Vancouver: Our long-awaited family adventure
We had been extremely excited for this trip – 17 days in Canada lay ahead of us, and we couldn’t wait to explore the country with the kids. Vancouver was our first stop, and it felt extra special because Thomas and I had actually been there on our honeymoon back in 2008. This time, we were eager to share the experience with our children and explore the city with them.
We flew from Copenhagen with Icelandair, with a stop in Reykjavik before arriving in Vancouver. Immigration was fairly strict – we were asked about all our plans and hotel addresses, so having everything ready on our phones (or in print) was essential.
Getting from the airport to our hotel was easy, with plenty of taxis available. We stayed at Hyatt Regency Vancouver, which was spacious, clean, and perfectly located. The hotel pool quickly became a favourite spot, especially after a day of sightseeing, where the kids could splash around while we relaxed for a bit.
We had booked hotels for all 17 days in advance; July is high season, and with two children we find it more convenient that way. We love family rooms where all four of us can stay together, and they just tend to sell out faster than regular rooms. That’s why we booked everything from home—without stress and with a wide selection to choose from. We booked the hotels about 3–5 months before departure.
Looking for the perfect family hotel in Vancouver? Check prices and availability here.
Our days in Vancouver
Our first evening in Vancouver was a bit of a blur. We were exhausted from the long flight and the time difference (Vancouver is 9 hours behind Denmark), so we stayed in our hotel room and just grabbed a quick bite. Thomas and Filippa went out to McDonald’s, while I unpacked. Emil was so tired that he fell asleep within two minutes – not even the smell of a cheeseburger could wake him! After that, we all slept for 12 hours straight and felt ready to take on the city the next day.
On our first full day, we explored Stanley Park. We strolled along the waterfront, admired the Totem Poles, and let the kids run wild in the playgrounds. It was the perfect way to get some fresh air and settle into the city.
That day we also visited Vancouver Lookout. The kids loved the glass elevator ride to the top, and the views over the city, sea, and mountains were breathtaking – an experience not to be missed.
One day we took a trip to Grouse Mountain. We took the SeaBus from downtown to Lonsdale Quay, then caught the #236 bus up the mountain. The journey was straightforward (tickets from Waterfront Station), although the kids found parts of the walk really tough. They were exhausted on the way up, but incredibly happy once we reached the top. The views were stunning, and they were so proud of themselves for making it. We had lunch at the summit, and the ride down in the cable car was a fun exprerience for everyone.
One of our favourite things was exploring Granville Island. This lively peninsula in the heart of Vancouver is full of artisan shops, galleries, theatres, and a great public market with freshly made food, local treats, and handmade items.
We walked there from our hotel – a long stroll through the city, but lovely to see Vancouver along the way. On the island, we wandered through the market, browsed ceramics, and enjoyed some street food outside in the sun. The kids loved taking the colourful Aquabus back to downtown.
Granville Island is a really great place, and a mustsee in Vancouver, I would say.
Of course, we also made time for a bit of shopping on Robson Street.
Where we ate
We often had breakfast at Breka Bakery & Café on 740 West Hastings Street. Despite being busy, we always found a table for four within 5–10 minutes. The café had plenty of cosy seating, and we enjoyed fresh bread, pastries, warm sandwiches, and freshly pressed juice – a really lovely spot to start the day.
One afternoon, we stopped at Unchai Thai, a small family-run spot. The food was fresh, flavoursome, and served quickly – perfect for a midday break before heading back out to explore.
We also dined twice at Cactus Club by the harbour by Canada place. The food was great, the atmosphere lively, and it’s definitely worth booking ahead as it fills up fast in the evenings. The Cactus club is a must do in Vancouver, just look for the yellow umbrellas. But even without a booking we got our table within 30 minutes.
One night we had sushi at Sushi California, which was casual, fresh, and very kid-friendly.
A highlight for us was dinner at The Keg Steakhouse on Alberni Street. The steaks were exceptional, the service fantastic, and the atmosphere relaxed. It was one of our favourite dining spots in Vancouver. We sat on their lovely terrace.
Reflections on our trip
We spent four nights in Vancouver before heading to Vancouver Island. The city is incredibly family-friendly, with plenty of green spaces, easy public transport, and activities suitable for both adults and children. The pool at the Hyatt was a small but welcome treat after long days of sightseeing.
Some experiences, like the Grouse Mountain hike, is a must do with children! I would suitable for children from the age of 8 years old.
Tips for visiting Vancouver with children
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Keep hotel addresses handy for immigration.
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Book dinner at popular spots in advance if possible.
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Use public transport and ferries – the SeaBus and Aquabus are big hits with kids.
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Always carry water and snacks; the city involves plenty of walking and hills.
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A pool at your hotel is a lovely way to relax after sightseeing, and great for the children to have something to do at the hotel.
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Try to stay awake until the evening on your first day, even if you’re exhausted – it helps you adjust to the 9-hour time difference faster.
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July weather was perfect – sunny, warm, and ideal for summer clothes. Definitely a great month to visit.
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Mix busy sightseeing days with calmer park or café days.
Vancouver proved to be a fantastic start to our Canadian adventure, and we’d highly recommend it as a city that really works for both children and adults.
Travelling with children in Vancouver is easy when you pick the right base. Here are three other great hotels that combine comfort, convenience, and space for the whole family:
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Hotel Le Soleil Vancouver – An elegant all-suite hotel in the heart of downtown. Spacious rooms and a central location make it ideal for exploring the city’s main attractions with kids. Check availability here.
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The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver – Overlooking Coal Harbour and Stanley Park, this resort-style hotel has a heated outdoor pool, bikes for hire, and plenty of open space for children to play. Read more here.
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Residence Inn by Marriott Vancouver Downtown – A great value option with kitchenettes, sofa beds, and complimentary breakfast — perfect for families wanting a little more flexibility. Check prices and availability here.
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