North of the border is a city filled with adventure, sushi, nature, pastries, marine animals and sky-high multimedia thrills. Vancouver is filled with museums, nature conservatories and animal encounters to thrill everyone in your group. But above all, don’t forget to eat! Vancouver is home to sushi, pastries, fresh produce and fish, cured meats and so much more.
Begin your journey with a few favorites, and add your own as you dive into this urban playground.
Get out of the Vancouver rain at the Aquarium
Visit with Nemo in the Vancouver Aquarium. Photo by Author.
Rain or shine the Vancouver Aquarium will entertain you and your kids for hours. Located within Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a great morning activity while you wait for the clouds to blow away and the sun to shine before you explore the rest of the park. Beluga whales, penguins, tropical fish and sharks are on display with several shows highlighting the animals throughout the day.
Go nowhere but Fly Over Canada
Downtown Vancouver holds more food and activities to count, but Fly Over Canada (on the pier near the convention center) is definitely worth it. Not everyone can explore all of Canada, but through Fly Over Canada you will feel like you did in less than 10 minutes with a virtual flight. Even young children will enjoy this ride that goes nowhere, but shows you everything. Fly over the Canadian Rockies, lighthouses, forests and coastal waters, marveling at just what makes Canadians so deservedly proud of their homeland.
Get suspended in fear
Daredevils may even need to close their eyes as they cross over the ravine below the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver. Take your adventures one step farther with the treetop adventure course, a fun and safe activity that the kids will love. The price on this attraction can be steep so for a cheaper alternative visit Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, where admission is free. At Lynn Canyon you cross the bridge, enjoy the beautiful waterfalls and hike all day long.
Eat your way through Vancouver
Raspberry tarts at Granville Island. Photo by Author.
If you dream of eating your way through Vancouver, Granville Island is the easiest place to start. Sit down at Edible Canada for a meal that will take your taste buds on a tour through the region, or head into the market where farmers have their fruits and veggies on display. Even the kids will have a blast here thanks to the innovative Kid’s Market, a wonderland of toys, games and a massive play structure to climb through while mom and dad shop.
Get Out of the City
Grouse Mountain is great for hiking in the summer and skiing in the winter, or just taking in the views high above Vancouver. Enjoy the Sea to Sky drive up to Whistler for fun on the slopes, bike riding and hiking. When you make the drive to Whistler, make sure you stop at Shannon Falls, a great activity if you have legs that need to be stretched. Alternately you can head south on a ferry to Vancouver Island for the day to tour Butchart Gardens and Victoria, the capital of British Columbia.
What are some other great kid-friendly adventures in Vancouver?