Tag: family activities

Discover Oak Bay’s Best Spots: 4 Must-Do’s!

Oak Bay is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Victoria, B.C.! We spend a lot of time there in the summer. Oak Bay is a picturesque community on the southeast edge of Victoria located about 3km (2mi) from downtown Victoria. It has some of the largest and most prestigious homes in the city, large oak trees and beautiful scenery. Here are some must-visit spots and activities in Oak Bay that are great for families. Plan to spend a full day in Oak Bay.

Oak Bay Marina

Start your adventure at the Oak Bay Marina. It’s a beautiful
spot that shows off coastal living at its best. The marina is more than just a
place for boats. It’s a busy and relaxing hub. Take a slow walk along the docks
and admire all the boats. You’ll see everything from small sailboats to fancy
yachts. Want to get closer to the marine life? The marina offers boat rentals
and charters for fishing trips and wildlife tours. There are also kayak rentals
and kayak tours. Don’t miss the friendly harbor seals that often pop up around
the docks. There’s a restaurant (Marina Dockside Eatery), gift shop and public
washrooms, as well as a nice pathway near the marina and a small park. The
marina is located on Beach drive, located at 1327 Beach Drive.

Oak Bay Beach Hotel

For a luxurious retreat, head to the Oak Bay Beach Hotel. This elegant boutique oceanfront hotel mixes classic charm with modern amenities. It’s the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Treat yourself at the Boathouse Spa. Relax in mineral pools overlooking the ocean, enjoy a rejuvenating massage, or unwind in the tranquil garden. Note that you must be over 16 to access the mineral pools. They even offer evening pool passes for non-guests from 5 pm to 10 pm, making it perfect for date night!

Dining options are fantastic. Try the cozy Snug Pub for hearty fare and a warm atmosphere. The Dining Room offers gourmet meals made from local ingredients. Faro is great for handcrafted pizza. Even if you’re not staying at the hotel, it’s worth visiting for the views alone. The lobby is gorgeous and a relaxing place to hang out. The Oak Bay Beach Hotel is located at 1175 Beach Drive.

Willows Beach

No visit to Oak Bay is complete without a trip to Willows Beach. It’s one of the most popular family-friendly beaches in the area. The beach has soft sand, calm waters, and stunning views of Mount Baker. Willows Beach is perfect for a day of relaxation and fun. Pack a picnic and enjoy it on the large grassy area with a kids’ play park. Take a dip in the gentle waves, or lounge on the sand with a good book. The kids can build forts from all of the driftwood.

In the summer, the beach hosts various events and festivals. This adds to its vibrant atmosphere. There are clean public washrooms, changerooms, and a concession stand. A tasty place to grab food and a classic soft serve ice cream cone is Willows Galley Fish & Chips, located a short walk away at 2559 Estevan Ave. Stop here before heading to the beach!

Willows beach is located at Dalhousie Street and Beach Drive. You can park in the parking lot at the entrance to the grassy area or along the street which runs parallel to the beach. It’s about a 15-minute drive from downtown.

Oak Bay Village

For a taste of local culture and charm, take a stroll through Oak Bay Village. This quaint shopping district has a small-town feel. It’s lined with boutique shops, art galleries, bistros, restaurants, cafes, and pubs. Be sure to try the famous Roger’s Chocolates on this street! Explore the unique stores. You can find everything from handmade crafts to fashionable clothing. Art lovers will enjoy the galleries showcasing works by local artists. Foodies can savor delicious treats from the village’s bakeries and coffee shops. The village also hosts several annual events. One of the best is the Oak Bay Night Market. There, you can enjoy live music, sample local foods, and browse artisanal goods.

Whether you’re exploring the serene waterfront at the Oak Bay Marina, pampering yourself at the Oak Bay Beach Hotel, soaking up the sun at Willows Beach, or discovering the unique charm of Oak Bay Village, this delightful corner of Victoria has something for everyone. Oak Bay blends natural beauty, luxurious amenities, and a vibrant community. It’s a must-visit destination. So, grab your camera, bathing suit, and walking shoes. Get ready to explore the amazing Oak Bay!

3 Cool Hikes to do in Whistler

Whistler, BC is located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia and is just a two-hour drive North of Vancouver. It has one of the biggest ski resorts in North America and played host to the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics. Whistler’s stunning landscape includes glacier-fed lakes, old-growth forests, waterfalls, parks, and paved trails perfect for walking or biking.

Although mostly known as a ski destination, Whistler has many hiking trails and is a super fun summer destination for active families.

Check out 3 awesome hikes that you can do with kids. You don’t have to go far to see gorgeous waterfalls, spectacular views, lush ancient forests, and unique historic sites.

Train Wreck Trail

This short trail is one of Whistler’s most unique spots and a favorite with hikers, mountain bikers, photographers, and graffiti artists. It takes less than 15 minutes to drive to Whistler Village and less than 30 minutes of walking to get to the train wreck.

This beautiful hike takes you over a fun suspension bridge over an aqua-colored river to old train boxcars strewn in the middle of the forest. One of the coolest hikes we’ve ever been on!  The story of how these old boxcars ended up there is that back in 1956, the train was going way over the speed limit in an area under repair and derailed, sending three cars into the canyon below. These cars were eventually dragged back up into the forest and are still there today.

The boxcars are spray-painted with cool graffiti art and you can climb on top of them and explore the inside. If you’re into photography, this is a great spot to take pictures!

Parkhurst Ghost Town

Another cool and unique hike, this trail leads you to an old ghost town in the forest. Parkhurst used to be an old logging town in the 1920’s and was abandoned in the 1960’s. Historical artifacts such as an intact cabin, flattened buildings, abandoned vehicles and even an old stove still remain.

This trail is located near Green Lake, about a 10-15 minute drive from Whistler Village. To get there, you drive North on the Sea to Sky highway to the end of Green Lake and follow the signs for Wedgemount Lake trail. You take the Wedge Creek Forest Service Road over the Green River, drive past Whistler paintball and park. The trail is a bit tricky to follow so make sure you download the Alltrails app to navigate it. You can either hike or mountain bike the trail. Plan for 3-4 hours here if you are hiking, and about 2 hours if you are biking.

Another way to see the town would be to park at Green Lake Park and paddle over by kayak or paddle board. This is the shortest route to the town and Green Lake is beautiful!

Nairn Falls

Whistler has some stunning waterfall trails and this was one of our favorites! The parking lot to Nairn Falls is about 25 minutes from Whistler Village and the hike is short at only 2.6km (1.6mi). It’s a beautiful out and back trail along the aqua marine colored green river. The trail leads you to two viewing platforms overlooking the upper and lower falls. Each fall is about 30 metres (98 feet) and quite powerful. This trail is super easy for kids as young as 3. You can stop along the river in a calm area and skip rocks too! If you’re into camping, there’s a nice campground here as well.

We’ve written a detailed travel guide for Whistler that you can find in our Shop section if you’re planning an active vacation here.

✕
Exit mobile version
0
YOUR CART
  • No products in the cart.
Subtotal:
0.00$
CHECKOUT
BEST SELLING PRODUCTS
Costa Rica Family Travel Guide Planner(Customizable with Sample 14 Day Itinerary)
7.99$
Travel Itinerary Template
0.00$
Krabi Thailand Travel Guide (Comes with a Customizable Sample 14 Day Itinerary)
7.99$
Victoria Travel Guide For The Active Family
7.99$ – 10.99$
Whistler Summer Things to do for Families: Activities, Travel Tips, Food, Must have apps + suggested itinerary and more
7.99$