What to Do in Vancouver This Summer

A lively city to visit any time of year, Vancouver is brim-full of activities and events for families traveling there in the summer. The largest city in Canada’s province of British Columbia, Vancouver lies between the North Shore Mountains and the waters of the Strait of Georgia, adding beaches and outdoor sports to its attractions.

Getting around is not only easy, but also fun. Skytrain, which connects the city to the airport, gives passengers a scenic aerial city tour, also linking  popular destinations like Granville Island and Science World.

Granville Island is a family destination filled with activities, entertainment and markets. One of these is the Kids Market, housed inside an old paint factory. More than 25 stores offer toys, games, clothing, magic supplies and other kid-centric temptations. Elsewhere on the island are artisan shops, playgrounds, a splash park, entertainers and a vibrant public market.

While you can take Skytrain to Science World, kids will have fun getting there on the Aquabus or False Creek ferries. Science World’s interactive exhibits are geared to all age groups and encourage kids to explore the world around them. In high-energy Eurika Gallery, kids learn while playing with light, sound and water in activities where they can dance on drums, launch parachutes and make music with colored lights.

Take a trip to the tropics at Bloedel Conservatory in Queen Elizabeth Park, which you can get to on the Skytrain. Kids will like the red, blue and dwarf macaws; African parrot; parakeets; cockatoos; and other colorful birds inhabiting this indoor rainforest.

You can walk through a West Coast rainforest in another park, the city’s largest; Stanley Park sits on a peninsula surrounded by the Burrard Inlet, whose waters wash three separate swimming beaches. Explore the park on its bike paths, walk its trails or take Stanley Park Railway on a 15-minute ride through the park. A highlight is Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s largest and home to 65,000 aquatic animals.

You’ll see a lot of colorful kayaks in the calm sea waters around Vancouver, and your family can join them with rentals, tours or lessons from Jericho Beach Kayak Centre. Dedicated family tours are a good way to expose kids (or yourself) to kayaking, and you’ll get a whole new set of city views from the water surrounding the city.