Vancouver Aquarium (website)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
I LOVE the Vancouver Aquarium! I have been to it several times (with and without kids). The last time we went, out daughter was three and she absolutely loved it. There are inside and outside spaces to explore, making it very dynamic for kids. It is located in Stanley Park, which makes it easy to start or end the day in the park. It is a “must go” for us when we are in Vancouver. There are so many different exhibits to explore and all of them are well done and engaging. They have a wide range of marine and other animals, including seals, sea lions, penguins, beluga whales, sea otters, sea turtles, frogs, many varieties of fish, and so much more!
Parking can be challenging, so be prepared for a walk from the public parking around the aquarium.
There is also an on-site cafeteria that is pretty good and offers some hot meals (burgers, etc.). I highly recommend adding this to any itinerary for travel in Vancouver.
Stanley Park (website)
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Stanley Park is HUGE! There is so much going on in the park, it can be hard to decide what to do or see. There are many biking and walking paths, restaurants, activities (such as a tennis court and playgrounds), First Nations art and totem poles, and a lot more. It is a fantastic place to feel out of the city a bit and enjoy the fresh air. You can also see the harbor and a great view of the Vancouver skyline from certain areas of the park. I highly recommend dedicating a day —or even two — to all Stanley Park has to offer.
One of our favorite things to do is just pack a picnic basket and see what sparks our interest for the afternoon. Our daughter has been there twice (13 months and 3 years) and she absolutely loves the wide open spaces, playgrounds, and, of course, the Vancouver Aquarium, located in the park. The park also has seasonal events, like fireworks set to music, so it is worth checking their event calendar. Stanley Park is a great way to connect to the city and get a sense of the history (including First Nations history) of Vancouver. It’s definitely a “can’t miss” if you are traveling to Vancouver!
