Vancouver · Canada · Things to do
5 things to do in Vancouver with kids
The five best things to do in Vancouver with kids are biking the Stanley Park seawall, crossing the Capilano suspension bridge, exploring Granville Island, taking a day trip to Whistler, and watching the skyline against the mountains. Most are easy to reach from downtown, and Whistler is about two hours away, so it works better with an overnight.
What to do, in order
- 1
Bike the Stanley Park seawall
The seawall around Stanley Park is a path about 9 km long, with water on one side and forest on the other, and bikes travel one way around it. You can rent bikes near Denman Street and Coal Harbour, with child seats and trailers available at many shops. The ride takes one to two hours with stops. Beaches, the totem poles and the aquarium are along the route, so plan stops. Go in the morning, as the path gets crowded in the afternoon.
- 2
Cross the Capilano bridge
The Capilano Suspension Bridge is about 140 metres long and hangs around 70 metres above the river in North Vancouver. It sways, which children enjoy, and the park also has a treetop walkway and cliffside path. It is paid and gets very busy in summer, so go early and book online. A free alternative is Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, also in North Vancouver, which is smaller and in a forested park with short trails.
- 3
Explore Granville Island
Granville Island is a former industrial area under the Granville Bridge, now a public market, shops, studios and cafes. The market has food from many stalls, which makes it an easy lunch for picky eaters. There is a kids' market and a water park in summer. Reach it on the small Aquabus or False Creek ferries from the downtown side, which children like. Go early, as the market is busiest at midday and parking is hard.
- 4
Day trip to Whistler
Whistler is a mountain resort about 120 km north on the Sea to Sky Highway, a drive of around two hours each way with beautiful views of Howe Sound. In summer, gondolas run up Whistler and Blackcomb, and the Peak 2 Peak gondola links them. In winter it is a major ski area. A day trip is long with children, so consider an overnight stay. Check road and weather conditions in winter, since snow can slow the highway.
- 5
Take in the skyline
Vancouver's glass towers sit right against the North Shore mountains, which is why the skyline view is so good. Good viewing spots are Kitsilano Beach and Vanier Park, Stanley Park near Prospect Point, and the Lookout tower at Harbour Centre. At sunset the view turns pink over the water. Beaches are close enough to combine with a swim in summer. Water is cold, so many people only wade, and a picnic fits better.
Plan it
- Best time
- July to September is the driest and warmest period, with long days and open mountain lifts. Vancouver is rainy from about October to March. Skiing runs from December to April, and spring brings cherry blossom in April.
- How long
- Three to four days covers the city sights. Add one or two nights in Whistler if you want mountains, and more if you are heading on to Vancouver Island.
- Getting around
- The SkyTrain, SeaBus and buses use one tap card or a contactless payment, and the Canada Line train links the airport to downtown. Downtown is walkable, and the mountains and Whistler need a car or a coach.
Good to know
- Pack a rain jacket in any month except high summer. The weather can turn quickly.
- Book Capilano and Whistler gondola tickets online in July and August. Queues can be long.
- Rent bikes early in the morning on weekends. The seawall is busy and shops run out of child bikes.
Frequently asked
Is Vancouver good for kids? +
Yes. It combines beaches, parks, an aquarium, mountains and markets in a compact city, and most sights are outdoors and free. Rain from autumn to spring is the main challenge, so keep indoor options ready.
How many days do you need in Vancouver with kids? +
Three to four days covers Stanley Park, Granville Island, Capilano and the skyline. Add one or two nights for Whistler, which is better as an overnight than as a single long day.
Is Whistler worth a day trip from Vancouver? +
It can be, but it is a long day: around two hours each way on the highway. Staying a night or two is easier with children, and it lets you use the gondolas without rushing back.
What is the best time to visit Vancouver? +
July to September has the driest, warmest weather and the best conditions for outdoor sights. June and October are cooler and quieter. From late autumn to spring it rains often, but skiing starts in winter.
