Floating Into Memories: A Magical Escape Your Kids Will Love
Travel has always been a family affair for us, and our kids often play a big role in shaping where we go and what we do. And, let’s face it, kids come up with some pretty fantastic ideas. About seven years ago Emma suggested that we stay in a floating house for our next holiday. Everyone was game, so I went in search of float homes and since we live on an island, I started my search with Vancouver Island. At that time there weren’t as many unique travel sites, but I found a few leads at a couple of different marinas and float home communities before settling on Maple Bay near Duncan.
Life Afloat: Our First Float Home Stay
The first time we stayed in a float home, we weren’t sure what to expect. Would it feel cramped? Would we miss the comforts of a traditional home? Those concerns disappeared the moment we stepped onto the dock and saw our cozy floating retreat. The gentle sway of the house, the sound of water lapping against the sides, and the views of Maple Bay made us feel instantly at ease.
The float home was surprisingly spacious, with all the amenities we needed for a comfortable stay. A fully equipped kitchen, cozy bedrooms, and a deck where we could sip our morning tea and watch the sunrise over the bay. We could literally step outside our door and be in the kayaks or on a paddle board exploring the ocean.
Why Kids Love Float Homes
For kids, staying in a float home is pure magic. Our kids spent time spotting marine life off our deck, watching the boats and float planes come and go from the marina. The novelty of being so close to the water sparked endless curiosity and creativity. They drew and made up games with some of the antique finds in the float house, including a rotary telephone on an old desk, tried their hand at fishing, and paddled and swam around the bay. It felt like we were away at a homey cabin by the ocean, except we were actually on the ocean. The waves rocked us to sleep and we woke to the otters playing nearby.
Why Parents Love Float Homes
While the kids were busy exploring, we found ourselves embracing the slower pace of float home living. There’s something incredibly calming about being surrounded by water. It’s the kind of environment that encourages you to put down your phone, breathe deeply, and truly relax. Maple Bay Marina’s peaceful setting, combined by nearby hiking trails, made it easy to unwind.
We also appreciated the unique perspective that staying in a float home provided. Unlike a traditional vacation rental, a float home feels deeply connected to its surroundings. From the deck, we had front-row seats to breathtaking sunsets, playful otters, and the occasional heron gliding over the water. As one of two rentals in this little floating community, we made sure to respect our neighbours, as we made our way out on our short evening walks. Each of the float homes were incredibly unique and reflected their owners’ personalities.
Maple Bay Marina: The Perfect Float Home Destination
Maple Bay Marina quickly became one of our favourite family getaways, just a couple of hours from home but what felt like a world away. We visited every year for several years in a row, often inviting friends to stop in or family to stay with us during our stays. The marina is well equipped with everything you need for a comfortable stay, including a general store, a cafe, and a playground. Its central location made it easy to explore other parts of Vancouver Island, from the Cowichan Valley’s wineries to the Duncan Street Market and Pacific Northwest Raptors. Staying in a new town, even if not far from home, let us explore many new things we likely wouldn’t have stopped to see if we were just passing through. One year we came across a model boat-building event at the marina and checked out all the boats while we enjoyed our ice cream.
During our visits, we made a point to explore the area around Maple Bay. Highlights included hiking the nearby trails at Stoney Hill Regional Park, kayaking through the calm waters of the bay, and enjoying fresh seafood at local restaurants. But no matter what we did during the day, we always looked forward to coming back to our cozy float home. We were sad when Maple Bay Marina stopped renting float homes and our family had to find a new vacation tradition. Check it out here.
Lessons From Emma’s Dream
Reflecting on our float home adventures, it’s clear how much our travel experiences have been enhanced by listening to our kids’ ideas. Emma’s suggestion opened the door to a new type of vacation that we might not have considered otherwise. It reminded us that kids have a unique way of seeing the world and that their curiosity and enthusiasm can lead to some truly unforgettable experiences.
As parents, it’s easy to get caught up in planning trips based on practicality and convenience. But when we let our kids take the lead we discover new destinations, try new activities, and create memories that are all the more special because they come from a place of genuine wonder and excitement.
Planning Your Own Float Home Getaway
If you’re considering a float home getaway, here are a few tips to make the most of your experience:
- Do Your Research: Look for float homes that are well-reviewed and equipped with the amenities you need.
- Pack Light: Space can be limited in a float home, so pack only the essentials. Don’t forget layers, as waterfront locations can be cooler in the evenings.
- Embrace the Outdoors: Take advantage of the unique location by spending time kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply soaking in the views from the deck.
- Get the Kids Involved: Let your kids help plan the trip. Whether it’s choosing activities or what to eat, involving them makes the experience even more meaningful.
- Capture the Memories: Bring a camera and some drawing materials to document your float home adventure. Our kids love looking back at photos and reminiscing about their holiday memories.
Looking Ahead
As Emma’s birthday approaches, we’re reminded of how much her travel inspiration has added to our lives. Her dream of staying in a float home gave us some incredible memories. It’s a tradition we hope to continue, and we’re excited to see what new adventures our kids will dream up next.
So, if you’re looking for a unique family getaway, why not take a page from Emma’s book and try a float home? You might just find that life on the water is exactly what your family needs to reconnect, recharge, and make memories that will last a lifetime.
