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Toronto Islands: Centre Island activities kids love

July 8, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Visible from Toronto’s Waterfront and harbor, the Toronto Islands are easily accessible, easy to navigate, and easy to see in one day. Pick a sunny day of your Toronto family vacation to check them out! While a few islands are largely residential (or home to sailboat slips) or wildlife refuges, Centre Island is all about family fun. Here’s where to start for Centre Island activities kids love:

Franklin Children’s Garden and Park:

The first thing you’re likely to encounter after getting off the ferry on the islands is the Franklin Children’s Garden, Centre Island’s main picnic and playground park. This interactive garden–featuring Franklin the Turtle from the books series by Paulette Bourgeois–allows kids to explore in any manner they’d like. The garden is divided into sections, where kids can garden themselves, listen to storytelling, or play on hands-on sculptures from the Franklin series.

Gibraltar Point Lighthouse:

The Island Lighthouse is the oldest landmark in Toronto. Sitting on Gibraltar Point, it’s light has shone for over 150 years, guiding ships and boats into the Harbour of Toronto. The light is a good destination for a family bike ride: it allows kids to have a fun goal and the route is completely flat. If you’re riding bikes as a family on the islands, you can find them at Centre Island beach, or you can rent in the city and bring bikes across on the ferry.

Centreville:

With 600 acres of amusement park fun, Centreville is no doubt the prime destination for families on the islands. Centreville is from the old-school of amusement park fun: its 30 rides are all young-kid friendly and have been around for decades. In addition to carnival-ride fun, Centreville has a petting zoo, green spaces, over a dozen food vendors and restaurants, and entertainment. Don’t expect big theme park thrills, but rather low-key fun.

Centre Island Beach:

A short walk from the ferry docks, Centre Island Beach can get crowded on summer days…get there early to stake out a spot! Public bathrooms and showers are available, as are changing rooms and several food vendors (including pizza). The bike rental shop is near the pier. While there are a few other swimming beaches on the islands (including a clothing-optional beach…you’ve been warned!), Centre Island beach is most popular due to its proximity to the ferry and the rock breakwater, which is ideal for young kids. The water here is shallow and calm, and clean to swim in due to its position away from the harbor. Remember, however: Lake Ontario is pretty chilly!

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Getting there:

Access Centre Island one of two ways: 1. grab a ferry from the ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West ($6.50/adult, runs year-round and every 15 minutes in summer) 2. take a Toronto Harbour Tour (LINK), which drops families off if desired at the mid-way point of the tour, picking up on the hour ($15-$25). From the ferry drop-off, it’s easy to find Centre Island activities by signage, or grab a map!

What to do on the Toronto Waterfront with kids

July 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

The Toronto skyline sits comfortably on the shore of Lake Ontario, which families should put to good use while visiting this urban, multicultural city. If you’re spending the morning at Rogers Centre or the CN Tower, or even St. Lawrence Market, pair it with an afternoon and evening along the Toronto Waterfront. This part of the city is currently undergoing a revitalization project (as of 2013), but don’t let construction deter you. Here’s what to do on the Waterfront with kids:

Harbourfront Centre:

Access the Waterfront from Kings Street (at Sincoe or John), then explore the harbor side walking and biking path that connects to Harbourfront Centre. To one side, you’ll find the ice skating rink (which is converted to a pond with paddle boats in summer) and outdoor concert facility, and to the other, a large collection of waterfront shops and restaurants. Adult-sized bikes can be rented at convenient coin-operated kiosks in several locations (also throughout the city), or bikes can be rented at local shops. If you have bad weather, duck indoors to peruse the shops, but otherwise, stay by the harbor to check out the historic ships (you can go into the largest to see free exhibits inside), watch the ferry boats, and see planes land at the unique Centre Island airport.

Harbour Tours Toronto:

If you feel like going out on the water yourselves, you have two options. Ferries depart from the main ferry terminal at 9 Queens Quay West on a regular schedule for Centre Island for only $6.50 per person, or you can opt to take a ride with Harbour Tours Toronto. This harbor and islands tour also departs regularly (it was every 30 minutes at the time of my visit in early summer), will drop off passengers on Centre Island if desired (and pick them back up!) but otherwise cruises between the Toronto Islands and through the harbor on a one hour tour. Tickets are steeper at $25 for adults and $15 for kids (with online booking discounts available), and for the price, families get a somewhat silly, entertaining for kids narration from a guide, plus many photo opportunities as the glass window and open-air boat tours the harbor. Along the way, I learned quite a bit of history about the islands as well as what they’re used for today (recreation, residences, and wildlife preservation, depending on the island) during my tour.

Tip! Save up to 43% on Toronto’s 5 best attractions at CityPASS. Shop Now!

Sugar beach:

Located on Lower Jarvis Street, south of Queens Quay, Sugar Beach is in comfortable walking and biking distance of Harbourfront Centre and offers beach atmosphere for families without the time or inclination to head over to Centre Island. Imported white sand and playful pink beach umbrellas make Sugar Beach a great place to let kids play in the sand, and a creative water feature allows for cooling off. (Swimming is not allowed in the harbor.) There are plenty of restaurants nearby, as well as picnic tables, and event space for seasonal festivals and entertainment.

Roundhouse Park:

Created in the 1990s, Roundhouse Park is located above the Waterfront by approximately two blocks, en route to the CN Tower (head up Simcoe). A great place to let kids loose before waiting in line for the tower or taking in an event at Rogers Centre, Roundhouse Park is the home of the Toronto Railway Historical Association, which operates a live steam miniature railway, displays engines and other train cars, and replicas of early train station offices. Kids can see a full roundhouse featuring a fully restored locomotive turntable, and adults can grab a brew at Steam Whistle Brewing. There are additional green spaces and park squares with benches and room to run around, though this is open to streets. Roundhouse Park is a great last stop of a fun family day at the Waterfront before heading back to a downtown hotel or getting on the subway.

Toronto hotel with kids: Intercontinental Toronto Centre

July 3, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Walking into the wide, high-ceilinged marble lobby of the Intercontinental Toronto Centre, you might worry that your kids won’t exactly fit in, so to speak, at this elegant hotel. Rest assured: as soon as you reach the check-in desk and see the friendly ‘kids’ check-in’ station, you’ll know you’re in the right place. While the Intercontinental is attached to Toronto’s sprawling conference center and event space, it’s not an all-business hotel. The location is absolutely perfect for families: you’re so close to the CN Tower, you can practically reach out and touch it, you’re adjacent to subway lines, and you’re within two blocks of the waterfront. The perfect Toronto hotel with kids, the Intercontinental’s placement on Front Street also gives families direct access to many restaurants as well as nearby St. Lawrence Market.

This said, the area around the hotel does get busy with party-goers and late-night bar crowds on weekends, but from within the hotel, we never heard a peep of noise. Our room on the 14th floor overlooked the train station, which is fun for kids, and had sweeping views of downtown and the CN Tower (I had to crane my neck up to see it, it’s so close). Parents can park their car in the underground parking and forget about it, opting to walk or take subways nearly everywhere. Within walking distance: the Watefront and Harbourfront Centre, Rogers Centre, the CN Tower, Sugar Beach, ferries to Centre Island, St. Lawrence Market, Roundhouse Park, and plenty of dining.

Pool and Spa:

We had a great time in the pool area, which is located adjacent to the award-winning spa. The heated indoor saline pool includes a fun waterfall feature kids love, and a spacious hot tub. There’s also an attached wading pool for not-quite swimmers, also saline and heated. The pool area is very relaxing, with oversized lounge chairs and complimentary tea and water. This is a great option for families who need to relax and let kids burn off some energy after being out of the day and before dinner plans. There’s a two-rooms exercise facility as well that’s above average.

Room rates and amenities:

At the time of our visit, our king bed room (with optional rollaway) started at $249/night. In-room amenities include a coffee maker, robes, shower/tub combo, and mini-fridge. The fridge was stocked, but there was room to store a few small items. (Remember, parents can always ask for mini-bar fridges to be cleared out should they prefer.) WiFi was $13 for a 24-hour period. Service from bell staff and front desk staff was very friendly and efficient during our entire stay.

Dining:

The Intercontinental does have a full restaurant off the lobby, as well as room service, but there are numerous other options. Directly across the street on Front Street is the underground food court attached to the CBC offices, with many low-cost options for families needing a quick meal. On the street level are many hot dog stands and a few food trucks as well. Front Street also boasts the Loose Moose and Cedar Creek restaurants, both of which we found to be fun for families while offering a lively atmosphere.

Directions:

The Intercontinental is located at 225 Front Street. From the airport, families can easily take public transit for under $3 per person (take the 192 Rocket to Kipling Station, then grab the subway. From Kipling, get on the Bloor-Danforth line to Spadina Station, then get on the Yonge-University line to St. Andrews Station. A taxi will cost you $55.

Disclaimer: as I disclose whenever applicable, I stayed at the Intercontinental as a guest of the hotel, for the purpose of review. This compensation came with no expectation of a positive review.

Best family travel tour operators: what to look for

May 14, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

When deciding whether to spend vacation dollars on international family travel tour operators (or how much), it comes down to matching the correct operator to your family’s needs. Are you looking for a full-service provider, or not much more than a translator? Do you need all meals planned and activities planned, or do you want time on your own? No matter your budget, here’s what to look for while selecting the right tour company to show you the world.

Experience with kids:

Well, obviously, right? But the fact remains that even tour companies advertising that they’re ‘not your grandmother’s guide service’ may still be just that. Look for a tour operation with youthful (in body or spirit) tour guides and active itineraries. Tour guides experienced in guiding families will also be well-versed in the nitty gritty of kid-centric travel: they’ll be aware of the need for frequent bathroom stops, snacks, and rest periods.

A client list filled with families:

Even if the tour operator you’re considering welcomes families, the other travelers on the itinerary may not. The fact is, more kids are joining their parents for international travel than in years past, and some long-term travelers on luxury international tours haven’t gotten the memo. Why be a pioneering family? Ask a potential tour company for a ratio of families to couples on a given itinerary, and find out if other kids will be present. Many luxury tour operators are now offering specialized family itineraries, designed especially to meet this need.

Evenly balanced itineraries:

To get the most of your international vacation, families will want their itinerary to reflect a mixture of cultural experiences, natural discoveries, and active fun. The best tour operators for kids list activities such as pizza cooking classes in Italy (with time for eating, of course!), hikes with local or native experts in South America, or kayaking excursions in Alaska. Kids learn best by doing (actually, all of us do), so the more activities that give your family hands-on experiences, the better.

Reasonable expectations and flexibility amid guides:

If you bring kids on an international vacation, there will be moments of culture shock, jet-lag, stress, and fatigue. As parents, you may be well-equipped to deal with these realities as they arise, but if your tour operator is not sympathetic, you may miss itinerary stops, or worse, feel pressured to carry on with miserable kids. A good tour operation will build in downtime and be ready for spur-of-the-moment changes in itinerary as needed. As parents, don’t be afraid to request breaks, and be ready to go with the flow.

Specialized, regional experts:

Not all guide operations are experts in all regions. Once you know where your vacation is taking you, spend some time researching the best tour service in that particular country or continent. These operations will have built-in contacts with local attractions and experiences that you cannot find on your own, and have the ability to give you better than a ‘cookie-cutter’ vacation experience. You’ll want to learn more about travel planning in Ghana from Africa tour and safari specialists, for instance.

The right match:

International tour operations range from budget guides to get you from Point A to Point B in countries or regions where a guide is crucial to luxury services that take care of your every need from the moment you touch down. Figure out as a family what you are looking for in your international travel experience, and find the company to match your needs. There’s no need to pay for more than you want, nor any reason to build your vacation a la carte if you’d rather leave it in other capable hands. Ask yourself the following: Will we want lots of freedom to explore on our own? Do we want our meals taken care of? Do we want a highly active trip with lots of hiking and outdoor touring, or a more cultural experience, with ample time in museums and landmarks?

The above post includes sponsored material. Photo credit: flickr/lifeoftravel

Mexico with kids: family fun Huatulco style

April 5, 2013 By Amy Hagstrom

Guest post written by Travel with Kids

Mexico’s Pacific Riviera has been on the tourist track for decades with popular cities like Acapulco, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta. But head a bit south in Mexico with kids, and you will find the nine beautiful bays of lesser known Huatulco. The town itself blends old Mexico style, with a huge Spanish colonial church and town square, with laid-back beach style. Outside of town, there are adventure activities to suit any traveler’s style from adrenaline junkie to kick back beach bum. We set out to capture this uniquely styled resort town in an episode of Travel With Kids before it turns into the big city style akin to some of its more popular cousins.

Where to stay in Huatulco:

There are a variety of budget and midrange hotels in town, but town is a five minute drive from good beaches. Lining the bays south of town are upscale, all inclusive hotels. We stayed at Dreams Huatulco Resort & Spa. The four pools, including family pools, and beach front cabanas fit our kids’ style nicely. And the complimentary water trampoline, kayaks, Eurobungee, Kids’ Explorer Club and archery didn’t hit our pocket book, which fit right into our budget.

What to do with kids in Huatulco:

Town was just a short, cheap taxi ride away (less then $3). Here’s what we did:

Scuba Diving: We took the kids on a discover scuba dive with Hurricane Divers. On the way to our dive spot we spotted whales and saved a sea turtle. After prying barnacles from his nose, which impeded his breathing, the turtle dove down from the surface looking happy and healthy again.

Rafting/Tubing: The Copalita River offers Class III–IV rapids in the highlands, but our kids are younger, so, we opted for tubing Class I and II rapids on the lower river. The kids has fun “steering” through “rapids” and playing on the vast empty beach at the end of the trip.

Coffee plantation and waterfall: Although this is a full day trip, it offers a wonderful immersion experience. After driving through small villages on dirt roads, we arrived at a coffee plantation where we dug into an authentic lunch prepared by locals. After a tour of the plantation, we hiked to waterfalls where the kids swung on ropes like Tarzan and caught tadpoles and we all got mud mask facials.

Town: Even if you are staying at an all-inclusive hotel, take time to visit town for a meal, shopping and the family-friendly atmosphere of the town square where families stroll and vendors sell all sorts of kids’ toys. The whole family enjoyed the locally recommended La Crema Pizza, with a hippy vibe and excellent thin crust pizza.

For more information on the trip we booked, visit Apple Vacations.

Travel With Kids is a family travel guide TV show airing on PBS and digital platforms such as iTunes and Hulu. Produced by a traveling family (Carrie and Jeremy and sons Nathan and Seamus), Travel With Kids explores top family destinations and off the tourist track locals in a fun educational presentation for all ages. Now in their 6th season of production, Travel With Kids has visited Europe, Asia, Africa, South America and the USA. More information at http://www.travelwithkids.tv

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