Spring break is an excellent time for family travel, but you don't have to hop on a plane to have fun. With a little creativity, and your BCAA Membership, you can enjoy quality family time close to home and on a reasonable budget. Here's how to fill your spring break with affordable adventures, nature and some relaxation.

Explore your own backyard

Sometimes the best vacations are right around the corner. This spring break, reserve your tickets, tables and backyard seating for:

• Dining out (or in!): Treat the family to a night out at restaurants like Montana’s or Original Joe’s, where you can save with your BCAA Membership. Rather stay in? Plan a family cooking night at home and try out fun and interactive recipes like pizza, sushi or tacos. Get fresh and healthy ingredients from Meridian Farm Market, Ralph's Farm Market and Meridian Meats & Seafood and save up to 10% on groceries and in-store with your BCAA Membership.
• Local attractions: Sometimes we forget to appreciate the things we have close by.
  • Near Vancouver? Dive into the wonders of Science World – their activities aren’t just fun for kids (trust us, we’ve tried a few ourselves!). You can marvel at marine life at Canada’s largest aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium, and embrace the fun, go-karts and mini-golf at Castle Fun Park in Abbotsford. Love art? Use your BCAA Membership to get $2 off admission to the Vancouver Art Gallery.
  • If you’re on Vancouver Island, visit the Royal BC Museum in Victoria which always hosts interesting exhibitions. This year they have an immersive augmented reality experience,  Critical Distance, that will bring you face-to-face with a holographic orca pod. While you're there, enjoy IMAX Victoria, located in the Royal BC Museum, and save 15% as a BCAA Member.
  • And if you’re in the Okanagan, check out the art scene in Kelowna’s cultural district, featuring galleries, theatres, museums and 21 public art pieces.
• Movie magic: Create your own backyard theatre with an outdoor projector, movie screen, blankets and buttery popcorn! Or if you want a real big screen (and big comfy reclining seats), save up to 25% on Movie Night Bundles at Landmark Cinemas.
• Farm fun: Meet the animals at Aldor Acres Family Farm in Fort Langley, then walk and explore the local area afterwards that is used as a location used in many Hallmark movies. Maplewood Farm in North Vancouver is also a great spot for some animal magic, including pony rides and bunny feeding.
• If you’re on the island, stop in at the Old Country Market in Coombs on Vancouver Island for gifts, groceries, great food and to spot some goats on the roof!
• No car? No problem! Whether it’s a multi-day journey or a trip around town, BCAA Members save 10% on trips with Evo and Evolve.

Nurture nature

BC’s gorgeous landscapes are ideal for spring break getaways to rejuvenate your body and mind. Here are some health and budget-friendly outdoor ideas in BC:

• Urban park playgrounds: Head to the 400-hectare Stanley Park to enjoy a pot of tea or a round of pitch & putt, then bike, jog, skateboard or rollerblade the 10 km seawall. Sniff the flora at VanDusen Botanical Garden, or head to North Vancouver to experience the incredible Capilano Suspension Bridge Park where you’ll save 10% on admission with your BCAA Membership.
• Blossom watching: In our provincial capital of Victoria, see and photograph the incredible cherry blossoms on View Street, and visit the Victoria Butterfly Gardens, a must-see tropical jungle filled with exotic wildlife, where BCAA Members save 10% on admission. Head to Chilliwack for the Harrison Tulip Festival, which starts in April until around mid-May. It's worth it for the Instagram snaps alone.
• Family hiking: Hike the Train Wreck Trail in Whistler that features derailed train cars covered with graffiti or walk to the hidden, magical fairyland of Fairy Kingdom at Redwood Park in Surrey. If you’re heading to the Okanagan, hike or bike Myra Canyon Trestles near Kelowna to see the incredible views of the old historic Kettle Valley Railway.
• Picnicking: Stuff a picnic basket and head to a picturesque spot like Cleveland Dam in North Vancouver, John Lawson Park in West Vancouver, the beautiful Rebecca Spit Marine Park on Quadra Island, or Kelowna’s Waterfront Park down on Water Street next to the Grand Hotel. On your way, be sure to fuel up at Shell to save 3¢/L, and 10% on snacks, with your BCAA Membership.     

Plan a weekend escape

If you’re craving a quick family getaway, BC’s diverse destinations make it easy to escape without going far.

• Off-season camping: Many campgrounds in BC are open year-round, offering you reduced rates during the off-season. Gear up, bundle up, load up on camping supplies and food and enjoy the tranquility of BC’s nature.
• Island hopping: Your ticket to BC’s rugged shorelines, hidden beaches and postcard-perfect views. BCAA Members save $10 on a round-trip ticket with Hullo Ferries or save 10% on flights with Pacific Coastal Airlines. 
• Cozy cabins: Rent a lakeside or ocean-view cabin for a weekend of relaxation. Need inspiration? Check out these unique and cozy BC cottage gems.
• Hotel discounts: Even a night or two away can feel like a mini vacation. Use your BCAA Membership to save up to 15% at Fairmont, Hilton, Marriott and more.
• Let us help plan your trip: Our TripTik planner® lets you create customizable routes across North America, so you can print, save and email your high-quality, personalized, detailed maps – and it will help you locate BCAA Rewards Partners along your journey.

Time to spring into action

There’s so much to see and do in our home province so you won’t have to venture far to create lifelong family memories. Plus, your BCAA Membership makes it even easier to save while you stay and play.

Not a BCAA Member yet? Join today for exclusive Member savings and to enjoy your adventures knowing you’re protected in case of the unexpected.

Plus, stay up to date with BCAA Member savings, benefits, expert advice and much more by subscribing to BCAA’s monthly eNewsletter.

What are you doing for spring break? Tell us your plans on BCAA Connect! Join BC’s trusted online community to swap tips, get a chance to win prizes, and help each other make life in BC even better!