Vancouver with kids
3 Days in Vancouver with Kids: an Easy Family Itinerary
Vancouver packs ocean, rainforest and mountains into one city, and most of it is easy with kids: flat seawall paths, little ferries, free parks and beaches. Three days lets you do one area a day without rushing.
The plan works year-round; in the wet months, swap in our rainy day in Vancouver ideas. Check hours and book timed tickets on the official websites.
Day 1 · Stanley Park and downtown
Bikes on the seawall, totem poles, the aquarium and a beach at the end of the day.
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Morning
Bikes on the Stanley Park seawall (opens Google Maps)
Rent bikes (with trailers or tag-alongs for little ones) on Denman Street and ride the flat seawall around the park. Bikes go counter-clockwise.
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Late morning
Totem poles at Brockton Point (opens Google Maps)
Nine carved poles from First Nations of the coast, free to visit, with views across to the North Shore.
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Lunch · Lunch
Picnic in the park
Bring lunch and eat on the grass by Lumberman's Arch; in summer the free Variety Kids Water Park is right there.
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Afternoon
Vancouver Aquarium (opens Google Maps)
Sea otters, sea lions, jellyfish and a giant Pacific octopus, inside Stanley Park. Plan around three hours.
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Evening · Dinner
Dinner by English Bay (opens Google Maps)
Davie and Denman Streets have plenty of easy family spots, steps from the beach and the sunset.
Day 2 · The North Shore
A ferry ride, a swaying bridge over a canyon, and a mountain above the city.
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Morning
SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay (opens Google Maps)
The SeaBus from Waterfront Station is a short, cheap harbour crossing with big views. Lonsdale Quay has a market for snacks.
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Late morning
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge (opens Google Maps)
A free suspension bridge high over a rainforest canyon, with short trails and swimming holes in summer. Hold little hands on the bridge.
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Lunch · Lunch
Lunch in North Vancouver
Eat back at Lonsdale Quay, or bring a picnic for the canyon.
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Afternoon
Grouse Mountain (opens Google Maps)
Ride the Skyride gondola up for views over the whole city. In summer there are wildlife and lumberjack shows; in winter, snow play and skating.
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Evening · Dinner
Dinner back downtown
Take the SeaBus back at sunset: the skyline lights up as you cross.
Day 3 · Granville Island and Science World
Little ferries, a market lunch, a building of toy shops and hands-on science.
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Morning
Mini ferry to Granville Island (opens Google Maps)
The tiny False Creek ferries are a favourite with kids. Ride one to Granville Island from downtown's waterfront.
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Morning
Kids Market (opens Google Maps)
A whole building of toy and craft shops made for children.
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Lunch · Lunch
Granville Island Public Market (opens Google Maps)
Everyone picks their own lunch; eat outside with the boats if it's dry.
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Afternoon
Science World (opens Google Maps)
Hands-on science under the big silver dome, with a play gallery for under-6s. Take the ferry along False Creek to get there.
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Evening · Dinner
Farewell dinner on Main Street
Main Street, up the hill from Science World, has relaxed family places.
Tips for Vancouver with kids
- Stay downtown or in the West End to walk to Stanley Park and the waterfront.
- Use transit: SkyTrain, buses and the SeaBus share one fare system, and the little False Creek ferries are an adventure of their own.
- Pack rain jackets any time of year, and layers for the mountain.
- Capilano or Lynn Canyon? Capilano is bigger, with treetop walks, and paid; Lynn Canyon is free and less crowded.
Questions
Is 3 days enough for Vancouver with kids?
Yes, for the highlights: Stanley Park and the aquarium, the North Shore's canyon and mountain, and Granville Island with Science World.
Where should families stay in Vancouver?
Downtown or the West End, close to Stanley Park, the waterfront and the SkyTrain, so you can walk or take transit everywhere.
What's the best time of year to visit Vancouver with kids?
Summer (July and August) is driest, with beaches and the free water park open. Spring and autumn are quieter; winter brings rain in the city and snow on the mountains.