Family Adventure Travels

06/03/2022

Is Hornby Island good in the off season?

We spent a few weeks on Hornby Island with our boat last summer, anchored in Tribune Bay and docked at Ford's Cove and LOVED it.

We knew we wanted to return but weren't sure what the off season would be like.

After just spending all of February and part of March there, I can say that off season is equally as good as summer. You might not be sun tanning and swimming the days away in February, but the cooler months do have some perks.

1. No crowds. Hornby is insanely popular in summer and it is hard to get any beach space unless you show up early. The busiest day at the beach this Feb had less than 10 of people there and it was still warm enough for us all to play in the sand. We did spot a few people swimming, but, those people were braver than me.

2. Stay nightly or weekly for cheap. Most accommodations in summer are a weekly rate that start at 1500 a week and goes up to 2000 per person per week. This winter we stayed in a 1 bdrm oceanfront cabin at Ford's Cove for cheap. This photo is of the beach below our cabin.

3. Wildlife galore! Maybe it was because it was so busy, but I definitely didn't remember there being so many birds, seals, and sea lions in summer. But with Herring Spawning season in spring, there were more whale, sea lion, seal, and bird sightings than I could count.

4. There are limited amenities, so you are somewhat forced to enjoy the simple things. Nearly a dozen beaches to explore but only two grocery stores. Most restaurants and shops closed, but still farm fresh egg stands. Miles and miles of hiking and biking trails.

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I'll highlight some of my favourite Hornby Island beaches in coming posts, but feel free to ask any questions you have about this small island found two ferry rides away from mid Vancouver Island.

23/01/2022

Have a kid that hates hiking and you want to stretch your legs this winter?

Find an unplowed road that leads up a mountain, hike for as long as you can, then sled back to the bottom.

We've got a big bucket sled with a long line and carabiner and attach it to our belts to just pull the kids up the hill. Only one adult fits with the two kids on the way down, so the other either can crazy carpet or run wildly trying to catch up.

22/01/2022

Mitten or glove: what keeps your hand warmer?

I've been putting both to the test this winter with .

As much as I wanted to be bundled in that sleeping bag getting pulled around a frozen lake, I was the one doing the hard work instead.  Dragging a toddler around can be exhausting and while for the most part it gets the blood going and keeps me warm, I’m usually pulling a sled in wind chills with negative temperatures most people would consider reason enough to stay inside. 

So as a parent trying to survive winter, I’ve got to dress the part and my hands are among the most important body parts to dress up.

First thing I decide is whether a mitt or a glove will do the job. Well insulated mittens have generally been considered better for keeping your hands warm, as the pocket of air between all your fingers can circulate and the fingers themselves can heat each other up. But a glove gives you dexterity, which is important for alpine sports, or in my case, for zipping up your kids jackets or sleeping bags, opening their snacks, and managing the camera during photogenic moments. 
 
This year I tried a glove insulated with Gold, which means I had all the dexterity and stretchiness as if I was barehanded, but all the warmth as if I was wearing pillows wrapped around each finger. 

The PrimaLoft insulation in my gloves has kept me warm through what feels like endless sled rides, the thousands of snack breaks, and the millions of readjustments to keep the toddler and me going. Warm enough to make sure I can pull the camera out and capture those memories of us enjoying winter. 

Next time you're shopping for mittens or gloves, keep an eye out for the red shield of PrimaLoft to keep your hands warm and maneuverable.

17/01/2022

Sometimes we wonder how we put up with all the stresses of winter adventures with kids.

Layers of clothing, freezing temperatures, and lack of daylight make the winter months hard to get outside.

But on days like this, every bit of effort is rewarded.

We have only two weeks left in the Yukon before heading back to BC, and our fingers are crossed for more days like these.

(Still slowly updating our winter content on the web, but here's a link to our already published articles on winter gear, destinations and activities https://www.familyadventuretravels.com/winter)

08/01/2022

Have you ever planned a ski holiday?

What about a cross country ski holiday?

It's another record snowfall this year in Yukon. With the temperatures finally going warmer than minus 30 next week and all that fluffy powder, parents will be taking their littles out on the trails to get fresh air and views to recharge.

Here's a few local secrets of the best places to cross country in Yukon, which are perfect for bringing young kids on:

From beginner to advance skiers, the Yukon is full of spots perfect to get your glide on. Truth be told, I didn't know much about cross country skiing (or XC skiing) before landing in Whitehorse. I was a dedicated snowboarder, who's idea of a good time in the snow was two feet firmly strapped to a b...

20/12/2021

Some moments in between the highlight reel that makes it to the website.

Feels like a lifetime ago, but it's hardly been a week since we were basking in sunshine as it broke the morning fog or wandering in dark under the Dougkas firs.

Our kids wake up between 3 and 5am, so we find we are now the early risers and first to the trails.

Truth be told we had windswept beaches full of driftwood to ourselves to explore, no matter what time we went out.

Quadra Island is a beautiful island that's only a short ferry across from Campbell River. In the summer, it's a busy retreat but come fall, the island is quiet and a perfect little spot to storm watch.

Busy these next few weeks writing guides to our favourite islands we sailed to, bicycled across and stayed on. Are there any details you'd love for us to include?

05/12/2021

Spent most this month just staring out the window and watching the tide come and go.

Also spent most this month drinking pot after pot of coffee since our youngest has decided 3 or 4am is when the day should begin.

Kids are exhausting.

On the plus, all that extra time awake when it's pitch black out has given us time to get some of our online projects done which I am excited to unveil soon.

We also have at least two breakfast meals before the sun rises and are in bed by 6pm.

How would you spend your days if you were up at 3am?