Tired of being cooped up? There’s no time like springtime to get outside and shake off the winter blahs. Not only are the days getting longer, with the extra light chasing away the shadows, but there’s lots more to do now that we can get outdoors and explore. So where to start?
1. Get to a Gulf Island.
Stop by Saltspring and spend an afternoon at Centennial Park in Ganges. Hop on over to Hornby and dip your toes in the water at Tribune Bay. Going to Galiano? Don’t miss Montague Harbour Marine Provincial Park where the white shell beaches beckon. Like any trip, part of the fun is getting there! southerngulfislands.com
2. Go Underground.
Choose an individual or private tour and explore Horne Lake Caves with a guide—no self-guiding for now. Start with a basic tour, like the Riverbend Cave Explorer, or kick it up a notch to the Achilles Challenge. hornelake.com
3. Build Sandcastles.
Challenge each other to a sandcastle building contest or combine your efforts and build one together.
3½. and/or Fly Kites.
Bring a kite in case the wind picks up and you’re ready to switch from sand to sky. The perfect sandcastle-to-kite-flying spot: Rathtrevor Beach in Parksville, Goose Spit Park in Comox or Wickaninnish Beach in Tofino.
4. Be a Tourist.
Buy a wristband and take in some of Victoria’s finest attractions at this week-long event from Mar 7 to 13. For every ticket purchased, Be a Tourist will donate another one to the Cridge Centre for the Family. beatourist.ca
5. Watch for Whales.
Celebrate marine life on the coast and meet the guest of honour, the Gray Whale, at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival from March 18 to 26. Don’t miss the children’s activities and culinary events, First Nations cultural workshops, inspirational talks, interpretive walks and more. pacificrimwhalefestival.com
6. Hang 10.
There’s no shortage of surf schools in Tofino with options including private and group lessons, for kids and families. Choose from one lesson to a week’s worth. Wetsuit and surfboard rentals included. tourismtofino.com
7. Gaze at the Goats.
The Old Country Market in Coombs opens in early March and the goats will be in fine form mowing the Market’s grassy roof. Come for the goats, stay for the bustling, brimming market and the ice cream! oldcountrymarket.com
