Top Family Vacation Spots in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Vancouver, Canada, Vancouver, Destination & Trip Type Pages, Top Family Vacation Spots

Top Family Vacation Spots in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

1. Stanley Park

A beautiful and massive urban park with beaches, trails, and totem poles.
  • Nature Exploration: Offers a variety of outdoor activities such as cycling, walking, and picnicking.
  • Iconic Sightseeing: Features historic totem poles, which are significant to the indigenous culture.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Includes a children's water park and miniature train rides.

2. Vancouver Aquarium

A world-class aquarium with marine life exhibits, animal rescues, and conservation programs.
  • Educational Experience: Provides interactive experiences to teach kids about marine life.
  • Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation: Supports the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of sick or injured marine animals.
  • Conservation Efforts: Dedicated to protecting marine ecosystems through research, conservation programs, and public education.

3. Grouse Mountain

A mountain retreat with a Skyride, wildlife sanctuary, and ice skating rink.
  • Nature Adventure: Offers scenic hiking trails and a gondola ride up the mountain.
  • Wildlife Viewing: Features grizzly bears, eagles, and owls at the wildlife sanctuary.
  • Ice Skating Opportunities: Offers an outdoor ice skating rink during winter months.

4. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

A treetop adventure park with a suspension bridge and various tree walks.
  • Tree Top Adventure: Provides elevated walkways through the forest canopy.
  • Unique Suspension Bridge Experience: Features a thrilling suspension bridge high above Capilano River.
  • Tourist Attraction: One of the most popular tourist destinations in Vancouver, offering stunning views.

5. Granville Island

A collection of shops, restaurants, and arts studios located on an island in False Creek.
  • Shopping Destination: Features a variety of unique shops selling artisanal goods.
  • Arts and Culture: Home to several arts studios, galleries, and theatres.
  • Foodie Paradise: Offers a variety of food options, including fresh seafood and international cuisine.

6. Vancouver Art Gallery

A world-class art museum featuring contemporary and historic art exhibitions.
  • Artistic Inspiration: Showcases works from renowned artists, both local and international.
  • Temporary Exhibits: Offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year.
  • Architectural Beauty: Located in a stunning heritage building designed by architect Arthur Erickson.

7. Steveston Fisherman's Village

A charming fishing village with shops, restaurants, and a historic cannery.
  • Historical Experience: Visit the Gulf of Georgia Cannery National Historic Site to learn about the area's rich fishing history.
  • Foodie Destination: Enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants in the village.
  • Scenic Beauty: Stroll along the Steveston Harbour for beautiful views and photo opportunities.

8. Bloedel Conservatory

A domed greenhouse filled with exotic plants, birds, and tropical flowers.
  • Tropical Paradise: Offers a lush escape from the city.
  • Exotic Plant Life: Features over 500 species of plants, including palms, cycads, and orchids.
  • Bird Watching: Home to a variety of colorful birds, such as flamingos, macaws, and finches.

9. Vancouver Maritime Museum

A museum dedicated to the history, science, and art of the sea.
  • Marine Education: Provides insight into Vancouver's maritime heritage.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features hands-on exhibits and ship models.
  • Historical Vessels: Includes a restored World War II submarine, the HMCS Oriole.

10. UBC Botanical Garden and Nitobe Memorial Garden

A beautiful botanical garden with diverse plant collections and a traditional Japanese garden.
  • Plant Conservation: Promotes the conservation of rare and endangered plants.
  • Beautiful Scenery: Features a stunning collection of flowers, trees, and landscapes.
  • Tranquil Japanese Garden: Nitobe Memorial Garden offers peace and tranquility with its traditional Japanese design.

11. Burnaby Village Museum

A historic museum that recreates a typical early-20th century town.
  • Historical Experience: Offers a glimpse into life in Burnaby during the early 1900s.
  • Interactive Exhibits: Features restored heritage buildings and interactive exhibits.
  • Educational Programs: Hosts educational programs, such as workshops and demonstrations.

12. Science World at TELUS World of Science

An interactive science center with exhibits, an OMNIMAX theater, and a dome planetarium.
  • Educational Experience: Provides hands-on, engaging exhibits to teach kids about science.
  • OMNIMAX Theater: Features an immersive movie experience in a massive dome theater.
  • Planetarium Shows: Offers shows about the universe, stars, and planets.

13. Queen Elizabeth Park

A large urban park with gardens, tennis courts, a quarry pool, and panoramic city views.
  • Nature Exploration: Offers scenic hiking trails and opportunities to observe various plant species.
  • City Views: Features panoramic views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains.
  • Gardening Education: Home to several themed gardens, including a rose garden, Japanese garden, and tropical garden.

14. VanDusen Botanical Garden

A beautiful botanical garden with diverse plant collections, themed gardens, and a labyrinth.
  • Plant Conservation: Promotes the conservation of rare and endangered plants.
  • Beautiful Scenery: Features a stunning collection of flowers, trees, and landscapes.
  • Educational Programs: Hosts educational programs, such as guided tours and workshops.

15. The Bloedel Conservatory After Dark

A unique opportunity to explore the conservatory at night, with live music and special events.
  • Nighttime Experience: Offers a rare chance to visit the conservatory after hours.
  • Live Music: Features live music performances during After Dark events.
  • Special Events: Includes themed events and activities throughout the year.