10 Nights of Family Adventure in Whistler, Tofino & Knight Inlet Lodge
I've been lucky enough to travel to many amazing places, including Canada several times, but never with my kids. Our 10-night family trip through British Columbia was an unforgettable adventure filled with wildlife, adrenaline, laughter, and stunning scenery every day. With my two kids, Ted (10) and Chloe (6), we explored the best of Whistler, Tofino, and Knight Inlet Lodge, and came home with memories we’ll be talking about forever. After a fantastic flight with Air Canada, where Ted and Chloe even got the chance to sit in the pilot's seat, we dove straight into the action in Whistler, a mountain resort that’s as lively in Summer as it is in Winter.
Days 1-3: Whistler - Thrills, Spills & Big Guns
We stayed at the wonderful Pan Pacific Hotel, right in the main village and within walking distance of everything. With our hired car, the hotel’s free parking was a bonus. Our two-bedroom suite was perfect, with two bedrooms, a living room, kitchen, and two bathrooms. The views of the snowcapped mountains from our room and balcony were spectacular.
After a delicious breakfast, we headed to our first adventure, white water rafting with Canadian Outback Rafting. We did the Cheakamus Splash, a family-friendly rafting trip. The kids absolutely loved it, and the scenery was stunning. Our guide, Rocky, even had us swim in the river! It was a first-time rafting experience for all of us, and we’d definitely do it again.
Next up was bungee jumping at Whistler Bungee, about 15 minutes from the village. Ted amazed me by jumping on his own, at just 10 years old! I was more nervous than he was. He even got a Whistler Bungee hat to commemorate the moment.
Whistler Bungee moments before Ted’s jump
We followed that with a ziplining adventure with Ziptrek Ecotours. We did the Bear Tour, which is family-friendly and spans the valley between Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The four ziplines (400 to 1,100 feet) are connected by suspension bridges, boardwalks, and trails, perfect for kids. Chloe had to do two lines tandem with a guide. The kids really enjoyed the ziplining and so did I and I would really recommend it!
Chloe ziplining through the Whistler rainforest
The next day we tore through forest trails on ATV buggies with Canadian Wilderness Adventures. Chloe giggled every time we hit a bump or splash. I did this solo in 2022 on a quad bike, and it was just as much fun with the kids.
Later, we rode the Peak 2 Peak Gondola for breathtaking mountain views. Even though ski season had just ended, there was still snow at the top, which the kids loved. After a hot chocolate at the top, we had a great dinner at Caramba back in Whistler village.
The stunning views from the ATV Tour and the views on the Peak 2 Peak Gondola.
Days 4-7: Tofino - Surfs Up
The next morning, we headed on the BC ferry from Horseshoe Bay (around 45 minutes from Whistler) to Nanaimo, on Vancouver Island, before a 2-hour scenic drive to the magnificent Tofino.
Our stay at Pacific Sands Beach Resort was incredible. The apartment faced the beach and included a kitchen and balcony. The resort had a surf and wetsuit rental shop, café, bike rentals, and a hut with complimentary balls, bodyboards, and games. The reception also offered free tea, coffee, and hot chocolate all day, plus board games and films to borrow.
To get into town, you’ll need to drive or hire bikes. One must-visit spot is Tacofino, a legendary taco and burrito van nearby. The kids loved their tacos, and my burrito was amazing. Right next door is Chocolate Tofino, their coconut ice cream was a hit with me and Ted.
We rented wetsuits and bodyboards and hit the beach. The wetsuits kept the cold at bay, and the waves were perfect. It’s a bit of a chore getting in and out of the suits, especially with kids, so we spread our beach time over two sessions.
We also rented bikes for 24 hours and cycled the wide, windswept beaches of Chesterman and Mackenzie. Chloe did brilliantly and Ted led the way. The next morning, we cycled again and had breakfast at the Wickaninnish Inn, a lovely hotel we send a lot of guests to.
We spent hours exploring tide pools, collecting shells, and building sandcastles. On our last night, we used the hotel’s BBQ facilities and enjoyed a relaxed, fireside meal. Ted even declared my burgers “the best he’s ever tasted.” Given he’s had a lot of burgers, that’s saying something.
Me and Ted trying to catch a wave and cycling on the wonderful Chesterman beach
Days 8-10: Knight Inlet Lodge - Nature in its Purest Form
On the way to Campbell River, where you stay before heading to Knight Inlet, we made one more stop, horse riding at Paradise Acres Ranch. The kids loved it. Chloe had ridden before, but it was Ted’s first time and the instructors were fantastic too.
From Campbell River, we boarded a floatplane and flew 30 minutes deep into the wilderness to Knight Inlet Lodge, a floating eco-lodge surrounded by forest, mountains, and abundant wildlife.
And the wildlife didn’t disappoint! We saw grizzlies, black bears, humpbacks, porpoises, seals, sea lions, otters, and bald eagles. Within hours of arriving, we spotted Cleo, a mother bear, and her cub fishing right next to the lodge, an unforgettable moment for all of us. Over the next few days, we saw them a few times and up close too!
Some of the wildlife at Knight Inlet including Cleo and her cub
When you arrive, you choose from various activities. We took boat trips and rainforest walks. On the walks, guides call out "Hey bear" as a precaution, so sightings aren’t guaranteed, but it’s thrilling, nonetheless. Ted was a bit nervous at first, but the guides were excellent.
The food at the lodge was outstanding, different meals daily, with hot and cold drinks, cookies, muffins, and fruit always available and complimentary. Dinner included delicious British Columbia wine.
Another good thing about the lodge is that they have a Wildlife presentation each night at 8.15pm. We went every night and the kids loved them, and we learnt so much. We also got into a routine of playing table tennis every night too.
And because we like a challenge, we even took a quick dip in the sea at the lodge (yes, it was freezing!), followed by a hot sauna to defrost and laugh about it afterwards.
I really enjoyed Knight Inlet, and it was so much fun for the kids. The staff made it extra special too, and we met some lovely people.
Ted on the lookout for Bears on one of the walks and the views overlooking the lodge
Final Thoughts: A Trip That Changed Us
We came to Canada for adventure, and we found it. But what we didn’t expect was just how much this trip would bring us together. Without distractions (no Wi-Fi or phone signal at Knight Inlet), surrounded by nature, and sharing new experiences every day, we had proper quality time together.
If you’re dreaming of a family holiday filled with adventure, wildlife, and moments that matter trust me, Canada delivers.
If you want to speak to one of our Canada experts about doing this trip for yourself, please get in touch.
