Top 10 Kid Friendly Things To Do and Attractions in British Columbia

"First established in 1886, and dominating nearly a third of the land that makes up Vancouver’s downtown core, Stanley Park is an oasis of cedar, hemlock and fir trees flanked by the Pacific Ocean. You haven’t been to Vancouver until you’ve taken to the seawall, the 8.8 kilometre stonewall that circumnavigates the park. Join the locals and walk, run, blade or cycle your way around the park and enjoy a picnic lunch (available through in-room dining) at one of the many beaches."

"In fact, you just can’t visit Vancouver without spending time in Stanley Park. One of Vancouver’s most famous landmarks, Stanley Park is a 1000-acre oasis right in the city’s downtown. Stanley Park’s natural playground consists of the rainforest, with towering Douglas fir and Western red cedar trees, and the sea that laps the shores of the park."

"A little further east is Chinatown, the third largest in North America, and home to the tranquil, four-seasons Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. Yaletown is also on the downtown peninsula and is a former warehouse district that has since been transformed into a chic residential area. Shopping is a big attraction, but so is the people watching – order a coffee and sit on the sea wall to watch the locals. The West End is a beachside neighbourhood at the foot of Stanley Park, and home to the city’s LGBT community – definitely worth a wander, or head down to English Bay Beach to take a paddle boarding lesson."

"It’s a spot rich in history as it’s the first Chinese garden built outside of China. It’s also National Geographic’s “Top City Garden in the World”. This an extremely celestial outdoor space, providing quiet respite from the bustling city and offering dozens of opportunities to photograph 150-year old miniature trees, a jade green pond, and famous koi fish."

"Surrounded by unassuming low white walls in Vancouver’s Chinatown, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden can be easy to miss. But trust us — you won’t want to. Described as an “urban oasis of tranquility and reflection,” it was named the best city garden in the world by National Geographic in 2011, and that’s an accolade that’s hard to argue."

"It’s not exactly overlooked, but we tend to forget the full scope of what’s offered at QE Park. The locals love it for the tennis and basketball courts, the dog park, the lawn bowling, the disk golf course and the Pitch and Putt, while tourists come to snap views of the city skyline, even if the vegetation is starting to crowd the shot. Stroll the quarry gardens and cross your fingers that the underappreciated Bloedel Conservatory will soon reopen so you can enhance your summer photo album with pics of exotic macaws and finches amid New Zealand tea trees and flamingo lilies."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"This popular Vancouver beach easily slots in virtually every Vancouver itinerary and gets absolutely packed in the summer – if you’re looking to do some people watching or meet some locals this is it. It’s also one of the best beaches for sports: whether you’re looking to set up a volleyball game (no net? there’s drop in games over summer from 6:30 pm) or shoot some hoops you’re guaranteed a game. Kits beach is also home to a 137 meter long swimming pool: Canada’s largest."

"One of the most sought-after beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach (known as Kits Beach to Vancouver residents) is not just a beach. There’s ample green space for sunbathers and several volleyball courts established on the sand. There’s also the Kitsilano Pool, which is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, and snack options, such as Starbucks, across the road."

"Facing English Bay, Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling volleyball players, and those who just like to preen while... Top ChoiceGardens in Fairview & South Granville"

"Hot Cha Café is a great bubble tea shop offering an impressive selection of bubble teas. Prices here are pocket-friendly compared to other bubble tea shops in Vancouver. The service is efficient and friendly and you can get an explanation of items on the menu if you are having a hard time choosing a flavor of bubble tea."

"With just a block separating the two, they can be viewed as one wonderful space that creates a thriving neighbourhood feel between Oak and Cambie. This is another place to work your endorfins, accessing the Heather Park’s tennis courts, or playing soccer or baseball or jogging the perimeter path at Douglas Park. A new wood-feature playground including a playhouse and tree platform at Douglas Park only adds to the appeal of this area."

"Beginning just two blocks from our hotel, this famous waterfront walking and cycling path winds 28km around the downtown peninsula, following the shoreline of False Creek and English Bay all the way to Kitsilano. Popular with fitness buffs and sightseers alike, a stroll along the seawall is one of the best ways to take in the city’s scenery."

"One of the best views of Vancouver can be found right here in Stanley Park. The Vancouver Sea Wall boasts incredible views of the North Shore and Vancouver Harbour and Burrard Inlet. This is one of the best pedestrian and bike trails to take through the park as many of the main sights and attractions are located along the way."

"After breakfast, make your way to one of the pickup points for Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. There’s a free shuttle starting at 8:45 AM that picks up and returns visitors from seven different points in the city."

"Learn about the ‘Capilano Tramps' from the 1900s, the original tourists to the park Dare to do the Cliffwalk, a labyrinth of cantilevered bridges, stairs and platforms 33 metres above the forest floor"

"One of the best parks in Vancouver for dogs and kids is John Hendry Park, locally referred to as Trout Lake, in East Van, just south of Commercial Drive and within walking distance of the Commercial SkyTrain Station. Situated around Trout Lake, the park includes trails for walking/biking/pushing strollers around the lake, an off-leash dog park on the north side, and a sandy beach and playground on the south side. Plus it has lovely views of the northern mountains."

"Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers' markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park buzzes with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake – a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park – and expansive grass fields provide the perfect park setting for outdoor concerts. Activities abound at the Trout Lake Community Centre, a civic-spirited, light-filled facility just west of the lakeshore."

"Home to a robust farmers’ market on Saturdays, a small lake for swimming on one end and canine shenanigans on the other, tennis courts, a still-closed indoor ice rink and activity center, it’s got a healthy tie-dye/kilt/pierced body parts quotient and the air is often freshly scented with BC bud. People-watch and get ideas for your next—or first—tattoo, even if it’s a temporary decal."

"If you have kids in tow, head to one of Vancouver’s splash-tastic free water parks. Granville Island Water Park, Vancouver's biggest and best water park, is conveniently located near Granville Island's Kids Market, which means you'll have the perfect lure for enticing your sprogs away from the toy shops. There's also a large pond nearby that's often filled with friendly ducks and geese."

"The Granville Island Water And Amusement Park is one of the great amusement parks in Vancouver. The best part is, the entry to this park is absolutely free."

"A post shared by Fable Diner (@fablediner) on Sep 17, 2019 at 11:32am PDT. Mount Pleasant's upscale diner is still slinging things like their Trucker's Breakfast and signature Pork Pancakes - and more. Check out their online menu to see what they've got and how to get it, as well as their option to help feed frontline workers."

"Mount Pleasant Fable Diner is a great spot to head for a solid plate of pancakes. If you find yourself at this gem, try the Roast Duck Pancakes. This dish features kimchi, roast duck, kewpie mayo, green onions, crispy business, and cilantro."

"Known for their 50’s diner style, but farm-to-table ingredients – it’s the best of both worlds. They have all the rockin’ classics like Banana Splits, Sundaes and Milkshakes. Our Pick | Chocolate Peanut Butter Milkshake"

"When it comes to cravings, MeeT in Gastown brings out the best of both worlds-comfort classics and healthy bowls. With a few locations around the city, this vegan restaurant is a local favorite. If you're feeling healthy, The Lovely bowl is heaving with ingredients that satisfy and nourish."

"MeeT intends to show people that comfort food that connects us and nourishes us can be veggie, can be made from scratch, can be delicious and can be a affordable… MeeT is a place that welcomes everyone, and has seat for all people looking to"

"Life is short, eat dessert first” is emblazoned on the glass fronting this bakery’s kitchen, and they’ve got the desserts to back it up. Here, classic North American desserts meet grown-up tastes, with plenty of gluten-free options to boot. Chinese CakeBest BakeryCake ShopSponge CakeBakeriesSugar And SpiceAsian StyleTis The SeasonPortuguese"

"We offer Cold Pressed Juices, Smoothies, Plant Based Meals, Supplements and Grocery for takeout and delivery. Try: The Green (Cold Pressed Juice), Bestie Granola, Oatly Oat Milk, The Macro Bowl"

"At the Juice Truck Cafe, you can grab a fresh cold-pressed juice to enjoy on the spot or take home. They also offer light and healthy breakfast and lunch to go."

"Gastown's iconic food truck serving smoothies, cold-pressed juice and a smaller selection of lunch items, like salads and light snacks."

"Ok, back to some truly classic options, at least in production style. These folks specialize in a French-style ice cream that uses a creme Anglaise base (custard made of egg yolks and heavy cream). It’s decadent and smooth; a veritable labour of love and a sleeper hit for ice cream in Vancouver."

"French-style ice cream that uses a creme Anglaise base, which is a thick custard composed of egg yolks and heavy cream. It’s decadent and smooth; a veritable labour of love and a sleeper hit for ice cream in Vancouver."

"A post shared by La Glace Ice Cream (@laglaceicecream) on Mar 12, 2020 at 9:33pm PDT. La Glace is an award-winning French ice cream parlour & cafe. It offers fancy flavours that will tickle anybody’s taste buds."