-
Cycling Across Canada with Kids
Joe Kurmaskie and his wife Beth set out on a cross-Canada adventure with their three boys, ages 9, 7 and 1. Method of transport: bicycles. Really. And it was awesome. Kurmaskie’s crew started out from their home in Portland, Oregon, cycled to North BC’s Prince Rupert, then east across Canada to Halifax, Nova Scotia. They started out on a three-seat tandem bicycle, pulling a trail-a-bike with a baby trailer attached. But always conscious of safety, the couple soon switched to a two-seat tandem for Joe and one son, pulling a trail-a-bike and baby trailer, with Beth riding alongside on her own bike. Q: What was the best part of your journey? Having the whole family join a…
-
Tofino with Kids … er, a Baby
Vancouver-based mom Elaina Spring Eden, husband and adorable 9-month-old daughter Ava just traipsed off to Tofino, BC for almost a week. Tofino — located off the west shore of Vancouver Island — is well-known for opportunities to hike, whale-watch and unwind from the world. But that last part (unwinding) isn’t always so easy for new parents, as we all remember. “My husband I both realized that our days of laying in bed in terrycloth robes and staring out at the ocean for hours on end are on hiatus for a while,†Eden says. “The idea of rest and relaxation has taken on a whole new meaning in our lives at…
-
Aquariums to Volcanoes: 25 spring break ideas
So, what are you doing for spring break? A whole week — and me without plans. So I came up with a list of 25 great ways to spend your family time, from half-day museum visits to multi-day resort experiences. 1. Go tidepooling at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Ore, Shi Shi Beach, Wash., or Botanical Beach in Port Renfrew, BC. 2. You’ve done 3D – now go for the 4D experience at the Vancouver Aquarium in Vancouver, BC. 3. Spend the night on an active volcano — sleep at the National Park Inn on Mt. Rainier. 4. Skip the petting zoo and go on a farm stay. 5. Park your…
-
Families Travel! Sarah Goes on a Quadra Island Farm Stay
In August 2009, Sarah Pugh, her husband Stirling and 3-year-old daughter Rowan rented a kitchen-equipped cottage from Bold Point Farmstay for six nights. Their hosts, Rod and Geraldine, run the farmstay on the secluded and rustic Quadra Island, BC. Quadra Island is located about three hours north of Victoria (and involves a quick 10-minute ferry ride). Here’s why Sarah thought her family’s stay on a functioning farm was so fantastic: Q: What did you do at the family-friendly farm? Sarah: We went for long rambles in the woods, picked berries and fruit, went swimming in the lakes, and fishing and paddling in the ocean. We went to the market, popped over…
-
13 iPhone Apps for Your NW Trip
Need ferry fares, Oregon traffic maps or the Spokane weather forecast? There’s an app for that. Need the kids to chill on the long I-5 drive? There’s a nap for that. Here are 13 apps to consider for your trip in and around Washington, Oregon and BC. You’ll find all in the iTunes Store. A caveat: If you plan to use a web-boosted app in a country not included in your iPhone coverage, find out how much it’ll cost you to use your data plan. ————————————– 1. Â BorderWait by RBJZ Post Industries |Â $0.99 This app displays times at the American/Canadian border, so you can decide which crossing to take. Locals…
