As the largest city on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver has an ideal mix of urban development as well as sprawling nature. It is a diverse city with many things to see and do. From cultural experiences and fantastic art, to a world-class culinary scene, Vancouver offers it all.

Vancouver has so many awesome family-friendly things to do, so grab your kids and head out on vacation.

Why visit Vancouver with Kids?

Vancouverites are the most active and health conscious of people in Canada. In fact, the city offers its residents and visitors, great outdoor recreation opportunities. 

These include biking, swimming, hiking, golfing, skiing, kayaking, parasailing, and snowboarding. Specifically, where else can you ski and golf, all on the same day?

The city has become the foodie capital of Canada with its diverse selection of food. Tantalize your appetite with Korean, Thai, Japanese, Lebanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese or Greek, to name a few.

If you plan to visit for an extending vacation or for a long weekend, this guide answers the question of what to do in Vancouver, Canada.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park 

On Vancouver’s north shore is a local and visitors’ favorite; the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The facility offers a free shuttle from downtown Vancouver, for its guests on a first-come, first serve basis. 

The highlight of the park is the 450 ft (137m) long, 230 ft (70m) high wobbly bridge, known as one of British Columbia’s best suspension bridges. The bridge has been thrilling visitors since 1889. 

For the not so faint of heart, check out the Cliffwalk, constructed in 2011. This heart-stopping Cliffside walkway travels through lush rainforest vegetation over the Capilano River. The cantilevered, narrow pathways hang from granite cliffs.

It’s a marvel of ingenious engineering. In some sections, there are glass floors that overhang the canyon allowing better views of the scenery below. 

The cliff walk boasts it can hold 100,000 pounds, equal to the weight of 35 orcas. The tree-top adventures take you 100 feet up into an old growth rainforest by way of seven suspended rope bridges. These bridges are less wobbly than the larger one.

The park uses an innovative tree collar anchoring system to allow for tree growth. No nails or screws are used, so as the trees grow, the friction collars are moved as not to cause any damage.

Delight in the winter as Capilano Suspension Bridge hosts Canyon Lights. Decorated with thousands of twinkling Christmas lights, the park embraced the festive season. Bundle up warmly because it’s best seen at twilight or after the sun goes down. 

 Get Capilano Bridge Tickets Here

 

Grouse Mountain 

Located near the Capilano Suspension Bridge, you’ll enjoy one of the best views of Vancouver, after a gondola ride. The Peak of Vancouver provides year-round opportunities, with skiing in winter, and hiking in summer.

At the peak a raptor show allows you to watch birds of prey in action. Alternatively, the lumberjack show provides family-friendly entertainment. For kids 3 to 8, the Kids Tree Canopy Adventure allows for some obstacle course fun.

Nearby, Grinder and Coola, Vancouver’s local grizzly bears wander a larger enclosure. Rescued as orphans, these bears have grown up on Grouse Mountain, and hibernate in winter like bears in the wild.

If you a fitness fanatic, you can forego the expensive gondola ride and climb to the peak on a Stairmaster trail. Known as the “Grouse Grind” hike, the trek tests your endurance on a grueling climb. Remember to take some cash as the gondola charges a small fee for the ride down.

 

Stanley Park

Trip Advisor readers rated Stanley Park as the number one urban park in the world, and it’s easy to see why. The 1,000-acre park is a rainforest oasis right in the middle of the downtown core.  You can see to North Vancouver Island from Stanley Park.

It attracts approximately eight million visitors a year. There is much to see in this Vancouver oasis – sandy beaches, hiking trails, bike and walking seawall path, to name a few. The Vancouver Aquarium calls Stanley Park home, and it features an amazing jellyfish exhibit.

Suggested ways to see the park are by bike, horse-drawn carriage, trolley or tour bus. Bike rentals are available at Denman Street and Georgia Street as well as further down the street, at Denman Street near Beach Ave. 

Stanley Park’s train provides families with a leisurely ride through the woods. The 15-minute rides run through tunnels, over a trestle, and the scenery changes with the seasons.

 

The Vancouver Lookout

Do you want to see 360 degrees views of Vancouver? Then head to the Vancouver Lookout at Harbor Center in downtown Vancouver. 

The 40-second elevator ride takes visitors to the top deck, which is 553 feet (169 meters) above the ground. Similar to the CN Tower in Toronto and the Space Needle in Seattle, the tower has a revolving restaurant and observation area.

BC Place and Rogers Arena (two sports domes), can be seen to the south. Looking north, you’ll enjoy spectacular views of the west coast mountains. 

Below, Canada Place houses a convention center and cruise port. In the summer, you may see large cruise ships awaiting passengers, who are cruising to Alaska from Vancouver. 

A ticket to the Vancouver Lookout lasts all day. So, come back near sunset to see even more amazing views.

Get your ticket to the Vancouver Lookout

 

 Granville Island

Located on a peninsula in False Creek, Granville Island is a hub of activity with its public market, craft studios, breweries, restaurants, and theaters. A trip to Granville Island would not be complete without a glimpse of the silos.

Painted by a couple of Brazilian street artists, the six towers, each 70 feet tall, were once gray concrete, but now feature a colorful crew of giants. They are a popular addition to Vancouver’s skyline that can’t help but make you smile.

The Granville Island indoor market is a feast for the eyes with its colorful selection of produce and freshly baked goods. You’ll also find delicious cheeses, home-style preserves, meat and straight from the ocean seafood. It’s a delight to wander and shop with your eyes.

Also, the island houses a kids’ market and one-of-a-kind boutique shops that sell jewelry, handmade soaps, and pottery. If you are lucky, visitors can catch someone weaving on a loom.

Granville Island offers excellent eateries such as The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant, Edible Canada and Bridges.

While at Granville Island, consider taking the Aquabus false creek and downtown tour. It’s a short ride on the water and allows you to appreciate the fantastic Vancouver skyline.

 

 FlyOver Canada

FlyOver Canada is a simulated flight ride, conveniently located at Canada Place in the heart of downtown. The overall experience is about 20 minutes and a family-friendly activity.

You will hang suspended, feet dangling, before a 20-meter spherical screen while a film takes you on a journey through Canada. Special effects, including wind, mist, and scents, combined with the ride’s motion to create an unforgettable experience. 

The film itself is a mere eight minutes long and a bit pricey, but still worth a visit if you haven’t done an experience like this before.

At Christmas, the show changes to a winter wonderland with FlyOver Canada Christmas. Now, who can resist a flight to the North Pole? Please book tickets at least a mont before your vacation to ensure you will be able to go.

Get your Tickets to FlyOver Canada here!

 

Olympic Cauldron

While at Canada Place, be sure to see the Digital Orca installed next to the Vancouver Convention Center. It is a 2009 sculpture of an orca by Douglas Coupland and reminds me of a giant Lego brick structure.

Also, outside the convention center in Jack Poole Plaza, is the 2010 Olympic cauldron. The cauldron measures 10 meters tall and is striking against the mountainous backdrop. 

However, the cauldron is unlit and is usually only lit for a short time during the opening of Olympic ceremonies.

Next to the cauldron, the Cactus Club Café offers a fantastic setting for lunch or dinner. Located in Coal Harbor, it’s one of the trendiest and expensive Vancouver neighborhoods.

 

 Gastown’s Steam Clock

The historic neighborhood of Gastown offers a mix of art galleries, souvenir shops, charming coffee shops, and trendy restaurants. Gastown is known for many things such as its brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and vintage lampposts. 

But mostly, it’s world-famous steam clock. Gastown’s famous steam clock was built in 1977 by horologist Raymond Saunders and metalwork specialist Doug Smith. 

Notably, it is one of only a few surviving steam clocks in the world. Every quarter hour, the two-ton Steam Clock whistles and shoots steam from its five whistles in its version of the Westminster Chime. On the hour it marks the time with a toot from each whistle.

Before leaving Gastown, sample some wine, meat, and cheese at the Salt Tasting Room for a unique experience. 

 

Queen Elizabeth Park

For the horticultural lover, there are three good options for parks in Vancouver; Queen Elizabeth Park, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Garden, and VanDusen Botanical Garden. 

Queen Elizabeth Park is a little gem in the heart of Vancouver. At 152 meters above sea level, it provides excellent views of the city and mountainous areas. Meticulously maintained, the park features a gorgeous floral quarry and the Bloedel Conservatory.

While travelers can visit the ark for free, the conservatory charges a small fee. Inside the domed tropical oasis, tropical birds live amongst the lush foliage. It’s a great place to explore with young children.

Additionally, the Seasons in the Park restaurant located in the park offers regional west coast cuisine, and it is fabulous.

 

Science World

Located inside a giant golf ball structure on False Creek, Science World provides great family entertainment if it’s raining. It features many permanent exhibits as well as some revolving displays. 

The interactive activities are fun for children and adults too. Challenge yourself with puzzles, play with water, create some music, and learn the aspects of engineering. 

The exhibits are meant to encourage learning in a playful way, while learning to collaborate with others.

In its OMNIMAX theater, you can enjoy fantastic science-related films and documentaries.

Get Advanced Tickets to Science World

Wrap It Up

Vancouver has been named one of the best livable cities in the world. With one of the best urban parks, foodie scenes, and endless adventures both day and night, it’s also one of the most diverse. Enjoy exploring Vancouver with kids for an awesome family vacation.

But don’t take my word for it. Plan a visit, and explore for yourself.

 

Guest author

Karen is a traveler and cruise expert who runs Forever Karen. Born in Singapore, she grew up traveling the world with her British Military family. Karen loves adventure, and with her husband Brian, she continues to explore the oceans and far away lands.