1. Even the most blasé, computer-addicted child revels in wildlife sightings and we're not talking about a zoo. Take a city kid way up north, hop in a canoe on a windless morning and wait for the reaction when he or she spots the first moose. Carp Lake Provincial Park (north of Prince George) is one of many places where moose dine. In the Rocky Mountains, you'll see Big Horn Sheep on lofty perches, have deer walk through your campsite and slow down for elk that feed -- oblivious to traffic going by. 

2. Birding may not grab the interest of your youngsters at first mention, but when they walk a wetland, for example, the Kootenay's Creston Valley Wildlife Area, to see a osprey fish and then watch the rather gawky bird land in his nest, they'll be hooked. Richmond Nature Park is another great place for viewing waterfowl and bird life. 

3. Kids love whales and Victoria is one of the best places to view Orcinasorca -- there are more killer whales off the coast of British Columbia than anywhere else in the world. June has the highest frequency of sightings but you see them other months as well. Keep your eyes open on BC Ferries' trips and, in July and August, East Sooke Park outside of Victoria, is one area where whales tend to travel close to shore. 

4. This water-wealthy province abounds with natural phenomena. If your small urban dweller has never felt the spray of a rushing waterfall, Shannon Falls, near Squamish, is an easy outing from Vancouver. This is only one of many stunning waterfalls, Takakkaw Falls, outside of Field, are the second highest in the province at 384 metres.(There are campgrounds nearby.) 

5. Hot springs amaze children and most adults. Who wouldn't delight in an outdoor warm bath? The better known ones, Harrison Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs and Fairmont Hot Springs have spawned resorts around them.  Way up north, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park (near the Yukon border) is a blissful wilderness bathe.  Meager Creek, down a logging road outside of Pemberton, is the province's largest hot springs and is well worth the rather rugged drive. For a boat excursion into steaming water, visit Hot Springs Cove on the west side of Vancouver Island north of Tofino. There's a series of pools above the ocean that resembles something you'd see in the movies. 

6. Caves can be spooky but caves can also be fun if you are over 8 years and love to explore. There are some 1050 known caves on Vancouver Island.  For an unusual adventure, rent helmets and flashlights in Gold River and investigate Little Huston Cave Park with its amazing showcase of stalactites and stalagmites. BC has many places to spelunk (cave) but no experience is necessary to view the wonders of Little Huston. 

7. If you have fond memories of summer camp and want to experience this again with your youngster, BC abounds with wilderness camps. West Coast Wilderness Lodge (877/988-3838) on the Sunshine Coast caters to families. There arespacious cabins and multi activities from hiking, biking, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, volleyball, swimming, archery, rope course, birding, and climbing. It's not expensive and everything from activities to meals is geared to families. 

8. If riding the ranch is your children's dream, there are multiple possibilities. In the Cariboo, Big Bar Guest Ranch ( 250/459-2333) north of Clinton, will please eager cowboys -- and cowgirls -- with trail rides, cattle rustling, time around the campfire. As well as life on the range, there's also fishing, hiking, canoeing and what kid doesn't want to get their jeans branded? 

9. Going fishing? Take along a little tyke. There are more mountain lakes, rivers and ocean shoreline, than you can shake a popsicle stick at. The Fraser Valley is one of many areas that is renowned for catching the big one. (The Fraser River is famous for huge white sturgeon.) Tucked away mountain lakes, like Chilliwack Lake, fish-filled rivers like Vedder and Chehalis, as well as the mighty Fraser River are ideal easy escapes. Time fishing is best following by a picnic; hopefully you'll barbecue fresh fish. 

10. There's something magical about traveling by bike. Pack a lunch, wear a helmet and head off for the day. Somewhere close to the city of Vancouver is Barnston Island in the Fraser River, where you hop a small ferry to pedal rural routes. The Okanagan's Kettle Valley Railway is an adventuresome ride along the historic railway route that has been refurbished for cyclists. 

This province also has museums, water slides, amusement parks and organized activities that cater to kids. But once in awhile, take a trip into BC wilderness. It will be memorable. 

Story and photographs provided Courtesy of Tourism British Columbia.
 
 

Discovering British Columbia is as easy as calling toll-free  800/HELLO BC (North America) or HELLO BC (435-5622) in Greater Vancouver. This reservation and information service puts you in touch with a team of professional travel experts who can provide free help and advice in planning or booking every stage of your getaway, from travel ideas and tips to booking your accommodations, tours, and transportation. You can also order your free copy of the "BC Escapes Getaways Guide." And be sure to check out the Tourism British Columbia web site at www.HelloBC.com.

 
 

Kid Friendly! Services is a West Vancouver-based organization striving to have commercial environs become more welcome, friendly and safe for children and youth. According to president Cheryl MacKinnon, "British Columbia is absolutely stunning and brimming with history, cultural activities, beaches, mountains and the works!  Family vacations can be city bound or outdoors, it is simply an outstanding destination." Visit their website at www.kidfriendly.org/Directory/BC/ for a listing of hotels, restaurants, childcare agencies, attractions and other travel services certified with the kidfriendly! Stamp of Approval.