Family Exploration: Western Canada - Luxury Holidays & Concierge Travel

Multi-cultural Vancouver, altitudinous Whistler and wild and remote Sonora are an ideal introduction to the vast swathes of British Columbia in Canada – the world’s second-biggest country. For families with a few weeks to spare, the west coast reveals spectacular wildlife, awe-inspiring mountains, ancient rainforest and gushing rivers.

“For a trip like this, we’d recommend hiring your own vehicle and taking to the road. Having freedom and independence is crucial for a family plus you’re in charge of your own adventure. We’ll arrange it all for you, including family-friendly hotels with excursions such as fishing, kayaking, biking and wildlife tours.”

Sarah Woodthorpe

Personal Travel Designer

01488 689700 Sarah.Woodthorpe@baileyrobinson.com Read Sarah’s profile

Vancouver Welcome

The starting point for adventures in British Columbia , Vancouver has a huge amount to offer families. It’s a multicultural city, buzzing with life. Food markets pop up in town, so you can graze the culinary delights of the world. It also has world-class museums such as the Telus Science centre and the Vancouver Aquarium, plus the Anthropology Museum which will give an insight into First Nation culture including totem poles and sculptures.

Vancouver is also blessed with incredible beauty, backed by the jagged North Shore mountains. Cross the historic suspension bridge and dive straight into the Coastal Rainforest of the Capilano Canyon, surrounded by lichen, moss, ferns, and flowering plants. You can also bike around the Vancouver waterfront and before you know it, you will discover beautiful bays, old-growth trees, tons of wildlife and unique rainforest plants.

Whistler Wow-Factor

“Whistler is one of the world’s most famous ski resorts, known for its daredevil pistes and wide, crowd-free runs. But in summer, it becomes a playground for active families to enjoy.”

From Vancouver, it’s a 90-minute drive to Whistler along the famous Sea to Sky Highway accompanied by incredible views of mountains and sea. Break the journey to ride the thrilling Sea to Sky Gondola, which looks over the bright blue water, green islands and snow-capped mountains of Howe Sound. Admire the dramatic Brandywine Falls, which plummets straight down for 70 metres.

Once in Whistler, there are plenty of day trips to occupy active families – like off-roading in Whistler backcountry to discover emerald-green lakes, rainforest wilderness and breath-taking vistas. Take half a day to go fly-fishing in the gushing streams and lakes, landing a trout or salmon. Budding sports enthusiasts might like to visit the Whistler Olympic Park, location of the Nordic events at the 2010 Winter Olympics.

The Stillness of Sonora

A trip to western Canada wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the coastal wilderness around the Pacific Ocean. From Whistler, drive to Vancouver Island via two-hour ferry crossing to Nanaimo and from here you’ll drive two hours to Campbell River. Leaving your car behind, a water taxi takes you to incredible and remote Sonora Resort. Despite its removed location deep in nature, the resort has everything families need including a pool, tennis courts, putting green and fly-fishing ponds.

Days spent at Sonora include all manner of nature-immersed activities. An eco-adventure kayak or boat trip is a great way to experience untamed wilderness. Spot bald eagles and sea birds swoop to pluck fish from whirlpools. See steller sea lions, Dall’s porpoises and Pacific white-sided dolphins frolic and feed. Come summer, killer whales frequent the channels surrounding Sonora Island. You could also lift off in a helicopter glacier tour or fly fish in a pristine river. Make time to appreciate the stillness of your environment – evenings are for hot chocolate around the fire, under a star-filled sky.

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