Both before we had kids and after we became parents, we’ve typically traveled somewhere at least once a year. And while we’ve visited as far-flung locations as Amsterdam and Australia in the past, things have obviously been different these past 18 months or so. Our travel bug is itching, but we also want to be safe and responsible about it, especially with a baby in tow. With that in mind, we’ve started to think about potential summer family vacation options right here in British Columbia.

You’ve likely heard that BC lifted some COVID-19 restrictions as part of Step 2 of the province’s reopening plan. That was just earlier this week. Along with allowing social gatherings of up to 50 people outdoors, a big one for us is non-essential travel between health regions in the province is back on the table.

And so, I’m back to daydreaming about where our family might go for a trip in the next couple months. Ideally, we’d like to drive for no more than about five hours outside of Vancouver.

Harrison Hot Springs

We stopped by Harrison Hot Springs during our short family road trip a couple of years ago. That was only for an hour or two. When Ford Canada hosted me and other “serious automotive journalists” at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort and Spa a few years before that, I didn’t do much exploring beyond the hotel and a short nature trail around the back. This little town deserves a proper visit.

I’ve heard great things about Harrison Beach Hotel from other local families. Maybe that’s where we might go for a couple nights? It’s right across the street from the beach, and hopefully a few more activities will be open this summer too.

Whistler and Squamish

We tried the Whistler staycation idea back in 2018. Unfortunately, this was right around the time that we were battling some wildfires. Thus, the view from the top wasn’t the best. What’s more, Addie was just a bit too short at the time to walk across to another vantage point. We stayed at the Westin Whistler, which was fabulous as always. For that trip, we mostly stayed in Whistler Village, but I’d like to do some more exploring of the surrounding area as well.

Kelowna and the Interior

It may or may not surprise you to learn that, aside from possibly stopping by enroute to somewhere else, I’ve never actually visited Kelowna. I hear it’s great. The beach, the nearby wineries and — perhaps most importantly for the kiddos (and me, let’s be honest) is Kangaroo Creek Farm. I got to pet and feed kangaroos in Australia several years ago. It’d be great for the kiddos to get a similar experience closer to home.

Nanaimo and North Vancouver Island

Okay, time for some more BC travel confession time. We passed through Nanaimo on our way to Tofino several years ago. However, just like Kelowna, we’ve never really visited the northern half of Vancouver Island. I really don’t know all that much about it, if we’re being honest. I think it could be a great family vacation to explore Nanaimo, Parksville and other surrounding areas. Perhaps we could stay at Sunrise Ridge Waterfront Resort? It looks like a great escape from the city.

Victoria and South Vancouver Island

And then, there’s the other half of Vancouver Island. True, we were just in Victoria last spring. You might remember my videos on our horse-drawn carriage tour and the Coast Victoria Hotel where we stayed. However, COVID-19 restrictions were literally introduced while we were there. We got to visit the Royal BC Museum on its last day of operation before closing due to the pandemic. But, we didn’t get to the Victoria Bug Zoo, among other attractions (and restaurants). It’d be great to go back.

Where Is Our Next Family Vacation?

As I said at the top, if we’re going anywhere for a family vacation this summer, it’ll be local. I’d prefer to keep the driving to under five hours or so, but hopping on a ferry for a couple hours is certainly fair game. As baby Max gets a little older, we might consider bigger trips. I’ve always wanted to take some time exploring northern BC, particularly Prince Rupert, since my mom spent some time there in her younger days. Maybe she’d like to come along.

All this being said, do you have any family vacation plans for this summer? Where do you want to go?