Tag: adventure

The Best Family-Friendly Spring Break in BC

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

If you’re Googling “Spring Break in BC” and wondering if staying local is actually exciting enough… this is your sign.

British Columbia is wildly diverse. Within a few hours, you can go from rainforest beaches to desert landscapes to wine country to a storybook capital city. We’ve done the road trips (and flights). We’ve tested the hotels. We’ve eaten the food (enthusiastically).

Here are 5 of the best places to visit in BC for Spring Break with kids — and why they’re genuinely worth planning around.

1. Tofino, BC – For Beach Families + Outdoor Lovers

Why Tofino is perfect for Spring Break in BC:

Tofino gives you that “we went somewhere special” feeling without leaving the province. It’s rugged, it’s relaxed, and it’s built for families who love being outside.

We stayed at Pacific Sands Beach Resort (hello hot tub balcony overlooking the ocean) and Hotel Zed Tofino, which is colorful, quirky, and very kid-approved. Our family loved going to the beach weather it was pouring rain in muddy-buddies and boots, or in the sunshine in t-shirts!

Spring Break highlights in Tofino:

  • Massive sandy beaches (Chesterman Beach is a favourite)
  • Beginner-friendly surf lessons
  • Bonfires at sunset
  • Rainforest walks
  • Storm watching if the weather turns dramatic (which honestly just adds to the vibe)

Fun fact: Tofino is part of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Region — which basically means the ecosystem here is globally significant. You’re not just at a beach… you’re in one of the most protected coastal environments in the world.

If your family needs fresh air and space to run — this is it.

2. Penticton, BC – For Easy, Walkable Fun

If you’re planning Spring Break with kids in BC, Penticton is a low-stress win.

We stayed at The Balcomo, a Ramada by Wyndham, which felt boutique but still family-friendly (and had a great pool situation). Our rooms were perfect because kiddo had her own space which means bedtime isn’t at 8pm for the whole family! We had some great meals there as well; my husband went to Kin & Folk twice just for their fried rice.

What makes Penticton great:

  • The Penticton Farmers Market (one of the largest in BC)
  • Two lakes — Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake
  • LocoLanding Adventure Park for mini golf, go-karts, and peak kid energy release
  • Local treats like Cherry on Top (because balance)

Fun fact: Penticton is one of only two cities in the world located between two lakes. Which explains why the lake views feel endless.

It’s charming. It’s manageable. It’s great for families who want options without overcomplicating things.

3. Osoyoos, BC – Canada’s Only True Desert

Osoyoos feels like you crossed a border… but you didn’t.

We stayed at Spirit Ridge, in The Unbound Collection by Hyatt, which is set on Nk’Mip lands and blends desert views with resort comfort. It also provided so many educational (and fun) opportunities which as a homeschool family, we loved!

Here’s what makes Osoyoos incredible for Spring Break in BC:

  • It’s home to Canada’s only true desert ecosystem.
  • The Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre teaches you about endangered species, Indigenous history, and desert ecology in a way kids actually engage with.
  • The Bear, The Fish, The Root & The Berry — hands down one of our favourite meals of the year.
  • Spotted Lake looks like something from another planet when the mineral pools are visible.

Fun fact: Osoyoos is one of the warmest places in Canada, with over 2,000 hours of sunshine a year. If you’re craving warmth without booking a southern flight… this is your loophole.

4. Kelowna, BC – Food, Views + Space for Everyone

Kelowna is one of the most versatile Spring Break destinations in BC.

We stayed at The Royal Kelowna, which was ideal because we had a 3-bedroom apartment. When you’re traveling with kids, space matters. Full kitchen. Separate rooms. Everyone survives. I also could not BELIEVE the food scene in Kelowna; we literally didn’t have one bad meal! You can bring your car and do lots of exploring, or fly in and stay in the incredibly walkable city.

Why Kelowna works for families:

  • Incredible hiking trails with panoramic Okanagan views
  • Over 40 wineries in the region (parents, you’re welcome)
  • Waterfront parks and beaches
  • A growing food scene that’s actually worth planning around

Fun fact: Kelowna sits in one of Canada’s oldest wine-producing regions, with a microclimate that rivals parts of Napa. You can do outdoorsy mornings and elevated dinners in the same day.

It’s the sweet spot between active and indulgent.

5. Victoria, BC – History + Whale Watching + Afternoon Tea

If you want a Spring Break that feels polished but still fun for kids, Victoria delivers.

We stayed at Fairmont Empress — yes, that castle-looking one on the harbour — and did full afternoon tea because when in Victoria, you commit. I also took a solo adventure by bike around town and it was a great way to explore the city.

Top Spring Break activities in Victoria:

  • Exploring the Inner Harbour
  • Touring the Parliament Buildings
  • Whale watching with Prince of Whales Whale & Marine Wildlife Adventures
  • Afternoon tea at the Fairmont (which somehow feels fancy and kid-friendly at the same time)

Fun fact: Victoria is one of the mildest climates in Canada and is known as the “Garden City.” Early spring flowers start blooming here before most of the country thaws.

It feels international… without actually being international.

Why Staying in BC for Spring Break Just Makes Sense

When you plan Spring Break in British Columbia, you get:

  • Diverse landscapes (rainforest, desert, wine country, coastline)
  • Shorter travel days
  • No passport stress
  • Canadian pricing (which feels like a win right now)
  • And genuinely world-class experiences

You can absolutely travel internationally. No shade. But if you’re craving something easier, equally beautiful, and way less complicated?

BC delivers.

If you’re planning Spring Break in BC with kids, which one are you choosing — beach, desert, wine country, or city charm?

And be honest… are you exploring your own backyard this year, or heading further south?

A Day Trip to Remember: Exploring the Sea to Sky Highway in the Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ashley RhapsodyLeave a comment

There’s something about driving the Sea to Sky Highway that never gets old. No matter how many times I make the trip, the winding roads, the mountain views, and the salty ocean air make it feel like an adventure every time.

So when we had the chance to take the all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning on a little day- trip to Shannon Falls, I couldn’t pass it up. A day spent exploring the great outdoors, coffee in hand, with the smooth, quiet drive of an electric truck? Sign me up.

First Impressions: The Future of Trucks is Here

Before hitting the road, I had to take a moment to check out all the F-150 Lightning’s features—and trust me, there are plenty. One of my favorite things? The front trunk (or as Ford calls it, the “frunk”). Instead of an engine under the hood, there’s extra storage, making it the perfect place to stash our bags for easy access. A quick press of a button, and the trunk pops open effortlessly.

Inside, starting the truck was just as seamless—push-button start, a massive touchscreen, and the kind of quiet you don’t expect from a pickup. Once we were on the road, it was smooth sailing all the way to Squamish.

Shannon Falls: The Perfect Day Trip Stop

A stop at Shannon Falls is a must on any Sea to Sky road trip. As soon as we parked, the kids took off running toward the falls, excited to explore. The view never disappoints—cascading water, lush greenery, and that fresh mountain air that instantly makes you feel more relaxed.

And while most people think of trucks for hauling gear or moving things, the F-150 Lightning turned out to be the perfect spot for a quick lunch break. The spacious truck bed became our little picnic area, proving that a pickup can be just as great for relaxing as it is for heavy lifting.

After fueling up, we headed into Squamish for a coffee stop before making our way to a nearby charging station.

Charging Made Easy with the Ford Power Promise

One of the biggest concerns people have about switching to an electric vehicle is charging. But with Ford’s Power Promise, it’s easier than ever to make the switch.

For a limited time, Ford is offering a complimentary home charger and standard installation with the purchase or lease of an eligible new Ford Mustang Mach-E, F-150 Lightning, or E-Transit electric vehicle. That means more convenience and serious savings compared to filling up with gas.

Other perks of the Ford Power Promise include:
✅ 24/7 live support, including charging assistance
✅ Access to the BlueOval™ Charge Network, so you can charge on the go
✅ An 8-year/160,000-km battery warranty for extra peace of mind

We found a charging station conveniently located right outside a cute park, so while the truck charged, the kids got to play—a total win-win.

This promotion is only available until March 31, so if you’ve been thinking about going electric, now might be the perfect time.

The Drive Home: A Reminder of Why We Love Where We Live

With the truck charged up and our coffee in hand, we made our way back home, taking in one last look at the Sea to Sky Highway’s breathtaking views. The drive was quiet, smooth, and best of all—zero emissions.

This trip was the perfect reminder of how lucky we are to live in BC, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and endless opportunities to explore.

Where’s a drive that never gets old for you? Let me know in the comments—I’m always looking for new places to explore.