5 Foodie Road Trips Perfect for Families

These popular and off-the-beaten-track choices are sure to please the taste buds of every passenger

Whether your family is travelling for a few days or road-tripping all summer long, food is bound to be a big part of your journey. Our province is conveniently located within a day’s drive from some of the best culinary destinations in the United States, so you can choose from plenty of options that’ll please even the most discerning foodie.

When your family is on the road, you’d rather think about your next delicious meal instead of how to manage unforeseen circumstances—but it’s important to be covered when heading across the border. Starting at just $20 per trip, BCAA offers affordable and flexible coverage for the whole family—and with the Kids Go Free program, all children under the age of 21 are covered for free on a family plan. Keep reading for some of the best family-friendly, food-oriented places and experiences within driving distance of B.C.

1. Seattle, Washington

Just a quick drive over the border, Seattle offers a plethora of delicious delights. The whole family will enjoy casual dining places like Great State Burger for classic burgers and fries. Great State Burger is environmentally responsible, too: each burger on the menu is made from local organic, grass-fed beef and every piece of packaging the restaurant serves is 100 percent compostable. The seasonal Ballard, Wallingford and Madrona Farmers Markets are all wonderful places to sample local produce and culinary specialties. For something a little more upscale, Urbane offers chic farm-to-table dining for parents and an expansive kids menu. The restaurant’s menus change seasonally to reflect what’s currently the freshest from each of the sustainable farmers they work with.

2. Portland, Oregon

This vibrant Oregon city boasts some of the best restaurants in North America. For a $1 kids happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m., try Vita Café. If you’re looking to satisfy your sweet tooth, who would even try to resist the treats at the legendary Voodoo Donuts? Their menu includes raised yeast, cake and vegan doughnut options, ranging from classic glazed rings to kid-approved favourites such as Fruit Loop and Captain Crunch. Boke Bowl offers tasty lunch and dinner options in the form of delicious ramen for every palate. Their dishes include miso-cod ramen and pork-bone dashi, and many options come in kid-friendly “Bambino Bowls.” Plus, you’ll appreciate the lidded cups and your little ones will love the animal-themed chopsticks.

3. Seaside, Oregon

This small Oregon resort city is not to be overlooked. Be sure to hit Grizzly Tuna, a small waterfront joint that serves up a mean fish and chips (made with, you guessed it, tuna!). Zinger’s Homemade Ice Cream and Sea Star Gelato offer delectable frozen treats to enjoy while watching the surfers catch waves. Plus, there are plenty of shops and food vendors to duck into between trips to the aquarium and strolls along the historic Seaside Promenade, which was built in 1920 and offers stunning views of the water.

4. Friday Harbor, San Juan Island, Washington

Within a few hours of leaving home, your family can be on island time. Because San Juan Island’s Friday Harbor is so pedestrian-friendly, you can opt to leave your car at the ferry landing and explore the historic seaport’s charming shops and restaurants on foot. One thing you won’t find is a single fast-food place, as the Island prides itself on its lack of corporate restaurant chains. But don’t worry—this family-friendly town still has plenty to offer in the way of kid-friendly dining options. San Juan Island Cheese has a wide selection of artisanal cheeses, plus heartier fare like sandwiches, soups and desserts. Downriggers‘ patio on the water’s edge offers excellent views of the harbour. Their menu focuses on Pacific Northwest cuisine with highlights like fresh fish and chips, steamed mussels and Dungeness crab “tots” (which are sure to be a hit with your tots, too).

5. Leavenworth, Washington

If you were hoping for a trip to Europe this summer but didn’t book a ticket in time, a trip to Leavenworth might make you think you’ve made it to Germany after all. The town is entirely modelled after a small Bavarian village. Alpine-style buildings are right at home in the heart of the Cascade mountain range, and the Nutcracker Museum displays thousands of the wooden dolls—some of which even date back centuries. German food that really sticks to the ribs is the name of the game here, with places like Rudloof’s Pizza und Brats and Munchen Haus Bavarian Grill & Beer Garden offering classic fare that’s sure to please children and adults alike. In addition to classic brats served with homemade sauerkraut, Rudloof’s has a wide selection of specialty pizzas for smaller, pickier eaters who may crave something different than traditional German dishes. And at Munchen Haus, none of the sausages are made with binders, fillers or “questionable meat substances.”

Wherever your road-trip destination may be this summer, you can rest easy knowing that you (and your family) are covered 24/7 with any of BCAA’s BCAA’s affordable, flexible travel insurance options. Whether it’s the siren call of breakfast cereal doughnuts or fresh fish and chips that brings you over the border, BCAA will ensure that you’re covered from your first meal to your last.