Vancouver

Family-friendly Activities

Only 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver, take a walk on Vancouver's wild side as you stand 230 feet (70m) above the waters of the Capilano River on a breath-taking 450-foot-long (137-metres) suspension bridge. Appreciate nature from 3 breath-taking perspectives - the world-famous Capilano Suspension Bridge, the Treetops Adventure, and the thrilling Cliffwalk.  This 27-acre park was made famous by its namesake bridge, which was built back in 1889, and has been added onto with even more attractions to let you experience the temperate rainforests of beautiful British Columbia.  While the wobbly bridge and stunning location is a Vancouver landmark, Capilano Suspension Bridge Park offers an all-encompassing BC experience. History, culture, and nature are presented in unique and thrilling ways with knowledgeable staff and interpretive signage providing as much, or as little, information as guests want. The thrilling Cliffwalk hugs the granite cliffside and offers panoramic views of the thriving rainforest and canyon below. With 16 anchor points in the cliff supporting the structure and two glass platforms, this walk is not for the faint of heart. The Treetops Adventure takes guests 110 feet into the canopy of a coastal rainforest on 7 suspension bridges attached to old-growth trees. It is accessible to guests age 2 to 92. Nature guides provide hourly tours, explaining the importance of a West Coast temperate rainforest to the ecosystem. Guided Tours and seasonal events like Raptors Ridge birds of prey June to October and Canyon Lights late November through to end of January enhance the many experiences at this year-round destination.

See the sights of Vancouver at your own pace with a 24 or 48-hour pass for the hop-on-hop-off sightseeing bus. Choose from a variety of options to suit your interests. Options include access to both City and Park Routes. Listen to an informative on-board commentary to help you choose where to hop off. Experience the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver and the serene natural beauty of the local parks. Jump off at Science World or indulge your passion for sport at the Olympic Village. Stroll the rainforest pathways of Stanley Park, enjoy a bite to eat on Granville Island, visit the iconic Gastown Steam Clock or shop 'til you drop on Robson Street. Benefit from 29 stops, including Coal Harbour, English Bay Beach, Chinatown and the Sports District.

Fly high above Canada's stunning landscapes on a simulated flight ride. Enjoy the longest simulated flight in the world at 8 minutes.  Inside a high-dome screen, hang on to your seat as you careen over snowcapped peaks and zoom across green valleys.  Feel like you’re really there as the wind, mist, and woodsy aromas fill your senses.  Get to know the history and people of Canada during a preflight presentation. The entire experience lasts 25 minutes, a perfect, wallet-friendly activity for families and first-time visitors to Canada.

Ride the Sea to Sky Gondola, explore Whistler Village and admire the natural wonders in between on this 10-hour adventure that departs from Vancouver. Feel in awe of ever-changing landscapes along the Sea to Sky Highway. There will be a pit stop to marvel at the 335 meter high Shannon Falls. Ride the famous Sea to Sky Gondola in Squamish, an outdoor paradise for climbers and backcountry adventurers. The gondola takes you to Habrich Ridge, where you will have 90 minutes to take in breathtaking views of the mountains, coastal rainforest and network of inlets of Howe Sound. Pass the quaint town of Squamish and the Tantalus Glacier while continuing the journey to Whistler. Once there, spend an afternoon exploring downtown shops and cafes. Located at the base of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, home of the 2010 Olympics, you will be able to take advantage of the surrounding hiking trails.

View the spectacular British Columbia coastline by land and ship, followed by a stop at Butchart Gardens en route to the British-inspired city of Victoria. Board a BC Ferries vessel at Tsawwassen terminal for a 90-minute sail through the serene beauty of the Gulf Islands. Marine wildlife sightings from the outdoor ship decks are common, especially eagles, sea lions, and whales. Arrive at Swartz Bay terminal on Vancouver Island and continue to the enchanting botanical paradise of Butchart Gardens. Wander through a series of themed gardens, highlighted by the massive Sunken Garden complete with dancing fountain. The city of Victoria boasts many impressive architectural wonders, including the iconic Parliament Buildings and the waterfront Fairmont Empress Hotel. Visit the unique shops and cafes of Government Street and Chinatown. Stroll along the Inner Harbour for prime ocean views, and enjoy some free time to take in this culturally significant city. Return on the bus to Vancouver by ferry to conclude this diverse tour. Packed with ever-changing experiences of the Pacific Coast and Vancouver Island, this tour is a must-do for those who have not yet visited Victoria.

The Gastown Food Tour will take you through the cobbled streets of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood while enjoying local craft beer, delicious cheese and prosciutto with flavorful local wine, Japanese kar-age style chicken, freshly made Sicilian tortellini, crispy sweet and chili cauliflower, Canadian poutine; handmade fries topped with cheese curds and gravy and a choice of beer/wine, soft organic ice cream, Vancouver's award winning cheesecake, and lemon bars. On this 2.5-hour walking food tour, a professional actor full of passion for the city and its food will share fascinating little-known stories about Vancouver and its “Wild West” history that dates back 150 years. This is a tour you don’t want to miss!

Vancouver’s fascinating past and present come together in this engaging tour that traverses through urban cityscapes, seaside parks, and ancient rainforests. Begin with the highlights of downtown, including Canada Place, home of the 2010 Olympic Cauldron. Wind through impressive modern and historic architecture, past the Arts and Financial Districts and the fashion mecca of Robson Street. Enter the 1,000-acre urban rainforest, Stanley Park, for a unique perspective of the city from a quiet forest setting. Continue across the Lions Gate Bridge to Vancouver’s scenic North Shore and the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. Don’t miss the impressive collection of First Nations artwork and the historic Story Centre. From the spectacular Cliffwalk, gaze out over towering cedars and the Capilano River winding through the valley far below. Take an exhilarating walk across the Capilano Suspension Bridge to the other side, where many unique and informative experiences await, including the TreeTops Adventure. Do not miss the awesome Cliffwalk above the canyon. Return to downtown Vancouver via Stanley Park and English Bay, and get ready to engage all of your senses as you step out into Granville Island Market. This market is an artisan haven for all things local and handmade, including delicious food, coffee, tea, eclectic artwork, and West Coast music. Carry on through bustling Chinatown, a tribute to the Far East. Continue to historic Gastown, the heart of Vancouver, where it all began.  

Nestled at the mountains’ base and shrouded in the forests that blanket the landscape, the North Shore is a treat and a not-to-be-missed day tour. Upon leaving downtown Vancouver, you will travel over Lions Gate Bridge and land on the North Shore. From here you will continue on to The Shipyards District, one of the city’s oldest and fastest growing urban neighbourhoods with its rich shipbuilding history. Home to the Lonsdale Quay Market, The Polygon Gallery, and Burrard Pier, this area is situated along North Vancouver’s vibrant waterfront offering unobstructed views of Vancouver’s stunning skyline to the south and the soaring North Shore mountains to the north. Next, continue your journey up the mountain to Cleveland Dam, a 91-meter (100 yard) high concrete dam at the head of the Capilano River providing the fresh drinking water for the region. Walk across the dam to bathe in the mountainous views. Continue on your journey and arrive at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park to explore this wonderland of nature. Take the heart-quickening walk across this iconic bridge high above the canyon floor. Explore the 7 suspended footbridges in Treetops Adventure, walk the cantilevered bridges adhered to a granite rock face at Cliffwalk, and stroll along elevated boardwalks through the temperate West Coast rainforest learning from interpretive panels along the way. Finally, you will enjoy a scenic tour back across the iconic Lions Gate Bridge to where your tour began.

Relax and feel refreshed before your departure or in between flights in the comfort of a Plaza Premium Lounge at Vancouver International Airport. Lounges are located in the international, domestic and USA terminals, giving you a chance to unwind no matter where you're flying.  Recline in the sleek, contemporary departure lounge, and make use of first-class services and facilities including a shower room (international lounge only), delicious and comforting meals, high-speed Wi-Fi and private resting areas. Choose from a 3-, or 6-hour package to suit your schedule.

Enjoy a half-day rafting trip that features small splashy rapids, outstanding scenery and lots of laughs. It’s an ideal outdoor activity for families, children, seniors, and anyone looking for a gentle and fun scenic rafting adventure. As you raft down the glacier-fed Cheakamus River between old growth forests, you’ll experience the excitement of gentle rapids and see a variety of birds, wildlife, waterfalls, and the towering peaks of the Coast Mountains. Learn about the intriguing Squamish First Nations history, a key part of the history of the area. There will also be a water fight for the kids. Perfect the art of splashing others and get a chance to cool off with a quick dip in the pure, glacier-fed water. When your river journey ends, you will be taken back to the fully equipped rafting base where you can change back into your own clothes and enjoy the facilities at the resort including a full service restaurant and awesome fully-licensed outdoor patio area. Relax with your family and friends in the beautiful sunshine and comfort of the resort, and check out the photos and videos shot on your trip.