Alice in Camp Land

What’s not to love about camping? Think: fresh woodland scents, an extensive backyard (complete with lakes, trails and natural playgrounds), crackling fires and a social atmosphere. Bring the kids along and it gets a bit complicated, which is why Alice Lake is our top spot for a relatively carefree family trip.

Alice Lake is perfect for so many reasons—it is close to Vancouver, so you don’t have to spend hours in the car to get there; it’s right outside of Squamish so when you realize you forgot to bring marshmallows for the evening campfire, you can still get them; and most importantly, this campground is made for families with young kids. 

Family adventurers will find four beautiful, fresh water lakes (Alice Lake is the largest and most popular), two great sandy beaches (complete with floating docks and lots of picnic tables), lots of biking and hiking trails, and a relatively new large, man-made playground, too. If you have a kayak or canoe, bring it along for some fun on the water and don’t miss the brand new kids’ bike park adjacent to the playground.

The campsites themselves are set back in the forest for a more private and remote feeling. Most sites can accommodate trailers, and the campground has all the basic amenities you and your kids may need as well: campfire rings at each site, fresh water taps throughout the campgrounds and easy access to shower buildings and port-a-potties. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for the campsites all summer long, particularly on weekends.

If your family needs a break from the wilderness, Squamish is a fun town to visit, with some great family-friendly eateries. Sunflower Bakery Café and Gelato Carina are local faves in downtown Squamish. And if the weather takes a turn for the worst, Tumblewoods, an indoor play area which just opened in May, (off the Highway 99, near Home Depot) is a great place to hang, and the food there is great too. If your kids are a little older and interested in day trips and hiking, a great new guidebook is 52 Best Day Trips from Vancouver, which outlines many trails in the area, including the new Sea to Sky Trail.

So, this summer, head for the hills to enjoy a unique West Coast wilderness weekend that is sure to become an annual family adventure. Tested by Michelle T., Vancouver

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