Squamish

Shannon Falls Provincial Park – It's a short hike to the third highest waterfall in British Columbia. According to local Squamish tribal legends, the falls was shaped by the body of the sea serpent Say-noth-ka, who made his way from the sea up the mountains.. The trail goes along the creek, through a forest of cedar and fir trees, and comes out at an overlook with a view of the falls cascading down the rocks.  This is the perfect picnic stop.

Britannia Mine Museum – Put on a hard hat and ride a train inside an underground mine tunnel (it's cool in the mine, so bring a sweater). In the museum, check out the stellar gallery of minerals and interactive mining exhibits; outside kids can pan for gold. There's also demonstrations during the day, a snack bar, and picnic area.

West Coast Heritage Railway Park – Find out about who built the railways, and explore a large collection of cabooses, mail car, sleeper car, tank car, and locomotives of the Canadian Pacific Railway, plus station and heritage house. Open daily.

Rafting trips – The Cheakamus River is perfect for family rafting trips. For scenic "float trips," no paddling is required. For easy whitewater rafting, 3 hour trips, for kids 5 and up.

Alice Lake Provincial Park – Alice Lake is a lovely lake, with grassy beach and sandy beach where toddlers can play for hours, plus a playground with slides and climbing structures. The lake has swimming; bigger kids will want to swim out to the floating dock. Take the Swamp Lantern Nature Trail, Stump Lake Loop Trail, and the trail that goes around Alice Lake. Campground and picnic tables.

Go horseback riding – Sea to Sky Stables offer hour long trail rides through the forest and along the river on sure footed horses. This is a leisurely sight seeing ride, not a gallop.