9 Things for Families to Do During Spring Break in Squamish
Posted on: February 14, 2023
Enchanting Adventures During Spring Break in Squamish
Is spring in the air already?! Perhaps yes, perhaps no... but we are already starting to think about Spring flowers, showers and time off (for the kiddos anyway). The days are getting longer and there are plenty of activities to maximize family-fun in Squamish this coming spring break. Whether you decide to head out into the woods or up to the mountain tops, stay indoors for educational programming or indulge in delicious treats, fun and adventure awaits you in Squamish.
SPRING BREAK DEALS
- Stay Longer & Save More! Book 3 or 4 consecutive nights at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort Squamish and receive a discount! Stay 3 nights and save 20% or stay 4 nights and save 25%. Offer is available through April 30th.
- Kids 12 and under ride the Sea to Sky Gondola for free midweek (Monday to Thursday) during Spring Break (March 13th-30th, 2023). Receive one free child ticket with the purchase of an adult or senior day ticket when you purchase online.
- Kids Ski & Snowshoe free on weekdays at the Olympic Park. From March 13th to the 24th, kids and youth aged 18 & under get free admission to enjoy cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, biathlon & tobogganing this Spring Break (must be with an accompanying adult with a valid ticket or pass, available online or at the gate).
Be sure to check back often as deals and promos will be added!
Here are our top 9 things you can do with your family this Spring Break in Squamish
1. Experience the Award-Winning BOOM! Show at the Britannia Mine Museum
Image: Britannia Mine Museum
This Spring Break the Britannia Mine Musuem is bringing back their Mini-Mud Monsters 'Live in the Lab' drop-in sessions, which focuses on the important environmental remediation lessons and explores the tiny organisms of Britannia Creek. After winning a prestigious amusement award last year, the BOOM! show is also a must-do. This multi-sensory show at the Britannia Mine Museum brings Mill 3 back to life with sights, sounds and smells to transport you back in time to the world of copper mining in the early 1900s. March is Membership Month and you can get your annual pass to the museum with a bonus month when you sign up!
While touring the grounds, be sure to visit the TerraLab STEAM Learning Space, an exhibit and programming space dedicated to the innovative exploration of sustainable mining, as well as the Machine Shop, Gold Panning Pavillion, Mining Hall of Fame and Underground Tour.
2. Have a Snow Day
Image: Olympic Park
Warmer weather is springing up but that doesn't mean all the snowy fun is over. Plan a winter adventure in the nearby mountains where you can still find plenty of snow-covered trails waiting to be enjoyed. At the Sea to Sky Gondola you'll find snowshoe trails and tubing. Up at the Olympic Park you can go snowshoeing, nordic skiing or tobogganing.
BONUS: Both the Sea to Sky Gondola and the Olympic Park are offering free admission for kids during mid-week (when accompanied by an adult). Contact them for details!
3. Follow the Craft Tasting Trail
Image: Sunflower Bakery
Donuts and drinks and delicious treats... oh my! Sure, the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail may have originally been created for 'adult' beverages, but we've creatively woven in a few stops that the kids will also enjoy, featuring donuts and yummy treats that make the trail that much more fun for everyone.
As you explore the Squamish Craft Tasting Trail, collect stamps to earn prizes for participating. Grab your Craft Tasting Trail Passport from the Squamish Adventure Centre.
Local's tip: Add a stop at Alice & Brohm to really get the kids excited. Blending high-quality BC dairy with real fruit to create a soft-serve style ice cream everyone will fall in love with.
4. Climb the Iron Way
Image: MSA Adventures
This year, Squamish's Via Ferrata or 'Iron Way' has remained open all winter long, so this is a fantastic experience that you can do during the Spring Break no matter what the weather. This popular vertical adventure allows you to clip in and ascend upwards along Squamish's famous granite with the help of metal rungs and a specialized cable system. Along the way, expect to be treated to jaw-dropping views of Howe Sound and the beautiful snow-capped peaks of Sky Pilot above you. Be sure to book ahead in advance online to ensure your spot.
5. Go on a Family Bike Tour
Image: @natek_vi
Why not take advantage of these longer days and head out on a family bike ride. Check out Dialed In Cycling, RideBC or RideHub to upgrade your ride with a sweet bike rental for the day, or sign up for one of their guided tours to get to know our local trails better. These companies also offer biking camps, clinics and lessons.
Finish off your day on the trails with a dinner out - because what could be better than ending a day of riding than a special meal out and a treat? Each Squamish neighbourhood has a great selection of restaurants that you could visit and support.
Valleycliffe: Cruise the neighborhood in and around Crumpit Woods then grab tasty burgers and pizza at The Backyard.
Downtown: A ride through the estuary is nice and easy, followed by dinner and dessert at Howe Sound Brewing or the Copper Coil Still & Grill.
Garibaldi Highlands: There's nothing like a family ride followed by dinner at Pepe's Chophouse. The Locavore is also a favourite, you can enjoy their huge patio when the weather is nice.
Brackendale: A morning cruise over to The Crabapple Cafe makes for a lovely day or what about a visit to Fergies Cafe for brunch after your ride?
6. Sign the Kids Up For a Spring Break Camp
Image: MSA Adventures
Mountain Skills Adventure Academy is great at bringing out the best in your child. During their Spring Break Adventure Camp your child will get to experience the very best adventures in BC; rock climbing, mountain biking, Via Ferrata and hiking! This camp is for ages 7-12 years. Kids will learn rope skills, safety habits, climbing techniques, outdoor skills from the best support of trained and professional guides.
Camps are available March 21st - 23rd, 2023. Book in Advance Online or contact them directly for more information.
7. Play Outside at Alice Lake Provincial Park
Image: Tourism Squamish
The ground is thawing, and Squamish is popping with colour! Springtime is perfect for a family walk around the Four Lakes Trail, the 6.5km route takes roughly two hours to complete and is surrounded by lush green moss and lakeside views. For those with strollers or young children the 1km loop around Alice Lake is equally loaded with colourful views and takes just 30 minutes. Be sure to leave time for a picnic on the beach at the end of the day or a visit to the beachside playground.
If a picnic isn't in the cards, The Crabapple Cafe and Fergies Cafe in Brackendale are nearby eateries that you can enjoy either before or after your Alice Lake adventures (both serve Breakfast and Lunch).
8. Jump Around at Airhouse Sports Academy
The Airhouse Sports Academy is a wicked-fun place to jump, jump, jump around! Kids have a fun and safe jumping experience here and it's a great place for kids just starting to learn or looking to up their athletic abilities. Some of the Spring camps they have available this year are a 'Flips, Tricks & Stunts Camp', Trampoline Skills, and a multi-sport girls only camp. Booking online in advance is highly recommended. See all the available camps here.
9. Fly High Over Squamish on a Flight-Seeing Tour
Image: Black Tusk Helicopters
The whole family will get a thrill flying high over Squamish and the surrounding mountains. These are memories that will forever stay engrained in your minds, the beauty of the Sea to Sky corridor is truly spectacular. The pros at Glacier Air, Harbour Air, and Sea to Sky Air will have you soaring above in one their planes in no time. Alternately, elevate yourself to the skies in a helicopter with Blackcomb Helicopters or Blacktusk Helicopters.
Heli and flightseeing adventures reveal some of the area’s most iconic sights from an entirely new perspective. Take a tour from above of our hidden lakes, winding rivers and mountain views as you’ve never seen them before. Ask about hiking, fishing and skiing adventures if you're feeling even more adventurous!