vancouver bc
A city by the sea full of charm, beautiful green spaces and fun activities for the whole family.
Stanley Park
Bike, hike or walk the trails
Stunning ocean side trials or densely wooded paths await you in Stanley Park. We used our foldable bikes & trailer to bike across the Lion's Gate Bridge and around the seawall. Bike rentals are located just outside of the park if needed. Be sure to check out one of the many playgrounds in the park as well.
Stanley Park Railroad
This tiny train is not just for tots and is actually fun for the whole family. Ride the rails and learn the history of the park.
Swimming beaches
Yes! We said swimming beaches in Canada! Stanley Park has several sandy/rocky beaches that are perfect for water play on a sunny summer day. Second Beach even has lifeguards and a pool right next to the beach. Dogs are not allowed, but we found a sandy spot next to second beach for our dog Gimli to enjoy digging some holes in the sand.
Aquarium
The aquarium has an array of local fresh and saltwater fish and sea mammals. We especially enjoyed the jelly fish, harbor seals and sea otters.
Granville Island
Treats to delight everyone
Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, pastries, and more! Be warned this is a dangerous place to go into when you are hungry. Our favorite finds of the day were fresh soup, fancy dill mustard, and cherries. The market is also full of prepared food, making it a great stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
Local Artisans
The island is full of unique local artisans selling their wares. This picture is from a local woman owned business - The Granville Island Broom Company.
Restaurants
So many delicious restaurants, both quick service and sit down line the island. You'll find it's hard to choose which ones to visit.
Ferry buses
You can choose to take the bridge and drive to the island or take one of two different passenger ferry companies (False Creek Ferries and Aquabus Ferries). The ferries also make several other stops to the science museum and maritime museum, so they can be used as transportation or sightseeing on the water.
Splash Park
Visiting on a hot day? The free splash park located by the Kids Market is a great place to cool off. They have two splash areas and a big slide for the bigger kids.
Local musicians
Local buskers provide great music outside of the market. It's a great place to grab a snack, sit down and enjoy a free concert.
GasTown
Steam Clock
The Gastown Steam clock lets off steam every 15 minutes and is in the heart of the Gastown area. This area is full of fun shops, restaurants and our favorite brewery in the area.
Steamworks Brewery
The beer is great, and it's a good place to take a break from sightseeing. Located not too far from the steamclock, this restaurant/brewery has family friendly fare and enough beer choices to keep the parents happy.
Shopping
There are so many shops to check out in this area. When you need another break, check out one of the local coffee shops. Our favorite was Nelson the Seagull. (see photos below)
Capilano suspension bridge
Challenge yourself on the suspension bridges
The suspension bridges are an awesome place to have a family adventure! Check out the fun scavenger hunt for kids.
Check out the cliffwalk
This attraction also has elevated walkways attached to a cliffside.
Adventure amongst the trees on the elevated walkways
Once you cross the main suspension bridge over the gorge you enter a lovely rainforest with walkways up in the treetops.