Our youngest decided that for his 4th birthday all he wanted to do was play mini golf at Whistle Punk Hollow in Squamish. He had such a wonderful time a year ago at the golf course he was determined to go back on “his day”. While I’m all for indulging my children on their choice of family-adventures, it did seem a bit ridiculous to drive up from the Lower Mainland for one round of mini golf. Now don’t get me wrong, Whistle Punk Hollow Mini Golf is FANTASTIC. The problem is the way my children play mini golf; it is a race. Our littlest one allows each person to take their first swing and after that he “helps”. He shepherds the ball into the hole….no single game lasts more than 15 minutes! I really recommend stopping at Whistle Punk Hollow for a super fun round of mini golf. Whether you are visiting Squamish or on your way up to Whistler, your family will have a blast that this super family-friendly, dripping-with-charm, mini golf course.
In order to justify the drive up to Squamish for golf we added on two other major Squamish attractions. Two attractions we have been absolutely remiss in not visiting sooner: Britannia Mine Museum and the new Sea To Sky Gondola.
How is it I’ve never been to the Britannia Mine Museum? What a fantastic attraction! The museum is incredibly well put together with loads of components for all ages. The start of the museum has a great kids’ corner. Our boys couldn’t get enough of the train-pulley station. They’d still be there if we’d have allowed it! Of course the most impressive part of the museum is the guided tour through the actual mine itself. You haven’t experienced pitch-black until the lights are turned off inside a mountain. I was especially impressed by our tour guide. She made sure our 2 boys were well prepared for every stage of the tour. No loud noises were made without ample warning; she told us what to expect at each stage of the tour; her information was fascinating to both children and adults alike.
After the guided tour, we took our photo by the massive dump truck. Every Vancouver family needs to have one of these photos! Even standing next to that thing I still couldn’t compute how truly big it is; could you even imagine driving it?! Be sure to take time to check out the gold panning station. I am immensely skilled at finding gold…fool’s gold. My husband, however, did find a few flecks of real gold. Nothing that will fund our retirement, but fun none-the-less. We spent an hour and a half at the Britannia Mine Museum; in all honesty my husband and I could have happily spent much more time. The Britannina Mine Museum has been added to our must-do-annually list. Every year our kids will get more and more out of the experience!
We finished our son’s birthday-adventures at the Sea To Sky Gondola. What a gorgeously-breath-taking attraction – stare down on the Stawamus Chief, experience unlimited views of the Howe Sound Fjord and explore the luscious coastal forest! The Sea To Sky Gondola opened in May 2014. You start your adventure with a surprisingly long gondola-trip. You think you are at the top and then – surprise – you cross a valley and head up even further. It is rather lovely getting a longer trip than expected. At the top West Coast architecture blends into the mountainside. There is much to do at the top of the Sea To Sky Gondola. You can take part in daily tours with guides eager to share fascinating details about the topography, history and nature-elements relating to the mountain. There is a coffee bar as well as a hot-food restaurant. Take your foodie treats and head out to the expansive deck; no matter what the weather the view is awesome.
If you are courageous (or, like me, can summon your courage so your children can experience something new) talk a walk across the Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge. I dare you to do it while windy! The bridge is approximately 100 meters long and connects the Summit Lodge to the Spirit Trail / Viewing Platform. The bridge suspends across a valley which is thousands of metres below. The 360 degree view is unforgettable! Our boys loved crossing the bridge but they loved exploring the hiking trails on the other side even more. If your kids are good walkers, come prepared. Hiking trails meander all over the top of the mountain. Fresh air, great views and a warm drink afterwards make for a great family outing!
Thank you so much to our friends at Whistle Punk Hollow, the Britannia Mine Museum and the Sea To Sky Gondola for hosting us. We had a terrific time and look forward to visiting again very soon.
