When I first suggested a family trip to Vancouver, I wasn’t sure how it would go. Traveling with kids is never just about the destination—it’s about balancing energy levels, snack times, and finding experiences that excite both adults and children. Vancouver turned out to be one of the most rewarding destinations I’ve ever visited with family.
This city sits between the Pacific Ocean and the mountains, which makes it a natural playground. What surprised me most wasn’t just the beauty of the landscapes, but how seamlessly the city integrates family-friendly attractions into its parks, neighborhoods, and waterfronts. I quickly learned that Vancouver doesn’t just accommodate kids—it celebrates them.
What follows is a detailed family travel plan built from my own time in Vancouver, with itineraries, attractions, booking tips, and heartfelt reflections on the joy of experiencing the city through my children’s eyes.
Arrival in Vancouver: The Journey Begins
Booking Flights and Getting There
For flights, I compared prices on Google Flights and Skyscanner, eventually booking our roundtrip tickets through Expedia.ca because it offered a family bundle with better baggage policies. The flight into Vancouver International Airport (YVR) was smooth, and as we descended, the kids pressed their faces to the window, pointing out snowcapped mountains that seemed to float above the clouds.
Family-Friendly Transport into the City
From the airport, we chose the Canada Line SkyTrain, which cost about CAD \$10 per adult and half that for children. The kids loved the idea of riding a “train in the sky,” and for me, it was efficient and stress-free. For families who prefer a private ride, I’d suggest booking a shuttle through Klook or even arranging a rental car on Hertz.ca or Enterprise.ca.
Where We Stayed: Family-Friendly Hotels
Choosing the right accommodation is the backbone of any family trip. Vancouver offers a wide range of family-friendly options.
- Fairmont Waterfront (900 Canada Place Way): I chose this hotel because of its central location and the rooftop pool. My children were fascinated by the beehives kept on the roof, and the staff even explained how the honey made its way into the hotel’s kitchen. Booking through Booking.com saved us about 15% with a seasonal promotion.
- Sutton Place Hotel (845 Burrard Street): Another favorite, with spacious suites and kitchenettes—perfect when we wanted to cook simple meals for the kids. I found the best rates on Hotels.com, which also gave me a free night after multiple bookings.
- Airbnb Canada: For longer stays, I’ve rented entire apartments near Kitsilano, giving us more space to spread out and access to local grocery stores.
Day 1: Exploring Stanley Park Together
Location: Downtown Vancouver, bordered by Coal Harbour and English Bay.
Stanley Park is more than just a park—it’s a universe for families, a place where every turn reveals a new surprise. I’ve traveled to many green spaces across Canada, but few match the sense of wonder I felt here with my children. It’s not just the size, though at over 1,000 acres it feels endless, but the variety of experiences packed into one location.
The Seawall Adventure
We started the day with the famous Stanley Park Seawall, a path that hugs the shoreline and offers breathtaking ocean views. Renting bikes from Spokes Bike Rentals (CAD \$40/day, bookable online) was one of the best decisions. They even provided a tandem trailer for the kids, which made them feel part of the adventure. As we pedaled past sandy beaches, colorful marinas, and towering totem poles, their laughter echoed against the rhythm of our wheels. I could feel the ocean breeze cooling my face while the smell of saltwater mixed with cedar trees—it was pure Vancouver magic. Every stop along the way gave us another reason to pause: watching boats glide in Coal Harbour, pointing out seaplanes landing, or gazing at the distant North Shore Mountains.
Vancouver Aquarium
Mid-morning, we rolled our bikes over to the Vancouver Aquarium, tucked inside the park. I had booked tickets ahead on GetYourGuide (CAD \$42/adult, \$26/child), which saved us time in the long line. The kids were wide-eyed from the moment we entered. The otters quickly became their favorites, twirling and splashing as if they knew they had an audience. My daughter pressed her hands to the glass where glowing jellyfish floated like living lanterns, while my son giggled at the penguins waddling. For me, the highlight was seeing their curiosity come alive—suddenly, marine biology was more than a school subject, it was real, playful, and unforgettable.
Picnic on the Grass
By lunchtime, we were ready for a break. We first tried Stanley’s Bar and Grill, reserving a table via OpenTable, where we enjoyed burgers and fresh seafood. Later, though, we packed up sandwiches from a small deli nearby and spread a blanket under towering cedar trees. The kids ran in circles, chasing each other across the grass, while I sat back watching the skyline shimmer across the water. It was a reminder that sometimes the simplest meals—shared outdoors with family—become the ones you cherish the most.
That first day in Stanley Park set the tone for the entire trip. It showed me that Vancouver doesn’t just welcome families—it invites us to slow down, explore together, and rediscover the joy of play.
Day 2: Science and Wonder
Location: Science World, 1455 Quebec Street.
Science World was one of those places where I saw my kids’ curiosity ignite.
Exhibits That Captivate
From the giant indoor climbing structures to hands-on experiments about light and sound, everything here felt designed to keep children engaged for hours. My son spent nearly half an hour at the water play stations, while my daughter was mesmerized by the illusion exhibits.
OMNIMAX Theatre
We watched a film about deep-sea creatures in the dome-shaped OMNIMAX Theatre. The kids sat with mouths open, whispering “wow” every few minutes. Tickets were CAD \$31/adult, \$21/child, which I bundled with museum entry using Viator.
Travel Tip
Science World is perfect for a rainy day. Vancouver’s weather can be unpredictable, so I always keep this as a backup option in my itinerary.
Day 3: Grouse Mountain Adventure
Location: 6400 Nancy Greene Way, North Vancouver.
If there’s one attraction that perfectly combines adventure and family fun, it’s Grouse Mountain.
The Skyride
The gondola ride up the mountain felt like stepping into another world. Tickets cost CAD \$69/adult, \$36/child (booked via GrouseMountain.com, though Klook sometimes offers discounts). The kids pressed their noses against the glass as the city shrank below and the snowy peaks loomed ahead.
Wildlife Encounters
At the top, we met two rescued grizzly bears, Grinder and Coola, living in a protected habitat. Seeing them roam made my kids chatter excitedly about “real-life bears.”
Lumberjack Show
We also watched the famous Lumberjack Show, full of log rolling, axe throwing, and slapstick humor. The laughter from my children made it worth every penny.
Travel Tip
Bring layers—even in summer, Grouse Mountain can be chilly.
Day 4: A Day at Granville Island
Location: Granville Island, under the Granville Street Bridge.
Granville Island feels like a playground for all ages.
Public Market
The Granville Island Public Market offered us endless food stalls—bagels, doughnuts, fresh fruit, and artisanal cheese. I let the kids pick whatever they wanted, and we ended up with a picnic basket of eclectic treats.
Kids Market
Right next door, the Kids Market is designed entirely for children. Toy shops, candy stores, and a giant indoor play area kept them busy while I browsed local crafts.
Booking Platforms
For guided tours (like a family food tour of the market), I found great deals on GetYourGuide.
Day 5: Beach Day in Vancouver
No family trip is complete without a day at the beach.
Kitsilano Beach
We chose Kitsilano Beach for its family vibe. The outdoor pool (CAD \$8/adult, \$4/child, tickets on Vancouver.ca) was a highlight. My children splashed around while I lounged with a coffee from a nearby café.
Jericho Beach
Later, we drove to Jericho Beach, where calmer waters were safer for younger kids. We ended the day with a sunset picnic, ordering takeout through SkipTheDishes.
Other Family-Friendly Attractions
- Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: Tickets CAD \$62/adult, \$30/child, booked via Viator. Walking across the swaying bridge together felt like an adventure movie scene.
- FlyOver Canada at Canada Place: A flight simulation experience that had my kids giggling as the seats lifted and the mist sprayed. Tickets CAD \$33/adult, \$23/child, bookable on GetYourGuide.
- VanDusen Botanical Garden: Perfect for a quiet afternoon. The hedge maze was a huge hit with my children.
Booking Platforms I Relied On
Throughout this trip, these platforms made planning smoother:
- Flights: Expedia.ca, Google Flights, Skyscanner.
- Hotels: Booking.com, Hotels.com, Airbnb Canada.
- Attractions/Tickets: Viator, GetYourGuide, Klook.
- Restaurants: OpenTable, Yelp Reservations.
- Food Delivery: SkipTheDishes, DoorDash.
Why Vancouver Shines as a Family Destination
Every city has attractions, but Vancouver has something rarer: the ability to enchant both children and adults at the same time. My kids remember the laughter at the Lumberjack Show, the otters at the Aquarium, and biking the seawall. I remember their smiles, the conversations sparked by new experiences, and the peace of knowing the city welcomed us as a family.
Traveling as a parent often means compromise—but in Vancouver, I never felt like we had to choose between fun for the kids and enjoyment for myself. The city gave us both, woven together seamlessly.
