Family Fun in Vancouver & Victoria

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 [3] is perfect if you’re based in the West End [4]). If you’re traveling with teens, a walk around Canada Place [5] provides a good introduction to the city.

Day 2

Interactive displays at Science World [6] and Museum of Vancouver [7] will fill your morning. Older children will love exploring space at H.R. MacMillan Space Centre [7], adjacent to the Vancouver Museum, while young children will want to spend time at Granville Island’s Kids Market [8]. 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 [3]. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride, explore the Children’s Farmyard, and jump aboard the miniature railway. The park’s world-class Vancouver Aquarium [3] 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 [9] or a hot dog from Prospect Point Café.

Day 4

Rise early and catch the ferry to Victoria [2]. 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 [10] 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 [11], 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 [12].

Day 6

Go whale-watching in the morning from Tofino [13] then return to Victoria to spend the afternoon at your leisure, souvenir shopping along Government Street and walking through historical Market Square [14].

Day 7

Return to Vancouver [1] for your homeward flight.