Day 1

Don’t plan on doing much after you’ve arrived in Vancouver. Let the brood run off steam in a local park (Stanley Park is perfect if you’re based in the West End). If you’re traveling with teens, a walk around Canada Place provides a good introduction to the city.

Day 2

Interactive displays at Science World and Museum of Vancouver will fill your morning. Older children will love exploring space at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, adjacent to the Vancouver Museum, while young children will want to spend time at Granville Island’s Kids Market. If the weather is warm enough, bring bathing suits for the outdoor waterpark.

Day 3

Kids will love Day 3, which centers on Stanley Park. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, explore the Children’s Farmyard, and jump aboard the miniature railway. The park’s world-class Vancouver Aquarium is a must (try to time your visit with the always-entertaining Dolphin Show). Break up the day with a picnic lunch at Third Beach or a hot dog from Prospect Point Café.

Day 4

Rise early and catch the ferry to Victoria. Find an outside seat on the starboard side and watch the Vancouver skyline and Coast Mountains disappear into the distance. Consider an afternoon double-decker bus tour of Victoria to help everyone get oriented.

Day 5

Explore the waterfront and find your way around to Fisherman’s Wharf for lunch at Barb’s Place, hoping that the resident seals make an appearance. Have your wallet out for afternoon visits to the Royal London Wax Museum and Pacific Undersea Gardens.

Day 6

Go whale-watching in the morning from Tofino then return to Victoria to spend the afternoon at your leisure, souvenir shopping along Government Street and walking through historical Market Square.

Day 7

Return to Vancouver for your homeward flight.

© Andrew Hempstead, from Moon Western Canada, 3rd Edition