Vancouver, British Columbia

Vancouver has beautiful naural scenery and lots to do for all ages. The excellent international food scene is also a huge draw. Family activities can be found in virtually every neighborhood, and we will help you choose some of the best.

There are several places to order baby gear rental (like strollers, cribs, and carseats) if you need it.

Babysitting can be arranged through Nannies On Call

If you plan to drive in Vancouver, be sure to review Local Car Seat Regulations

For information about passport and identification requirements, please visit travel.state.gov Babies and children are subject to the same requirements as adults.

Jump to activities, hotels, shopping, restaurants, and hospitals.

Activities

Bloedel Floral Conservatory

Address 405 West 33rd Avenue, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604-257-8570, Hours Mon-Fri 9am - 8pm, Sat-Sun 10am-9pm Website

Inside a huge triodetic dome in Queen Elizabeth Park is the Blodel Florel Conservatory. Its lush tropical environment is a wonderland for babies, toddlers and older kids. It houses over 100 tropical birds that freely fly about, three simulated climates (tropical rainforest, sub-tropical and desert) and has paths for wandering ...

Granville Island

Address 1496 Cartwright Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604–689-8447, Rentals stroller rentals are available in the kids market, Hours daily 10am-6pm, Cost varies by activity; there's plenty to do for free Website

Granville Island has a little bit of everything, artists studios/shops, a covered farmers market, museums, and great activities for kids. A half day, with breakfast or lunch on the island is easy to fill, but during summer one could easily spend a full day or more. We love to ...

Night Market

Address Keefer Street and Main, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604)682-8998, Location Keefer Street between Main and Columbia Website

During summer, BC's two biggest Asian night markets can be a lot of fun for adults and kids. The street market, like night markets in Asia, features many different boots selling food, artistic handicrafts, clothing, music, etc. They also feature multicultural performances, games, and even prizes

Sea Bus

Address 601 West Cordova Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Cost Adults $2.25, children under 4 free. Discount after 6:30pm, Hours Approx 6am-1am Mon-Sat, 8am-11pm Sun Website

Toddlers and older kids will love riding on the SeaBus passenger ferry and adults will enjoy the beautiful views. The service sevice consists of two double-ended catamaran ferries, each seating up to 400 passengers. The trip across Vancouver's scenic Burrard Inlet from downtown Vancouver to the North Shore takes ...

Stanley Park

Address 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 659-3474, Bus from downtown, take bus #19 Website

Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world and is one of the city's main tourist attractions for all ages. You won't, of course, be able to cover all 1000 acres of the park, but there are some terrific activities ...

Vancouver Aquarium

Address 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 659-3474, Hours Summer 9:30am-7pm; Winter 10am-5:30pm, Tickets may be purchased in advance on their website Website

The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Canada. There are huge tanks and lots of different sea animals as well as daily shows. We loved the dolphin show and the beautiful jelly fish displays. The aquarium can be quite crowded on weekends, so we recommend arriving early and buying ...

Vancouver Art Gallery

Address 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604.662.4719, Hours Daily 10am-5:30pm. Tue and Th until 9pm, Cost Adults $19.50; Kids 4 & under are free Website

Kidstops offer activities and information for school aged children visiting the museum. The 3rd Sunday of every month, the museum is transformed to be a fun art & craft space for kids.

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Hotels

Granville Island Hotel

Address 1253 Johnston St., Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 683-7373, Website

This small hotel is ideally situated for families. You'll be able to step out the door and get your breakfast at the wonderful public market in the morning. All rooms feature free internet (excellent when your kids are napping or asleep for the night) and some suites are available ...

Hotel Opus

Address 322 Davie Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 642-6787, Website

My personal favorite, the Opus Hotel is located in the new, hip Yaletown area of Vancouver steps away from some of the city's hottest new restaurants and shops. Rooms have a modern design and comfortable Frette linens. High speed internet available (fee). The excellent Urban Fare Gourmet Market is ...

Sutton Place Hotel

Address 845 Burrard Street, Vancouver, Canada V6Z 2K6 Map, Tel (604) 682-5511,

Less expensive than some of it's neighbors in the Robson Street area, the Sutton Place is a welcoming hotel right in the heart of the shopping district. Rooms are a bit dated, but clean. The king apartments, with full kitchens, are a find for extended stays and with kids ...

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Restaurants

Feenie's

Address 2563 West Broadway, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 739-7115, Notes Lunch and Dinner. Brunch on weekends only. Website

If you want to experience the food at Lumiere, but need to dine with your kids (or want a more casual atmosphere), Feenie's is a great choice. Feenies serves more casual, family friendly food while still maintaining a level of quality and creativity that gourmets will appreciate. There is ...

Go Fish

Address 1505 West 1st Ave., Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604-730-5040, Notes reservations not accepted

This shack on the western approach to Granville Island serves deliciously fresh and non-traditional seafood dishes like salmon tacos, tempura battered fish and chips and simple grilled seafood. Year round patio. Weekends can be very crowded.

Lee's Donuts of Granville Island

Address 1689 Johnston Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 685-4021, Location Inside the Granville Island Market

Lee's donuts might just make the perfect donut. They're sweet, but not goopy. Fluffy and tender, but slightly crispy on the outside. Best of all, they can be made to order if you ask. Try the honey-dipped. You won't be sorry you did.

Lumière

Address 2551 West Broadway, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 739-8185, Website

Hire a sitter, and get out for dinner without the kids. Lumière has become a destination restaurant for food groupies. The food is best described as French inspired northwest food. Food is delicate and highlights the fresh seasonal ingredients. Try the Herb-Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Chanterelles or go all ...

Phnom Penh

Address 244 East Georgia St., Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel 604-682-5777, Hours 10am-10pm daily, Notes high chairs available

A favorite of both Julia Child and Anthony Bourdain, this Cambodian-Vietnamese restaurant is a bit of a dive, but the food is distinctly special. The huge menu can be a bit intimidating, but waitstaff are happy to offer suggestions, and we've never had a single dish that wasn't ...

Sun Sui Wah

Address 102 Alderbridge Place, Richmond, Canada Map, Tel (604) 273-8208,

Chinese food in general and dim sum in particular are particularly competitive in Vancouver and nearby Richmond. Sun Sui Wah has managed to be among the best restaurants in town for years. I was amazed not only by the sheer variety and number of dishes available, but also the quality ...

Vij's

Address 1480 W. 11th Ave, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 736-6664, Website

This Indian/fusion restaurant ranks high on the list of reasons I head to Vancouver repeatedly. The food is creative and updated while maintaining a deep respect for traditional Indian ingredients and cooking techniques. Dishes like Garam Masala curried chicken liver pate, Duck breast and brown basmati rice pilaf in ...

Vij's Rangoli

Address 1480 W. 11th Ave, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 736-6664, Hours 11am-8pm daily, Notes Outdoor seating available, refrigerated and frozen takeaway also available Website

Can't wait for Vij's? Only in town for lunch? Want to bring young kids along? Want to take some of that delicious Vij's experience home with you? Open from 11am to 8pm next door to Vij's, this casual spot has frozen entrees and starters to go ...

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Shopping

ModernKid

Address 45 Water Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 662-3181, Hours Mon-Sat 10am-6pm, Sun and Holidays 12n-5pm Website

This store has a great selection of modern decor, toys, and accessories for babies and young kids.

Thomas Haas Fine Chocolates and Patisserie

Address 998 Harbourside Dr., Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 924-1847, Website

Haas is a former pastry chef at Daniel in New York. His pastry shop offers delicious chocolates (try the Indian spiced chocolates made especially for Vij's) or take home some freezer cookies to bake in your own oven.

Hospitals

BC Children's Hospital

Address 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver, Canada Map, Tel (604) 875-2345, Notes Emergency Department is located beside the main entrance to the lobby and there is metered parking outside the entrance. Patients are seen using a triage system, meaning that the doctors will see the sickest patinets first Website