Easy, Breezy, Beautiful Vancouver

Vancouver is a great option for families, especially in spring and summer. // © 2009 Tourism Vancouver/Josef Hanus

A 20-foot-high clock fronts the Vancouver Art Museum, counting the minutes until the start of the 2010 Olympics in British Columbia’s largest city. But the upcoming Winter Games aren’t the only reason why families should put Vancouver on their must-see list. With its dozens of activities and attractions and its spectacular setting of mountains and sea, this engaging playground brings out the kid in everyone, no matter when you visit.

Most of Vancouver’s top draws are popular with all ages and many combine adventure with education. A fun way to get an overview of the city is by climbing aboard the Vancouver Trolley, a red, open-air, gas-powered streetcar that allows people to hop on and off as they check out the highlights of the town.
For Vancouver activities, it’s hard to beat Stanley Park, 1,000 acres of natural and manmade diversions. Rent bikes and make your way around the 5½-mile sea wall, stopping at the waterpark, beach, kid’s farmyard, miniature train and Second Beach pool, next to the ocean. One of the park’s shining stars is the Vancouver Aquarium, calling to families with everything from dolphin shows and sea otter talks to up-close animal encounters.

Granville Island is a big hit with all generations. Everyone enjoys the bathtub-sized ferries that buzz to and from this well-loved tourist spot. Boys and girls can’t resist a visit to the island’s two-story Kids’ Market, where vendors cater to tykes with toys, games, candy and kites. A public market, street entertainment, theaters, restaurants and room to run around make Granville a grand attraction.

Vancouver is a highly walkable city. On downtown’s Robson Street alone, locals and out-of-towners can spend hours discovering shopping and dining options. For families eager to stay in the heart of the pedestrian action, the

Pacific Palisades Hotel stands ready with one-bedroom suites, including a small kitchen. Small fry are pampered with a welcome gift, indoor pool, children’s menu with organic fare and kids’ spa treatments.

International cruise ships dock at Canada Place, known for its distinctive sail-inspired architecture, home of an IMAX theater, and the start and end of tour bus routes. All of which makes the Pan Pacific Vancouver — right at Canada Place — a family favorite for accommodations. Young guests are greeted with milk and cookies, and the concierge runs a kids’ scavenger hunt. Check out its family package for two adults and two children; it comes with daily buffet breakfast and 50 percent off the second room.

A 15-minute drive from the heart of downtown Vancouver leads to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450-foot marvel enhanced by trails, ponds, treehouses and exhibits. Just beyond, gondolas climb to the 4,100-foot summit of Grouse Mountain, luring families with hiking in the summer and ski programs in the winter.

For lodging near the bridge and mountain, families can try the Holiday Inn Hotel and Suites North Vancouver, featuring a swimming pool and rooms with refrigerators and microwaves. Farther out of the city, the Delta Vancouver Airport serves as a handy headquarters, with free dining for guests under six, a pool and a special kids check-in service.