12 Best Vancouver Family Vacation Ideas for Your Next Cruise

There are so many things to do in Vancouver with kids. From the lush forests and wild beaches to the walkable cities and impressive restaurant scene, this Pacific Northwest cruise destination has all of the ingredients for a great time. This is especially true for those taking a Vancouver, Canada family vacation. Little ones can enjoy children's programming, jaw-dropping wildlife and ferry rides. And teens are bound to appreciate the sushi, art museums, aesthetic parks and, for adrenaline seekers, tree-top adventures. Meanwhile, parents can rest easy knowing that, no matter where they end up in the city, there’s relaxation and fun for all ages. There’s no need to compromise.

As a Pacific Northwest local and long-time travel writer, I cannot emphasize the beauty of a Vancouver, Canada family vacation enough. Luckily, the city has a super accessible cruise port. So, read on for the 12 best Vancouver vacation ideas to have on your radar.

Why Vancouver Family Vacations are Pure Magic

There are so many things to do in Vancouver, Canada. This is true regardless of age — take it from me. As an adult who’s local to the Salish Sea today, I love the rugged hiking trails, wine scene, world-class skiing and contemporary art. But when I was a kid, I was all about the boat rides, hands-on museums and the many school field trips to the aquarium. So, as someone who’s experienced the city from every angle, believe me when I say this is the place to go if a fun-for-all-ages trip is in order. No one will be bored. But it’s not just the sheer number of family-friendly activities.

Outside of the massive list of things to do in Vancouver with kids, here’s what makes a Vancouver, Canada family vacation so special:

● Indoor or outdoor fun: This city isn’t limited to one or the other when it comes to activities — the museums and hiking trails are equally great.

● Famously good food: The seafood, Asia-Pacific fare and Indigenous traditions make Vancouver cuisine very special.

● Year-round beauty: That Pacific Northwest weather and blankets of forests ensure that even in the dead of winter, everything’s green and lush.

● Wildlife access: Here, you can see bald eagles in the middle of the city or whale watch for free from public beaches.

● In-city cruise port: Vancouver is super accessible for those taking a cruise to or from Vancouver.

● Public transit: The public transit in Vancouver is super strong, making it an affordable city to get around.

● Safety: The crime rate is low and the cleanliness is high — I dare you to find tidier city streets.

Sea to City: The 12 Best Things to Do In Vancouver With Kids

1. Spot Bald Eagles at Beaver Lake Trail in Stanley Park

If you’re on the hunt for an accessible nature walk or hike in Vancouver, come to Stanley Park and do the Beaver Lake Trail. Get some fresh air, enjoy Stanley Park and look for blue heron, beavers and bald eagles together.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 30-50 minutes.

● Age group: All ages.

2. Take In the Views at Queen Elizabeth Park

One of the best Vancouver vacation ideas for families is to find a great viewpoint and have a picnic. I recommend packing sandwiches (visit a local market and build them yourself) and heading straight to Queen Elizabeth Park, the highest point in the city.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 30 minutes-2 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

3. Participate In a Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony

On weekends in the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, visitors can do guided traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Though seating is limited (a maximum of eight per seating), participants can pick from a private (minimum of two people) or a public ceremony. This immersive dive into Chinese culture and history is a perfect rainy-day activity with older kids.

● Cost: $$$.

● Time needed: 45 minutes for public ceremony; 1.5-2 hours for private ceremony.

● Age group: Teens.

4. Explore the Treetops at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

This is by far one of the best things to do in Vancouver, Canada, due to the massive evergreens, adventure vibes, suspension bridges and boardwalks through the forest. This is equally fun in the rain, and crowds are lighter in the early morning or late afternoon.

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 3-5 hours.

● Age group: 4 and up.

5. Get Lost In the Hedge Maze at VanDusen Botanical Garden

VanDusen Botanical Garden spans 55 acres, and includes really cool spots like a Learning Garden sensory lab for littles, food options and, most famously, a hedge maze. Made out of 3,000 cedars, this walk-through puzzle is really fun to race each other through.

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 15-20 minutes (1-2 hours, if exploring the larger garden as well).

● Age group: All ages.

6. Enjoy the Quiet at Sunset Beach

There’s not a bad beach in the city, but visiting Sunset Beach is one of the best things to do in Vancouver with kids for the locals-only vibes and sunset views. Situated on False Creek Ferry pier, this is an official quiet beach, so just be mindful of noise levels.

● Cost: Free.

● Time needed: 20 minutes-2 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

7. Support Marine Conservation at Vancouver Aquarium

With 120 exhibits, immersive theater showings, food options and a gift shop to boot, spending the day here is one of the best Vancouver family activities when it’s raining. Plus, animal fans of all ages will appreciate the marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation hospital.

● Cost: $$.

● Time needed: 2-5 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

8. Splash In the Longest North American Outdoor Swimming Pool

If you’re taking a Vancouver, Canada family vacation and want to go swimming, but are apprehensive about chilly waters, come to Kitsilano Pool. It’s salt water and has Burrard Inlet views like the beach, but it’s heated. There’s a kids’ area with water toys and slides, lane swimming, wheelchair accessibility and concessions from Wednesday to Sunday.

● Cost: $.

● Time needed: 1-4 hours.

● Age group: All ages.

9. Game Together on Granville Island at Kids Market

This is one of the most fun activities in Vancouver for younger kids, thanks to two stories of shopping, dining and recreational spaces built specifically for children. Think play areas, kids-only hair salons, bumper cars and arcades the whole family can enjoy!

● Cost: $-$$.

● Time needed: 30 minutes-3 hours.

● Age group: 10 and under.

10. Dig Into Northwest Coast Archaeology at the UBC Museum of Anthropology

The Indigenous artwork here is amazing. Creative kids and teens will love the permanent exhibits and displays across the Great Hall and Bill Reid Rotunda, and wandering the UBC grounds.

● Cost: $$ (Indigenous people and kids 5 and under are free).

● Time needed: 1-3 hours.

● Age group: 12 and up.

11. Book an Ethical Whale Watching Trip

A British Columbia family vacation wouldn’t be complete without whale watching. There’s nothing like watching minke, orca, humpback and gray whales in the wild (though orca and humpback are the most common in the area). I recommend the Prince of Whales or Wild Whales touring companies, as they’re both endorsed by the Pacific Whalewatch Association and operate very close to the cruise port.

● Cost: $$$.

● Time needed: 3-5 hours.

● Age group: 3 and up.

12. See Peak Vancouver on Grouse Mountain

If your family loves to hike, exploring Grouse Mountain is one of the most fun things to do in Vancouver. Home to a grizzly bear refuge, ziplines, trails and ropes to climb, this spot makes for a quintessential Canadian adventure.

● Cost: $$$.

● Time needed: 2-3 hours.

● Age group: 3 and up.

How to Plan a Vancouver Family Vacation

Consider What the Seasons are Like In Vancouver

Expect some rain and mild temperatures.

● Winter: 30-45 degrees, very rainy; best for winter sports.

● Spring: 35-55 degrees, rainy; best for cherry blossoms and whale watching.

● Summer: 50-65 degrees, sunny; best for hiking and swimming.

● Autumn: 35-60 degrees, very rainy; best for leaf peeping.

Know What to Pack for a Vancouver Family Vacation

A good packing list is key for the Pacific Northwest. Here’s what you need:

● Clothing layers.

● Binoculars, if you plan on looking for wildlife.

● Camera and/or smartphone.

● Chargers.

● Waterproof bags for electronics.

● Rain jacket.

● Swim suit.

● Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes (I like Chacos or boots).

● Travel documents.

● Hat (for warmth or shade, depending on the season).

● Sunglasses.

● Reef-safe sunscreen.

● Bug spray.

● Bear spray, if you’re hiking.

● Water bottle.

● Snacks.

● Waterproof daypack.

● Physical map of the area.

● First aid kit.

● Reusable bags.

● Foldable, hooded and lightweight stroller for littles.

Get Food From the Best Family-Friendly Restaurants In Vancouver

One of the most fun activities in Vancouver is to hunt down great food. Here are the five best family-friendly restaurants with both omnivore and vegetarian options:

● Japadog: Imaginative menu, tasty meat and veggie dogs. Multiple locations

● Dante Italian Sandwich: Italian sandwiches, grilled cheeses. 360 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2B2, Canada

● Go Fish: Takeaway, great fish and chips, lots of snacks. 1505 W 1st Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1E8, Canada

● Captain's Oven Pizza Vancouver: Huge menu, creative options, savory and dessert pizzas. 1110 W Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6E 2S1, Canada

● Waffleland Café: Norwegian and Belgian Liège waffles, all-day breakfast, savory options too. 32 Water St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1A4, Canada

Book the Best Kid-Friendly Hotels In Vancouver for a Pre- or Post-Cruise Stay

Here are the best hotels for kids in Vancouver to stay in before or after your Royal Caribbean cruise:

● Pan Pacific Vancouver: At the terminal, heated saltwater pools. 999 Canada Pl #300, Vancouver, BC V6C 3B5, Canada

● St. Regis Hotel Vancouver: Kids under 12 are free, on-site bakery. 602 Dunsmuir St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1Y6, Canada

● Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront: Seawall access, indoor pool. 1133 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6E 3T3, Canada

● Auberge Vancouver Hotel: Squash courts, port views. 837 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6C 1B6, Canada

● The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver: Early check-in available, weekend kids cooking classes. 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4, Canada

Use Vancouver Transit Options to Get Around

The best Vancouver family activities are sprinkled all around the city, so make sure to take advantage of the great public transit options:

● SkyTrain.

● SeaBus.

● False Creek Ferries (walk-on).

● Metro buses.

Any Vancouver, Canada family vacation is made a lot more convenient with these transit choices, especially with the right payment method:

● Tap to pay: Convenient, no lines.

● One-time Compass Ticket: Unlimited 90 minutes, best for travelers who just plan on using transit for this short period.

● DayPass Ticket: Unlimited trips for a day, best for travelers who will use it all day.

● Cash: Handy on False Creek Ferries (Compass Ticket or DayPass aren’t accepted), can use for tipping.

More Vancouver Family Vacation Travel Tips

Here are other tips for the best Vancouver, Canada family vacation:

● Similar to Seattle vacations, it’s important to have an indoor and an outdoor plan.

● Bundle attractions to save money via Vancouver Attractions.

● Use Spokes for all-day bike rentals.

● Get any picnic food from Granville Island Public Market.

● Keep your eye out for Star Walk plaques downtown.

● Ask your hotel about shuttles to non-downtown sites.

● Check the tides before you go to the beach.

● Shop in Gastown.

● If your kids don’t like crowds, hit alternatives to popular sites (for example, Lynn Canyon Park instead of Capilano or Lonsdale Quay Market instead of Granville).

● The SkyTrain Canada Line is the best way to get to and from the airport.

● Mount Pleasant has the best coffee shop selection.

● Take a ferry for an affordable time on the water if a whale watching trip is out of reach.

● The best urban spot for quiet time is the rooftop Phillips, Hager and North Garden on Level 9 of the Central Library.

● Wander around Canada Place or head straight to the Vancouver Seawall at Stanley Park if your kids are antsy post-cruise.

● The Capilano Suspension Bridge Park or museum gift shops have the best souvenirs.

● Vanier Park museums offer by-donation entry on first Sundays.

● The Vancouver Art Gallery is free from 4 PM to 8 PM on first Fridays.

● Check out West Coast Sightseeing, BagsAway or The Great Canadian Trolley Co’s All-Day Baggage for all-day luggage storage at the Vancouver cruise port.

● The Terra Nova Adventure Play Environment is the best playground in the area — it’s in Richmond, so on the day you’re flying home, leave early so you can stop here before the airport and get the wiggles out.

Your Own Vancouver, Canada Family Vacation Awaits

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