We love traveling. Traveling with kids can be an exciting and enriching experience for the whole family. Exploring new cultures, trying different cuisines, and creating lasting memories together can be a wonderful way to bond.
We went to Vancouver, BC, in Canada, in winter 2023 and spring 2024! Vancouver is kind of a special location to me because we went there for our honeymoon in 2015! ( Wow, time flies!) This time, it was different since four of us went together! Everything was different, but everything was great! Let me share what we did on this great family trip to Vancouver!
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We went to Vancouver by car. It took us about 1.5 hours to get to Vancouver from our place.
On the way, we had to stop by this Mexican food place inside the gas station because it was so good. Every time we go around that area, it is a must-stop place for us. The place is called “Juana’s Taqueria Mexican Food” (Address: 18729 Fir Island, Conway, WA98238). The best part is that there is ice cream in the gas station, so my boys get ice cream afterwards, and their ice cream is also so good!
Winter 2023
It does not get super cold in Vancouver in the winter, but there are definitely limitations for some activities, especially if you are expecting outdoor activities. Let me share some activities we did!
Before talking about any local activities, I just want to tell you that my boys love “staying in a hotel” because it is so special to them. That is why we try to book a hotel that has a pool so that we can also enjoy some hotel experiences.
We stayed at a hotel in North Vancouver called “Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier” for two nights. The hotel has a huge swimming pool and a gym. It is actually a gym or pool, not only for hotel guests but also for local gym members. It was crowded sometimes when we were there, but we could still enjoy swimming. (Well, we were at the pool at 8 a.m. since the boys could not wait.)
Since the hotel is just by the pier, the view was beautiful! There were a lot of restaurants and cafes within walking distance. For winter, they also had a skate rink right in front of the hotel, so you can definitely enjoy the “winter-like” atmosphere.
The hotel has a restaurant, “The Lobby Restaurant,” and they had an amazing breakfast or brunch. The highlight was their Belgian liège waffle (picture).
Our first morning started with breakfast at the restaurant in the hotel and swimming. After that, we went to Granville Island.
granville island
Granville Island, located in the heart of Vancouver, is a vibrant urban oasis that offers an array of activities and attractions. Known for its bustling public market, artistic flair, and stunning waterfront views, Granville Island is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists.
Granville Island is also a hub for the arts. The island is home to numerous galleries, studios, and theaters. Visitors can explore the works of local artists, catch a performance at the Granville Island Stage, or even participate in a hands-on workshop. The island’s commitment to art and culture makes it a perfect destination for creative minds.
The Granville Island Public Market is the island’s star attraction. Here, you can find a diverse selection of fresh produce, gourmet foods, and unique artisanal products. Whether you’re looking to sample local delicacies or pick up some fresh ingredients for a home-cooked meal, the market has something for everyone.
We decided to have lunch at the market. We got hamburgers at Market Grill. Hamburgers were actually really good!
After lunch, we went to the Kids Market on Granville Island. I was able to take these pictures. The picture on the left was taken on our honeymoon (2015), and the picture on the right was taken with the boys (2023)! I am so happy to be back with my boys at my special place!
The Kids Market is housed in a colorful two-story building filled with a variety of shops and attractions tailored specifically for kids. From toy stores and clothing boutiques to a dedicated arcade and a craft shop, there’s something for every child. The market is designed to capture the imagination of young visitors, making it an ideal spot for a family day out.
We actually spent hours in the Kids Market, and the boys were super happy and had a great time!
We spent a whole day on Granville Island. We ended up going to the pool again at night, and the boys just crashed to bed at 9 p.m.
Cleveland dam
The second day, we went to Cleveland Dam and we enjoyed hiking at the trail. It is located in the stunning North Shore Mountains, Cleveland Dam is one of Vancouver’s hidden gems. This picturesque spot is perfect for a day of exploration, offering breathtaking views and a variety of outdoor activities. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Cleveland Dam has something for everyone.
One of the main attractions of Cleveland Dam is its stunning scenery. The dam itself is an impressive structure, but the views of the surrounding mountains and Capilano Lake are what truly steal the show. Cleveland Dam is a gateway to several hiking trails that cater to different skill levels. The Capilano River Regional Park offers trails that range from easy walks to more challenging hikes. The popular Capilano Pacific Trail starts here and runs all the way to Ambleside Park in West Vancouver. For those who prefer a leisurely stroll, the paths around the dam and lake provide a peaceful environment to enjoy the natural beauty.
Everything was on a big scale, and the boys enjoyed climbing up everything. We hiked for about 1.5 hours, and it was the perfect level and distance. It was cold, but we had a winter jacket on, and we were fine!
We were able to enjoy visiting Vancouver even in the winter. Since it was not raining much, we were still able to enjoy outdoor activities in the winter!
Spring 2024
Because we all loved Vancouver so much, we went back there in spring 2024. Fortunately, the weather was wonderful! The highlight of this trip this time was definitely biking!
We stayed at the same hotel for 2 nights since we really liked the hotel. We left Friday afternoon after school and came back Sunday night. On the way to Vancouver, we had dinner, got tacos at the same Mexican place in the gas station, and got ice cream. After we got to the hotel, we dove into bed, preparing for the next fun day!
The first thing we did was swim in the pool! (We had a small snack beforehand.) After swimming at the pool, we went to grab brunch at a restaurant called Twisted Fork.
Apparently, the place was pretty popular, and we waited for about an hour. I had their stuffed French toast, and it was very good!
After brunch, we decided to go to Stanley Park since the weather was super nice.
stanley park
Stanley Park is a breathtaking urban oasis situated in Vancouver, Canada. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this iconic park offers a diverse array of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Stanley Park has something for everyone.
One of the park’s most popular attractions is the scenic Seawall. This 9-kilometer path encircles the park, providing stunning views of the waterfront, mountains, and city skyline. The Seawall is perfect for walking, jogging, cycling, or rollerblading. It’s an excellent way to soak in the natural beauty of the park while getting some exercise. And this is what we decided to do! We decided to rent bikes (we did not bring our bikes to this trip; we will next time, for sure).
We rented bikes at Coal Harbour Bike Rental. There were many customers when we went there, but their service was very fast, and the renting process was very simple. We were able to rent bikes within 10 minutes! We rented two regular bikes for myself and 8-year-old E, and one tandem bike for my husband and 5-year-old Y. Tandem bike for Y was actually perfect since our ride was 9 km. We stopped a couple of times. Every time we stopped, we were able to enjoy a beautiful view from different angles, and we never got bored. I believe we biked for about 2.5 hours!
For dinner, we went to Hamaei Japanese Restaurant. We had sushi there, and it was very good. I am actually a big fan of uni (sea urchin). They had both local uni and Hokkaido uni. They were both very fresh and good. They were sweet and met in the mouth. My boys’ favorite is always salmon. They enjoyed their salmon so much too!
For the second day, we went to Lynn Canyon Park for hiking.
Lynn Canyon Park
It is located in the picturesque North Vancouver, Lynn Canyon Park is a favorite destination for both locals and tourists. The park offers an array of activities that cater to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and families alike. With its lush forests, stunning waterfalls, and iconic suspension bridge, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
One of the main attractions of Lynn Canyon Park is its extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a beginner, the park has trails that vary in difficulty and length. The popular Baden-Powell Trail offers scenic views and a moderate challenge, while the shorter Twin Falls Trail provides a quick but rewarding hike to the beautiful Twin Falls.
No visit to Lynn Canyon Park is complete without crossing the iconic Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge. Suspended 50 meters above the canyon, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature. It’s a thrilling experience that provides a unique perspective of the park’s stunning landscape.
The place was actually very packed with all the hikers, and we were not able to take pictures at the bridge, but we did cross the bridge!
It is always so nice to explore nature with the boys. Everything they see impresses them, and they can just spend hours in nature.
Vancouver is definitely one of our favorite places to visit! We will be back for sure, and we hope we can do some more outdoor activities! I also feel like they have good and delicious selections of foods, so I hope we can enjoy some more good foods as well!
