iStock International

Vancouver: Things To Do

Vancouver is a city with its sights set firmly outdoors, but the city that loves to bike, blade, swim, hike, and climb also loves its fine galleries and museums. An exceptionally family-friendly city, Vancouver also offers a slew of excellent activities for those with tots and/or teens in tow.

= Smart Splurge = Great Value

Deep Cove Kayak At the easternmost fringe of North Vancouver, Deep Cove is a delightful village with a few restaurants and cafés. The u-shaped harbor offers sheltered waters where you can get your balance in a kayak before venturing out to the more popular, and often choppier, waters of Indian Arm. North Vancouver; 4310 Gallant Ave.; 604-987-2202; www.deepcovekayak.com
family | outdoors | nature

Dr Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden This beautiful Chinese garden offers a restorative escape from Vancouver’s historic, if somewhat down-at-heel, Chinatown. Constructed without the use of power tools, the authentic gem is divided in two; one half offers free admission, while the other, quieter half, charges $10 and offers more opportunities for solo reflection. Both sides provide a pleasant spot to while away a sunny afternoon. Chinatown; 578 Carrall St.; 604-662-3207; www.vancouverchinesegarden.com
family | free | history | park | editor pick

Granville Island Vancouver’s most-visited spot is perfect for acquiring gourmet picnic ingredients at the island’s public indoor market, visiting the Kids Only Market, or catching an outdoor performance. Granville Island; Accessible from Old Bridge St.; 604-666-5784; www.granvilleisland.com
family | culinary | market | live music

Grouse Mountain The pursuit of powder brings people to the Peak of Vancouver in the winter. In summer, resident grizzlies Grinder and Cooler come out of hibernation to entertain the masses. North Vancouver; 6400 Nancy Greene Way; 604-980-9311; www.grousemountain.com
skiing | hiking | outdoors

Lynn Canyon Just as dramatic as nearby Capilano Canyon, but without the hefty admission price, Lynn Canyon’s Suspension Bridge leads to forest trails and a rock-strewn beach. North Vancouver; Accessible from Peters Rd.; 604-981-3103; www.dnv.org
beach | hiking | free

Mount Seymour Winter sports enthusiasts can ski, snowboard, toboggan, or hurtle down the slopes in a snow tube at Enquist Snow Tube Park at this mountain on the city’s fringe. Ideal for beginners, visitors to Seymour can also go on dogsled and snowshoe tours that run from December till May each year. North Vancouver; 1700 Mount Seymour Rd.; 604-986-2261; www.mountseymour.com
skiing | family | outdoors | editor pick

Museum of Anthropology Tracing the history of B.C.’s First Nations peoples, the architecturally inspiring M.O.A. sits amid totems and forest at the brink of the university grounds on the Point Grey cliffs. UBC; 6393 North West Marine Dr.; 604-822-5087; www.moa.ubc.ca
family | museum | history

Stanley Park Adored by locals, Stanley Park covers 1,000 acres of Vancouver’s downtown peninsula. Trails, totem poles, pebbly beaches, an open-air pool, teahouses, and snack shacks account for its draw. West End; Accessible from Beach Ave. or Georgia St.; 604-257-8400
beach | family | landmark | great value | swimming | editor pick

Vancouver Aquarium A watery wonderland in Stanley Park; young and old delight in the antics of thousands of sea and river creatures, from beluga whales to Amazonian snakes. West End; Stanley Park; 604-659-3474; www.vanaqua.org
family | aquarium | wildlife