Family Apres Ski at Whistler Village

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 … [Read more...]

10 tips for using ferries for Northwest travel with kids

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. … [Read more...]

Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort: what not to miss with kids

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 … [Read more...]

A week stay at Three Bars Ranch, British Columbia

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 … [Read more...]

Big White Dog Sled Tours

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 … [Read more...]

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

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 … [Read more...]

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

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 … [Read more...]

Fairmont Chateau Whistler: an ultimate ski vacation destination

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 … [Read more...]

Dining in Whistler Village: where to eat on a budget

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 … [Read more...]

Butchart Gardens, Brentwood Bay, BC

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 … [Read more...]