Our oldest daughter and her husband have both been in the travel industry for many years and have traveled extensively. However, after having children they were faced with new challenges when planning family vacations. Having an autistic child presented even greater challenges. One vacation spot they discovered, which was somewhat unexpected, was Vancouver, Canada. I will turn you over to her for a better look  at what she found while visiting our neighbors to the north.

Vancouver’s mild climate is perfect for escaping the hot Texas summers and offers a vast array of activities for grown-ups and children of all ages. Although a passport is now required here, clearing customs is relatively easy when compared to other international destinations. Set amid a backdrop of snow flecked mountains, rain dripping rain forest, and sandy beaches, Vancouver is “Spectacular by Nature“.

A rental car is a necessity as some of the most amazing activities and scenery are a short drive outside the city. Don’t let this intimidate you. Getting around is easy and traffic rules are very much the same as in the United States. Accommodations are plentiful and very “American” as opposed to European hotels, which are less than family friendly. Whether you enjoy five star luxury or budget friendly accommodations, you are sure to find something to meet your needs. Eating out with children can be tricky, but I assure you that our neighbors to the north have mastered the art of macaroni and cheese, PB and J, and French fries, without compromising on adult fare such as scrumptious Alberta beef, Asian Fusion cuisine, and the freshest seafood.  Classic American fast food chains are also in abundance. Don’t worry about the water, in fact you may want to bottle some and bring it home as Canada has some of the cleanest, purest tap water on the planet.  The local brews and wines are also quite inviting after a hard day of sightseeing and family fun.

Our hotel of choice in Vancouver was the Fairmont Waterfront. This hotel offered everything from spectacular views of the inner Harbor and cruise ships to a resident family dog you could take for a walk while out sightseeing. The kids received bedtime cookies and milk and thoroughly enjoyed the rooftop pool.  The rooms were equipped with the latest in video game technology, but surprisingly the kids found the view from the 28^th floor window to be far more exciting. This was a welcome change to weary parents and an awesome educational opportunity.

Vancouver Aquarium

In fact, the educational opportunities here are endless. At Science World we explored everything from deep space to the function of the human body. Complete with an Omni max theatre, Science World is a must do for children of all ages. No trip to Vancouver would be complete without a visit to Stanley Park. Comparable in size to New York City’s Central Park, Stanley Park is a jewel in the heart of Vancouver. Skirting the coastline, it offers ample sunshine and shade trees to relax and watch the show put on by resident kite surfers, play on the numerous play scapes, and partake of the local flavors. With so much to see and do here, plan for an entire day.  The Vancouver Aquarium is another must if you like the sights and sounds of the ocean. Here we played with sea cucumbers and watched the playful beluga whales until our eyes and minds glazed over. Even the kids enjoyed shopping in the streets of the Gas Lamp district. No need for a vehicle here as it is just a short walk from the inner city and is completely safe, day or evening. With plenty of local restaurants and unique shops you are sure to find something here for everyone.

Outside Vancouver our travels took us up the mountain the famed Whistler Ski Resort, which rivals any of Colorado’s finest. The summer activities here include and alpine slide, mountain biking, a scenic chairlift, and plenty of room to roam and explore. Try out the local brew house for some of the best micro brewed beer West of the Mississippi, and the food wasn’t bad either. Along the way to Whistler we stumbled upon some of the most amazing scenery where the mountains meet the sea.  About halfway up the mountain you will also find the Britannia Mine and Museum where the movie “Scooby Doo 2” was filmed. This was a full day of fun for the entire family and the photo opportunities were extraordinary.

Butchart Gardens, the sunken garden

There is not enough web space to cover everything so I will leave you for now. I hope this has enticed you to give Vancouver a glance when considering your next family vacation. You certainly won’t be disappointed.

Happy Travels,

Sassy

Each summer, you begin to think of that wonderful vacation that you have dreamed about all winter long. But….. as the time nears, are you ready? Have you packed everything? Does everyone have everything they need? Did you remember Robbie’s ear medicine? What about Jennifer’s water shoes? By the time everything is packed, in the car, including your children and husband, you are exhausted . This was suppose to be a vacation! You wonder, when do I start on vacation! When traveling with young children, its hard to realize you are on vacation, because you’re on call 24 hours a day. One of the best family vacations is an all-inclusive resort that has a kids’ program to entertain them, while you have some quiet relaxing adult time.

One such place, is the Tanque Verde Ranch Resort in Arizona. Tanque Verde Ranch was nominated Top Ten Family Resort by Travel Channel in 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Tanque Verde Ranch

Tanque Verde Ranch is nestled among the majestic natural beauty of the Rincon Mountains between Saguaro National Park and the Coronado National Forest just east of Tucson, Arizona. An Arizona dude ranch since 1868, the family guest ranch is comprised of more than sixty thousand acres of unspoiled southwest landscape. Plush accommodations, unparalleled amenities, and a diverse menu of daily rides and activities provide guests with a memorable dude ranch vacation sure to revive the spirit of the Old West! Proud of our history as a working horse ranch, Tanque Verde Ranch is the largest dude ranch resort in North America.

Children’s Program

Tanque Verde Ranch welcomes the youngest of guests and takes pride in offering a unique childrens dude ranch program specifically geared to each child’s age group, including Buckeroos ages four to six, and Wranglers aged seven to eleven. Our childrens horse program includes daily trail rides and kids horseback lessons. Daily kids programs also include other kids ranch activities such as tennis, swimming, games, arts, kids sports and educational nature programs. Children’s programs are available every day of the year, and include breakfast and lunch in our special children’s dining room. Parents are welcome to accompany children or pursue other activities during this time.

Spa

One of the best Arizona spa resorts, Tanque Verde Ranch offers a luxurious spa resort experience at our on-premise La Sonora Spa. From spa massages and Arizona body treatments to soothe the muscles and refresh the spirit, to nail treatments and hair salon services, you’ll enjoy an array of pampering sure to help you unwind and rejuvenate. Looking for a special spa getaway, girls spa retreat or romantic spa escape? Our ranch spa packages are a perfect way to spend time nurturing your mind, body, spirit and relationships in a beautiful Arizona spa resort.

Riding

Who hasn’t dreamed of saddling up a horse and riding out across the Old West in search of adventure? At Tanque Verde Ranch we have more than one hundred and eighty well-trained horses in our Stables, one of which already has your name on it. We offer horse riding lessons, a variety of riding programs, unique Sonoran desert riding experiences, horse trail rides, and horse riding instruction for all skill levels. With over sixty-thousand acres of pristine natural beauty to explore, you’ll find the desert horse riding experience you’re looking for at Tanque Verde Ranch–where dreams of adventure on horseback come to life.

Activities

Activity is something which there is never a shortage of at Tanque Verde Ranch. Guests are invited to take part in a variety of horseback riding adventures, including our children’s horse program, variety of riding programs and horse riding lessons, hit the desert hiking trails on foot or mountain bike; or enjoy our resort tennis courts, resort fishing, swimming, dancing, playing, creating, watercolor painting, and learning in the desert nature center. We offer a diverse menu of daily programs and activities. As on All-Inclusive property, all scheduled activities are included in your daily rate.

The Nature Center

The Sonoran desert is one of the world’s most vibrant landscapes. Because of the severity of the climate, both plant and animal life have evolved unique survival adaptations that are fascinating to study and appreciate while taking one of our daily guided nature walks. Our desert nature center provides a close-up view of some of the less approachable desert fauna such as spiders and snakes.

Lodging

Tanque Verde Ranch offers a variety of ranch resort lodging options, each richly appointed and warmly decorated with southwestern artisanal furnishings. If you are looking for a warm, inviting Arizona ranch lodging experience that combines the spirit of the Old West with the amenities of today’s luxury—you’ll find that our accommodations provide a restful and inspiring environment for your stay. Traditional adobe walls and Santa Fe style architecture perfectly match the beauty and distinction of the natural southwest landscape. All rooms come with full private baths, and most with fireplaces, and expansive views of the desert and mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend time at one of the largest and most memorable Arizona dude ranches in the country.

Heading to Tucson? Looking for a unique alternative to traditional Tucson lodging? Tanque Verde Ranch Resort offers a comfortable and inspiring Tucson ranch resort stay. Rates are nightly. Call today for reservations.

Tanque Verde Ranch has something for everyone. After visiting the spa during the day, while the children are actively engaged in horseback riding, swimming, crafts, fishing, hiking, and nature education, maybe playing a game of tennis, relaxing in the evening sunset, participating in chuck wagon dinner and entertainment for the evening with the family, you have finally had a vacation, too. Everyone needs some time to relax, meditate, and regain their stamina to move forward in life once in awhile. Tanque Verde Ranch provides the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy vacation time together.

Your toddlers will have an abundance of memories from this vacation. They will use these experiences for their daily role playing activities. What better way to encourage creative playtime than with our Wild West Collection. The Wild West Toy Box by Levels of Discovery shown below won Third Place(2009) in the Baby and Children Favorite Product. This Bench Seat with Storage Toy Box  has a nostalgic western town seat back design that includes a sheriff’s star finials,  a “Good Guy” & “Bad Guy”  on horseback and Toy Store doors that open and close. The lid has a slow-closing metal safety hinge. The Wild West Table and Two Chair Set has a western ranch tabletop design with a horse stable storage box, including a wooden “Good Guy” , “Bad Guy”, two buildings, and stagecoach toys for hours of hands-on fun! The chairs feature “Good Guy” and “Bad Guy” seat backs. Your child will spend many hours acting out the activities he saw the ranch hands performing at Tanque Verde Ranch. Go to Sassybabyfurniture.com to view our Wild West Collection and the other furniture pieces that come with it.