Vancouver has what many cities don’t—a genuine respect, or even reverence, for nature. This makes it perfect for nature-focused family staycations.

For instance, the trees at the city’s popular Stanley Park have acquired iconic status in their own right, and a recent book, titled “Legacy of Trees,” was published to honour the park’s stalwart inhabitants. “The trees in Stanley Park link us to our past—the past of Vancouver—while also tying us to our present,” said the author.

Apart from Stanley Park, many of Vancouver’s local places of interest are well-suited for nature lovers of all ages, which makes the city ideal for a green family staycation. A salve for the soul, an eco-friendly Vancouver local vacation helps you to extricate yourself from the distractions of daily life, and devote time and attention to the people who matter.  

Read on for our Vancouver local getaway guide, which includes:

1. Where to Stay During your Vancouver Local Staycation
2. The Best Vancouver Local Nature Attractions for Babies and Kids
3. Top Green Vancouver Local Places to Visit for Tweens and Teens

This Vancouver family staycation guide is brought to you by Pan Pacific Vancouver. We look forward to hosting you and your family soon!

Located along Vancouver’s scenic downtown waterfront, Pan Pacific Vancouver provides the comforts of home and excellent hospitality, with the bonus of breathtaking harbour and coastal mountain views.

What about our Panoramic Harbourview Room? Occupying 49sqm, it offers an ample living space, luxurious amenities, and an ideal vantage point to see Stanley Park, admire sunsets, and catch cruise ships arriving into the port.

Bask in nature and have a grand time at these baby-friendly and child-safe Vancouver attractions!

Stanley Park 

Named after Canada’s governor-general in the late 1800s, Stanley Park is the best place to kick off your Vancouver staycation with kids. Cycle or rollerblade along the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path, explore forest trails, or make it your goal to visit all four of the park’s playgrounds. 

You can also cool off at the water park, frolic at the beaches, or swim in an outdoor heated pool. Get a full list of Stanley Park activities here, and see some fun suggestions for exploring the park (e.g. a horse-drawn carriage tour) here. Remember to take keepsake family photos at the Hollow Tree!

Get directions to Stanley Park (6-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Kitsilano Beach

For a successful staycation with kids, keep itineraries simple by heading to family-friendly Vancouver attractions that offer hours of entertainment, with nearby food options. A popular choice with Vancouver families is the well-maintained Kitsilano Beach, or “Kits Beach” as it is better known. 

Here, tots can play in the shallow area of the heated saltwater pool, while kids will enjoy the inclusive playground, designed for children of all abilities to have fun. As for you parents: let your kids play, while you sit back to enjoy the glorious city and mountain views! 

When hunger strikes, head to The Boathouse Restaurant to rest and refuel, before hitting the beach again.

Get directions to Kitsilano Beach (10-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Maplewood Farm

Kids love zoos, but parents are well aware that zoo visits can be exhausting! Farms, on the other hand, are less daunting to navigate, with just as much to offer to kids and families. 

At Maplewood Farm, there are over 200 farm animals for your little ones to meet and greet—you can watch a milking session, feed the chickens, ducks, and bunnies, and witness what a day in the farm is like. (Note: you can purchase bird seed from the farm for the chickens and ducks, but you will have to bring your own supplies to feed the bunnies.)

Get directions to Maplewood Farm (16-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Southlands Heritage Farm

The standout fact about Richmond Nature Park is that it consists of 200 acres of peat bogland— tell your kids that this is 1.2 times the size of Disneyland! While raised peat bogs (dome-shaped heaps of peat that occupy former lakes or shallow land depressions) may not sound appealing, the park’s beguiling charm lies in its abundant wildlife. Home to more than 100 species of resident and migratory birds and at least 13 species of mammals, visitors to Richmond Nature Park can expect to find all manner of creatures—from tiny shrews to black-tailed deer. 

Four walking trails totalling 5km give visitors the chance to encounter plants and animals in bog, forest, and pond habitats. Wheelchair accessible, the shortest and most kid-friendly option here is the elevated boardwalk around the park pond. Once you arrive, pick up a free trail guide at the park’s Nature House, or download this self-guided walk and be on your way!

Get directions to Richmond Nature Park (26-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

To get a nod of approval from your mini-adults, take them on these green teen adventures!

Get the Chills at Stanley Park

Every place has its dark secrets, and Stanley Park is no exception. Beneath the park’s lush greenery lies a past marked by hidden graveyards, notorious crime scenes, and the ghostly lore of Deadman’s Island. 

Book the two-hour Dark Secrets of Stanley Park evening tour to discover Stanley Park from this spine-tingling perspective! Do note that from mid-September to November, morning tours are held instead, because of the earlier nightfall; this may be the better option if your family is easily spooked.

Get directions to Stanley Park (6-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Climb a Secret Tree in the Cambie Corridor

Have your kids missed out on tree climbing fun in their early years? There is still time to catch up on this simple joy! Making its presence felt in an otherwise unobtrusive Vancouver neighbourhood is a majestic tree known as the Cambie Climbing Tree. One reason for its popularity with tree-climbing enthusiasts is its favourable branch structure (where branches grow closely together), which facilitates a climb to the top, even for novices. The reward for reaching the treetop? An unforgettable view of Vancouver’s skyline and the North Shore mountains. But do exercise caution and beware of slippery branches—this activity is better suited to nimble individuals who are comfortable with heights. 

Get directions to the Cambie Climbing Tree (15-minute drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Take a Day Trip to Grouse Mountain

What is the difference between skimboarding and surfing? You can think of skimboarding as a form of surfing, but in shallow water. To learn how this actually works, sign up for private family lessons at Kayotics—a popular place for learning skimboarding is Centennial Park, but they teach at other locations too. 

Explore the Othello Tunnels

The Othello Tunnels are a series of old train tunnels and bridges that pass over the wild Coquihalla River—that alone should be enough to intrigue anyone, and it is well worth the two-hour drive. But before you plan a visit, do check the BC Parks website to find out if the tunnels are open. 

Get directions to Othello Tunnels/Coquihalla Canyon Provincial Park (1 hour 48 minute-drive from Pan Pacific Vancouver)

Learn the Art of Foraging