Many think the local mountains can only be enjoyed during the Winter. Little do they know the local mountains come alive with outdoor activities for families during the warmer months. Offering a wide range of activities from fun adventures to educational experiences there is something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy a staycation and take a day trip to the local mountains Cypress, Mt. Seymour and Grouse Mountain or venture a little further and have a night in Whistler. These mountains are great destinations for making lasting memories with your family.
Whistler Blackcomb is not only one of the largest ski resorts in North America but also a year-round destination for families, offering something for children of all ages. During the summer, the resort transforms into a mountain playground that’s brimming with fun, exciting activities.
Scenic Gondola and Family-Friendly Hiking Trails
From April until September, enjoy Whistler’s stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains by riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Once you reach the top, families can choose from the 50+km of alpine hiking trails meandering through an ever changing landscape through lush meadows, wildflowers, streams, and glacial lakes. Some trails are short and accessible for strollers, making them perfect for younger children. Families can spend time walking or running through the meadows, taking in breathtaking views, and spotting wildlife including marmots, deer, bears and eagles.
Mountain Biking for Beginners
Mountain biking is one of Whistler’s most popular activities and is not limited to only experienced riders. With 200+km of mountain terrain on a downhill or through the family-friendly Valley Trail system, there is no shortage of places to go. After mid-May, enjoy the downhill bike park recently rated best in the world. If you’re just starting out, the park offers skills clinics for children 3+ to adults.
Zip-Lining
If you are okay with heights why not zip-line through Whistler’s alpine landscape. There are lines suitable for ages 6+ that send you soaring over the treetops and feeling the rush of the wind as you glide from platform to platform.
Cypress Mountain, located in West Vancouver, is a family-friendly mountain that offers an array of exciting activities for everyone during the summer. Known for its breathtaking views of the city and ocean, Cypress provides plenty of opportunities for kids to explore the great outdoors.
Ride the Eagle Coaster
Ready for a rush? From June to September you can take a ride on the Eagle Coaster, departing from the top of Black Mountain. This captivating ride spans over 1700 meters and boasts an impressive vertical drop of 279 meters. Children from 3 to 7 can ride with an adult.
Hiking Trails for Families
Cypress Mountain is home to a range of family-friendly hiking trails of moderate difficulty. Ranging from 6 kilometres to 12 kilometres. Don’t worry about descending the mountain when you’re tired after your hike. Just visit the Snack Shack atop the Eagle Chairlift to grab your download ticket. Please note that the last chair down is 6:40 p.m.
Mt. Seymour offers a variety of nature-based activities for younger hikers. It’s known for its beautiful scenery, wildlife, and easy access to outdoor activities suitable for all ages.
Goldie Lake Interpretive Trail
The Goldie Lake Loop is approximately 2km in length. Walk time is about an hour. This trail takes you past historic mountain cabins and through the temperate rainforest. Black bears may also be spotted during your journey.
Dog Mountain Trail
A relatively easy trail leading to a stunning viewpoint. Along the way, children can explore the natural world, look for wildlife, and spot flowers and plants unique to the region.
Backcountry
For families seeking a more rugged experience, families can venture off the beaten path and explore the wilderness. The backcountry trails provide a great opportunity for kids to engage with nature in a deeper way, while offering a bit of a challenge for those who are up for it.
Grouse Mountain, aka “the Peak of Vancouver,” has some new developments opening this Summer! Just a short trip from downtown Vancouver, there are many fun-filled summer adventures on offer.
Mountain Coaster
Opening this Spring, a new 1,434 metre ride is coming to the left of the well-known ski-hill “The Cut”. Adventurers will be taken on an exhilarating ride of twists and turns, weaving through a series of trees and exciting features before being greeted by an awe-inspiring view of Vancouver. The track is a permanent structure, and a closed circuit which will return guests to the mountaintop without having to exit the cart.
Mountain Bike Park Trails
From June 2025 you will be able to take the Screaming Eagle chairlift to the only lift-accessed bike park on the North Shore.
With a focus on family-friendly fun and progression, the trails at Grouse Mountain will be a great stepping stone to the world-class trails already present on the North Shore, and will allow for quicker, more frequent laps by eliminating the need for climbing or shuttling.
Grizzly Bear Refuge and Wildlife Encounters
At the top of Grouse Mountain, kids can visit the Grizzly Bear Refuge, where they can learn about and observe the two resident grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, in a natural habitat. This is an educational experience that introduces kids to wildlife conservation and allows them to learn more about these majestic creatures. Grouse Mountain also offers a variety of interactive wildlife experiences, where children can engage with local flora and fauna.
Vancouver’s mountain resorts provide the ultimate summer destination for families, offering a wide range of fun, exciting, and educational activities that will keep kids entertained and engaged. Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, biking down mountain paths, meeting wildlife, or experiencing thrilling rides, the mountains are a perfect place to make unforgettable family memories this summer. These resorts offer something for every age and ability, ensuring that children will have an exciting time while exploring the beauty of the great outdoors. So pack your bags, grab the kids, and head to the mountains for a summer of adventure!
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The beginning of summer is a great time to start creating boundaries and managing screen time. Instead of banning screens altogether, which is often unrealistic for most families, the focus can shift to creating intentional limits and routines that support both connection and independence.
You’ve probably heard of yoga—it’s an ancient practice with a 5,000-year history! Many people think of it as just stretching or an activity for adults, but yoga is a powerful, often-overlooked tool that can increase overall well-being in kids. True well-being isn’t one-dimensional—it’s a blend of physical, mental, emotional, cognitive, and even spiritual health.
