We recently took our first family trip to Vancouver, and it was an experience that struck a perfect balance between urban excitement and serene moments with our little ones. Vancouver is known for its mix of vibrant city life and proximity to nature, making it an ideal destination for families like ours. Here’s a glimpse of what we got up to and some tips for creating your own unforgettable family adventure.
Why Vancouver?
As a city that seamlessly combines natural beauty and urban sophistication, Vancouver has something for every kind of traveler. For us, it was about introducing our kids to a new environment and finding family-friendly spots that were still enjoyable for us as parents.
Vancouver’s waterfront, sprawling parks, and impressive range of restaurants make it a destination that checks all the boxes—whether you’re traveling with toddlers or just want a quick escape from daily life.
Family-Friendly Stays: The Fairmont Waterfront
For this trip, we chose the Fairmont Waterfront, which offered an ideal location to explore the city. The hotel welcomed us with family-friendly amenities that made our stay hassle-free. Upon arrival, the crib was already set up, and we had a beautiful view of the harbor from our room, which felt like a luxury retreat amid the bustle of the city.
One thing we loved about the Fairmont was its dedication to making family travel seamless. From the moment we checked in, the staff ensured that everything we needed for our kids was prepared. Louie, our dachshund, also felt right at home, thanks to the hotel’s pet-friendly policy.
Pro Tip: Always call ahead and ask about family or pet amenities. It helps you pack lighter and ensures the whole family has what they need!
A nice welcome!
Dinner at Nightingale
Vancouver’s food scene is top-notch, and our dinner at Nightingale was the highlight. Nightingale was one of our old haunts when we used to live in Vancouver. The atmosphere was perfect for a night out—elegant yet laid-back. It was exactly what we needed to unwind and reconnect after a busy day with the kids.
The menu is packed with seasonal, locally-sourced ingredients, and we were able to enjoy high-quality cuisine without sacrificing the casual, relaxed vibe. We chose to make it a date night out without the kids, but saw plenty of other families dining comfortably that evening.
Pro Tip: Nightingale can get busy, so it’s a good idea to book ahead. They also offer takeout, so if dining with kids becomes a challenge, you can still enjoy their fantastic food in the comfort of your hotel room.
Exploring the Vancouver Aquarium
On our first full day, we headed to the Vancouver Aquarium, a must-visit for families. Our kids were absolutely mesmerized by the underwater displays, and it was a great indoor activity to break up the day.
What sets the aquarium apart is its focus on marine conservation, which was an added educational aspect to our visit. We found ourselves fascinated by the exhibits, learning alongside our kids. They also offer stroller rentals and wide walkways, making it easy to navigate with little ones.
A Day at Stanley Park: The Heart of Vancouver
No trip to Vancouver is complete without a visit to Stanley Park, it’s always been a favourite for us. The park’s vastness means there’s plenty of space to explore, and we made a point of visiting the famous Totem Poles and taking a stroll along the Seawall.
With kids, it’s always important to balance exploration with downtime, so we planned breaks at the many playgrounds scattered throughout the park. There’s so much open space for kids to run around, and it’s a relaxing experience for adults too.
For those looking to dive into nature, the park offers bike rentals and even horse-drawn carriage tours, which can be fun for all ages. We opted for a casual walk, taking in the views of the ocean and mountains.
Pro Tip: Pack snacks or a picnic to enjoy one of the many scenic spots in the park. Stanley Park has several designated picnic areas, and the kids will love the open space to run around while you relax.
Checking Out the Vancouver International Auto Show
One of the highlights of our trip was the Vancouver International Auto Show. Justin’s a car enthusiast and we wanted to share that love of cars with our kids, so we couldn’t resist popping in to see what was on display. The best part? Getting up close and personal with a Tesla Cybertruck! It’s just as futuristic in person as it looks in photos, and seeing it up close was pretty wild. The show had plenty to keep everyone entertained. It ended up being a really fun stop for the whole family.
Cultural Stop: Vancouver Art Gallery
We decided to visit the Vancouver Art Gallery, hoping to expose the kids to some art and culture. We lived in Vancouver for almost a decade and had never gone. But better late than never! While the gallery had some interesting pieces, we felt it was quite small compared to other major city galleries.
If you’re on the fence about visiting, it’s worth noting that this experience is probably better suited for older kids or adults. It might be worth checking their special exhibitions first or opting for a family-friendly museum like Science World instead.
Reflections and Takeaways
Our Vancouver trip was the perfect combination of family adventure and moments of luxury. Traveling with kids can sometimes be a challenge, but this city made it easy for us. From the natural beauty of Stanley Park to the luxury of the Fairmont and the family-friendly dining, we felt both relaxed and fulfilled.
Whether you’re traveling with toddlers, older kids, or even pets, Vancouver has plenty to offer. It’s a place where you can slow down and enjoy the moment or dive headfirst into the energy of city life.
We can’t wait to return!
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