Vancouver is one of the most remarkable cities in North America. Located in western Canada, the city is very appealing with its nature, tourist attractions, culture, and much more. Because of being the last stop of the Canadian Pacific Rail, the city is also known as Terminal City. Some say the city is one of the most pleasant cities to visit in Canada. Except that Vancouver is one of the most prosperous and safest cities in the world.
But despite having all the characteristics of a young and vibrant city, Vancouver has a rich history. Native American tribes settled this region more than 10,000 years ago. The modern Vancouver as we know was founded by British soldier George Vancouver in 1791.
There are too many things to explore in Vancouver. Some of them are exquisite delicacies. There is a reason that the city is also known as Vansterdam or Amsterdam of North America.
Places to Visit in Vancouver with Kids
Vancouver is one of the fun cities to visit and explore with children. The city offers an unforgettable experience with its vast parks, untouched nature, and fun attractions. In Vancouver, you can get away for a few days with the kids and, at the same time, relieve the exhaustion of the whole year.
Stanley Park
Each major city has its own green park: Montreal and Parc Mont-Royal, London and Hide Park New York, and Central Park. In Vancouver, Stanley Park is where you can walk and enjoy the greenery. This huge 400-hectare park is a great place to visit with kids in the city for a nice walk along the water. It offers beautiful panoramas over the whole town and the coast. The location is also very popular with joggers and cyclists. You can rent bikes if you want to cycle around the park and explore its beauties. The Seawall promenade is the best way to cycle around 9 km. You can also visit Siwash Rock to see the Girl in Wetsuit sculpture, Native American Totem Area at Brockton Point, or enjoy the view over Lions Gate Bridge. If you think where should i go in Vancouver with kids, Stanley Park should be at the top of the list.
Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium, the largest aquarium in Canada, is inside Stanley Park. More than 70,000 animals live inside the aquarium, including otters, penguins, and dolphins. The primary purpose of the aquarium is to preserve the marine life of the Pacific Rim. This makes the aquarium different from other zoos. There are various themes inside the place. The place is split up into multiple zones according to the Canadian ecosystem. The site also offers many shows, workshops, activities, and other things. Some of the activities included animals from the aquarium.
Lynn Canyon Park
If you are looking for a place to enjoy the fantastic outdoors, then Lynn Canyon Park is one of the best places to visit in North Vancouver. There are hiking trails, waterfalls, an ecological center, and a breathtaking suspension bridge.
The Lynn Canyon suspension bridge, a footbridge that sits 50 meters above the void, is undoubtedly worth the detour! Passing the bridge is free and offers a spectacular view. The bridge bounces and swings while walking, and this makes the passage nerve-racking. It’ll be a remarkable yet memorable experience for you and the kids.
There are many hiking trails in the park for every level. So, it is wise to visit the park in walking shoes. Otherwise, the visit will be painful. You can also leave the trail and explore the forest.
Where to Stay in Vancouver With Kids
Different hotels await you in Vancouver to relax, get away from the city crowd and relax after a tiring day with the kids. If you haven’t decided where to stay in Vancouver yet, you can find the most suitable hotels for you and your children from this list.
Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites: Relaxing in private suites after a whole adventure also means getting ready for the new day to come. You can choose Delta Hotels by Marriott Vancouver Downtown Suites for a remote and intimate experience on your Vancouver vacation. A nine-minute walk from the beach and a fifteen-minute drive from the Vancouver Aquarium, Delta Hotels by Marriott is one of the best options if you are looking for where to stay in Vancouver with family.
Opus Hotel: Opus Hotel is one of the best options you can choose for a family stay in Vancouver. After a fun and energetic day in the city, you can relax and enjoy at the hotel’s spa center. The hotel’s Italian restaurant, on the other hand, offers the legendary flavor of Northern Italy. One of the best aspects of Opus Hotel is the bike rental service. Thanks to this, you can explore the city in an alternative way. The hotel where is the best place to stay in Vancouver with kids.
Hilton Vancouver Downtown: The fun and adventure you experience in Vancouver continue at the Hilton Vancouver Downtown. The hotel is 3 km from the very famous Stanley Park and 550 meters from the Vancouver Arts Centre. The hotel’s heated outdoor pool and the hot tube become a much more enjoyable place, especially in Vancouver’s winter months. Hilton Vancouver Downtown is one of the best choices where to stay in Vancouver.
Places to Visit in Vancouver for Couples
It is also possible to have a romantic vacation in Vancouver. You can get lost in the crowd of the city or spend a holiday entangled with unique nature. You have many alternatives to have an unforgettable experience. One thing is for sure, Vancouver is a place full of surprises for couples.
Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
This is one of the most popular places of interest near Vancouver, the Capilano Suspension Bridge. Capilano Suspension Bridge is one of the most popular tourist spots near Vancouver. Just 15 minutes away from the city center, the park, you can walk on the hiking trails, around trees, or walk on the cliff walk. In the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, as you can assume, there is a famous suspension bridge over the canyon. The 70-meters-high bridge is visited by thousands of people every year. The bridge is really slippery to walk, and some visitors might feel insecure over the bridge.
Granville Island
Granville is one of the most visited islands of Vancouver. The main attraction of the island is its vast market. There are lots of local and fresh products like fruits, vegetables, and cheeses well-priced. You should also have lunch in the food court of the markets. You can find lots of different meals from different countries. Indian, Italian, Chinese, Mexican, and French cuisines are the most popular. You can take your lunch outside and eat by the water. There are plentiful local breweries in Granville. Thus you can enjoy your meal with a beer. The island is home to a lot of vintage shops. Maybe you can find unique pieces made by local artisans after a couple of tours.
Vancouver Lookout
Every big city should have its observation tower, and Vancouver is no exception to the rule. Edge at Hudson Yards in New York, CN Tower at Toronto, A’DAM Lookout at Amsterdam, and Vancouver Lookout at Vancouver. The building is located very close to Glastown’s Steam Clock and 5 minutes from the Waterfront. You’ll climb 170 meters in just 40 seconds, thanks to its elevator. There will be a breathtaking 360° Vancouver panorama awaiting you. You can also have dinner in the restaurant in the tower. The view will be a feast for your eyes while you’re enjoying your meal.
Where to Stay in Vancouver for Couples
You can turn a Vancouver holiday into a place of leisure and rejuvenation break at the same time. Thanks to the luxurious and glamorous hotels in the city, you can have a refreshing experience during your romantic holiday. If you are looking for the best places to stay in Vancouver for couples, you should consider these hotels.
JW Marriott Parq Vancouver: JW Marriott Parq Vancouver offers a refreshing yet delicious experience. The hotel has eight different restaurants. Luxurious and bright rooms have a great city view. You can also relax in the hotel’s spa section. Experienced masseuses and masseurs will wipe away the tiredness from your body. JW Marriott Parq Vancouver is amongst the best hotels Vancouver.
Paradox Hotel Vancouver: Located in the city’s heart, Paradox Hotel Vancouver has extensive amenities. You can have a soothing bath in the bathtub near full glass windows and enjoy the city view. The hotel also has a cocktail bar, a Chinese restaurant, and a spa section. Paradox Hotel Vancouver is the ideal place if you are looking for where to stay in Vancouver city centre.
Granville Island Hotel: If you are looking for alternate places to stay in Vancouver, Granville Island Hotel is one of the good options. It is located on the island and thanks to this it is very close to the island’s tourist attractions. You can enjoy a beautiful morning while walking in Granville Loop Park.
Places to Visit in Vancouver
Whether you have a family trip, a business trip, or a visit as a backpacker, there are many places to visit in Vancouver. You can explore the different sides of the city and blend into this Canadian wonder. Museums, shopping streets, hockey stadiums, and many other things… There is a place for everyone in Vancouver.
Vancouver Art Gallery
If you want to escape the bad weather or want to see some of the most important art pieces in the world, Vancouver Art Gallery awaits you. Since its opening in 1931, the gallery has had extensive collections and exhibitions to visit. Vancouver Art Gallery has impressive exhibits of First Nations of Canada. If you are lucky, you can also have a chance to enjoy the great works of some artists like Emily Carr, Alberto Giacometti, and Claude Monet.
Vancouver Science World
TELUS World of Science, also known as Science World on the most fascinating places to visit in Vancouver. The place is very different from other museums you can visit. There are lots of different interactive sessions, from the human body to how galaxies are formed. Kids also enjoy the place. The site’s most mesmerizing part is the OMNIMAX Cinema. This is the most impressive cinematic experience you’ve ever seen before.
Vancouver MOA
If you like museums, you should undoubtedly visit the Museum of Anthropology of Vancouver (MOA). The museum is located on the University of Vancouver campus. First Nations have particular importance in the city. While walking around the city, you can see towns and regions names are also indicated in the First Nations language. It is a fascinating museum that presents more than 16,000 objects relating to the other cultures of the world, especially China and Africa. In addition, you can also see an impressive collection of totems in the museum.
Where to Stay in Vancouver
From the most luxurious to budget-friendly destinations, Vancouver has a variety of hotels to cater to many different needs. You can treat yourself on your holiday by finding the most suitable one among these hotels.
Rosewood Hotel Georgia: Rosewood is one of the most luxurious and best places to stay in Vancouver. Just across the Vancouver Art Gallery, Rosewood Hotel Georgia is close to pretty much everywhere in the city center. From the indoor saltwater pool to the exquisite 1927 Lobby Lounge, the hotel offers a splendid vacation.
Fairmont Pacific Rim: Located in downtown Fairmont Pacific Rim is in the best area to stay in Vancouver. As soon as you step into the hotel, you will see that everything has been thought of with delicate taste. The pool, hot tube, and sitting areas on the hotel’s roof provide a perfect relaxation area against the city view. If you are looking for a place in Vancouver where to stay, Fairmont Pacific Rim is one of the best options.
Hampton Inn & Suits by Hilton: If you want to prefer where to stay in Vancouver on a budget, the best option is Hampton Inn & Suits by Hilton. It is budget-friendly, yet it is still Hilton. The hotel is located just across the BC Place Stadium. You can walk to many important places like Queen Elizabeth Theatre or Rogers Arena. If you think about where should i stay in Vancouver, you won’t regret staying in Hampton Inn & Suits by Hilton.
See also: Best place to stay in Montreal