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4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids

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Are you planning a trip to Vancouver, British Columbia Canada? Keep scrolling for my 4-day Vancouver itinerary with kids and families!
This 4 day Vancouver itinerary with kids was written by PNW family travel expert Marcie Cheung and may contain affiliate links, which means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.

If you are looking for an easy trip from Seattle, look no further than Vancouver, British Columbia. Located just a few hours from Seattle, Vancouver has lots of kid-friendly attractions, restaurants, and hotels.

My family spent 4 days in Vancouver, BC in the summer with our toddler.

Check out how you can explore Vancouver with kids with my Vancouver 4-day itinerary.

Don’t have time to read a bunch of Vancouver blog posts and reviews? Here are some of our top picks for visiting Vancouver with kids.

Popular Vancouver Tours/Activities

Kid-Friendly Vancouver Hotels

Vancouver with Kids: Day 1

If you are driving from the Seattle area, I recommend driving early in the morning. We left Seattle a bit later than I planned and we felt a bit rushed. If you have more time, I highly recommend this scenic drive from Seattle to Vancouver.

Thankfully, the Canadian border wait at the Peace Arch crossing was just a few minutes and we headed straight to the Historic CPR 374 Locomotive that is on display in Yaletown at the corner of Davie St and Pacific Blvd. It closes at 4 pm.

We got there at 3:50 pm and literally ran to get in to see it because my son LOVES trains!

Photo of the Historic CPR 374 Locomotive in Vancouver, BC Canada which is a fun thing to do in Vancouver, BC with kids #vancouver #yaletown #locomotive #train #canada #britishcolumbia #pnw
Our first stop in Vancouver was the Historic CPR 374 Locomotive on display in Yaletown. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

HISTORIC CPR 374 LOCOMOTIVE

George, one of the docents there, was so nice to explain the importance of the train to Vancouver’s history.

In the late 1800s, this train hauled spices and silk from Vancouver to Toronto in just 7 days. And 7 days after that it was in London. Talk about fast shipping for those days!

My toddler climbed aboard the locomotive and rang the bell. This is a really fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids! Plus, it’s in Yaletown so there’s plenty of shopping and restaurants nearby.

If you are feeling adventurous, you can take the Skytrain to Yaletown, which is ALWAYS a hit!

Book a Family Photo Shoot

Whenever we travel, we almost always book a family photo shoot with Flytographer. They are super easy, affordable, AND guarantee that I’ll be in some photos. You can get $25 off if you book through this link or use the code HAWAIITRAVEL.

CAPILANO SUSPENSION BRIDGE PARK

After we dropped our bags at our hotel, we headed straight to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. This is one of the top attractions in Vancouver and it’s easy to see why.

Yes, there’s the swinging bridge. But, once you cross it, THAT’S where the real adventure begins!

If you’re visiting Vancouver with kids, I recommend going earlier in the day so you can give your family a few hours to explore the Cliffwalk, Treetop Adventures, and participate in the Kids’ Rainforest Explorers Program.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 2

We spent our second day in Vancouver, BC at the world-famous Stanley Park. With a toddler, you could easily spend a couple of days at Stanley Park exploring and doing all the activities.

STANLEY PARK HORSE DRAWN TOUR

We chose to do the Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour first so that we could get a layout of the park. This tour lasts about one hour and new tours depart every 20-30 minutes.

Once you climb aboard, your guide will start the narrated tour. You’ll see Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest, Totem Poles, the Girl in a Wet Suit statue, the Rose Garden, and more.

Photo of Stanley Park Horse Drawn tour in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada, which is a things to do in Vancouver with Kids #stanleypark #horsedrawntour #carriage #vancouver #bc #britishcolumbia #pnw #vancouverbc
The Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour is a unique way to explore Vancouver’s top attraction. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/ Coast Mountain Photography

STANLEY PARK TRAIN

Once we passed the sign for the Stanley Park Train ride during our tour, my toddler decided that we needed to do that next. So, we drove over to that side of Stanley Park.

The train ride was adorable. You purchase tickets at the little train station and then climb aboard a miniature train.

The train ride takes you through a small area of the park that is decorated with beloved characters like Charlie Brown, Foghorn Leghorn, Kermit the Frog, and more!

They also do themed train rides around Easter, Halloween, and Christmas and I’d definitely want to do one of those to see how they change it up.

After the train ride, we grabbed burgers, hot dogs, and pretzels at the nearby concession stand and headed back to the hotel to rest.

HOP ON HOP OFF TOUR OF VANCOUVER, BC

My toddler loves to ride in any type of vehicle, but buses are always a hit! We climbed aboard the open-air double-decker bus for a Hop On Hop Off tour of Vancouver.

The tour was perfect in July because we could enjoy fresh air while marveling at the city.

We spent about 90 minutes on this Hop On Hop Off bus tour because our destination was the Vancouver Aquarium. My son had been so excited to ride that he skipped his nap. So, he ended up falling asleep halfway into the tour.

That worked out because he was refreshed enough to continue our day at Stanley Park.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM

We made it to the Vancouver Aquarium about 2 hours before it closed. That was enough time for our family. But, since it’s home to thousands of incredible ocean species, you may want to spend an entire afternoon here.

The Vancouver Aquarium provides several family programs where kids ages 8 and under can participate in crafts, singing, puppet shows, games, and make-believe journeys involving sea life.

They also have Clownfish Cove, located next to the Exploration Gallery.

This is a place for kids to pretend to be junior animal technicians, build octopus dens, and learn more about animal preservation.

Photo of Vancouver Aquarium at Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada is a things to do in Vancouver BC with kids #vancouveraquarium #stanleypark #vancouver #vancouverbc #explorebc #pnw #canada
The Vancouver Aquarium has mammal shows throughout the day. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver / Coast Mountain Photography

One of the coolest parts of the Vancouver Aquarium is its outdoor mammal shows. These shows feature dolphins, sharks, sea lions, penguins, and more. We also enjoyed seeing the jellyfish and large mammals.

We grabbed a quick dinner at the Vancouver Aquarium specifically so my son could enjoy a chocolate ice cream cone. Yes, they have ice cream in a prominent location and your children won’t be able to think about anything else.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 3

I love to do day trips when we travel. We decided to spend our 3rd day in Squamish, BC. Located just an hour from Vancouver, Squamish is right on the Sea to Sky highway.

If you’ve ever driven to Whistler from Vancouver, you would have passed Squamish.

Railway Museum of British Columbia

We headed straight to the Railway Museum of British Columbia because my toddler really wanted to see the trains. It was even cooler than I imagined! Lots of stuff for kids and adults and the staff were really friendly.

The Railway Museum of British Columbia (formerly the West Coast Railway Heritage Park) features a typical mid-20th-century railway station and old-style town center. They have more than 90 pieces of railway cars and artifacts. It’s also massive at 12 acres of park.

And they have historic exhibits including the Brightbill House, blacksmith forge, wash house, and vintage printing press.

Photo of the mini rail and West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC Canada is fun when visiting Vancouver with Kids #westcoastrailway #train #canada #explorebc #squamish #britishcolumbia #vancouver #familytravel
My toddler LOVED riding on this Mini Rail at West Coast Railway Heritage Park in Squamish, BC. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

Additionally, they have a Roundhouse that’s home to 5 vintage trains, including the world-famous Royal Hudson steam train. If your kids love Thomas the Train as much as mine, seeing a “steamy” in a roundhouse is a HUGE deal!

My son’s favorite parts of the Railway Museum of British Columbia were the outdoor Thomas the Train Tables and riding the Mini Rail. Oh, and buying a Polar Express train puzzle.

We were there for 2 hours and could have easily spent another hour there.

SEA TO SKY GONDOLA

I’m not afraid of heights, but I’m a nervous flyer. When we pulled into the parking lot, I saw all the gondolas racing up and down the mountain and I instantly panicked.

Thankfully, those fears easily subsided.

I was thrilled that the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish was so family-friendly!

Photo of the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, BC near Vancouver, BC is What to do in Vancouver with Kids #squamish #seatosky #seatoskygondola #vancouver #bc #britishcolumbia #explorebc #canada
The Sea to Sky Gondola is worth the trip to Squamish, BC. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/ Sea to Sky Gondola / Photographer: Paul Bride

The gondola ride is about 10 minutes long and it takes you 885 meters above sea level. Each gondola can seat 8 people. They are stroller accessible, although I’d recommend wearing your baby in a baby carrier like this one.

There are floor-to-ceiling glass windows so you can enjoy breathtaking views of Shannon Falls and the famous Squamish Chief climbing area.

At the summit, you’ll find two different interpretive loop walking trails with stunning viewing platforms. There’s also the spectacular Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge, numerous hiking trails, and rock climbing.

Photo of a suspension bridge at the Sea to Sky gondola in Squamish, BC is a thing to do in Vancouver BC with kids #vancouver #squamish #bc #britishcolumbia #explorebc #seatosky #seatoskygondola #canada
Walking across the bridge at the summit of the Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, BC. Photo credit: Marcie Cheung

We rode the gondola up and walked across the suspension bridge. The views were incredible! Since it was afternoon and my toddler was tired, we spent about 20 minutes soaking in the gorgeous viewpoints.

If you were to arrive earlier in the day, you could easily spend a few hours walking around. They even have a restaurant at the summit with the best view!

At the base, we headed to the grab-and-go cafe and ordered pre-made sandwiches. This hit the spot for us!

My toddler got the rest of his energy out at the playground there and then we hopped in the car so he could nap on the drive back to Vancouver.

ROBSON STREET

If there’s one famous street in Vancouver, it’s Robson Street. Known for its incredible shopping, Robson Street is worth a leisurely stroll. They have international luxury brands, souvenir shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and a mall.

We always stop at both Roots locations and stock up on sweatpants for the whole family. I also like to pick up a crepe to eat while walking around.

Oh, and we like to hit up London Drugs to pick up massive Lindt chocolate bars and specialty potato chips not found in the U.S.

You’ll also see Robson Square, which features the Vancouver Art Gallery. Every time we go, we always run into a street festival or event. We like to walk all the way to Gastown.

Another day trip option is to head out to the Panama Ridge hike in Garibaldi Provincial Park. Families with young kids can plan to stop at Garibaldi Lake, which is the crown jewel of the park.

Vancouver with Kids: Day 4

For our last day in Vancouver, we opted to walk around downtown to people-watch and see what we could see. We ended up walking to the Vancouver Lookout near the waterfront.

It was a nice walk from our hotel and my toddler was excited about the elevator ride.

VANCOUVER LOOKOUT

I thought we’d be able to see more of the city from the elevator since there were glass panels, but we really couldn’t see much during the short ride.

But, once we got up to the observation level of Vancouver Lookout, we had incredible panoramic views of the entire city!

Photo of the view of Vancouver Lookout at Harbour Centre and a view of the bay is a thing to do in Vancouver BC with kids #vancouver #vancouverbc #vancouverlookout #britishcolumbia #canada
Vancouver Lookout is a prominent building in Downtown Vancouver and features panoramic views of the city. Photo credit: Vancouver Lookout

If you are going with kids, take advantage of their Sky Scouts program. Sky Scouts is designed for children ages 6-12 to learn about Vancouver through exciting and interactive activities.

They have both guided and self-guided tours. And each child receives a fun activity book filled with puzzles, coloring pages, and games.

VANCOUVER HARBOUR CRUISES

Since Vancouver is a waterfront city, it would be a shame to not experience it FROM the water. We boarded a one-hour harbour cruise and it was lovely.

We learned a bit about Vancouver’s history through the humorous narrated tour, however, we spent most of the time gawking at the amazing views and soaking up the sunshine.

Photo of a Vancouver Harbour Cruise in British Columbia, Canada is a fun kids activities vancouver #harbourcruise #vancouverharbour #vancouver #vancouverbc #britishcolumbia #canada
Enjoying the sunshine and the views from the Harbour Cruise in Vancouver. Photo credit: Julie Wirtz

Not only was the weather beautiful, but we got to watch seaplanes take off. There was a lot for my toddler to see and one hour was the perfect time to be on the boat. They have 2 restrooms on board and sell snacks and drinks.

Summertime is also a great time to do whale watching in Vancouver.

Then, we hopped in our car and headed to the U.S. border. It ended up taking us 2 hours to get from Vancouver to the Peace Arch crossing because of afternoon traffic.

Additional Vancouver Kids Activities

VANCOUVER HIKING TRAILS

Another fun thing to do in Vancouver with kids is take advantage of all the cool hiking trails.

One of the easiest Vancouver hikes is the Quarry Rock Trail. It’s the perfect half-day adventure, especially early in the morning.

GRANVILLE ISLAND

This is a popular Vancouver family attraction. We’ve done it a few times. We like to take the mini ferry to get there!

They are almost like toy boats that come around every 2-3 minutes and ferry families between Granville Island and other mini docks around False Creek. It’s a blast for kids!

Photo of Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia in Canada is a fun thing to do with kids in Vancouver #vancouver #granvilleisland #britishcolumbia #canada #pnw
Granville Island is home to the largest free water park in North America. Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/ Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce

Once you get to Granville Island, wander through the Public Market and sample the tasty treats. Last time we were there, we enjoyed Dole Whip (usually only found in Hawaii or at Disneyland!)

There’s also live music, restaurants, and artwork. But, your kids will probably be most interested in the Kids Market. Here, you’ll find independent toy stores, children’s clothing, and a play area.

And there’s also the largest free water park in North America!

GROUSE MOUNTAIN

If you enjoyed the Sea to Sky Gondola or don’t have time for a day trip to Squamish, visiting Grouse Mountain is a good alternative. Enter the Skyride and head 3,700 feet above the city for a spectacular panoramic view of Vancouver.

During the summer, you’ll experience a grizzly bear refuge, a lumberjack show, and outdoor activities.

During the winter, you can enjoy a sleigh ride, skiing, snowboarding and even visit with Santa.

SCIENCE WORLD

Telus World of Science is one of our favorite kid activities in Vancouver. My husband enjoys it just as much as our toddler! Here you’ll find the latest feature exhibits, hands-on interactive displays, and special events.

You can also watch OMNIMAX films on one of the world’s largest dome screens. There’s also a restaurant and a fabulous gift shop.

Photo of Science World in Vancouver, which is a top Vancouver attraction for kids #scienceworld #science #vancouver #vancouverbc #britishcolumbia #canada
Science World is a blast for kids (and adult!) Photo credit: Tourism Vancouver/ Science World British Columbia

Kid-Friendly Hotels in Vancouver

Are you wondering where to stay in Vancouver with kids? We’ve stayed at the Auberge Vancouver Hotel and love that there’s a door to separate the bedroom from the living room.

During the holidays, we love staying in the condo side of Sutton Place because it’s all decked out for the holidays!

I’ve reviewed the Executive Hotel Vintage Park and the Sheraton Wall Centre Hotel on my blog.

We’ve also heard great things about the L’Hermitage Hotel, Fairmont Vancouver Waterfront, and Hilton Vancouver for families traveling to Vancouver.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Vancouver

Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co.

This restaurant offers a fun atmosphere and a kids’ menu with healthy and delicious options, including flatbreads and pastas. There is also a play area for kids.

Burgoo

Burgoo is a cozy spot that specializes in comfort food, such as mac and cheese and grilled cheese sandwiches. They offer a kids’ menu and crayons for coloring.

Circus Play Cafe

This is a great spot to let the kids play while enjoying breakfast or lunch. They have locally sourced and organic food options for kids and adults.

And kids can get a “tapas box” with things like fruit, crackers, and wraps. Plus, they have a play space perfect for imaginative play.

Dedutch

This is a European pancake house that also has gluten-free options. We visited their West 2nd location. They have a play kitchen and tons of toys to keep kids occupied while you wait for breakfast.

Getting Around Vancouver

Walking: Vancouver is a very pedestrian-friendly city. If you are staying downtown, you’ll be able to walk most places.

Taxis: Taxis (including accessible wheelchair taxis) are plentiful and can be hailed on the street, as well as found at designated stands, and called for pick-up.

Driving: Whether you drove to Vancouver or have a rental car, this is the easiest way to explore outside of Vancouver.

Skytrain: This is one of our favorite ways to explore Vancouver, especially when we stay in Richmond. It’s a fast subway-type train that zips in and out of Vancouver.

Marcie in Mommyland received an Experience Pass from Tourism Vancouver for review purposes.

Vancouver with Kids FAQs

What are the best family-friendly attractions in Vancouver?

Vancouver offers many family-friendly attractions, such as Stanley Park, Granville Island, the Vancouver Aquarium, and the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The best attractions will depend on your family’s interests and preferences.

What are the best kid-friendly restaurants in Vancouver?

Vancouver has many kid-friendly restaurants, including Rocky Mountain Flatbread Co., Burgoo, White Spot, The Flying Pig, and Breka Bakery & Cafe.

What are the best outdoor activities to do with kids in Vancouver?

Vancouver has many outdoor activities for families, such as biking, hiking, and visiting beaches and parks. Stanley Park and the seawall are popular destinations for families.

What is the best time of year to visit Vancouver with kids?

The best time of year to visit Vancouver with kids depends on the season and your family’s preferences. Summer offers warm temperatures and many outdoor activities, while winter offers skiing and snow activities.

Are there any safety concerns for families visiting Vancouver?

Vancouver is generally a safe city for families to visit, but it’s important to be aware of potential hazards, such as traffic and natural disasters. It’s also important to follow safety guidelines for outdoor activities.

4-Day Vancouver Itinerary with Kids Wrap Up

Vancouver is a fantastic family vacation destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for kids of all ages.

With this 4-day itinerary, families can explore Downtown Vancouver, visit Grouse Mountain and North Vancouver, and enjoy many fun family activities within walking distance.

From taking in the stunning Vancouver skyline to enjoying outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, there is no shortage of things to see and do.

By following this itinerary, families can make the most of their time in Vancouver and create unforgettable memories together.

Plan your family trip to Vancouver today and get ready for an adventure-filled vacation that the whole family will love!

Looking for more fun things to do with kids in Vancouver, BC? Check out Things to do in Stanley Park, Vancouver Lookout + Harbour Cruise Reviews, Vancouver’s Science World with Babies + Toddlers, Holiday Festivities in Vancouver, BC, Bright Nights at Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC, where to stay in Victoria BC, best Vancouver hotels for families, and Day Trip to Squamish, BC!

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    Rhiannon

    Wednesday 18th of April 2018

    Would 100% follow this itinerary even without kids! I’ve already got the suspension bridge very firmly on my list of things to do if I ever go to Vancouver since reading your post specifically about it. The World of Science looks so cool! We have something similar here in Cardiff called Techniquest, although significantly more outdated than Vancouver’s.

    marciecheung

    Wednesday 18th of April 2018

    You would LOVE Vancouver! I've been loving your blog posts about your adventures! You should definitely make it over to the Pacific Northwest :)

    Abhinav Singh

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    You have shown us a different side to Vancouver. I didn’t know Vancouver can be so much fun for the kids. Though I do not support the use of horses or dolphins for carriages and entertainment respectively, I am definitely excited about the train ride. What got me most excited was Sea to Sky Gondola. It must be thrilling!

    Sharon

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    This sure looks like an amazing trip! The Suspension Bridge Park and Gondola looks especially neat. Thank you for sharing your great trip.

    marciecheung

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    Yes, those are my favorite highlights from this trip!

    marciecheung

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    Yes, Vancouver is a fun family destination!

    Amanda

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    I had never thought about Vancouver as a destination...especially with children. Now, it is going to the top of my list of places we need to go as a family!

    marciecheung

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    It's a gorgeous city and there's tons of yummy food!

    Anu

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    It's amazing - the Vancouver you saw is so different from the one I saw, the only common point being Capilano Suspension Bridge Park.

    marciecheung

    Tuesday 17th of April 2018

    Isn't it interesting how differently people travel?

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