It’s the busiest travel season of the year and you have yet to make plans. We’ve got you covered with these last-minute getaway ideas for parents who forgot to prepare.
Road trip to Rossland for spectacular spring skiing
Located on the Powder Highway in the beautiful Kootenay Rockies region of BC, Rossland is home to Red Mountain Resort and Big Red Cats–the world’s largest cat skiing operation. While it takes just under eight hours to drive there from Vancouver, it’s easy to make the journey part of the adventure, with stops in Manning Park and Osoyoos along the way. Once you’re there, adrenaline adventures await, with new terrain to explore on Grey Mountain, with 22 newly-added runs and a new lift to satisfy your penchant for pow.
Where to stay with kids: The Prestige is situated in the charming town of Rossland only minutes from the slopes. Kids will love the on-site, coin-operated arcade and games room, and dogs are welcome too!
Wind down in Whistler
Whether you’re looking for a day full of slope-side play, or you’d rather apres all day in the Village, Whistler has lots to see and do during spring break. From a zipline over the snow-tipped trees, to a stroll through the stunning museums and galleries found along the Cultural Connector, to an illuminated multimedia night walk at Vallea Lumina there’s lots to see and do here. And if you can get away for a little quiet time, sneak away to the Scandinave Spa, where the silence-mandatory spa scene will leave you feeling rejuvenated as you slide into spring.
Where to stay with kids: Four Seasons Resort Whistler has a heated outdoor pool and poolside cedar sauna to soothe sore muscles, and kids love sipping on a signature hot cocoa while sitting by the fire pit. If you’re looking to save a little on accommodations, be sure to check out Suite Secrets, the best way to tap into last-minute deals.
Find creatures and caves in Oregon
The state is home to several lava tube caves and these cool cave adventures are sure to impress. From spotting stalactites and stalagmites deep in the underworld of Oregon to spotting sea lions in the largest sea cave in the United States. If above-ground adventures are more your speed, Bend makes for the perfect home base for skiing Mount Batchelor or the Hoodoo Ski Area, or hiking through scenic spots like Smith Rock State Park.
Where to stay with kids: Pronghorn Resort, located amidst a 1,000-year-old juniper forest near Bend, Oregon features spacious rooms, heated pools and hot tubs, golfing, restaurants, and an on-site private lava tube cave available for tours and special events.
Seek fun in the sun in Scottsdale
Guided hikes, horseback rides, and river floats provide fun in the sun on the Sonoran desert. For animal lovers, a visit to Butterfly Wonderland, Odysea Aquarium, or the Phoenix Zoo will satisfy. A stroll through the shops in Old Town Scottsdale will keep the teens happy, and everyone will love wrapping up a day in the sun with a double scoop at Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlour–a town staple since 1958 and the inspiration behind the Family Circus comics of yesteryear.
Where to stay with kids: Senna House lets you stay in the centre of the action–this is the first hotel to open right in Scottsdale’s Entertainment District since 2008, providing easy access to the best of Old Town. For adventure lovers and pool hoppers, the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale at Troon North sits tucked in the hills of the Sonoran Desert and overlooks Pinnacle Peak. They have a family games room, a children’s pool, and a complimentary Kids For All Seasons program.
Pick Puerto Vallarta for a dreamy beach escape
Mexico is a popular spring break destination for families looking for a beach escape, but while many opt for the far-flung resorts found on the Caribbean side of the country, Puerto Vallarta is slightly closer to home. Found on the rugged Pacific coast, Puerto Vallarta promises adventure beyond the beaches, complemented by the colourful culture and and welcoming people. Take a stroll along the pedestrian-only malecón, zipline through the jungle, visit iconic architectural sites, or explore the cobblestone village streets of Viejo “Old” Vallarta–all found close to town.
Where to stay with kids: Only a 3-minute walk from Marina Vallarta’s shops and restaurants, and located in a beautiful beachfront location on the Bay of Banderas, the Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort & Spa makes the perfect home base for a culturally-immersive escape. Stroll through the Mercado del Mar (local market), sample local streets eats in town, and then head back to your hotel for a dip in the infinity pool–the largest in Puerto Vallarta.
