9 Things for Families to Do During Spring Break in Squamish
Posted on: February 22, 2024
9 Family Experiences During Spring Break in Squamish
Spring Break will be here before we know it, with each day getting longer and that 'False Spring' feeling in the air. Right now you might just have snowy winter fun on the brain, but as the season begins to change there will be 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.
1. Visit the Britannia Mine Museum
Image: Britannia Mine Museum
Spring Break at the Britannia Mine Musuem is always a great time, and the best part is the weather doesn't matter! For 2024, you can explore their exhibit Land of Thundering Snow, as well as tour the grounds, 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.
Spring Break at the Britannia Mine Museum just got a little dirtier, but don't worry, a little dirt never hurt anyone! Dive into the world of 'Mini Mud Monsters' at the Terra Lab STEAM learning space. From March 19th to 28th, Sundays through Thursdays, from 1:30PM to 4:00PM, come and explore this special educational programming led by their enthusiastic interpreters. Delve into the fascinating realm of environmental remediation, where you'll uncover the vital lessons learned from Britannia Mine's battle against acid rock drainage.
*Please see their website for changes in operations and hours during the month of March 2024.
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 trails and views (and hot chocolate). If you purchase your tickets online in advance, you'll receive one free child or youth day ticket with the purchase of an adult or senior day ticket. Up at the Olympic Park you can enjoy skiing, snowshoeing & tobogganing this Spring Break with free admission for those aged 18 & under on weekdays from March 18th to 29th.
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
Squamish's Via Ferrata or 'Iron Way' remains open all year 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 coffee and treats at Smoke Bluff Coffee House.
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
Get Spring Break covered with active and fun sports camps at Airhouse Sports Academy! Spring Break Camps are currently open for pre-registration - don't wait as these will fill up. Camps offered are: AirVenture Multisport (K - Grade 6), RadVenture Flips Tricks N Stunts! (Gr 3 - 6), GirlVenture Multi Sport (K - Grade 6) and run from March 18th - 22nd and March 25th - 29th. Book now HERE.
Over at the Ninja Gym Squamish, registration is now open for their Ninja Spring Camps, available for ages 6-12 years old. With half day, full day, plus an extension for a really full day available, the kids will be happily exhausted after jumping, swinging and running around the obstacles. Registration is open now, book today!
Mountain Skills Adventure Academy is collaborating on a Spring Break Adventure Camp with RideHub where your child will get to experience the very best adventures in BC: rock climbing, mountain biking, via ferrata & hiking! This camp is for ages 7-12 years. They will learn rope skills, safety habits, climbing techniques, outdoor skills, and more from their trained and professional guides. On from March 26th - 28th. Contact Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures for details and to book.
Squamish's newest indoor experience is Arrow Wood Games, and they will be featuring some social learning and fun with their Arrow Wood gaming programs, including: Pokémon, Learn Dungeons & Dragons, and a D&D Adventure. These games will keep kids entertained and engaged, while practicing practical life skills.
7. Play Outside at Alice Lake Provincial Park
Image: Tourism Squamish
With the ground beginning to thaw in March, Squamish will start popping with colour! Spring 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 Indoors
Whether it's raining or the sun is shining, you can always head inside and let the kids burn off some energy as they jump, jump, jump around! Airhouse Sports Academy is a wicked-fun place for kids have a fun and safe jumping experience, and it's a great place for kids just starting to learn or looking to up their athletic abilities. Find details about drop-in spots or special spring camps HERE.
Over at the Ninja Gym, kids can jump, swing and play 'Ninja Warrior' style as they playfully challenge themselves amongst the obstacles. The Ninja Gym also has a spring camp on, plus they have specialty nights for laser tag, ninja and parkour classes. Book online and find details 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 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!