As British Columbia’s most populous city, Vancouver, Canada, is full of energy. Plenty of people come here in winter to ski at Whistler or nearby Grouse Mountain, but this summer, I experienced the incredible appeal of the city with two kids exploring alongside me. Here’s what to consider for clients heading to Vancouver with the family.
Outdoor Activities for Families
When the weather is perfect, follow the lead of the local residents and head outside. There’s no better place to be outdoors in Vancouver than Stanley Park. Measuring more than 1,000 acres (larger than New York City’s Central Park), this incredible public space is full of activity options. Visitors can hike within park boundaries below grand hemlock, cedar and fir trees, or bike the seawall trail, a 7-mile path that encircles the park (local shops, such as Spokes Bicycle Rentals, can outfit clients). The miniature train at Stanley Park Railway is exciting for kids, and from there it’s a short walk to a playground, The Fox’s Den splash pad and the famous totem pole collection at Brockton Point. For additional water play, try Second Beach and the adjacent public pool, which has waterslides that overlook the sea.
Another iconic way to experience Vancouver is via suspension bridge, and Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is home to the oldest in the area. The bridge itself measures more than 200 feet long, and kids will howl with excitement when it rocks and sways as they cross it. Visitors can also walk between treetops on smaller suspension bridges, learn about raptors during docent-led talks and even eat small, Nutella-covered pancakes (delightfully called “beaver balls”).
Kid-Friendly Eats
Before we left for Vancouver, I enlisted my 9-year-old, Olivia, to help research the city. Her top pick for our itinerary was La Casa Gelato. This local gem offers 238 gelato flavors in the store — a world record — and it’s the perfect mix of playful and delicious.
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A riskier choice, I thought, was afternoon tea, since my 3-year-old, Lottie, might well be described as a bull in a tea shop. And yet, Griffin’s Gambit, the whimsical, chess-themed tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, was a huge success. Both girls loved their scones and sandwiches, while Lottie “assisted” with pouring tea and helped herself to all the rock sugar she could sneak. I suggest booking seatings in advance, as the tea is only offered on select days at Notch8 restaurant within the hotel.
La Casa Gelato serves 238 flavors.
Credit: 2022 Chelsee LoweFor a casual meal outdoors, try Stanley Park Brewing. This brewpub and restaurant is set in an old sports pavilion and surrounded by a small pitch-and-putt golf course, lawn bowling and giant grassy areas for frolicking. We met up with friends here, played catch while waiting for our table, and then enjoyed fish tacos and local beer on the patio.
Kids will also love riding the city’s Aquabus system, a privately owned and operated local ferry service. We hopped onboard a ferry at Hornby Street, and were at Granville Island within minutes, enjoying bridge and city views as we sailed. Once on the island, grab a snack inside the massive Public Market, then let the little ones roam and shop in the Kids Market, which is full of toy merchants and has an indoor play area.
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver just completed a renovation.
Credit: 2022 Fairmont Hotel VancouverWhere to Stay: Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
For a historic stay, consider Fairmont Hotel Vancouver. Known as “The Castle in the City,” the property’s stunning facade (constructed in 1939) conceals a recent $75 million renovation, which included a redesign of the Fairmont Gold floor. Here, guests enjoy private check-in, dedicated concierge service and a private lounge with complimentary meals and canapes throughout the day.
