13 Great British Columbia Spring Break Ideas for Families

British Columbia’s mountains, lakes and harbors offer hundreds of great spring break family getaways. These standout cities and villages provide lots of great indoor and outdoor fun things to do for little kids, big kids and teens. Take a look and let me know if I’ve forgotten any of your favorite spring break destinations.

Spring Break Ideas for British Columbia

1. Vancouver and West Fraser Valley. Visit nearby Fort Langley and hear stories by the fire, learn about historic weapons and then back into Vancouver to visit Kitsilano with kids. If it’s raining? No problem. Check out this list of great rainy day activities in Vancouver.

2. Whistler. You’ll still find fresh powder in the impressive Blackcomb-Whistler community; if you stay right in Whistler village, everything (restaurants, lifts, and activites) is walkable. Ride the Peak 2 Peak, swing at the new playground and oh yeah, ski! Check the Whistler family deals and activities page at the Whistler-Blackcomb site.

3. Steveston. No, it’s not big or fancy or all that far from Vancouver.  But this little seaside fishing village has charm to spare, and feels worlds away from the big city. Walking the historic streets feels like a step into a quiet past — so it’s just the right speed for a getaway-from-it-all BC spring break with kids. Stay in Vancouver or Richmond (don’t miss taking the kids to sample the international flavors of Richmond’s Aberdeen Centre) or just visit for the day. Read more at Steveston with Kids.

4. Fort Steele. In East Kootenay, this restored 1890s boom town boasts more than 60 heritage buildings, and spring break demonstrations of tin smithing, gold panning and dress making.

5. Fernie. Tour historic downtown (including the last standing wooden oil derrick in BC), visit the Fernie Nature Centre and enjoy all sort of great activities.

6. Fort Steele. In East Kootenay, this restored 1890s boom town boasts more than 60 heritage buildings, and spring break demonstrations of tin smithing, gold panning and dress making.

7. Kelowna. Ski and tube at Big White (look at the family spring break packages), visit the Kelowna Art Gallery for free on Thursdays and go for drop-in swim time in the wave pool at H2O Adventure Fitness.

8. Prince George. Learn about hands-on science and history at the Exploration Place Museum and Science Center (check out those dino models!), view constellations at the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada Prince George Centre, play in the sprays, bubbles and lazy river at the Prince George Aquatic Centre.

9. Revelstoke. Chug your way through the Revelstoke Railway Museum, slalom your way down Revelstoke Mountain Resort (where kids stay, eat and play free through March) and tour the Rogers Pass National Historic Site.

11. Harrison Hot Springs. Spring break-themed deals and packages for families abound at Harrison Hot Springs and Resort, on the south shores of Harrison Lake.

Vancouver Island Spring Break Ideas

12. Victoria Spring Break. One of my favorite destinations if you prefer a pedestrian-friendly spring break; leave the car at home and push the stroller or hold hands in the compact downtown. Enjoy toddler-friendly activities and 35 free and cheap things to do with kids in Victoria.

13. Parksville. Also on Vancouver Island, this beach town was made for families. Explore Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, go on a self-guided tour of Morningstar Farm, wow over the springtime enthusiasm of Little Qualicum Falls and warm up at Nature World, in the butterfly-dotted tropical gardens. 

14. Ladysmith. On Vancouver Island, this laid-back town offers shopping, beach play and a bright red-and-green little trolley. But before you book your destination, review this round-up I wrote on kid-friendly Vancouver Island resorts.

15. Tofino. Vancouver Island’s western shores offer stormwatching, beaches, movies and even more fabulous kid-friendly excursions. Read more on Tofino with kids, with tips from a Tofino dad.