British Columbia

Fun Things for Families

40 unforgettable activities, places, and events across British Columbia — built for families

40 Family Activities

8 BC Regions

All Ages Welcome

Year-Round Fun

All ages

Museum & ScienceYear-round

Science World at TELUS World of Science

VancouverLower Mainland

Housed inside Vancouver's iconic geodesic dome on the shores of False Creek, Science World is one of BC's most beloved family destinations. Five floors of hands-on exhibits let kids explore everything from the human body to the physics of sound and light. The OMNIMAX Theatre wraps you in a five-storey dome screen for films that feel like you're inside the action. The outdoor Ken Spencer Science Park adds water play and giant outdoor experiments.

Highlights

OMNIMAX Theatre dome films
Ken Spencer Science Park outdoor exhibits
Feature Gallery rotating exhibitions
Search: Sara Stern Gallery for young children

Local tip: Buy tickets online to skip the queue. The outdoor Science Park is free with admission and perfect for burning off energy.

All ages

Nature & AdventureYear-round

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

North VancouverLower Mainland

One of BC's most thrilling family experiences, the Capilano Suspension Bridge stretches 137 metres across and 70 metres above the Capilano River gorge. The park also features the Treetops Adventure — seven suspension bridges through the forest canopy — and the Cliffwalk, a series of cantilevered walkways bolted to the granite cliff face. The ancient rainforest setting is spectacular in every season, and the park is beautifully lit during the Canyon Lights winter event.

Highlights

137m suspension bridge over the gorge
Treetops Adventure canopy walkways
Cliffwalk granite cliff experience
Canyon Lights winter illumination

Local tip: Go early on weekdays to beat the crowds. The park is genuinely impressive in rain — the gorge roars and the forest drips.

Full Guide & Photos →

All ages

Wildlife & ZooApril – October

BC Wildlife Park

KamloopsThompson-Okanagan

BC's premier wildlife conservation park is home to over 65 species of native BC animals — grizzly bears, wolves, cougars, lynx, bald eagles, and more — all in naturalistic habitats. Unlike a traditional zoo, BC Wildlife Park focuses on animals that cannot be returned to the wild, making every visit a genuine conservation story. The park runs excellent education programs, and the grizzly bear habitat is one of the finest in Canada.

Highlights

Grizzly bear habitat up close
Wolf and cougar enclosures
Bald eagle and raptor displays
Keeper talks and feeding demonstrations

Local tip: Arrive for the 10am keeper talk at the grizzly bear habitat — it's the highlight of the visit for kids of all ages.

5 and up

Ocean & WildlifeMay – October

Whale Watching — Victoria & Tofino

Victoria / TofinoVancouver Island

BC's coastal waters are among the best places on earth to see whales in the wild. From Victoria, zodiac and covered-vessel tours head into the Salish Sea to find resident and transient orca pods, minke whales, and Dall's porpoises. From Tofino, tours venture into Clayoquot Sound for grey whales, humpbacks, and sea otters. Both experiences are genuinely life-changing for children — and adults.

Highlights

Resident orca pods in the Salish Sea
Grey and humpback whales from Tofino
Sea otters, seals, and Dall's porpoises
Expert naturalist guides on every tour

Local tip: Dress warmer than you think you need to — even in summer, the open water is cold. Most operators provide dry suits or splash gear.

All ages

Parks & OutdoorsYear-round

Stanley Park — Vancouver

VancouverLower Mainland

One of the world's great urban parks, Stanley Park offers families an almost endless range of activities. The 9km seawall is perfect for cycling, rollerblading, and walking with strollers. The park contains the Vancouver Aquarium, a miniature railway, a water park, two beaches, playgrounds, totem poles, and horse-drawn carriage tours. The forest interior has trails through ancient Douglas firs and western red cedars that feel genuinely wild.

Highlights

9km seawall for cycling and walking
Miniature Railway and Ghost Train
Second Beach outdoor pool and water park
Totem poles and First Nations cultural sites

Local tip: Rent bikes at the park entrance — the seawall loop takes about 1.5 hours and is flat enough for kids aged 6 and up.

All ages

Hot Springs & ResortYear-round

Harrison Hot Springs

Harrison Hot SpringsFraser Valley

The village of Harrison Hot Springs sits on the shores of Harrison Lake — one of BC's most beautiful glacier-fed lakes — and is famous for its natural hot springs. The public pool complex uses the same mineral-rich water that has drawn visitors since the 1800s. In summer, the lake beach is perfect for swimming and sandcastle building. The annual World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition in September draws incredible artists from around the globe.

Highlights

Natural mineral hot springs pools
Harrison Lake beach and swimming
World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition (September)
Paddle boarding and kayak rentals on the lake

Local tip: The public hot springs pool is the best value. Visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience.

All ages

History & HeritageYear-round

Fort Langley National Historic Site

Fort LangleyFraser Valley

The birthplace of British Columbia, Fort Langley is a beautifully restored Hudson's Bay Company trading post where costumed interpreters bring the 1858 gold rush era to life. Kids can try gold panning, watch blacksmithing demonstrations, and explore the original Big House. The charming village of Fort Langley surrounding the fort has excellent cafés, boutiques, and ice cream shops — making it a perfect full-day family outing.

Highlights

Costumed interpreter demonstrations
Gold panning for kids
Blacksmithing and fur trade exhibits
Charming village with cafés and shops

Local tip: The gold panning activity is a huge hit with kids aged 5–12. Combine with lunch in the village for a perfect day trip from Vancouver.

All ages

Beach & OceanJune – September

Tofino & Long Beach — Pacific Rim

TofinoVancouver Island

Long Beach in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is one of Canada's most spectacular stretches of sand — 16 km of wild Pacific coast with crashing surf, tide pools teeming with sea life, and old-growth rainforest right to the dune edge. Families can explore tide pools, take beginner surf lessons, watch grey whales from the beach, and walk the rainforest boardwalks. The town of Tofino is small, welcoming, and full of excellent food.

Highlights

16km of wild Pacific beach
Tide pool exploration at low tide
Beginner surf lessons for kids
Grey whale watching from the shore

Local tip: Check the tide tables before you go — low tide reveals the best tide pools. Bring rubber boots for the kids.

All ages

Mountain AdventureJune – September

Whistler — Summer Mountain Adventures

WhistlerSea to Sky

Whistler transforms into a world-class family adventure destination in summer. The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola connects Whistler and Blackcomb mountains for breathtaking views, while the Whistler Mountain Bike Park offers trails for every skill level. The Whistler Village is car-free and perfect for strolling, and the valley has excellent swimming lakes, hiking trails, and the Meadow Park Sports Centre. The Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre is a must for families interested in First Nations culture.

Highlights

PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola with valley views
Whistler Mountain Bike Park
Lost Lake swimming and paddling
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Local tip: The PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola is worth every penny — the views from the top are among the best in BC. Book online to save.

All ages

Gardens & AttractionsYear-round

The Butchart Gardens

Brentwood Bay (near Victoria)Vancouver Island

One of Canada's most visited attractions, The Butchart Gardens transforms a former limestone quarry into 55 acres of spectacular themed gardens. The Sunken Garden, Rose Garden, Japanese Garden, and Italian Garden are all breathtaking. Saturday nights in summer feature fireworks displays set to music, and the gardens are illuminated after dark. The carousel, boat rides, and children's pavilion make it genuinely engaging for kids of all ages.

Highlights

Sunken Garden in a former limestone quarry
Saturday night fireworks in summer
Illuminated evening garden walks
Carousel and children's pavilion

Local tip: Visit in the evening for the illuminations — the gardens look completely different after dark and the atmosphere is magical.

Full Guide & Photos →

Stanley Park Miniature Railway & Ghost Train

All ages

Family AttractionYear-round

Stanley Park Miniature Railway & Ghost Train

VancouverLower Mainland

The Stanley Park Miniature Railway has been delighting Vancouver families since 1964. The little steam-style train winds through the forest on a 2km loop, passing through tunnels and over bridges. The railway runs special themed events throughout the year — the Bright Nights Christmas Train in December is one of Vancouver's most beloved holiday traditions, and the Halloween Ghost Train in October is a family favourite.

Highlights

Year-round miniature train rides through the forest
Bright Nights Christmas Train (December)
Halloween Ghost Train (October)
Easter and summer themed events

Local tip: The Bright Nights Christmas Train sells out weeks in advance — book as soon as tickets go on sale in November.

Okanagan Lake Beaches — Kelowna & Penticton

All ages

Beach & SwimmingJune – September

Okanagan Lake Beaches — Kelowna & Penticton

Kelowna / PentictonOkanagan

The Okanagan's warm, clear lakes offer some of the best freshwater beach experiences in Canada. Kelowna's City Park beach and Penticton's Okanagan Beach are wide, sandy, and family-friendly with calm, warm water perfect for young swimmers. The Penticton channel float — drifting the 7km channel between Okanagan and Skaha Lakes on an inflatable tube — is a beloved summer tradition that kids absolutely love.

Highlights

Warm, sandy freshwater beaches
Penticton channel float on inner tubes
Skaha Lake beach and waterslides
Peach orchards and fruit stands nearby

Local tip: The Penticton channel float is best on a hot afternoon. Rent tubes in town and arrange a shuttle back to the start.

All ages

Farm & FoodJuly – September

Okanagan Fruit Picking & Farm Visits

Kelowna / Oliver / OsoyoosOkanagan

The Okanagan Valley is Canada's fruit basket, and summer brings a succession of pick-your-own opportunities that kids absolutely love. Cherries ripen in late June and July, followed by peaches, apricots, plums, and apples through August and September. Many orchards welcome families for U-pick, and roadside fruit stands are a quintessential Okanagan experience. Combine with a visit to a family-friendly winery for the adults.

Highlights

Cherry picking in late June and July
Peach and apricot season in August
Apple picking in September
Roadside fruit stands along Highway 97

Local tip: The stretch of Highway 97 between Oliver and Osoyoos has the highest concentration of fruit stands. Stop at as many as you can.

All ages

Mountain & WildlifeYear-round

Grouse Mountain — Vancouver

North VancouverLower Mainland

Just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, Grouse Mountain offers a full day of family activities in every season. The resident grizzly bears Grinder and Coola are the star attraction — the Refuge for Endangered Wildlife gives families an up-close look at these magnificent animals. In summer, the mountain offers lumberjack shows, a birds of prey presentation, hiking, and a zipline. In winter, it becomes Vancouver's closest ski hill.

Highlights

Grinder and Coola grizzly bear habitat
Lumberjack show and birds of prey
Skyride gondola with city views
Winter skiing and snowshoeing

Local tip: The grizzly bear feeding time in late afternoon is the best time to see the bears active. Check the daily schedule at the top.

7 and up

Adventure & RaftingMay – September

Fraser Canyon Rafting — Lytton & Hope

Lytton / HopeFraser Canyon

The Fraser Canyon offers some of the most accessible family whitewater rafting in BC. Operators based in Lytton and Hope run half-day and full-day trips on the Thompson and Fraser Rivers, with sections graded for families with children as young as 7. The canyon scenery — towering walls, rushing water, and the occasional bald eagle overhead — is spectacular. A genuine adventure that kids talk about for years.

Highlights

Family-friendly rapids on the Thompson River
Full-day Fraser Canyon expeditions
Spectacular canyon scenery
Bald eagle and wildlife sightings

Local tip: The Thompson River trips near Lytton are the best for families with younger children — the rapids are exciting but manageable.

Victoria Inner Harbour & Fisherman's Wharf

All ages

City & WaterfrontYear-round

Victoria Inner Harbour & Fisherman's Wharf

VictoriaVancouver Island

Victoria's Inner Harbour is one of Canada's most beautiful urban waterfronts, and it's endlessly entertaining for families. Floatplanes take off and land constantly, horse-drawn carriages clip-clop along the causeway, and street performers entertain the crowds. A short walk away, Fisherman's Wharf is a floating village of colourful houseboats where harbour seals beg for fish scraps and fish-and-chip shacks serve the freshest catch in the city.

Highlights

Floatplane watching from the causeway
Fisherman's Wharf floating village and harbour seals
Horse-drawn carriage tours
Royal BC Museum (world-class natural history)

Local tip: Walk to Fisherman's Wharf along the harbour path — it's about 15 minutes and the seals at the dock are a guaranteed hit with kids.

All ages

Water Park & BeachJune – September

Penticton Waterslides & Skaha Beach

PentictonOkanagan

Penticton is BC's ultimate family summer destination, combining a world-class waterslide park with two warm-water beaches and the famous channel float. Skaha Waterslides has been thrilling Okanagan families for decades with slides for every age and bravery level. Skaha Lake beach is just steps away, and the combination of slides, beach, and the channel float makes Penticton a full multi-day family destination.

Highlights

Skaha Waterslides for all ages
Skaha Lake warm sandy beach
Penticton channel float between two lakes
Okanagan fruit stands and ice cream shops

Local tip: Arrive at Skaha Waterslides when they open at 10am — the queues for the big slides get long by noon on hot days.

All ages

Aquarium & Marine LifeYear-round

Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver (Stanley Park)Lower Mainland

Canada's largest aquarium, located inside Stanley Park, is home to over 50,000 animals including sea otters, beluga whales, Pacific white-sided dolphins, sharks, and thousands of fish and invertebrates. The 4D experience theatre, touch pools, and daily animal presentations make it a full day out. The aquarium is also a world leader in marine conservation research, and the exhibits tell compelling stories about BC's ocean ecosystems.

Highlights

Sea otters and beluga whale presentations
Touch pools with sea stars and anemones
4D Experience Theatre
Daily animal keeper talks

Local tip: The sea otter feeding is at 11am and 3pm — arrive 10 minutes early for a front-row spot. Kids go absolutely wild for it.

Adams River Salmon Run — Roderick Haig-Brown Park

All ages

Wildlife & NatureOctober (dominant years)

Adams River Salmon Run — Roderick Haig-Brown Park

Chase (near Salmon Arm)Thompson-Okanagan

Every four years, the Adams River hosts one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth — the dominant sockeye salmon run, when up to two million salmon turn the river red as they return to spawn. Even in non-dominant years, hundreds of thousands of fish make the journey. Roderick Haig-Brown Provincial Park has excellent viewing platforms and interpretive programs. The next dominant run is in 2026 — a once-in-four-years event not to be missed.

Highlights

Up to 2 million sockeye salmon in dominant years
Interpretive programs and guided walks
Bald eagles and bears feeding on the run
Viewing platforms along the river

Local tip: The peak of the dominant run is typically the third week of October. Check the Salmonids Society website for real-time run updates.

All ages

Rodeo & EventsJuly (Canada Day weekend)

Williams Lake Stampede

Williams LakeCariboo

One of Canada's top-ranked professional rodeos, the Williams Lake Stampede has been running every Canada Day long weekend since 1919. Families pack the grandstands for bareback and saddle bronc riding, bull riding, barrel racing, steer wrestling, and the crowd-favourite wild cow milking. The midway, parade through downtown, and Indigenous cultural performances make it a full multi-day celebration of BC's ranching heritage.

Highlights

Professional PRCA/CPRA rodeo events
Canada Day parade through downtown
Midway rides and games
Indigenous cultural performances

Local tip: Book accommodation in Williams Lake months in advance — the Stampede weekend fills the entire Cariboo. The Friday night performance is often the most exciting.

All ages

Rodeo & EventsMay (Victoria Day weekend)

Cloverdale Rodeo & Country Fair

Surrey (Cloverdale)Lower Mainland

The Cloverdale Rodeo is one of the largest rodeos in Canada and the closest major rodeo to Vancouver, making it an easy family day trip. Held every Victoria Day long weekend since 1946, it combines top-level professional rodeo with a massive country fair, live music, a midway, and a petting zoo. The family-friendly atmosphere and proximity to Metro Vancouver make it the perfect introduction to rodeo culture for city kids.

Highlights

Professional rodeo — bull riding, barrel racing, roping
Country fair with midway and games
Live country music performances
Petting zoo and family activities

Local tip: Arrive early on Saturday for the best parking and seats. The kids' mutton bustin' event — where small children ride sheep — is an absolute crowd favourite.

6 and up

Horseback RidingMay – October

Horseback Trail Riding — Across BC

Kamloops / Kelowna / Whistler / CaribooThompson-Okanagan

BC's vast ranch country, mountain valleys, and forest trails make it one of the best places in Canada for family horseback riding. Guest ranches and trail riding outfitters operate across the province — from the rolling grasslands of the Cariboo and Nicola Valley to the mountain meadows above Whistler and the vineyard trails of the Okanagan. Most operators offer one-hour to full-day rides suitable for beginners, and some ranches offer multi-day pack trips into the backcountry.

Highlights

Beginner-friendly one-hour trail rides
Cariboo and Nicola Valley ranch country
Okanagan vineyard and orchard trail rides
Multi-day backcountry pack trips

Local tip: Wear long pants and closed-toe shoes. Most operators provide helmets for children. Book ahead in summer — popular ranches fill up weeks in advance.

All ages

FishingApril – October

Stocked Fishing Ponds & Family Fishing

Province-wideLower Mainland

BC's Freshwater Fisheries Society stocks hundreds of lakes and ponds across the province specifically for family fishing, including designated "Family Fishing" lakes where children under 16 fish free without a licence. Many stocked ponds are right in or near towns — perfect for an afternoon outing with young kids. The Freshwater Fisheries Society also runs free "Learn to Fish" events at locations across BC throughout the summer.

Highlights

Free fishing for kids under 16 at Family Fishing lakes
Hundreds of stocked lakes province-wide
Free "Learn to Fish" events all summer
Trout, kokanee, and bass in accessible locations

Local tip: Download the BC Freshwater Fishing Regulations and the FishBC app to find the nearest stocked lake. Many are within 30 minutes of any BC town.

All ages

Boat ToursMay – September

Scenic Boat Tours — Lakes & Coast

Kelowna / Shuswap / Gulf Islands / Barkley SoundVancouver Island

BC's lakes, rivers, and coastline offer an incredible range of family boat tour experiences. On Okanagan Lake, sightseeing cruises depart from Kelowna and Penticton. On the Shuswap, houseboat rentals let families explore hundreds of kilometres of shoreline. On the coast, zodiac tours through the Gulf Islands and Barkley Sound offer wildlife viewing — seals, eagles, dolphins, and orcas — in some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.

Highlights

Okanagan Lake sightseeing cruises from Kelowna
Shuswap houseboat rentals
Gulf Islands zodiac wildlife tours
Barkley Sound marine wildlife viewing

Local tip: The Shuswap houseboat experience is one of BC's most unique family holidays — book a full week and explore the lake at your own pace.

All ages

Farm & AnimalsYear-round

Farm Visits & Petting Zoos

Fraser Valley / Okanagan / Vancouver IslandFraser Valley

BC's agricultural regions are home to dozens of family farms that welcome visitors for petting zoo experiences, farm tours, and hands-on activities. The Fraser Valley has the highest concentration — farms near Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Langley offer goats, sheep, rabbits, pigs, and chickens for kids to interact with. Many farms combine the petting zoo with berry picking, hayrides, and farm-fresh food stands.

Highlights

Hands-on animal feeding and petting
Hayrides and farm tours
Berry picking and farm-fresh produce
Seasonal events — Easter, Halloween, Christmas

Local tip: The Fraser Valley farms near Abbotsford and Chilliwack are the most accessible from Vancouver. Many run special seasonal events at Easter and Halloween.

7 and up

Adventure & ZiplineMay – October

Ziplining & Canopy Tours

Whistler / Kelowna / Tofino / GoldenSea to Sky

BC has some of the most spectacular zipline and canopy tour operations in North America, taking advantage of the province's dramatic mountain and forest terrain. Ziptrek Ecotours in Whistler runs five ziplines through old-growth forest above Fitzsimmons Creek. Kelowna's Myra Canyon Zipline combines ziplining with views of the famous Kettle Valley Railway trestles. Tofino's Rainforest Zipline threads through ancient coastal rainforest.

Highlights

Ziptrek Ecotours Whistler — 5 lines through old-growth forest
Myra Canyon Zipline with KVR trestle views
Tofino Rainforest Zipline through coastal forest
Golden Skybridge — suspension bridges and zipline

Local tip: Most operators have a minimum weight of around 25kg for safety. Book online — popular tours sell out days in advance in peak summer.

All ages

Amusement & Go-KartsMay – September

Go-Karts & Amusement Parks

Kelowna / Penticton / Kamloops / NanaimoOkanagan

BC's interior and island cities have a great selection of go-kart tracks and family amusement parks perfect for a few hours of pure fun. Scandia Fun Park in Kelowna combines go-karts with mini golf, batting cages, and bumper boats. Penticton's Skaha Lake area has go-karts right alongside the waterslides. Kamloops and Nanaimo both have family entertainment centres with multi-activity options for all ages.

Highlights

Scandia Fun Park Kelowna — go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats
Penticton go-karts near Skaha Waterslides
Kamloops family entertainment centres
Nanaimo amusement park options

Local tip: Combine go-karts with a waterslide visit in Penticton for a full day of summer fun — both attractions are within walking distance of each other.

6 and up

Paddling & WaterMay – September

Sea Kayaking & Paddleboarding

Gulf Islands / Tofino / Sechelt / KelownaVancouver Island

BC's sheltered coastal waters and calm interior lakes make it one of the best places in the world for family kayaking and paddleboarding. The Gulf Islands offer protected channels with incredible wildlife — seals, otters, eagles, and herons are constant companions. Tofino's Clayoquot Sound has guided tours through ancient rainforest-fringed inlets. On the Okanagan, paddleboard rentals are available at every beach.

Highlights

Gulf Islands guided kayak tours with wildlife
Tofino Clayoquot Sound kayak expeditions
Okanagan Lake paddleboard rentals
Sechelt Inlet and Sunshine Coast sea kayaking

Local tip: For families with young children, choose a guided tour on calm, sheltered water. The Gulf Islands are ideal — the channels are protected and wildlife sightings are almost guaranteed.

All ages

Farm & SeasonalSeptember – October

Corn Mazes & Pumpkin Patches

Fraser Valley / Okanagan / Vancouver IslandFraser Valley

BC's fall harvest season brings some of the best corn maze and pumpkin patch experiences in Canada. The Fraser Valley is the epicentre — farms near Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Langley create elaborate multi-acre mazes with themes that change every year. Families can pick their own pumpkins, take hayrides, enjoy fresh apple cider, and explore the maze. The Okanagan and Vancouver Island also have excellent harvest farm experiences.

Highlights

Multi-acre themed corn mazes
Pick-your-own pumpkin patches
Hayrides and farm activities
Fresh apple cider and farm-baked goods

Local tip: Visit on a weekday in early October for the best pumpkin selection and shorter queues. Wear rubber boots — the fields can be muddy after rain.

All ages

Winter AdventureDecember – March

Family Snowshoeing

Whistler / Sun Peaks / Manning Park / RevelstokeSea to Sky

Snowshoeing is one of the most accessible and affordable winter activities for BC families — if you can walk, you can snowshoe. Most BC ski resorts rent snowshoes and have groomed trails through the forest, and many provincial parks have marked snowshoe routes. Whistler's Lost Lake trails, Sun Peaks' network of groomed paths, and Manning Park's backcountry routes are all excellent family options. No lessons required.

Highlights

Whistler Lost Lake snowshoe trails
Sun Peaks groomed family snowshoe loops
Manning Park backcountry snowshoeing
Revelstoke Mountain snowshoe tours

Local tip: Rent snowshoes at the resort rather than buying — kids outgrow them quickly. Bring hand warmers and a thermos of hot chocolate for a perfect winter outing.

All ages

Winter AdventureDecember – March

Snow Tubing & Sledding Hills

Whistler / Sun Peaks / Big White / Manning ParkSea to Sky

Snow tubing is the ultimate no-skill-required winter thrill for families, and BC's ski resorts have invested in excellent dedicated tubing parks. Whistler's tube park at the base of Blackcomb has multiple lanes and a magic carpet lift. Big White near Kelowna has one of the best tubing parks in Western Canada. Sun Peaks and Manning Park also have great options. Even the smallest kids can join in, making it the most inclusive winter activity around.

Highlights

Whistler Blackcomb tube park with magic carpet
Big White Snow Tubing Park — multiple lanes
Sun Peaks family tubing area
Manning Park sledding hills — free and open to all

Local tip: Manning Park's sledding hill is free and open to the public — just bring your own sled or crazy carpet. It's a great budget option for families.

All ages

Museum & ScienceYear-round

Royal BC Museum — Victoria

VictoriaVancouver Island

One of Canada's finest museums, the Royal BC Museum in Victoria tells the complete story of British Columbia — from the deep geological past through First Nations cultures to the present day. The Natural History Gallery features a life-size woolly mammoth and walk-through ice age diorama. The First Peoples Gallery is one of the most comprehensive presentations of Indigenous culture in North America. Travelling exhibitions bring world-class content from around the globe.

Highlights

Natural History Gallery with woolly mammoth
First Peoples Gallery — world-class Indigenous culture
Walk-through historical town replica
Major travelling exhibitions year-round

Local tip: Allow at least three hours — the museum is much larger than it looks from outside. The First Peoples Gallery alone deserves an hour of your time.

10 and up

Paddling & WaterJune – September

Canoeing the Bowron Lake Circuit

Wells (near Quesnel)Cariboo

The Bowron Lake Canoe Circuit in the Cariboo Mountains is one of the great wilderness canoe routes in the world — a 116km chain of lakes, rivers, and portages through pristine boreal forest. For families with older children and some paddling experience, it's a transformative multi-day adventure. Wildlife sightings — moose, bears, wolves, eagles, and osprey — are virtually guaranteed. Shorter day paddles on individual lakes are available for families with younger children.

Highlights

116km wilderness canoe circuit
Moose, bears, and wolves in the wild
Pristine Cariboo Mountain scenery
Day paddle options for younger families

Local tip: The full circuit takes 7–10 days. For families with younger children, a 2-day paddle on Bowron Lake itself is spectacular and manageable.

All ages

Cycling & TrailsApril – October

Okanagan Rail Trail — Cycling

Kelowna to VernonOkanagan

The Okanagan Rail Trail follows the old CN Rail corridor for 50km between Kelowna and Vernon along the shores of Kalamalka and Wood Lakes — two of the most beautiful lakes in BC. The trail is paved, flat, and car-free, making it perfect for families with young children on bikes or in trailers. The turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake alongside the trail are stunning, and there are beach access points and picnic areas throughout.

Highlights

50km paved, flat, car-free trail
Kalamalka Lake turquoise water views
Beach access and picnic areas along the route
Bike rentals available in Kelowna and Vernon

Local tip: Start at the Coldstream end near Vernon and ride south toward Kelowna for the best lake views. The Kalamalka Lake section is the most scenic stretch.

All ages

Culture & HeritageYear-round

First Nations Cultural Experiences

Province-wideLower Mainland

BC is home to over 200 First Nations with some of the richest and most diverse Indigenous cultures in the world. Families can experience this heritage at world-class cultural centres across the province — the Museum of Anthropology at UBC, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler, the Haida Gwaii Museum, and the U'mista Cultural Centre in Alert Bay. Many communities offer guided tours, traditional food experiences, and cultural performances.

Highlights

Museum of Anthropology at UBC — world-class collection
Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre in Whistler
Haida Gwaii Museum and cultural sites
U'mista Cultural Centre — Alert Bay potlatch collection

Local tip: The Museum of Anthropology at UBC is one of the finest Indigenous art museums in the world and is free on Tuesday evenings. A must for every BC family.

All ages

Camping & OutdoorsMay – September

BC Provincial Park Camping

Province-wideThompson-Okanagan

BC's provincial park system is one of the finest in North America, with over 1,000 parks and protected areas offering everything from drive-in campgrounds with full amenities to remote wilderness sites. Families can camp on the shores of Shuswap Lake, in the old-growth forests of Strathcona Park, beside glacial lakes in Garibaldi, or on the beaches of Pacific Rim. The BC Parks reservation system opens in March and popular sites book up within minutes.

Highlights

1,000+ parks and protected areas province-wide
Shuswap Lake beachfront campgrounds
Garibaldi Park alpine camping
Pacific Rim beachside camping at Green Point

Local tip: Set an alarm for 7am on the day BC Parks reservations open in March — the most popular sites like Shuswap and Cultus Lake sell out in under an hour.

All ages

Beach & OceanYear-round (best at low tide)

Tide Pool Exploring — Vancouver Island

Ucluelet / Bamfield / Victoria / Campbell RiverVancouver Island

Vancouver Island's rocky coastline is home to some of the richest intertidal zones in the Pacific — a living aquarium of sea stars, anemones, hermit crabs, chitons, mussels, and occasionally octopus. The Wild Pacific Trail near Ucluelet, Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew, and the shores around Victoria's Ogden Point all offer exceptional tide pool exploring. Low tide reveals a world that most people never see, and kids are absolutely transfixed.

Highlights

Botanical Beach — one of BC's best tide pool sites
Wild Pacific Trail Ucluelet rocky shore
Victoria's Ogden Point and Saxe Point
Sea stars, anemones, crabs, and occasional octopus

Local tip: Download a tide table app before you go and plan your visit for a minus tide (below 0.0m). Botanical Beach near Port Renfrew has the most spectacular pools in BC.

All ages

Scenic FlightsYear-round

Scenic Helicopter Tours

Whistler / Kelowna / Vancouver / GoldenSea to Sky

A scenic helicopter flight over BC's mountains, glaciers, and coastline is one of the most spectacular experiences the province offers — and it's more accessible than most families expect. Operators in Whistler fly over the Spearhead Glacier and Garibaldi Park. Kelowna operators offer Okanagan Lake and wine country tours. Vancouver operators fly over the city, Howe Sound, and the North Shore mountains. Golden's operators access the Columbia Icefield.

Highlights

Whistler glacier and Garibaldi Park flights
Kelowna Okanagan Lake and wine country tours
Vancouver city and Howe Sound scenic flights
Golden Columbia Icefield glacier landings

Local tip: A 20-minute flight is enough to be genuinely awe-inspiring and is the most affordable option. Glacier landing tours in Whistler and Golden are the most memorable.

BC Ferries — Sailing to Vancouver Island

All ages

Ferry & Ocean ExperienceYear-round

BC Ferries — Sailing to Vancouver Island

Tsawwassen / Horseshoe BayLower Mainland

For many BC families, the BC Ferries sailing to Vancouver Island is itself one of the great experiences of a BC road trip. The 1.5-hour crossing from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay passes through the Gulf Islands, with views of seals, eagles, and occasionally orcas. Kids love exploring the multi-deck ships, watching the wake from the stern, and spotting wildlife. The ferry café serves excellent chowder and fish and chips.

Highlights

1.5-hour sailing through the Gulf Islands
Wildlife spotting from the deck
Multi-deck ships to explore
Café with BC chowder and fish and chips

Local tip: Book your sailing in advance in summer — the ferries fill up fast on long weekends. The upper deck is the best spot for wildlife watching.

Cultus Lake — Waterslides, Beach & Family Fun

All ages

Water Park & BeachMay – September

Cultus Lake — Waterslides, Beach & Family Fun

Cultus Lake (near Chilliwack)Fraser Valley

Nestled in the mountains just 15 minutes south of Chilliwack, Cultus Lake is one of the Fraser Valley's most beloved family destinations. The warm, spring-fed lake is perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking. Cultus Lake Waterpark is the star attraction — a full waterslide park with rides for toddlers through thrill-seekers, including the towering Cliffhanger and the family-friendly Lazy River. Beyond the waterslides, the area offers mini golf, go-karts, beach volleyball, boat rentals, hiking trails in Cultus Lake Provincial Park, and the Cultus Lake Golf Club — a scenic 18-hole course with mountain views. Campgrounds and cabin rentals make it an easy overnight or weekend getaway for Fraser Valley families.

Highlights

Cultus Lake Waterpark — slides for all ages including the Cliffhanger and Lazy River
Warm freshwater lake swimming and sandy beaches
Mini golf, go-karts, and beach volleyball
Cultus Lake Golf Club — 18-hole course with mountain views
Boat, kayak, and paddleboard rentals on the lake
Hiking trails in Cultus Lake Provincial Park
Campgrounds and cabin rentals for overnight stays

Local tip: Arrive at the waterpark when it opens at 10am in July and August — lineups for the popular slides build quickly by midday. The lake beach is free and just steps from the park entrance.

Stay Close to the Action

Find a family-friendly independent motel near every activity on this list. StayBC connects you directly with BC's best locally owned accommodations — no booking fees, no middlemen.

Browse BC Motels Back to Travel Guide