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Hikes with Kids: Teapot Hill at Cultus Lake

Ani and Lukka playing at Cultus Lake

Last weekend we were supposed to head up to Squamish with some friends for a multi-family day-trip. The entire lowermainland has been in a drought (we're on level 4!) all summer, and woudn't you know, the weekend we were supposed to go, the weather report showed thunder, lightning, and rain showers all day. We weren't upset, though, since the province has really needed the rain, and I think everyone around us was estatic that it was raining for nearly 3 days straight because it's been so hot and dry here. It did, however, happen to ruin our big hiking plans for the weekend. 

 Teapot Hill lookout

When communicating with our friends over what we should do instead, they asked around via social media on great hikes in the area that are kid-friendly, and we went to the website to read reviews, check ability levels and times to finish. We all decided on the near-to-us hike at Cultus Lake, Teapot Hill. It's a quick hike, although it's straight up and straight down again. It looked really small on the map, and since it only said it took 1.5-2 hours, I was a little disappointed the day before thinking it wouldn't be that great of a workout. I was definitely wrong.

Teapot Hill family photo (hams)

 Since the trail is really just UP the whole time (and then DOWN on the way back), I was pleasantly surprised it was a great workout. I got my 45 minutes of up and the hard work and sweat definitely helped me feel like I was doing something, even though total it was maybe 2-3 miles. It was fun having others to go with, too, and we pretty much talked the whole way (between huffing and puffing, myself), and it went really fast. The drive was maybe 35 minutes or so from our house, so it was a really quick drive back, too, once we had lunched and lazed around on the 'beach' of the lake for awhile afterward.

 group photo with the red 'teapot' 

It was a cool day, which helped me feel really comfortable, but it was quite muggy. The views weren't great, and the lookouts were a little disappointing. The kids enjoyed it because there were little teapots, saucers, and cups all over on the hill, and it became a game to them to spot each item first. The baby fell asleep in the carrier on the way back, but I think it's safe to say he enjoyed himself as well (though I can't speak for the person carrying the baby, ouch!) with all the lush natural surroundings to take in. Again, go early to avoid crowds and get a spot in the parking lot or nearby the trailhead. Definitely take a LOT of water on this hike if your day  is really hot. I think it says easy on the site page because it's relatively short, but it is straight up, so you're working.
***
We're still planning another day in Squamish, but it felt good with the rain that weekend, too. Something helpful I've found in figuring out where to hike, has been following #exploreBC on instagram. Wow, you won't believe the photos. We live in a beautiful place!

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