A province of playgrounds for all ages, British Columbia offers an extensive range of Spring Break getaways and activities designed to bring enjoyment to all ages. Why travel abroad when you can find such fun things to do in this amazing province? From day activities to week long escapes you will find experiences for every member of your family to enjoy.
Photo Credit: Harrison Hot Springs Resort
From the snowy mountains of the interior to the spring temperatures of the coast, and a plethora of adventures to choose from in between, every moment of your Spring Break can be relished and family memories be created.
Getaways in British Columbia During March
It’s not called ‘beautiful British Columbia’ for no reason. This province is rich with nature and culture-rich places to visit. Looking for an adventure? Perhaps a luxury getaway with hot springs and five-star spa accommodations? This list of twenty-five getaways in BC during March has you covered.
–Arranged in no particular order.
Revelstoke Mountain Resort
A haven for spring fun, this mountain resort is the only one that offers lift, heli and backcountry skiing from one base. Don’t worry, it’s not all hardcore – there are plenty of things for the kids to do! Turtle Creek Tube Park is a blast for the whole family, and the Beginners Area in the center of the resort is perfect for those who are building up their skiing or snowboarding experience. Of course, lessons are always available at the Snow School.
The resort is offering a fantastic Spring Break kids stay and ski free package!
Long Beach Lodge Resort
A year-round destination, this resort is located by Tofino, on Vancouver Island. Relax and enjoy the resort amenities like the outdoor hot pool or yoga classes, or get out and explore.
From marine excursions to the Ucluelet Aquarium and Botanical Gardens to mini-golf, this area offers something for every member of the family. If you are travelling from March 15 – 2, you can also take in the Pacific Rim Whale Festival to celebrate the migration of the 20,000 whales that pass by the shores!
Radium Hot Springs
A little more off the beaten track than some of the other hot springs areas and close to the Alberta border, Radium Hot Springs is an excellent spring getaway holiday. With Ski, Stay, Soak Packages available, families can enjoy all the benefits of the area.
Ski at Panorama, join a SledRadium adventure, or skate the Invermere Whiteway trail – the longest skating path in the world!
The village itself has a great selection of shops and restaurants to choose from, as families explore and experience all the area has to offer.
Victoria – for kids
The capital of British Columbia is a magical place for adults and kids alike. Your family will be kept busy for the whole week with a wide array of things to do. Eat fish and chips in the Harbour, go whale watching, wander through the beautiful Butchart Gardens, experience the Butterfly Gardens, head off to Beacon Hill Children’s Farm, go back in time in Craigdarroch Castle, enjoy the Royal BC Museum, delight in the displays at Miniature World, and so much more! Victoria Itinerary
Things to Do This Spring Break in Victoria
Horne Lake Caves Provincial Park
Listed as one of the Canadian Kids Top 25 Activities in 2017, this should definitely be on a must-do list for Spring Break. Take a step into the wonderful underground world and explore caves on your own or on a tour to view waterfalls, unique formations, and fossils.
If you want an above-ground activity, check out the Fossil Geology Trail. Stay in nearby Parksville, to include this as a day trip as you are exploring the area or as part of your week-long spring vacation to Vancouver Island.
Big White
This fantastic ski-in, ski-out resort has one of the best Spring Break deals that we have seen! You can choose from a variety of accommodations and save 25%.
Exceptional shopping and spa facilities can enhance your time here, and the 20 on-mountain restaurants and eating establishments mean that you can choose to eat somewhere different every day! Ski schools offer private and group lessons for all ages, and don’t worry about owning your own equipment, you can easily rent for your whole family onsite.
You may like: Fun Things to do With Kids in Kelowna.
Spring Lake Ranch
The area around 100 Mile House, on Highway 97 between Prince George and Kamloops, offers a wide range of outdoor activities that will keep your family busy through your spring vacation. The affordable Spring Lake Ranch offers sleigh rides around the property, or take some time to cross country ski or snowshoe around the lake.
Help out on the ranch if you like, or spend an afternoon in the spring sunshine to play a game of hockey or skate on the cleared lake, or rent a snowmobile to take you cruising through the area!
Harrison Hot Springs
A delightful escape that will entertain the kids, and provide parents with the relaxation that only comes from soaking in hot springs. From Vancouver, this resort is only 90 minutes, or 45 minutes from the Abbotsford Airport.
Along with five hot springs located right at the hotel, exclusively for guests, your family can enjoy an in-room movie and pizza night, breakfast, all included in the resort’s Spring Break package! Spice up your visit with a dinner in the Copper Room, where all ages can dine and dance, as there is even a separate dance floor for the kids.
Prince George
A northern getaway city filled with fun things for the family to do, a visit to Prince George will quickly fill up your week. With fun special events planned throughout the week, your family can enjoy activities like fun games at the local pool, day camps for outdoor activities, and cultural crafts at the Native Friendship Center. Dates and prices vary by activity.
Spend a day at the Exploration Place Museum and Science Center, experiencing the hands-on exhibits that delight all ages. There are plenty of hotels in the city, guaranteed to fit your budget.
Vancouver Area
Free Activities: There are so many activities available within the Vancouver area that it is impossible to list them all, but here are a few free ones that you may want to check out to keep your family busy for the week.
Lighthouse Park in North Vancouver is an excellent place to hike. Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge and Ecology Center will give everyone thrills. The Burnaby Village Museum is open for 11 days of fun… for free! Fort Langley National Historic Site is also a good day out, and kids under 17 are free to enter.
A Week of Family Fun
Let’s talk about the other sites available in the Vancouver area. The Vancouver Aquarium is a must-see, with special programs for Spring Break. The HR MacMillan Space Centre is offering family-friendly activities, shows and demonstrations. For some sit-down time, Cineplex theaters are offering four afternoon movies for families for only $3.99 per person! Chapters bookstores are hosting fun events like game days and coloring sessions daily as well, so check out your local store for more details. And don’t forget all the great outdoor sites, like Stanley Park!
Spring Break in Metro Vancouver
Whistler Blackcomb
For skiers and non-skiers alike, Whistler is an excellent destination for those looking for a great spring getaway. Only 120 kms from Vancouver, this fantastic mountain resort area offers Spring Deals up to 15% off, including accommodations and multi-day lift tickets. For those smaller travellers, there is a ski school, a tube park, and a magic castle and tree fort. For those more adventurous, check out the Heli-tours or Snowmobile Tours available in the area. Take the family dogsledding, or try out some snowshoes! No matter what you do, your family will love it.
The Sunshine Coast
A ferry ride takes you and your family to the famed Sunshine Coast to spend the week enjoying the area.
With mild spring weather, this 180 km stretch of heaven on earth is home to the most artists in the province, as well as some phenomenal scenery! Here it is possible to hike in the rainforest to see beautiful waterfalls, or drive higher into the mountains to enjoy snowy activities. Take some time to wander the Powell River Historic Townsite, or stroll through Gibsons Landing to the Public Art Gallery.
The days here will fly by!
Vernon
A popular town in the Okanagan Valley, Vernon is a great base from which to explore the area. There is also the opportunity to ski at the nearby Silver Star Mountain Resort, which offers plenty of things to keep your family busy. Fill your days with interesting visits to the local sites, such as Planet Bee, where you can see into the lives of bees, taste some varieties of honey (and mead for adults), and all for free! Explore the outdoors and historic sites, or visit the Okanagan Science Center, which offers day programs for kids during spring break.
Squamish
Less than an hour drive from Vancouver is a gem of a town, with plenty to do during your week. Take advantage of the secret deal available from the Sea to Sky Gondola where three kids up to 12 years old can ride for free, as long as there is one paid adult. If you’re driving from Vancouver, the Britannia Mine Museum is on the way, hosting a variety of Spring Break events, and the whole family can also enjoy activities at the Westcoast Railway Heritage Park. These are just a few of the fun things to do while in the area! Hotel deals are also available.
Nelson
An overlooked dynamic community, Nelson offers a well-rounded list of activities for your escape. Learn about the First Nations cultures, mining history and European explorers in the Touchstones Museum of Art and History, stroll the town and enjoy the heritage buildings, or take advantage of the legendary deep powder using the Spring Break Special at the Whitewater Ski Resort.
Families will return again and again to the nearby Ainsworth Hot Springs, which has its unique swim-in caves.
Smithers
A smaller town of approximately 5000 people, Smithers is located in the beautiful Bulkley Valley. Surrounded by mountains, the city boasts excellent downhill, backcountry, heli, and cross-country ski areas. Hudson Bay Mountain offers 36 runs and four ski lifts for a nice variety for every skier level. Grab a set of snowshoes and explore the many trails in the area, with lots of chances to view wildlife, or hike up to the frozen Twin Falls. The town itself offers an interesting museum, art gallery, plenty of shops and restaurants, and ski and stay packages from local hotels.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is located on Vancouver Island and is a great place to use as a base for day trips around the area. This part of the island is definitely for adventurous families who like to be outdoors and active. If your family likes to cycle, try out the Port Alberni Log Train Trail, which takes you through forests and small towns. For cultural activities, visit the Alberni Valley Museum, the Marine Discovery Center, the McLean Mill, or the Alberni Pacific Railway. Whatever you choose to do, it will be fun!
Sidney
Not far from the capital city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island, the smaller town of Sidney is also an excellent destination for a short break. Your family will enjoy the variety of things to see and do here, as you explore the BC Aviation Museum, the Shaw Center for the Salish Sea, and the Sidney Museum and Archives. Spend time outdoors along the Seaside Sculpture Walk, or at the Gulf Islands National Park Reserve while you observe eagles, seals, otters and more. Check out Mineral World for cool souvenirs, or relax with a book in the unique Booktown area.
Terrace
Easy and fairly inexpensive to get to by air, Terrace is located along Highway 16 in northern BC. If your family members are hard-core skiers, this is a fantastic off-the-beaten-track ski destination, with amazing powder and the most annual snowfall of any lift-operated ski area in North America.
You can stay at any lodge, cabin, hotel, motel or B&B featured on the Visit Terrace website, and receive 40% off a full price day ticket when you arrive at Shames and purchase your day pass. There are comfortable hotels for all budgets, and plenty of restaurants and shops. For some skiing variety, combine Terrace and Smithers, which are only two hours’ drive apart.
Apex Mountain Resort
With sunny skies and light powder conditions, this mountain resort, located by Penticton in the Okanagan Valley, offers a fantastic opportunity to escape busy life and enjoy the Spring Break week with your family. There is much more than just downhill skiing at this resort though, you can enjoy activities such as cross-country skiing, skating the Adventure Loop, playing hockey, fat biking, tubing and evening activities. There is even night skiing on Fridays and Saturdays! Hotel deals are available if you are staying on weekdays.
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