or a family ride), coming back for lunch and a little break, an afternoon activity, which alternated between another ride or a different activity (one afternoon we went target shooting, another we went rafting), then down time in the late afternoon.

We filled this time by swimming in the pool, playing ping-pong or tennis, riding a bike along the trails, or just sitting on the porch of our cabin with a glass of wine.

Our family especially love riding bikes along the single track horse trails and many dirt roads and ATV trails around the ranch; bikes are available in the activities barn (the smallest being 17″ during our visit…a good size for a 10-year-old or up). From the barn area, trails can be accessed easily, either from the pastures or the trails past the large reining barn. We also swam and played tennis, and other families went fly fishing (equipment is available to use) and ATV riding (extra fee).

The ranch bar opens each day at 5 pm, and families tend to gather there to compare notes on the day. Kids order smoothies and play pool, and adults relax over a beer or cocktail. Dinner is at 6:30, followed by an evening activity, always with the wranglers, who also eat meals with guests and socialize naturally with everyone.

Evening activities during our stay ranged from a reining horse demonstration by horse trainer Jessie Buckley to a volleyball match and a cowboy guitar entertainer. Because it doesn’t get dark in summer in this part of the world until almost 11 pm, the kids tended to play on the lawns or soak in the hot tub until well after 9 pm, with lights out for our crew of school-aged and teen kids well past bedtime.

The Three Bars riding program:

If I had to pick one part of the Three Bars Ranch that is at the heart of the stay, it would be the riding program, though I want to emphasize again that this ranch is about so much more than riding. That said, compared to riding programs at dude ranches we’ve visited that have more of a ‘riding is everything’ attitude, Three Bars is still very much on par.

The riding is incredible. The horses are very well trained and responsive, and to a person, the wranglers were friendly, competent, and helpful. During our visit, there was a very even mix of ability level on horseback, with about 1/3 of the riders considering themselves novices, 1/3 experienced riders who don’t ride often, and 1/3 frequent riders. On Day 1, everyone was introduced to their horse, pre-selected based on a questionnaire asking for experience level. Every one of the 30+ guests were happy with their horses during our stay.

The first day, everyone I spoke to began by walking only, with wranglers keeping a careful eye on ability level and horse/rider compatibility. We didn’t mind, even though we were eager to trot and lope our horses, because the first ride was a great opportunity to get to know the area and see some of the scenery away from the ranch proper. By our second ride (afternoon of Day 1), our family was trotting, and by Day 2, we were loping (by request…this is not necessary). At another ranch we’d visited, rides started out fast and furious…great for experienced riders but uncomfortable for those who ride only occasionally.

On subsequent days, we verbalized what type of ride we wanted during the morning check-in with Tyler, whether it be a walking ride, ride with plenty of breaks and play time for kids, medium ride (with trotting and some loping), or fast ride (with more bouts of loping). We rode with our family unit and also with new friends. I absolutely love riding, so I greatly enjoyed the riding program, but individuals who would rather pursue other actives could absolutely do so. My kids loved having their ‘own’ horses for the week, and bonded with them quickly. In fact, even though 13-year-old Calvin, who liked riding fast, ended up with a very slow horse, he didn’t want to switch…he’d learned to love slow Chico!

Dining at Three Bars:

Meals are served at 8 am, noon, and 6:30 pm at Three Bars, and the food is always good. Occasionally during our stay, it was only ok, and sometimes, it was amazing. Full disclosure: I’m not a foodie. Especially during a vacation where we work up such an appetite, I’d honestly rather have good food, and plenty of it, than great food, in tiny, fancy portions.

At Three Bars, you get the former. We had no complaints, and always had our fill. The dining staff did an excellent job accommodating my pescetarian dietary needs, as well as others’ gluten-free needs. They can accommodate any type of need, with advanced warning. Breakfast included staples such as egg dishes, hash browns, pancakes, and granola, and there was always cereal, fruit, yogurt, and toast. Coffee was average (if you’re a coffee connoisseur, bring your own!) and water, tea, and coffee was always set out during the day.

Lunch ranged from sandwich fixings to make-your-own-burrito bars, always with freshly-baked cookies and side salads. Dinners ranged from ribs to herb chicken to Italian pastas, always with something for everyone. If you come expecting gourmet fare, you’ll be disappointed, but if your primarily goal is to be served hearty fare, you’ll go away happy. We had brought snacks for our room, but never needed them.

Lodging at Three Bars:

The cabins at Three Bars are very comfortable, visually beautiful, and convenient. Each has a TV with plenty of channels (though we hardly ever turned ours on), coffee service, a full bathroom with tub, WiFi (a godsend since I had to work during the stay), and very cozy beds with high-end linens.

There are different cabin configurations, but we ended up with two connecting rooms (one with three beds for the kids and a queen bed for me), giving us two bathrooms. Rooms have mini-fridges and cabinet space for snacks, plus plenty of closet space for riding gear and outerwear. Each cabin has a porch with table and chairs out front, all overlooking the main lawn and lodge.

What to know before you go:

Everyone will need riding boots. The good news: boots can be rented from the ranch for $30/stay. This is a great value if you have older kids, as boots are expensive.
Everyone will want a cowboy hat. They have them for sale in the store for a reasonable price. We had our ahead of time.
Kids under 12 must wear a riding helmet. I felt great about this rule.
Remember you’ll need passports or copies of the kids’ birth certificates to get across the Canadian border.
Once at the ranch, you don’t need cash other than gratuity. All extra charges will go on a room charge. Tip should be 5-10% of the cost of the vacation, and can be given at the end of the stay.
The activities that are not all-inclusive include ATV-riding, shooting, fly fishing, golf, and alcohol from the bar.
All riding levels are accommodated. Don’t worry about lack of experience, or having too much experience.
The wrangler staff are primarily young people from Canada and Australia. All are wonderful, and will make your kids feel special.
Activities such as mountain biking, fishing, golf, and ATV riding can be scheduled at any time. Shooting sports and rafting are scheduled for set times.
Kids can participate in shooting sports, regardless of experience. As non-gun-owners, we felt the experience was very safe and positive, with an emphasis on respect for guns.
Bring several pairs of jeans per person, and plan to do laundry!
Expect to miss your horse when you leave!

We experienced Three Bars Ranch as guests of the ranch, for the purpose of review. All opinions are our own.

Big White Dog Sled Tours

January 25, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

I thoroughly enjoyed every outdoor activity I tried during our family vacation at Big White Ski Resort, but I think flying down a nordic trail pulled by a team of sled dogs was my favorite (don’t tell). I arrived for my Big White dog sledding experience with my mom, a long-time follower of the Iditerod and dog-lover. We met with Tim, Big White’s resident dog musher, and his team of dogs at their kennel situated near the multi-use trails. From the minute we arrived, we were both entranced.

Unlike some sled dogs, Tim’s team is friendly and enthusiastic to meet people, so we were able to become acquainted while Tim gave us some background on the dogs (some of which are retired Iditerod athletes), his mission as a musher, and the kinesiology behind what makes a great sled dog. Some dog sledding ventures will simply put you on a sled and take your money, but as soon as we started talking to Tim, it was obvious that he cares as much about educating guests on sled dogs and the sled dog culture as he does about ensuring you have a great ride.

After learning what the dogs eat (let’s just say they probably eat better than you and me), where they sleep (in cozy crates nested with straw), and whether they get along with one another (better than my kids), Tim started the process of harnessing them for our sledding trip. As soon as he got the slip of paper out of his pocket on which he’d listed today’s ‘line-up’, the previous calm and quiet kennel erupted in noise rivaling that of a soccer stadium after a goal. “No matter if they just ran, they want to run again,” Tim explained, and my mom and I both noted that this canine characteristic–unbridled enthusiasm–is one of the things that makes us love dogs.

With the team finally picked, the dogs on the ‘sideline’ set to wailing and barking while Tim explained to us the process of departing. With a brake set in the snow to prevent the excited dogs from sprinting away immediately (or yesterday, if they had their way), my mom and I settled in the sled and Tim positioned himself on the runners at the back. With one command, the team took off.

The first thing I noticed: how fast we were going. The second: how silent the previously barking dogs had become. We could hear a pin drop (or more accurately, only our own shrieks of joy) as we sailed over the packed snow. I’d never get tired of watching the dogs run before me (and the beautiful Monashee mountain scenery), but halfway through our 5K (3.2 mile) run, Tim slowed the team and stopped them, offering me a turn at the back of the sled.

Tim had warned me that ‘there’s nothing quite like being on the runners’ and he was right. Without any means of stopping or controlling the well-trained dogs, you can truly feel their power as they pull. (Just don’t look down at the snow whizzing by below your boots!)

My mom got her turn ‘behind the wheel’, and before we knew it, we were arriving back at the kennel. Tim showed us how he rewards the team with a tasty frozen meat snack, and we talked more as he unharnessed and praised the dogs. We appreciated how clearly Tim loved his animals, and we came away from the experience with a greater respect for this species, this sport, and the humane people who give it the heart it has.

The details:

Each sled has a weight limit (rather than a person limit), so depending on your family, you might need 1-2 sleds. (Weight limit is 340 pounds.) Until recently, only one sled could depart at a time, but now Tim’s wife is available most days, allowing entire families to sled together. (For reference, my mom and I, two average-sized adults, could easily fit in one sled.) If you have a larger group, bear in mind that you may need to stagger your start times, though you could all enjoy the dogs at the kennel together.

The dog sled experience can be booked nearly any day during the ski season, and reservations can be made ahead of time at the Village Centre Mall Activities Desk and through Central Reservations. Cost is $195 per sled (regardless of number of people). Young kids are welcome, but if some family members would rather not ride, they could come (supervised) with you to visit with the dogs before departure.

Wear ski gear (snow pants, warm gloves, jacket, and googles). A hat or helmet is also recommended, and you’ll need snow boots.

As I disclose whenever applicable, we were hosted for our dog sledding experience. Though we’re grateful for this opportunity to recommend this experience to our readers, it did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Big White Ice Tower Climb: a family activity (yes, really!)

January 23, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Among the many unique outdoor activities offered at Big White Ski Resort in Kelowna BC is their 60 foot Ice Tower. The only such tower in North America, this structure is looms as a huge, contoured block of ice in the center of Big White’s Adventure area, and yes, it’s intimidating! But here’s the best part: anyone can try to climb it…no experience necessary!

Ice climbing is normally an unapproachable sport for most people, which makes its inclusion at Big White all the more unique. While most of us have tried (or at least seen) man-made rock climbing walls, seeing an ice tower ready to climb is eye-opening. Looking at it straight up, it’s hard to imagine climbing it halfway, let alone to its pinnacle (where you can ring a bell to signal your victory), but the friendly staff here (as well as your cheering family and bystanders) make it possible.

To start our ice climbing experience, the whole family (yes, everyone…from my husband and me at 38 and 36 to our kids ages 13, 11, and 8) were outfitted with harnesses, ice picks, and ice climbing boots. We then made our way out to the tower, where our ice climbing experts showed us how to use our toe clamp-ons and picks to dig into the ice, and gave us tips (like use your legs, not your arms). We were then paired up with the correct side of the tower (there are varying degrees of difficulty), and took turns ascending.

Here’s how it went:

I won’t lie: it was hard! There were several times when I wasn’t sure where to put my foot or hand, and because the tower is made from frozen water (dripping as it wished), the ‘terrain’ is authentic. I didn’t look down–no way–and needed a few helpful boasts from the ice climber manning my rope (you’re constantly tied in). I made it however (though far behind my 13-year-old, who had youth on his side), and it definitely felt satisfying to ring that bell!

When I descended (repelling on the rope), my arms were shaky…clearly I hadn’t followed the ‘use your legs’ advice. My whole family made a strong effort, and my 11-year-old even made the whole climb with the use of only one arm (his right is broken and in a cast). This feat put him on the Big White Ice Tower record board, of which he was very proud.

We all came away from the experience feeling on top of the world, having tried something completely new to all of us. I met with the owner of the tower, who reinforced that this is not unusual: he wanted to build the tower so that people could be introduced to the sport of ice climbing. If you get a taste for it, daily and season passes are available: many seasoned climbers use the tower as practice between climbs.

The details:

A single climb is only $20, and comes with all equipment needed. The Ice Tower is located in the Adventure zone area of Big White, adjacent to the Happy Valley Day Lodge. (And across from the Mega Coaster tubing area.) If not all family members are up for a climb, kids can be tubing while parents climb, or vice versa…though you’ll want to watch, trust me!

As I disclose whenever applicable, we climbed Big White’s Ice Tower as guests of Big White. While appreciated, this compensation did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Big White Ski Resort: family-friendly skiing in Kelowna BC

January 21, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

It speaks to Big White Ski Resort‘s dedication to families that there’s too many family-friendly activities, events, and programs to include in just one post. Over the next week, we’ll be featuring our favorites, in addition to this overview of the mountain and its lodging, dining, and family fun.

First, an overview from the Pit Stops for Kids video channel:

Skiing at Big White:

I asked around before arriving at Big White, and learned that this resort is known for three things: family-focused fun, lightweight, ‘champagne’ powder, and fog. (More on that last one in a bit.) From the moment we checked in at Central Reservations, it was evident the ‘family-focused’ part was no joke: we were given a full page of daily activities for kids, most of them complimentary. Throughout our stay, we experienced Big White’s bi-weekly ‘Carnival Night’ with bouncy houses, slides, carnival games and free cotton candy; hot chocolate by a bonfire; Family Apres Ski at the Moose Lounge; and a holiday parade the kids could participate in. Had we stayed longer, Nate, age 13, could have participated in Teen Wii Night, and Toby, age 8, and Calvin, age 11, could have attended a Kids’ Centre climbing wall event.

Because Big White is a completely ski-in, ski-out resort (yes, you can ski or walk everywhere), it’s very relaxing to get from Point A to Point B, and because the vibe here is very laid back, you’ll see kids sledding and adults snowshoeing or cross-country skiing throughout the village along the streets and pathways. We immediately embraced this attitude, leaving the car parked and hopping on the gondola from our mid-mountain condo to head to the lower Happy Valley adventure center and walking just a few steps to the Village center.

Thanks to Big White’s high elevation location in the Monashee mountains near Kelowna BC, the resort enjoys a steady amount of snowfall (they don’t make their own snow…they don’t need to). The tree skiing is consistently great, and the snow is dry and light, making it easy for even young kids to slide through the powder. Our boys loved the large amount of glade skiing, and I loved that I didn’t need to go all the way up the peak to find challenging terrain.

Big White’s reputation for fog is accurate as well, but you know what? It was no big deal. The dense fog can be disorienting, but local skiers know just what to do: head to the gladed sections of the lower mountain (such as Black Forest), and save the peaks for another day. We found the fog to often burn off, but if it doesn’t, just think of it as an excuse to tackle some of Big White’s other outdoor activities. While out in the fog, take a photo next to Big White’s famed ‘snow ghosts’.

Big White Ski and Board School:

Big White’s reputation as a family destination is well-deserved, and naturally, this extends to its Ski and Board School. Unlike some ski resorts, Big White’s ski school is not just day care (though they have that, too). As an expert skier, I was pleased to see the skill levels of each ski school class clearly marked on the Big White website, complete with YouTube videos of necessary skills so you can accurately place your kids in the right classes. Once on site, I was also happy to see the sheer number of ski school instructors; extras are always in reserve should they be needed on any given morning.

We dropped off Calvin and Toby at ski school for two half-days, and on Day 1, I braced myself for the usual chaos of ski school registration during peak season. It didn’t come. Though the Kids’ Centre (located directly across from the Village Centre Mall in the main village) was bustling, it ran like a well-oiled machine, thanks to efficient, friendly staff. Kids can be dropped off as early as 8:30 am for a 9:30 lesson, but they’re hardly suffering while they wait: the ‘no adults allowed’ Kids’ Centre houses lego tables, indoor slides and play spaces (yes, you can play in your ski boots), and tables for arts and crafts.

Security is well-run as well: kids are given scannable bar codes for their helmets and parents are issued identical codes they must present at pick-up. During lessons, kids wear GPS trackers, the data from which is later emailed to parents, so they can see where their child skied or boarded on the hill. I was impressed that at each pick up, my kids’ instructors sought me out to explain to me in detail how my kids were progressing. Toby’s instructor, a young man named Jordan, was especially detailed and friendly. I’ll admit: my kids don’t always want to have lessons when they could be free skiing, but both were happy to go back to the Kids’ Centre on Day 2.

Outdoor Adventure:

Big White is home to North America’s only ice climbing tower, an experience so unique, it deserves its own post. Also located nearby: Big White’s Mega Coaster snow tubing park, the highest elevation ice skating rink in Canada (on which kids can also play hockey, complete with referees), dog sledding (more on that as well), miles of nordic trails, sleigh rides, and snowmobiling.

Family Activities:

Kids can return to the Kids’ Centre almost every evening for scheduled, supervised activities, many of which are complimentary. Activities include wall climbs, snow tubing, and game nights, including dinner. Family activities abound as well: we checked out apres ski fare snacks and mocktails at the Moose Lounge after a full ski day, and took part in holiday events such as Big White’s annual Christmas Eve parade. Be sure to check for daily events offered (schedules can be found at the information center at the Village Centre Mall)…the list rivals that of a cruise ship!

Dining:

The beauty of true ski-in, ski-out lodging is that families can make their own meals in their condos. On the nights you choose to eat out, this also means fewer crowds (both at lunch and dinner). We grocery shopped en route to Big White at Kelowna, but also ate a few choice meals out. Our favorite dining locations:

1. The Bullwheel: This restaurant on the upper side of the village is a nice spot to duck into for a mid ski-day meal or dinner. The food is very fresh and often locally sourced, paired with Okanagan wines in the evening. We recommend the huge gourmet burgers and kids’ make-your-own pizza.

2. Beano’s: This breakfast and coffee spot is located right in the cozy Village Centre Mall, making it a convenient and yummy breakfast counter before dropping the kids off at lessons or picking up your tickets. We loved the breakfast sandwiches and the kids devoured their big cinnamon rolls.

3. Kettle Valley Steakhouse: This restaurant is casual while still delivering on excellent cuisine. If you’re in Big White during the holiday season, order Christmas dinner from Kettle Valley and have it delivered right to your condo. We experienced this firsthand, and had a delicious (and large portioned!) dinner of turkey, vegetables, stuffing, rolls, salad, cheesecake, and more.

4. Happy Valley Cafeteria: This cafeteria is just like that in most day lodges, with two differences: lower prices and better food. We loved their noodle bowls, and we were able to get healthy burgers for the kids (they liked the tuna burger, for instance). Don’t worry: there’s also fries, grilled cheese, hot dogs, and the like.

Lodging:

There is no ‘bad’ location at Big White, but if you want to be close to the village and right off an easy (green) run, our lodging at The Eagles Resort is perfect. Our three-bedroom, two-bath plus loft condo included a full kitchen, spacious living room with fireplace, huge boot/coat room, and fun three-bed loft for the kids. We had more room than we knew what to do with, plus ski lockers a few floors below us. We could step into our skis and right out onto the run, or walk just a few yards through a snowy tunnel to the village. After skiing, we relaxed in the large indoor/outdoor hot tub, and the kids made use of the communal game room.

The Eagles reminded us of the ski lodging of our youth: low on frills such as granite countertops and exposed wood beams, high on practical touches like glove-warming racks and a full ski tuning station in the ski storage locker. Each condo comes with a heated, indoor parking space (extra cars can park in the outside lot) and housekeeping refreshes towels and takes out garbage three days weekly. The Eagles was exactly what we needed to stay comfortably and conveniently at Big White.

As I disclose whenever applicable, Big White Ski Resort hosted us during our stay. Though appreciated, this generosity did not come with expectation of a positive review.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler: an ultimate ski vacation destination

January 18, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Some hotel stays are simply pit stops, and some are once-in-a-lifetime fairy tale destinations. Count the Fairmont Chateau Whistler as the latter. Is the indulgence of a Fairmont hotel stay worth the expense? Yes. So if you can possibly swing it, start saving up!

We arrived for our Fairmont stay on a snowy December evening. Under the twinkling holiday lights of the bell services station, we ditched our car full of luggage and ski gear and practically glided through the check-in process. Upstairs in our adjoining deluxe rooms, we took in the view of a wintery Whistler, the base of Blackcomb slopes directly below, and slowly got used to the idea that this was going to be a stress-free ski vacation with kids.

Our skis were finding their own vacation home in the Fairmont Chateau ski valet, where they were available to us for check-out every ski day. Because I wasn’t sure how the ski valet process worked, I took a trip down to this lower level section of the hotel to ask whether our family should arrive for our skis while in ski boots or snow boots, where we should change into ski coats, and the like. “Ma’am,” the ski valet told me, “at the Fairmont, we’ll do anything you want.” Questions answered.

Here’s a video sampling of what makes Fairmont Whistler so great:

Hotel amenities:

During our stay, we spent every day enjoying the ski-in, ski-out access to Blackcomb and Whistler mountains and our evenings either in the indoor-outdoor heated pools and hot tubs, in the cozy Mallard Lounge, on the impromptu sledding slopes behind the hotel, or all three. We loved that the hotel’s fitness center rents out complimentary sleds to guests, allowing kids to make their own fun on the pillowy snow all around the resort, and I loved the stations of infused water available outside the hot tubs and sauna.

We never made it to the full service spa, but still felt completely relaxed with poolside drink service, lobby fireplace lounging, and free wifi for President’s Club members (free to join).

Room amenities:

Our deluxe rooms featured both tubs and showers in the spacious bathrooms, a small balcony the kids loved stepping out onto to give us they day’s ‘weather report’, and Keurig coffee makers and tea hot water makers. We appreciated the in-room mini-fridges, which made making quick meals and breakfast easy (there’s also a full room service menu).

Dining:

Dining at the Fairmont is not exactly budget-friendly, but is definitely kid-friendly. We loved spending time in the Mallard Lounge, which is open to kids until 8 pm and provides fireside couches and nightly live entertainment. The cocktails are legendary, and appetizers will feed a whole family. Every Friday until the peak season, select drinks are $5, and appetizers are free. Dinners can be had at the Wildflower Restaurant or adjacent steak house, but for more economical family options, take the free Fairmont shuttle to the Whistler Village, or attached Portobello’s offers deli-fare and some market items.

Room rates:

I won’t lie: a stay at Fairmont Chateau Whistler isn’t economical, no matter how you spin it. That said, the value of your nightly room rate extends far beyond where you lay your head. You will enjoy stellar service, complete piece of mind, and very little ski-vacation stress. Our kids even noticed it! Room rates for rooms like the ones we reviewed start at $375 in winter (non-holiday) and room categories go up from there.

Directions:

The Fairmont is located in the heart of the Upper Village, Whistler. From Vancouver, take BC99 (the Sea to Sky Highway) 1.5 hours to Whistler.

As I disclose whenever applicable, my family and I experienced the Fairmont Chateau Whistler as guests of the resort. While we appreciated this opportunity to share tips and advice with other traveling families, it not come with the expectation of a positive review.

Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget

January 16, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

A walk through Whistler Village‘s famed Village Stroll will take families past plenty of dining options, but a perusal of menus will show that most fall in the mid-to fine dining category. While families vacationing in Whistler should plan for at least one culinary night out, for the rest of the time, it is possible to dine in Whistler on a budget. Below, find our top tips for saving on dining at Whistler.

1. Make breakfast your meal out.

Whistler Village is full of great breakfast dining options, and prices are almost always lower during this first meal of the day. Instead of eating out for dinner, we like to splurge on breakfast at Crepes Montagne or Hot Buns Bakery, both located in the Whistler Village. If you’re anxious to hit the slopes, consider buying a First Tracks ticket for Whistler Blackcomb and dining at a mid-mountain buffet before being first to hit the powder or corduroy.

2. Make Apres Ski a meal.

One of my favorite parts of the ski day is actually apres ski, when my family and I relax within the fun ambiance of a ski village restaurant or bar. At many Whistler Village and Upper Village locations, a few appetizers and drinks for the family can feed everyone, for less than the cost of a sit-down dinner. Our favorite apres ski locations includes Earl’s in the village and the Mallard Lounge in the Fairmont Chateau in the Upper Village.

3. Look for family chain restaurants.

While exploring a new place, we like to patronize unique, local dining spots, but sometimes the budget simply doesn’t allow it. In Whistler Village, families can find a White Spot and an Old Spaghetti Station. We ate at the latter during our Whistler vacation for under $60 for a family of five.

4. Leave the village behind.

Outside the Whistler Village, numerous family restaurants are located within 2 km. Whether it’s worth it to you to use your car, only you can decide. For us, we loved the ease of never driving during our Whistler vacation, so we didn’t venture outside the villages.

5. Order kids meals on-mountain.

After ordering kids meals at Rendezvous Lodge, Blackcomb’s mid-mountain lodge, for my two kids under age 12, a staff member told me anyone can order these, regardless of age. For $8.99, you get an entree (limited to kid-friendly selections), two healthy snacks (such as yogurt or edimeme), and a child sized drink. A kids meal would have been more than enough food for even the adults in our group.

For a splurge, consider one of the many venues in Whistler Blackcomb offering fondue dinners to share with the family!

Whistler Village on Dwellable

Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, BC

September 13, 2012 By Amy Hagstrom

At first glance in a guidebook or two, I didn’t think the Butchart Gardens had much to offer a family with three active kids. I was wrong: the two hours we spent there waiting for a recent ferry crossing from Sidney BC to Washington’s San Juan Islands was both relaxing for us and interesting to our school-aged boys.

Located in Brentwood Bay, just minutes from the busy ferry terminal in Sidney and a short drive from Victoria, BC, the gardens were originally created to beautify area rock quarries, and the result is quite the incredible feat. The gardens are divided into several sections, including (but not limited to) a traditional rose garden, a peaceful Japanese tea garden, an Italian garden, and a sunken garden in the rock quarry, with viewing outlook. For kids in particular there is a carrousel, as well as several ice cream stands and snack shops. Boat rides are available, and if you look carefully while touring the bottom of the Japanese garden, you’ll find a viewing hole through a hedge with a great (secret) view of the harbor.

I’m not sure Butchart Gardens would have entertained my kids longer than a few hours, but as a way to spend the afternoon waiting for a ferry departure, it was very pleasant. It’s not a cheap pit stop, so if you don’t need to be all the way up in Brentwood Bay, I’d opt for the more traditionally kid-friendly Pacific Undersea Gardens in Victoria.

Date last visited:

July 2012

Hours of operation:

Generally 9 am to 9 pm in summer (although many summer events allow for later closings) and 9 am to 4 pm in winter. The gardens come alive at Christmas time, and have later hours during the season.

Admission:

Summer admission is $29 for adults, $14 for youth (13-17), and only $3 for children (12 and under) plus 12 percent sales tax. Winter admission is significantly less (except Christmas).

Dining options:

Many! The grounds have snack stands as well as three restaurants, from a coffee shop to elegant dining. Picnic grounds are also available in the parking area (on a grassy strip).

Directions:

The gardens are located at 800 Benvenuto Avenue in Brentwood Bay. They’re easy to get to from either Victoria or elsewhere on Vancouver Island. See full directions from each city.

Parksville on Dwellable