As mid-summer hits, most of us are still craving the excitement of a short but sweet getaway. For those eager to take advantage of the beautiful weather and explore after a long couple of years staying close to home, here are our top 5 family-friendly summer destination picks in BC.

1. Squamish

Looking for a picturesque, family-friendly destination in BC? Squamish is your top pick. Offering plenty of options for activities such as hiking, biking, rock climbing, and water sports, this is an ideal option for those traveling with family. Be sure to visit one of the town’s popular attractions, the Sea to Sky Gondola, which offers panoramic views of the coastal mountains and ocean, a suspension bridge, hiking trails, and a restaurant. But it’s not all about the destination – the Sea to Sky Highway drive to get to Squamish is a stunning experience in itself.

2. Tofino

Calling all beach-lovers – Tofino is the place to be. In addition to the vast beaches and mighty surf that this laid-back town is known for, you can also explore the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, experience the incredible food scene, take in a marine or whale watching tour, or try your hand at aquatic activities like surfing and kayaking.

3. Revelstoke

You may know Revelstoke for its skiing, but this southeastern city has plenty to offer its visitors in the summer as well. Located between the Columbia Mountain Range and the Columbia River, Revelstoke is an outdoor lover’s dream with plenty of family-friendly resort options to choose from. Closer to Calgary than it is to Vancouver, Revelstoke will be a further road trip destination for many, but with activities like mountain biking, adventure theme parks, mountain paddle boarding, ghost town attractions, paragliding, and more, it will surely be a crowd-pleaser for the whole family.

4. Haida Gwaii

For the road trip experience of a lifetime, consider putting Haida Gwaii on your radar. Haida Gwaii is an archipelago off the west coast of British Columbia, meaning that you will have the additional experience of not only driving, but also taking the car ferry to reach the small island. Steeped in vibrant indigenous culture and known for its incredible fishing, Haida Gwaii could be an excellent summer destination for the whole family to try their hand at a new skill.

5. Pemberton

Pemberton is an incredible all-around destination with a multitude of recreational activity options. From mountain biking, to hiking, horseback riding, and golfing, Pemberton is often overlooked for the more popular Whistler, which is located only 20 minutes away. Enjoy the scenic views of the Sea to Sky Highway en route as well!

Wherever your summer adventure takes you, don’t forget to check out our long-distance summer road trip checklist and confirm your route before setting off to ensure that your vehicle is road trip ready and the roads are clear. Happy traveling!