4 Things to Do for Outdoor Family Fun in Vancouver, Canada

The Canadian city of Vancouver is filled with places to take children, from Telus World of Science and Vancouver Aquarium to the colorful Kids Market and a free waterpark. But just as many adventures lure family travelers outside the city.

Aim High
Gross Mountain, a four-season attraction, is a 15-minute ride from downtown Vancouver. The ride to the top in the Red Skyride opens up prize views of the British Columbia mountains. Attractions include a wildlife reserve, lumberjack show, treetop canopy tour, zip lines and even a kid’s canopy tour. The Sea to Sky Gondola, near Squamish, is a 45-minute ride to a mountaintop with views from a suspension bridge and platform overlooking Howe Sound.

Go to the Beach
The city of Vancouver has eight beautiful beaches on its shoreline. Try English Bay Beach and Second Beach (with outdoor heated pool) and Third Beach (a bit more remote), all three in Stanley Park. Or head for one of the nearby lakes to swim.

Watch Whales
The Pacific coast and its offshore islands offer some of the best whale watching in North America, especially from March through October. Killer whales, also called orcas (not as aggressive as their Spanish cousins), are often seen, along with white-sided dolphins, minke and grey whales, and even humpback whales. Cruises leave from the docks on Duranleau Street, Granville Island and from 2^nd Avenue and No. 1 Road in Richmond, across the Fraser River.

Take to the Water
One of the best ways to get to know Vancouver is by water. Two ferry companies cross False Creek inlet on the south side of the island with stops on both sides and views of the city. False Creek Ferry makes nine stops between the Village Ferry Dock on the east end of False Creek to Maritime Museum Ferry Dock on Elsie Point.

Granville Island Aquabus Ferry has eight stops on False Creek. To cross the Burrard Inlet from the north side of Vancouver Island, use Seabus, which operates a fleet of frequent ferries. You can get even closer to the water on a kayaking or paddleboarding adventure. It’s easy to rent kayaks and paddleboards from Vancouver Water Adventures.