Going there for a few days with the missus and 5 year old. Suggestions for what we (as in the little princess and I) can do so the missus can do…whatever it is that she does when we’re not around?
The Aquarium
A horse drawn carriage ride around Stanley park
(you can get tickets for both in the same place - or you could a few years ago)
Choose from whichever tour bus that drives around the city pointing out stuff.
Don’t expect to see anything movie or TV show related - they don’t (or didn’t when I was there) make a Big Deal about it.
There are several nice parks and gardens places - but the kids might get bored, although you can always play spot the black squirrel to keep them amused (I thought they were skinny black cats at first!)
It’s quite a small city and [for me anyway] it’s very quick to get around on foot, Gastown has a steam operated clock that makes lots of noise on the hour (or possibly more often, I only saw it on the hour!)
The place should be in full cherry blossom bloom, so you can gawp at the trees!
Enjoy!!
Macmillan Space Centre in Vanier Park if she’s into science. They have good kid-friendly planetarium shows during the day (or did the last time I was there).
Science World is a pretty standard science centre, but it’s quite large. Downside is that IIRC it’s a bit pricey.
Granville Island is interesting and there’s usually a lot going on. There’s a kids Market right at the entrance to the island, immediately after you come in off the bridge. But only go there if you’re prepared for her to want a bunch of the cool toys!
Vanier Park is an excellent suggestion, if the weather is nice. In addition to the Planetarium, the Maritime Museum is right there, and there’s a cute, inexpensive little water taxi service that will take you over to Granville Island, where’s there’s lots of kids’ stuff to do, and from there to Science World or wherever, if you want to make a day of it.
In my experience, kids love the water taxi.
When are you planning on coming? If it’s a couple weeks away yet and coincides with a week-end, you might also check out the Burnaby Central Miniature Railway. (It opens for the year April 6th.) This is golden.
All of the above are excellent suggestions. I’d add going to to the top of Grouse Mountain. You can take a cable car up and the view is spectacular.
Grouse Mountain is pretty pricey.
My kidlets loved the aquarium. Especially the spitting beluga
Vancouver BC with child.
So, who’s the daddy who knocked up Vancouver? Kamloops?
Nobody has yet mentioned mentioned Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park.