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10 Great Family Vacations in British Columbia If You’re on a Budget

Glamping in Yurts in Canada
Glamping in Yurts in Canada | © Ruth Hartnup / Flickr

British Columbia—like most Canadian provinces—has many remote and uninhabited areas, which aren’t the best for family vacations. However, there are many places in the southern part of the province that are family-friendly and have the perfect balance of outdoor adventure and civilization. Check out these 10 budget family vacation destinations in British Columbia.

Vancouver Island and surrounds

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park Campground from $13 per party, per night
“Beautiful ocean sunsets and an inviting, wide sandy beach with campsites nestled amongst mature Douglas fir trees” all make Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park an incredible Vancouver Island vacation site. All campsites are within five minutes of the beach, which recedes nearly one kilometer (0.6 miles) at low tide. There’s also a large day-use/picnic area, as well as 5.5 kilometers (3.4 miles) of easy walking trails—it’s perfect for family vacations.

Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park

Brown Bay’s Resort from $35 per night
They call themselves Vancouver Island’s best-kept secret, and they may be correct. Located 19 kilometers (12 miles) from Campbell River, Brown Bay’s Resort is home to oceanfront cabins, Ripple River RV Park, a marina, a playground for the kids, a fitness room and hot tub for the adults, and a fully licensed restaurant. Its northerly location means the resort is a perfect place for salmon fishing and has beautiful Inside Passage views.
Pender Island Cottage from $90 per night
A family vacation on the remote and breathtaking Gulf Islands is another budget-friendly option. This waterfront Currents Cottage is located in North Pender Island’s Otter Bay. It’s close to the ferry, and there’s a pool on-site, which is open seasonally. Kayak rentals, hiking opportunities, and a golf course are also within easy reach. The cottage has two bedrooms and can sleep up to six people. There’s also free parking on the premises, and the price includes Wi-Fi.

Pender Island’s waterfront views

Vancouver and surrounds

Capilano River RV Park from $39 per night
Capilano River RV Park is the most centrally located RV Park in the Greater Vancouver Area, and within minutes, families can be walking around Stanley Park, exploring North Vancouver’s mountains or having fun at Playland. On-site amenities include a children’s playground, recreational area, pool, hot tub, Wi-Fi, and picnic table at every site. Capilano River RV Park has 205 RV sites and 32 tent sites.
Riverside Resort from $23 per night
Whistler is one of the most popular towns in Canada, no matter the season, and is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent outdoor activities, which the whole family will enjoy. Fortunately, there’s a way to explore the region with the family and stick to a budget. Stay at Riverside Resort, which is open year-round and has 40 acres surrounded by “spectacular views and fresh mountain breezes.” There are log cabins, yurts, RV camping, and tent sites. Plus, they offer a free shuttle to the nearby shops and restaurants.

Yurts at Riverside Resort

Southeast British Columbia

Canyon Hot Springs Resort from $35 per night
Get the kids excited for a vacation by visiting a campground located next to hot springs. Canyon Hot Springs Resort sits near Revelstoke, between Mt. Revelstoke National Park and Glacier National Park of Canada. It’s a 200-acre resort surrounded by mountains, with over 200 campsites and a stream running through its middle. There are also log chalets and suites, plus two pools for enjoying the natural hot springs.
Golden Municipal Campground and RV Park from $35 per night
This campground is perfectly situated within easy reach of six Canadian national parks. Within one hour you can be in Alberta at picturesque Lake Louise and Banff National Park. There are so many activities to enjoy year-round near Golden, such as skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, hiking, bird-watching, and biking. The local pool and curling rink aren’t far away either. Golden Municipal Campground has 72 sites and an on-site convenience store.

Looking down on Golden

Yoho National Park Campgrounds from $15.70 per night
Situated within British Columbia’s section of the Canadian Rockies, Yoho National Park is a great place to bring the family on vacation. There are four summertime campgrounds to choose from within the national park, and sites begin from $15.70. Kicking Horse Campground is the largest, with 88 sites plus washroom facilities. Nearby points of interest include Kicking Horse Pass National Historic Site, Takakkaw Falls, the village of Field, Emerald Lake, and Wapta Falls.

Kelowna and surrounds

Holiday Park RV and Condo Resort from $49 per night
Family-owned Holiday Park RV and Condo Resort says it’s “the ultimate four season vacation destination.” It’s a 67-acre playground, surrounded by golf courses, award-winning wineries, and two ski hills. There are 570 RV sites, which are fully serviced and landscaped. There’s also the option to rent a vacation condo, starting from $150 per night. This holiday park has everything, including both indoor and outdoor pools, a playground, a family activity area with crafts and games, and canoe, bike and sports equipment rentals.

Family enjoying Kelowna’s wineries

Swan Lake RV Resort from $45 per night
Located on the shore of Vernon’s Swan Lake, this luxurious RV resort is the perfect place to base a family when visiting the Okanagan region. Vernon has many summertime attractions, such as its wineries, hiking at SilverStar Mountain Resort, Okanagan Science Centre, the nearby lakes, Atlantis Waterslides, and historic O’Keefe Ranch. Swan Lake RV Resort features an outdoor pool, clubhouse, library, hot tub, and picnic area.

About the author

I'm an Australian freelance writer and travel blogger. I was born in Perth, grew up in Townsville and currently live in Melbourne. I write about my worldwide solo travel adventures and my former expat life in Canada on my blog, Hayley on Holiday (hayleyonholiday.com).

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