Vancouver, Canada

Vancouver highlights

Stanley Park, railway and aquarium
Granville Island
Gastown
Science World
Trick-o-Treating
Gibsons
Capilano suspension bridge
Whistler

Why visit Vancouver?

For a modern, cosmopolitan and diverse city surrounded by the stunning wilderness scenery.

Getting there and around

In October 2019 when our kids were 4 and 7 years old we flew direct from London Heathrow to Vancouver with Lufthansa. We then caught a taxi to our Airbnb which was about half an hour from the airport.

We mainly walked or cycled but also used buses and the ‘sky train’ which is the city’s mass rapid transport electric train system to get around.

Accommodation

We stayed in an Airbnb which had a front yard, a separate bedroom for the children, and an open plan living area with a kitchen. Mark was a brilliant host who made us feel welcome. This was a great example of a well equipped Airbnb.
The Airbnb was very well located in a safe and leafy neighbourhood, just 5 minutes walk from Broadway-City Hall station in one direction and the South Main Street shops and cafes in the other. The city centre was an easy 20-30 minute ride by public transport.
Our star rating: 4
Our cost rating: 3

Central Vancouver Airbnb

Stanley Park

We hired a bike with infant trailer and an adult/child tandem from English Bay bike rentals.
**Riding through Stanley Park along the stunning coastline that hugs the city was great fun!**
We visited the Stanley Park miniature railway, playground and aquarium.

Granville Island

Granville Island market is an awesome place to visit for foodie families!

After indulging in lots of fresh produce and street food we wandered over to the craft section and found a lovely stationary shop called Paper-Ya.

For the children there is a dedicated kids market, which was full of toy and clothing shops and we easily found great Halloween outfits for the kids.

Gastown

Gastown is Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood, dating back to 1897. It has pretty cobbled streets and trendy shops.
When we visited, coach loads of tourists arrived to take selfies with the famous steam clock.
We browsed some shops and then beat a hasty retreat from the crowds.

Science World

In 1986, Vancouver hosted the Expo World Fair. The Expo Centre was re-purposed as a science museum, and is now called ‘Science World’.

Housed in a giant globe, this was one of the best science museums we have visited. It was full of interactive exhibits, live demos and activities for all ages.

We particularly loved the airflow wall where you send balls through vertical tunnels and mazes, and the outside play area with its focus on sustainability.

Trick-O-Treating

Our Airbnb host had warned us to stock up on plenty of sweets ready for trick-o-treaters.

We bought a big candy bucket and the kids dressed up in their outfits from Granville market.

The whole neighbourhood went to enormous efforts with elaborate decorations and pumpkin displays. One house turned their front yard into a ‘ghost train’ experience with arched dark tunnels (made of hedges) to walk through, sound and lighting effects, and smoke machines. All of the grown-ups were also dressed up; we missed that memo and felt rather under dressed!

We had over 200 kids come to our door! Our kids delighted in handing out the candy and of course enjoyed walking the neighbourhood and collecting sweets themselves. Halloween in Canada was super fun!

Gibsons

We hired a car and took the ferry from Horseshoe Bay to Langdale.
After disembarking we drove to Gibsons - a small town in the area of British Columbia known as the ‘sunshine coast’.
**Gibsons is full of quirky antique dealers, art shops and cafes.**
We drove to Robert’s Creek, enjoying the coastal views out over the bay.
We ate a hearty meal at the Gumboot Restaurant and on the return journey we were treated to a stunning sunset.

Capilano suspension bridge and park

The Capilano suspension bridge hangs high across the Capilano river.

As well as the suspension bridge itself there is also a ‘treetop adventure’ with swinging rope bridges high up in the tree canopy.

The trees are part of a coastal rainforest and are very old and very tall.

Once across the bridge, there is a cafe called the Cabin which was the perfect place to have a hot chocolate and try ‘beaver balls’ (mini pancakes with different toppings).

We loved Capilano, it was one of our favourite activities in Vancouver - an incredibly peaceful and beautiful place.