My family loves to vacation in Vancouver, BC. Each time we drive up, we pass the exit for Semiahmoo Resort and each time I tell my husband, “Hey, we should check out Semiahmoo sometime.” So, we I had the opportunity to bring my family to Semiahmoo Resort & Spa for the weekend, I jumped on it! Semiahmoo Resort was just voted the Northwest’s Best Resort in the December 2016 issue of Seattle Magazine and now I know why.
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The resort is located a bit off the freeway with lots of turns. Thankfully, there is plenty of signage along the roads making it really easy to find the resort. It was dark by the time we got there, but we could tell that the view would be really spectacular had we arrived during the daylight. We drove past the Semiahmoo golf course before arriving at the resort. Again, there was plenty of signage to tell us how to get to the lobby.
As soon as I entered the lobby, I noticed that the air smelled like cinnamon tea! It was so yummy and comforting! The front desk staff were so incredibly friendly! We’d had a long day, so it was such a relief to be greeted so warmly. They got us set up very quickly and we were off to check out the digs.
instead because our baby was in the midst of his 4-month sleep regression (yes, our vacation timing was impeccable.) I found the beds to be quite comfortable. They featured Simmons® Beautyrest Black™ Georgetown™ Plush Pillow Top bedding and we got as much rest as we could with the sleep regression going on.
The only thing that was missing was bottled water. I don’t remember staying in a hotel in the past couple of years that didn’t provide a couple of complimentary bottles of water. With the air being so dry, my husband and I were insatiably thirsty and so we relied heavily on the tap water.
Overall, I found our room to be very quiet at night. However, during the day when it was nap time, all we could hear was the sounds of little kid footsteps above us running from one side of their room to the next. It was a good reminder for us to opt for ground floors when we travel with our kids. Also the doors are quite loud and woke our baby anytime someone entered to left.
Our first morning, we decided to try the Pierside Kitchen. I loved that we didn’t have to walk outside at all to eat at one of the Semiahmoo Resort restaurants. Semiahmoo is a bit of a maze inside, but they have tons of signage so it was really easy to find the restaurant. They had an extensive breakfast buffet that included fruit, pastries, meats, potatoes, pancakes, eggs, yogurt, cereal and more.
Our server recommended that we do the buffet for our son because kids under 5 eat free. My son got some berry yogurt, Cinnamon Toast Crunch cereal, a blueberry muffin and some eggs and he was a happy camper. My husband also did the breakfast buffet and raved about the cantaloupe and prosciutto as well as the bagels and lox. I wasn’t super hungry, so I had the lemon pancakes which were tasty!
After breakfast, we decided to explore the resort a bit more. They had a nice veranda where we could let our son run around. The coolest thing is that we could see the Peace Arch border crossing into Canada! I’ve only seen while driving through the border, so it was pretty spectacular to see the line of cars slowly passing from one country to the other.
We got chilly pretty quickly (as we had not dressed for outside weather) so we hustled inside to explore. The lobby is quite spacious with lots of seating. We found a room that had a chest of board games and we decided to check it out. The family-friendly games included Apples to Apples Junior, Monopoly, Candyland, Chutes and Ladders, Jenga, Life, Pictionary Junior, Uno, Yahtzee and more!
My son tried out about 5 different games, including Candyland. We’ve only really done puzzles with him, so it was fun to hear him make up rules and use the board games to play in a different way. The room itself was quite relaxing as there were large windows overlooking Canada and the water in between.
I had the opportunity to get a tour of Semiahmoo Resort & Spa, which was immensely helpful. We started in the Spa, which is the portal to the indoor/outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, fitness center and more. I learned that they have an indoor golf simulator that should be up and running by the time this is posted. They also have a fitness center upstairs that features an indoor track. They also have a fitness room that offers classes (like Zumba and Pilates) throughout the day. The indoor tennis/basketball court is quite large and I was told it’s the next area to be renovated.
We went in January, when the weather was a bit cold. However, we were told that in the Summer, they offer beach volleyball, croquet, corn hole, and soccer. Plus, the Semiahmoo golf courses are open!
My husband and son went in the indoor/outdoor heated pool and I couldn’t believe they lasted an hour. They grabbed a pool noodle and my son learned how to kick and propel himself around the pool. There were some other flotation devices available, as well.
Afterward, I was told that I was welcome to use the steam room or sauna and take as long as I’d like in their relaxation area. I sipped on some lemon water and took some meditative breaths before opting to get dressed and check on my family.
and took our 3-year-old out our back door to find the bon fire while I rested in the room. They told us they start the bon fires “at dusk” which really meant 8 p.m.
After breakfast, I took the kids out for a beach walk while my husband packed everything up. My oldest loved walking on the beach and throwing rocks into the water. He asked if it was okay for him to walk into the water since he was wearing his rain boots. He was elated when I told him it was okay and he cautiously got his boots wet. Then he threw a bunch of rocks one at a time into the water.
By the time we headed to our car, the rain started. It was a nice way to signal our trip was coming to a close. My husband and I were very thankful that we didn’t need to deal with any ferries to get home. Plus, we had the option of hitting the Seattle Premium Outlets in Tulalip (had our kids been awake.)
Top 10 Things for Families to Know about Semiahmoo Resort & Spa
- Kids under 5 eat free at the restaurants and with room service.
- They have a heated indoor/outdoor pool (kids must be 6 or older to use the hot tub).
- Guests receive one hour free of either a bike, kayak, or paddleboard rental (which is great for testing out a family activity.)
- The indoor tennis/basketball court is a great place for kids to burn off some energy, especially during the chillier seasons.
- The staff will start the bon fire earlier than 8 p.m. if there is enough interest.
- There is a microwave available next to the ice machine.
- They have a family bathroom located near Pierside Kitchen that has a changing table and is very clean. The sink does not have a step stool, so be prepared to lift smaller kids.
- They offer a family movie night on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 p.m. Discovery Theater is available for guest use depending on availability and they have more than 100 family-friendly films.
- It takes about 90 minutes to get to from Seattle (but I’d allow an extra hour if you are heading up on Friday night.)
- Visit in late May/early June for all the summer festivities without the summer crowds!
I received complimentary room, spa service and select meals from Semiahmoo Resort & Spa for review purposes.
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91 Comments
Looks like you had a wonderful time!
We had a blast! So many things for our family to do!
I’m ready for a trip like that, sounds like just the ticket.
It was relaxing, which is usually not the case with little kids!
This looks like a wonderful resort! We have been wanting to visit that area so this is a great option!
You should check it out! It’s simply gorgeous!
This is a great post ! I love Vancouver, i will surely check this resort. Lovely pics
We love Vancouver, too! It’s definitely worth combining with a trip here!
Your lemon pancakes look delicious! I’ve heard of this place but have never had the chance. The indoor/outdoor pool looks awesome! Definitely have to try to check it out next time I’m in Canada!
The pancakes were devine! My husband and son loved the pool!
Oh My Goodness! Those pancakes just made me so hungry. I just want to jump in a plane and get there and relax and have fun with my family. Thanks for sharing
It was definitely relaxing! Such a great spot to get away from it all!
I love resorts that are not too big, but have their own restaurants and entertainment (especially when you arrive by plane and don’t have a car). This resort sounds lovely.
Yes, it was awesome! Great food and I loved that we didn’t need to drive anywhere!
It looks like y’all had a wonderful vacation. What a beautiful place you stayed in, and I love the car mat! My daughter would have gone crazy over that!
Yes my son went nuts over the car mat!
Wow! Sounds like such a great trip for the whole family to experience! Food looked delicious!
The food was awesome! I’m jealous my hubby had oysters without me!
Looks like so much fun. I love the chest with all the games. That is really an awesome idea and looks like a blast to stay with kids!
Yes, the game chest was a great option for chilly days!
That part of Canada is so beautiful! I lived on whidbey island for a bit which isnt far and its pretty amazing!
The indoor outdoor pool is worth the visit to the resort! Looks like a blast
I love Whidbey Island! I’m hoping to get over there this summer for a blog post!
This place looks like so much fun! I have never been to any kind of resort like this one and now I’m tempted to find the perfect one close to where I live. Loved all the pictures!
Do it! We had so much fun!
What a fun place, it looks like a great place to take the kiddos too! A kid resort sounds like the best kind of vacation.
Kid resorts are the best! I’m on the hunt for more to check out!
Thanks for such a thorough review, Marcie! I know it makes a lot of effort to put it together and after reading this I get a feeling I want to see it myself 🙂 I guess, next time I’m in Seattle 🙂
The review practically wrote itself (and I had to stop myself from posting even more photos!) Such a fun place for families!
This looks like such a fun place to visit! I’m always looking for new places to take my little boy!
Semiahmoo is great for little kids because they can really run around!
Your son is so cute! This is a great review of the resort. It looks like a great place for the family. How awesome that they provide the activity mat!
The activity mat was definitely a highlight for us when we were laying low in the room!
Looks like you’ve had such a lovely time away! The place looks gorgeous – and so do the pancakes haha! x
We LOVE pancakes! Such a fun time at Semiahmoo!
This looks like such a nice little place to visit. It seems like you and your family had so much fun!
We had some great bonding time!
This spa looks like an amazing time! I would love to visit a place like this and relax a little.
The spa was so relaxing! I could have stayed there all day!
This resort looks super cute! I want to take my boys on a family vacation this year. We have not been in awhile. I want to find a place like this!
I love taking my boys on trips because we get a lot of togetherness and bonding! So many fun memories!
It sounds like y’all had a great trip! I admit, I laughed a bit when I read that the clock in the room was too bright because I complain about that all of the time too. I prefer total darkness when I’m sleeping and bright numbers from the clock next to the bed always frustrate me.
YES! I don’t know why places do that! I keep my cell on the nightstand and I have to flip it over so my alerts won’t wake me up!
What a great stop between Vancouver and Seattle and that pool looks amazing too!
The pool was fun in January and I can’t even imagine how awesome it’d be in warmer weather!
That resort spa looks amazing 🙂 Good that you could bring the kid as well 😀 The food sounds amazing as well. Must be a great getaway for the whole family. I have never been to a spa resort, but going to one in Cancun this April. Cant wait must be amazing to be pampered like this 😀 Thank you for sharing. 🙂
I hope you have a blast in Cancun! How fun!
Looks like fun! I love BC and your resort sounds outstanding!
It really is outstanding! The staff are truly exceptional!
What a fun trip! I’d love to visit.
You should! Semiahmoo is fabulous!
This resort looks wonderful! And those pancakes, yum! Definitely need to check this out next time we’re considering visiting Vancouver. 🙂
Yes! Semiahmoo is a great stop on a Vancouver trip!
Oh wow, that looks like such a relaxing and fun place to stay. Those rooms! I am ready for a vacation now.
The rooms are fantastic! And the beds are sooooo comfy!
What a darling place to get away! Vancouver is my home so I go back often to visit! Never have stopped in Semiahmoo although I know it ‘s gorgeous!
Thanks for sharing the fun pics!
Valerie
Fashion and travel
You should stop by on one of your trips home! It’s so pretty!
I’d really love to travel more. Of course my baby doesn’t sleep well so that would make it hard. Having the money to travel would probably help too!
Yes, it definitely helps when baby is sleeping better! Hang in there!
That indoor/outdoor pool looks awesome! And so does all that food! I would love to visit someday!
It definitely is a special place!
I love how kid friendly this resort is, they thought of everything! And the rain boots pic is priceless!
My son was so excited to wade into the water with his boots!
You’re giving your son such wonderful life experiences. Seems this resort was perfect for a family! Thank you for sharing!
It was super perfect for our family!
This resort looks so nice! I love the decor and what a pretty spot! such a fun family vacay 🙂
Yes and it was so clean!
This place looks really great! That pool…those lemon pancakes…and what they have a movie theater! This looks like a great place for a family vacation!
Yes, the movie theater was such a cool feature!
i LOOOOOVE PNW. We’re on the east coast, but our family is on the west coast and the army brings us out there often. I’d love to stay at this resort and YAY for hotels that keep kids in mind! <3
Yes, yay for hotels that keep kids in mind! Hope you’re able to head back to PNW soon!
Those pancakes look so yummy! And that pool looks so relaxing too. I am so excited to try this place. Thanks for sharing.
The pool was such a great feature! Perfect anytime!
Ooo haven’t heard of this, need to check it out! Have you been to Suncadia? Is it like that?
I’ve been to Suncadia, but we stayed in a house rather than the resort so I can’t comment on the rooms. The restaurants at Semiahmoo are both located right at the resort (you don’t have to leave the building) as opposed to Suncadia where you need to take a shuttle or drive. But, the spa at Suncadia is hard to compete with and worth a trip alone!
I want to have time for this. To unwind and go adventure with my family. You have such an amazing experience.
Our family has a hard time unplugging, so getaways like this are our favorite way to bond and relax together!
This resort looks awesome. I love the fact that you gave you an ipad charger. The movie theater is a cool amenities too. Thanks for including a top 10 list, very smart.
I’m a big fan of top 10 lists because sometimes you don’t have time to read the whole post and just want the takeaways!
What a beautiful room! I love the sightseeing that you did too. Such a beautiful place. We have friends that live there. We’ll need to plan a visit!
Thanks! You should definitely visit!
I love a spacious hotel room. You and your family looked like you really enjoyed it and relaxed. Good recap!
Thanks! We love resorts that cater to families!
This sounds like the perfect resort for rest and relaxation! The food looks pretty amazing, too.
The food was really tasty and pretty!
I’m nowhere near BC but if I was I would absolutley be planning a weekend at Semiahmoo! With two little ones the most important thing to me is that the resort is family friendly and with the spacious rooms, the movie theater, board games and matchbox cars, it seems like the resort really has gone out of its way to make it a great place for families to stay.
Yes they did! We’re big fans of resorts that cater to families! It really makes travel with kids easy!
Looks like a fun and relaxing weekend!
It was amazing! I wish I could go every weekend.
Wow, this place looks incredible! Looks like you all had a great time!
It is such a fun place!
Wow, such a lovely place it seems. Love the pictures. I can feel the fun you’ve had. Love tea in any form, especially cinnamon tea – sounds like just the place for my family too!