Surf, whale watch, explore the beach or hike one of the many rainforest trails through Pacific Rim National Park. Bookended by Ucluelet on one side and Tofino on the other, the area offers a wealth of natural wonders.

Rent a Bike. Tofino has a 7km paved bike path that runs from Cox Bay almost into downtown Tofino, passing by several beaches along the way. This is a multi-use path, so you could be sharing the route with skateboarders, tots on tricycles and the occasional surfer with a board tucked under their arm. For bike rentals, visit tofcycles.com

Hang 10 in Tofino. Want to learn to surf? You’ve come to the right place. Here are three rental places and surfing schools in Tofino: Surf Sister, surfsister.com; Pacific Surf Co, pacificsurfschool.com; Tofino Surf School, tofinosurfschool.ca.

Watch Whales. A jaw-dropping experience in Tofino is an Ocean Outfitters whale watching safari. Book fully enclosed boat and Zodiac tours with potential bonus sightings of sea lions, harbour seals, sea otters, bald eagles and more.

See the Sawmill. McLean Mill is the perfect place for a stroll any time of year. Whether it’s to take in history or to go for a scenic walk with your family or furry baby, you won’t be disappointed. The surroundings are breathtaking. Grab the family, bring a picnic and make it a day at the Mill! mcleanmill.ca

Explore the Trails. The stretch of Pacific Rim National Park between Ucluelet and Tofino boasts magnificent beaches and dramatic seascapes (and a few tourists!). Check in with the Tourist Information Centre at the Ucluelet-Tofino-Port Alberni Junction to find out about trails, beaches, eateries and activities. pc.gc.ca

Get Wild on the WPT. At the Wild Pacific Trail in Pacific Rim Park, follow cliff-edges along the extreme outer coast, including the Amphitrite Point Lighthouse site. See the sights from viewing platforms situated at the best headlands along the route. Marvel at nurse-logs, raised root systems, mosses, fungi, lichens and ferns. Walk the trail in two main sections: Lighthouse Loop and Big Beach. wildpacifictrail.com

Littles to the Lighthouse. Lighthouse Loop, part of the Wild Pacific Trail and 2.6km long, can be walked in a 30- to 45-minute loop using the adjoining He-Tin-Kis Park boardwalk. The trail includes frequent viewpoints and benches for watching whales, birds or catching the sunset. wildpacifictrail.com

Learn About Local Marine Life. Visit Ucluelet Aquarium, Canada’s first catch-and-release aquarium, where you’ll find a diversity of local marine life. Follow the Salmon Trail in the summer with five self-led learning experiences between Tofino and Ucluelet. uclueletaquarium.org

Get Out in the Garden. The Naa’Waya’Sum Coastal Indigenous Gardens (formerly the Tofino Botanical Gardens) provide a space for humans to learn from nature in both natural and landscaped environments. The majority of the beautiful 10-acre site is home to coastal rainforest and its many living species. An enchanting trail system is designed to help visitors navigate through the forest and along the waterfront, which is also a globally recognized important bird area. clayoquotcampus.ca

Try Out Tuff City Skatepark. Tuff City Skatepark is a surf-inspired park built and powered by the determination of local residents. The result is a well-designed, safe skateboarding area for the young and old, those who are learning or experienced skateboarders. tourismtofino.com

Or Ride on Over to the Bike Park. This mountain bike park is Tofino’s newest addition to its outdoor playground. The park is located beside the Tofino Community Hall and includes a pump track, tabletop jumps, a learning area, ladder planks and other natural obstacles. The park is “use at your own risk” so think safety first when biking in the park.

Indulge in Gelato. Chocolate Tofino offers handmade gelato flavours including Dutch chocolate, salted caramel, white chocolate raspberry, hammerhead—a secret recipe—“kookville” and lavender honey. With a menu that’s “sometimes seasonal, sometimes as we please,” you never know what delights you’ll find. chocolatetofino.com

Nestled within the grounds of Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Sites, the Garry Oak Learning Meadow invites your little one to unveil new treasures on the rugged coastal landscape. Connect with nature and gain some valuable hands-on experience that will be exciting for the whole family.

parks.canada.ca

With the arrival of warmer days and the sun shining more frequently, many families are seeking easy, free and enjoyable outdoor activities to welcome the spring season. Have you considered birdwatching? Here’s why birdwatching here is an ideal springtime activity:

Accessibility for All: Birdwatching is an inclusive activity that people of all ages and abilities can enjoy. With the aid of bird identification apps such as Merlin Bird ID and Audubon Bird Guide, even beginners can quickly learn to recognize various species and their songs, enhancing the birdwatching experience.

Diverse Ecosystems: Vancouver Island’s unique geography features a mix of coastal shores, dense forests and urban parks, creating a diverse habitat for a wide range of bird species. This variety ensures that each birdwatching trip can offer something new and exciting, making it a continually engaging activity.

Peak Migration Season: Spring marks the peak migration period for many bird species. This timing means visitors have the chance to observe an impressive array of migratory birds as they stop on the island during their long journeys. It’s an excellent opportunity for spectacular sightings.

Educational Value: Birdwatching on Vancouver Island offers valuable learning experiences for all ages. It’s a chance to educate oneself and one’s family about different bird species, their behaviours and their roles in the ecosystem, fostering a deeper appreciation for wildlife and conservation efforts.

Health Benefits: Engaging in birdwatching can serve as a gentle yet effective way to get moving and enjoy the outdoors. The activity promotes physical health through walking and enhances mental well-being by encouraging mindfulness and reducing stress.

Vancouver Island North Trail

Vancouver Island North Bird Trail winds through several lively communities, including Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Alert Bay and Port Alice. Renowned for its diverse birdlife, this region boasts exceptional birdwatching opportunities. Key highlights include the Quatse River Estuary Trail & Viewing Platform in Port Hardy, where visitors can immerse themselves in the ecological significance of the Hardy Bay area. With over 160 bird species year-round and up to 60 species of waterfowl during winter, this habitat is a vital stop along the Pacific Flyway. The Alert Bay Ecological Park on Cormorant Island offers another prime location for birdwatching, featuring diverse terrains, marked trails and opportunities to spot Northern flickers and bald eagles amidst its lush landscapes.

Langford

Situated just 15 kilometres from downtown Victoria, the Langford Bird Trail Outpost offers an accessible gateway to nature, ideal for family outings and birdwatching enthusiasts. Langford’s diverse environments, from tranquil lakes to forested estuaries, create ideal settings for observing a wide array of bird species. Among the prime spots for birdwatching are Langford Lake, known for its vibrant community of waterfowl, and the majestic forests of Goldstream Provincial Park. Amongst the towering evergreens, birders can spot species such as Steller’s jays, chickadees and kinglets and in the estuary keep an eye out for species such as bald eagles and great blue herons.

Sooke

Located just a short drive from Langford, Sooke on Vancouver Island’s southern tip is an ideal outdoors destination with its unique coastal and forested environments. Visitors can explore the Sunriver Nature Trail, winding through old-growth cedars alongside the Sooke River, or the tidal shores of Whiffin Spit, known for spectacular seabird sightings. Here, bird watchers may spot a variety of species, from the elusive barred owl to the charismatic purple martin.

Tofino 

Located on the wild Pacific coast, Tofino offers diverse coastal ecosystems ideal for birdwatching. A favourite location for locals and visitors is the Tofino Mudflats Wildlife Management Area, known for migratory species like the dunlin and resident bald eagles. The spring migration brings marbled murrelets and common murres to the area, enhancing the exciting wildlife viewing opportunities. Chesterman Beach, with its stunning sandbars and coastal views, is another prime spot for observing sandpipers and pigeon guillemots.

Exploration means different things to different people. What is new to you might be old hat to me. Things I’ve never seen before could be commonplace in your world. But we all have one thing in common, the need to seek out and learn about things that are new to us.

This urge is even more apparent in children. Kids see the world through the lens of a learner. They rarely have preconceived notions and are often more open to new ideas than adults.

They also love to get their hands dirty. As adults, we might do a Google search to learn about a bug, but kids will pick it up and flip it over! That’s what makes exploring and learning with your kids so exciting.

They know the best way to learn about the world around them is by using their senses. They want to get out and see the ocean, taste the homemade jelly, throw the frisbee, smell the campfire and hear the call of the chickadee.

Kids have a way of pushing you out of your comfort zone and allowing you to find a fresh perspective. They ask questions that you would never have thought of. They push the boundaries and remind you that growth only happens if you leave the comfort of your regular routine.

Going on adventures and experiencing new things for the first time is one of the most rewarding parts of parenting whether you are taking a tropical trip on the other side of the world or exploring a new playground in your neighbourhood.

So, the next time your child asks to go for a walk, or says “Dad, pick up that rock to see what’s under it,” or “Mom, can we have a picnic in the rain?” Lean in. Let them lead the way. Take that road trip, try the new food, join the team, meet someone new, go berry picking, jump in the pool—explore!

Seeing the world through their eyes and experiencing that wonder, joy and curiosity that a family adventure brings can really ground you. This is where memories are made, where life-long bonds are formed—where love lives.

– Stacie Gaetz

One of the nice things about summer is that the sun takes forever to set in the evening, creating tons of extra time for play and exploration. And by nice, I just want to be clear that I mean for the children who are champions of finding ways to stay up late.

In order to curtail some of my children’s evening energy so I can get them to bed at a semi-reasonable hour, my husband and I have taken to adding extra reading time to the end of our days. That means we need even more books to read, so here are a few new favourites that we’ve discovered. They all give us a chance to talk about the insects and animals we’ve seen throughout the day and the ones we hope to see soon. Maybe you and your children will like them too.

The first one is Blink and Glow by Raven Howell and illustrated by Ann Pilicer (Tielmour Press, 2024). In this beautifully illustrated story, two children, Leo and Lilly, are busy catching fireflies and bioluminescent salamanders as the stars shine above them. But as the creatures in their cages start to lose their glow, the children learn how to express their love in a better way. And, if you’re interested and feeling crafty (so maybe not if you read this right before bed) there is a craft at the end of the book, to help you and your children create your own fireflies to brighten your days. For ages 3 to 6.

Another delightful book for the littles is O is for Ocean by Greg Paprocki (Gibbs Smith, 2023). This alphabet board book will introduce your children to the wonders of the ocean around them, from anemone, to island, to zoanthids. Because the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous, your children are going to love examining each and every page. Then, if you make it to a tide pool or an aquarium with a touch pool, they might even surprise you by recognizing all the plants and animals there. For ages 0 to 3.

If your ocean-lover is a bit older, they might enjoy Ocean by Gail Armstrong (Big Picture Press, 2024). Once again, the illustrations are stunning. The rich colours and the detailed paper creations that make up each page cannot be fully appreciated or examined in one sitting. And as your children flip through the pages and lift all the flaps, they will learn about the ocean depths, Mangrove forests, tidal pools and so much more. For ages 8 to 12.

If your children prefer to hunt for critters in the soil instead of the sea, they may like to look through Extremely Gross Animals: Stinky, Slimy and Strange Animal Adaptations by Claire Eamer (Kids Can Press, 2021). As the name of this book promises, it is filled with gross facts about animals. So, if your child isn’t squeamish and enjoys learning about the weird eating habits and digestive systems of insects and elephants, this book is for them. For ages 7 to 10.

Finally, after a day spent talking to other adults or repeating yourself for the seven millionth time to your children, you might find that you don’t want to talk at all. But you may still wish to cozy up on the couch or in their bed as you get ready for the night. If that’s the situation you find yourself in, you should check out The Last Zookeeper by Aaron Becker (Candlewick Press, 2024). This book has no words. It is told exclusively in illustrations. So, you can sit back and flip through the pages with your child as you witness a robot try to take care of animals after a flood that keeps getting worse, until the robot has to find a way to transport all of the animals somewhere new. For ages 5 to 9.

Perhaps you and your children will never encounter a glow-in-the-dark salamander, but I hope that these books help you connect with each other and the world around you as you learn about oceans, animals and the interconnected world we live in. And maybe, just maybe, after you close the final page, your kid will actually decide to go to sleep instead of asking for one more drink of water.

Vancouver Island has world-class hiking and outdoor recreation opportunities. For many of us, it’s why we choose to raise our families here. As the mother of a toddler, I am conscious about how my safety habits now will shape my son’s habits in the future. When I plan a hike, I’m thinking about how the whole family can stay safe but also how I can model a safety mindset so that my son can develop the skills he’ll need to make the most of the outdoors later, should he choose to.

Involving our kids in hiking preparation is the best way to keep them safe and help build the confidence and skills needed for bigger adventures. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your next hike:

1. Go to the source

When deciding where to hike, getting information from the park agency or municipality that manages the trail will help you make the best choices. Check their official website for timely alerts or trail closures and to download accurate maps. While social media, crowd-sourced hiking apps and word-of-mouth can be great for inspiration, they can be misleading when it comes to safety. Just because somebody posted a route online doesn’t mean there’s a clearly marked trail or that the area is open to the public. And we don’t want to end up bushwhacking through waist-high shrubs with toddlers in tow! Sticking to designated, sanctioned trails helps ensure you’ll be on trails which are maintained, and avoid any areas closed to the public for safety, conservation or cultural reasons.

2. Leave a plan

We never expect to need a rescue, but sometimes accidents happen. Leaving a trip plan could make a major difference to the outcome of your outing should you need help. Always tell someone where you’re going and make sure they know to call 911 if you don’t check in when you say you will. AdventureSmart, an organization dedicated to reducing search-and-rescue calls in Canada, has an app that makes it quick and easy to fill out a trip plan and send it to a contact. Consider asking your kids to help complete the prompts in the app before you leave home.

3. Involve kids in navigation

Navigation doesn’t need to be complicated, but it is an important skill to teach if our goal is for our kids to someday be able to embark on their own adventures. Involving children in activities like picking out a trail on a map, stopping at junctions to discuss which way to go and pointing out landmarks can help develop better spatial awareness—foundational for learning more complex navigation later.

4. Discuss what to do if you get separated

“Hug a tree and survive” is the phrase AdventureSmart wants us to remember. The idea is that if a child becomes lost, they should stay in one place and shelter under a tree’s canopy. Other things parents can emphasise is that if they get lost, a child won’t be in trouble, and they should make themselves visible to anyone in the area. In search-and-rescue situations, some kids don’t answer the rescuers’ calls because they don’t know the stranger calling their name or they fear punishment for getting lost in the first place. The last thing we want is for our kids to use their hide-and-seek skills to avoid being found!

5. Everyone carries a pack

If a kid is old enough, it’s a great idea to equip them with the basics they’ll need for a hike and a few extra safety items. Consider throwing in a whistle, light-weight emergency blanket and flashlight. Not only will their essentials be at hand should they need them, carrying their own pack helps foster a sense of self-reliance and encourages them to take responsibility for their safety.

6. Learn together

If you’re unsure what to pack or what to do in a thunderstorm, now is the perfect time to engage your kids and learn together. Keep the learning fun and consider roleplay or storytelling so that the joys of being outside are not overshadowed by fear of the unexpected. Check out crd.bc.ca/parks and search “being prepared” for a place to start your research.

Preparing for the unexpected can feel like a lot to think about. Starting with small hikes, repeating visits to local trails and gradually building up your skills will hopefully make planning feel less daunting and more like part of your outdoor routine. When you prioritize safety, your efforts will be rewarded with memories that foster an appreciation for adventures in the outdoors—something well worth passing on.

Imagine waking up to the crisp morning air, the smell of the Salish Sea and the sound of children excitedly exploring nature around them. That’s the magic of backcountry camping! But where to begin?

The thought of lugging camping gear and wrangling kids into the backcountry might seem daunting. But fear not! We’ve got you covered with our top tips and favourite local spots for an unforgettable backcountry camping experience right here in British Columbia.

Choose Your Own Adventure

Gulf Islands National Park Reserve offers backcountry campsites that are manageable with young kids, only a short hike from the parking lot for a quick escape if needed. Try a campground like Shingle Bay on Pender Island, which offers stroller-friendly access and is just a hop, skip and a jump from the parking area, with a stunning beach and orchard setting. Located a mere 15-minute drive from the Driftwood Centre, you’re never too far from civilization.

Embrace Kids’ Curiosity

See the adventure through children’s eyes and opt for a location that sparks their curiosity. Whether it’s a remote island, a lush forest or a scenic beach, finding a spot that resonates with your family’s interests can transform the outing into a cherished memory. Consider Narvaez Bay Campground on Saturna Island (1.7km hike), a hidden gem offering tranquillity and charm. With beautiful views from Mount Warburton Pike or wildflower meadows, it’s the perfect setting for a peaceful family getaway. Plus, during the summer months, you can drive to Parks Canada Interpretation Programs and discover the island’s rich natural and cultural heritage together. Keep your eyes peeled for marine mammals along the Whale Trail or embark on a thrilling geocaching adventure—the possibilities are endless!

Make the Most of Camping

Campgrounds tend to fill up quickly during the summer months. Opting for backcountry camping provides a tranquil and less crowded alternative. Reserving at one of the two reservable backcountry campgrounds on Pender Island and Saturna Island within Gulf Islands National Park Reserve is recommended and ensures a more serene experience.

Curious about what to bring? Our essentials include ample layers for unpredictable West Coast weather, energizing snacks, a comprehensive first aid kit and binoculars for safe wildlife viewing. Before embarking on your adventure, check out Parks Canada’s Learn-to-Camp resources for expert advice.

Backcountry camping with young kids is all about preparation, patience and a sense of adventure. By planning, you’ll create memories that will last a lifetime.

So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, round up your little explorers and embark on an epic backcountry adventure in beautiful British Columbia!

Spring is a time of new beginnings!

The weather is getting warmer, the sun is sticking around longer each day and plants are sprouting.

It’s time to take a page out of Mother Nature’s book, shake off our thoughts of hibernation and spring into action!

Children are naturally active and creative so we can learn a lot from them. Let your little one take the lead and show you how they would like to get active this season.

Go on a scavenger hunt, fairy walk, get down and dirty in the garden, explore a new park, go for a hike, get pumped on your bikes, plan a picnic or see how far you can go while hopping like a bunny.

As adults, we tend to overthink things and as hard as we try to stay open minded, it can be easy to get stuck in our ways. We can get cold and stagnant in our thinking—like winter. When you are looking for fresh ideas of things to do, ask your kids what outdoor activities they want to take part in—and do them. Let them be your shiny sun, your blooming flower, the spring in your step!

Go camping, watch a movie in your backyard, walk to a playground—backwards, play hopscotch, pick your favourite foods from a local garden, blow bubbles, visit a waterfall… Let their creative juices and energy flow. Be open to their imagination.

Being active has countless benefits including improving your mood, helping you stay in shape, better sleep, boosting your energy and elevating concentration. So getting out with your kids and getting your body moving is a win-win!

But the biggest benefit of getting active with your family might be spending time together. No matter what activity you choose, allowing your child to lead the way and spending time with them doing something they love will brighten both of your days more than the warmest spring sunbeam ever could.

– Stacie Gaetz

“I’ll hold your hand mommy. It can be scary to walk across the net. Try not to look down.”

I bend over sideways to hold my five-year-old’s hand and awkwardly walk across a net 100 feet in the air, all while staring at the sky so as to avoid height-induced vertigo.

“We’re almost at the other side mommy! Good job!”

My husband took my daughter to the Malahat Skywalk for a Pro-D Day and she came back bouncing up and down.

“The slide is so fun! I was sad you weren’t there.”

So, we went again, as a family, so she could show me the cute wooden bear in the forest below the pathway, the amazing view of the Salish Sea, the aforementioned “adventure net” at the top of the structure and, of course, the 20-metre twisty slide she raved about. I heard about the Skywalk slide. The slide she loved was one of the reasons I hadn’t visited the attraction yet. Heights and adrenaline are not exactly… my thing.

When we arrived, I saw that the slide started halfway down the structure.

“Oh that doesn’t look so bad,” I thought. Until we walked to the top, did several five-year-old-designed “challenges” across the net and waited in the long-weekend-sized line up listening to people scream as they went down the “so fun” slide.

My husband offered to hold our spot in line while we headed down to the playground, a welcome distraction and a chance to release a nervous pee. The mood at the bottom of the Skywalk was festive: there was a band, a campfire, hot dogs and ice cream for sale.

My daughter had a great time climbing on the beams on the playground. Then I got the text from my husband that it was almost our turn, and we ran up, my daughter giddy with excitement and my heart pounding.

I looked over to the sign “If you are uncomfortable in confined spaces or rapid tilting, you should not participate in the spiral slide.” The words “YOU WILL SLIDE AT HIGH SPEEDS!” were highlighted in all caps. I couldn’t exactly plead ignorance now.

I asked to go first to get it over with. My daughter coached me saying “this is amazing yay yay yay!”

I practiced my mantra in line. “This is amazing yay yay yay. This is amazing yay yay yay.”

“Okay,” I thought to myself, “If I say that line, I’ll be down by the time the phrase is complete. It’s only supposed to take eight to 10 seconds.”

I sat down at the mouth of the metal tunnel, placed my feet in the mat, and scooted myself down the descent as my daughter cheered from behind “Go mommy!”

As I sped down the slide, I repeated her mantra. “thisisamazingyayyayyay, thisisamazingyayyayyay, thisisamazingyayyayyay.” I was still not down. How many times would I have to repeat this phrase? “…thisisamazingyayyayyay, thisisama..”

The light opened above me, and I looked up relieved at the attendant beside me.

I had done it. I made it down the slide. I hopped out and pulled out my iPhone, ready to capture my daughter eight to 10 seconds after my exit. I caught her exhilarated smile as she hopped out and gave me a hug.

“That was so fun! You did it mommy!”

“Let’s film dada now,” I suggested.

We both crouched down at the base of the slide and turned on video mode to record dada’s “whoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoaoao” all the way down.

“Ice cream!” my daughter yelled as she ran off to the concession. And my husband and I trailed behind at our glacial adult pace.

“Yeah, next time I’m walking down,” I muttered under my breath.

Sometimes it’s hard to know what lessons to teach our kids. Should I have taught her to listen to your gut and not have tried the slide? To follow directions by obeying the sign and its warning that it was not meant for people like me? Was I right to show her that going outside your comfort zone is sometimes worthwhile?

That day, I decided to put on my big girl pants, take a deep breath and join in my daughter’s excitement. To do something I never would have done without her insistence and kindergarten-aged coaching. I took the leap and slid into fun.

What child doesn’t love stories and books about fairies, dragons, unicorns and the myriad of other fairy tale creatures? These stories excite, thrill and sometimes even scare the reader just a little bit, but most of all, they open a whole new world. One in which pixies stir up all sorts of mischief, a brave-hearted boy can tame an unruly dragon and a clever princess can outwit an evil witch.

Unfortunately, fairies and all their friends only exist in fairy tales. Or do they?

I’ll let you in on a little secret I’ve only told to a select few–there is a fairy village right in the heart of my community of Sidney!

Don’t believe me? Come and look for yourself. But don’t be discouraged if you aren’t able to spot it right away. You see, fairies are very clever, and they choose out-of-the-way places in which to dwell—under toadstools, in tree hollows and as it happens in Sidney, in the crevices of rock walls.

My young grandson and I have often visited this fairy village on our walks. It took us a while to notice it; we had to look closely, of course. After all, fairies and their friends are not always so easy to observe. There are many nooks and crannies in the rocks where they like to hide.

If you peer in these crevices though, you may be able to spot the doors and windows of their homes.

Please be courteous—if the “Fairies Sleeping” sign is out, be sure to tread quietly. If you’re really lucky, you may even see the fairy queen who sits on her throne presiding over the village with her magic wand. In that case, be sure to pay her homage with a nod, or even better, a slight bow as you pass by. (It is rumoured that she is particularly delighted by curtsies.) You’ll undoubtedly see her winged horse out and about as he often pays a visit to the other fairies.

As this fairy village has grown in recent years, the fairies have been joined by whole families of teddy bears and gnomes who love to have tea parties in their gardens on a sunny day. These gardens are very well-tended as everyone knows gnomes are excellent gardeners.

A word of warning should you venture into this land—be sure to heed the “Beyond Be Dragons” sign. Don’t worry too much; these dragons are usually friendly. They’ve never been rude or given us a scare, but they are growing in number and could therefore be more difficult to control in the not-too-distant future. You know how dragons are. They’re an unruly lot, always trying to outdo one another with showy feats like breathing fire or changing the colour of their scales or practicing their terrible roars.

There’s truly something very special about a fairy walk, and it has to do with the fact that fairies don’t tend to dwell in one place for very long; it’s in their nature to always be on the move to that next adventure. So every time you walk by their village, you can be assured of spotting something you haven’t seen before—a new group here or there (fairies can easily be distinguished by the colour of their wings), new dwellings that have seemingly popped up overnight or new friends who have come to pay a visit (we recently spotted a mermaid sunning herself on the rocks).

So, if your family finds itself out near Sidney, be sure to explore the beautiful waterfront walkway (hint, it’s in the vicinity of the marina), and in particular, the fairy walk where your little ones will be sure to spot a dragon or two.

Oh, and don’t tell the fairies I sent you. They enjoy children, but they’re not overly fond of adults; something to do with lack of imagination…