Getaways – Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort

When it’s time to head out of town sans partner and children, the one spot that almost always comes to mind when hanging out with my pals is Tigh-Na-Mara Spa & Resort in Parksville. This gorgeous retreat is a true mom getaway that can be a time to get away with one friend or a [...]

Getaways – Family Learning at the Capilano Suspension Bridge

As the world descends upon the West Coast of Canada for the 2010 Olympic Games in February, the one thing we’ve been chatting about lately is getting over to the Mainland in the next couple of weeks to get our Vancouver fix in before everyone else shows up.
It’s not that we don’t want to be [...]

Getaways – Learning, Adventure & Airplanes Up Close at YVR

When I was a kid in the 1970s one of the things that I waited for all year was to be able to stand right at the gate, face glued to the glass, waiting for my grandparents to get off of the airplane – whether it be for Summer vacation or Christmas holiday. We would [...]

Getaways – Victoria Family Staycations

There’s been a lot of talk from local tourism folks this year about it being the Summer of staycations. With folks out of work, scaling back and tightening their belts, the great family Summer holiday has taken a bit of a back seat. Staying close to home makes sense.
But, that doesn’t mean that we all [...]

Getaways – Plan for June: Family Farms, Food & Wine

Welcome to my 30-day reminder that another month has escaped us (gasp!). Nearly HALF of 2009 is over and I still think it’s January.
While I realize this could be construed as a personal issue, I seriously suspect that time is simply speeding up and laughing at me as it whizzes by.
In an effort to [...]

Getaways – Family Time on Quadra Island

When I sit down to plan a bit of a family escape, my mind has always wandered toward the west side of Vancouver Island. With all of its tide pooling, surfers and sea life, the West Coast has its beauty. But, lately, I’ve been dreaming spending some serious time on another island.

The northern islands – [...]

Sunday Morning Walk – Time to Tide Pool

The starfish are calling. I’m totally serious, they’re wondering where all of the humans are. They’ve finally come up for some air after a long, chilly Winter under water.
So, it must be time for us to dig out the wellies and head for the waves…or at least the low tide line.
This is the time of [...]

Parent Getaways – Snuggles, Wine & Dessert

Editor’s Note: Reality of Parenthood #1 – if mom and dad aren’t happy, nobody is happy.
Finding those moments to reconnect as a couple or spend a bit of time regrouping by yourself may seem nearly impossible most days. But, making them possible can be what levels your head, rejuvenates you and helps you [...]

Hit North Vancouver Island Museums

So, the tiny person and I hit the opening day of the Spring Break Hands-On Farm yesterday. It’s most definitely a scaled-down version of the Summer farm. But, it was totally great to see our daughter getting into hanging out with the bunnies and guinea pigs inside, and getting the chance to feed the donkey [...]

Tofino in January is Heaven

Well, we’re home after a great week wave watching, trail hiking and late sleeping on the Clayquot Sound.

Wow, is it ever refreshing to have a few days off in order to better appreciate everyday life.

It also, however, requires a day or so to re-acclimate.

Hope you all enjoyed your time with our guest writers this week. [...]

Returning to the Real World with Family Vacation Tips

I apologize for being MIA yesterday. A snail-paced internet connection and gorgeous, jacket-free last day in Tofino meant radio silence.
Anyway, back in the Valley and back to business, our week in Tofino has inspired me to begin putting together family-friendly vacation guides for hot spots around the island – with Tofino being the first.
Look for [...]

Tofino’s Ocean Kids

So, there we were driving along Campbell Street into downtown Tofino.
We had to make a Co-op run for last-minute ingredients (it was perogi party night last night) and ended up at this great kids store that is, in the end, now the sole reason that we as parents no longer have ANY excuses about why [...]