We had been warned that November was the start of the wet season in Vancouver, however circumstances aligned to make it a great time for us to go to. We would have liked to make use of an Air Canada credit score by the top of the yr, Hannah had a four-day weekend from faculty, and Glenn was spending a lot of the fall on the West Coast for enterprise anyway.
So we rolled the cube and hoped that the West Coast’s dry spell would final just a bit bit longer. Sadly, our gamble didn’t repay and we had been blessed with two full days of pouring rain. However we didn’t journey throughout the nation to remain within the resort, as cozy as it might be. We would have liked to seek out some enjoyable issues to do in Vancouver with youngsters within the rain.
The place to Keep in Vancouver
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Since we had been planning to primarily keep in downtown Vancouver and never go to websites just like the Capilano Suspension Bridge, we didn’t wish to hire a automobile whereas within the metropolis. Subsequently it was necessary to us to remain in a really walkable location to all the key points of interest we wished to go to, with easy accessibility to public transportation. The Pan Pacific Vancouver was the right selection. Situated proper on the Harbourfront, it supplied nice views of the Vancouver Skyline and we took benefit of facilities just like the Membership Lounge.
Issues to do in Vancouver with Youngsters
We had been bummed to cancel our Vancouver seaplane tour, but it surely wasn’t value it if all you may see was rain and fog. So we got down to profit from it. We had hoped to stroll or take a bike tour alongside the water to Stanley Park however that wasn’t enjoyable within the rain both.
To avoid wasting money, we headed out on the Vancouver trolley hop-on hop-off tour, which loops by way of Stanley Park and different important websites within the metropolis.
Vancouver Aquarium
Our first cease was the Vancouver Aquarium, the biggest aquarium in Canada and the primary on the earth to decide to now not capturing cetaceans from the ocean for show. The Vancouver Aquarium is severe about conservation and solely accepts and cares for dolphins, whales, and porpoises that had been born in an aquarium or rescued and deemed non-returnable to the wild.
And, whereas lots of the reveals are outdoors, some additionally provide some shelter from the rain and it’s straightforward to spend just a few hours exploring the reveals in and out.
Truly, we may have spent just a few hours simply watching Chester, a false killer whale who was the friendliest wild creature I’ve ever seen. Simply check out a few of the many creatures yow will discover on the Aquarium, together with otters, porpoises, jellyfish, penguins, and extra.
Simply beware, you may encounter some extra wild creatures simply outdoors the doorway. We noticed a complete gaze of raccoons hanging out within the grass however don’t get too shut — they are often rabid.
The Vancouver Aquarium is positioned in Stanley Park at 845 Avison Approach. (Word: I used to be given free admission as a part of a Media Move from Tourism Vancouver. All opinions are my very own.)
Stanley Park
Sure, Stanley Park could be enjoyable to discover even within the rain. We might have most popular to bike the perimeter, however the hop-on/hop-off trolley is an effective possibility within the rain. Once we obtained uninterested in ready for the following one to point out up, we hopped in a cab that was pleased to point out us round.
My favourite cease was to see the totem poles at Brockton Level. After learning Native Individuals / First Nations in elementary faculty, this was Hannah’s first alternative to see totem poles up shut. All I stored occupied with was how she used to speak about “tote-em poles,” in her little toddler voice, after watching the Little Einsteins.
We liked the enormous cedar timber that cowl a lot of the park and loved discovering some shelter in a hole tree.
There are additionally wonderful views of the bay and, on a clearer day, Grouse Mountain. Even shrouded in clouds and mist, the backdrop was lovely.
Science World
Science World is a good place in Vancouver for teenagers, it doesn’t matter what the climate. We ended up solely spending a few hours right here as a result of we had different issues to do and see but it surely was one of many higher science museums that we’ve visited, and we’ve visited fairly just a few (Boston, Kansas Metropolis, Baltimore, and Philadelphia to call some.)
What we liked most was how interactive and hands-on all of the reveals had been. Have a look…
Science World is positioned at 1455 Quebec Road, on False Creek, making it straightforward to get there through Aquabus from Stanley Park or Granville Island.
Museum of Anthropology on the College of British Columbia
Situated outdoors of downtown Vancouver, it could be higher to have a rental automobile to get to the Museum of Anthropology, but it surely was nicely definitely worth the $40 CA cab trip to get there. Actually, it was our favourite attraction we noticed throughout our brief weekend in Vancouver.
The constructing itself is gorgeous and if it isn’t pouring too exhausting, it’s best to undoubtedly stroll across the again to see the totem poles and lengthy home, with views of the water.
Inside, the floor-to-ceiling glass partitions carry the skin in and the gathering of totem poles, is the biggest assortment of First Nation artifacts. The shows had been jaw-dropping in dimension and element and studying the tales behind every was an immersion in First Nation tradition.
The museum additionally had a tremendous particular exhibit that actually made you perceive the angle of First Nation peoples who wish to reclaim their artifacts and keep their tradition.
To not be missed is the museum’s spectacular assortment of 535,000 archaeological objects from the South Pacific, Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. Over 6,000 items within the assortment are textiles from all around the globe. We had been additionally entranced by the Invoice Reid Rotunda.
Invoice Reid is likely one of the world’s most acknowledged Haida artists and the museum homes his largest assortment. The centerpiece of the rotunda is his well-known sculpture “The Raven and the First Males,” which depicts the origin story of the Haida folks when Raven discovered his first people in a clam shell on the seaside. The Raven is carved out of an enormous block of laminated yellow cedar and was as soon as featured on the Canadian $20 invoice.
The Museum of Anthropology is positioned on the campus of the College of British Columbia at 6393 N.W. Marine Drive. (Word: I used to be given free admission as a part of a Media Move from Tourism Vancouver. All opinions are my very own.)
Granville Island
I had heard quite a bit about Granville Island, a small island and artist colony in the course of the river providing retailers, eating places, a child’s market, and an indoor public market. It was the indoor market that drew us in out of the rain. We’ve visited public markets in Toronto, Barcelona, Madrid, Boston and Philadelphia and I’ve to say that whereas the Granville Public Market was good, it didn’t wow me…but it surely did maintain us dry.
Maybe I might have loved it extra by way of a Granville Island Market Tour. There was the standard choice of contemporary produce, flowers, butcheries, fish stalls, and connoisseur meals, together with a meals court-like part with tables and chairs for getting a fast lunch or snack.
We did deal with ourselves to a couple candy and savory macarons from the Bon Macaron Patisserie (who can resist?) however determined we’d choose to eat someplace a little bit quieter and located the right spot simply across the nook at The Sandbar.
I obtained a little bit nervous when our hostess led us upstairs and onto the terrace, but it surely was fabulous. Lined above however open on the edges, the terrace featured a fire, a number of area heaters, and lap blankets for each desk. We couldn’t have been cozier and had an exquisite view of the Creek and bridge — and the meals was wonderful too!
After lunch we strolled by way of the Child’s Market — but it surely was actually geared towards youngsters that would match by way of the small half-door entrance, with its toy retailer, journey zone, and different retailers. Getting a taxi within the rain to make it again to the resort was fairly a problem and competitors on the taxi stand was fierce. If attainable, I’d suggest utilizing the Aquabus or getting the quantity for a cab firm upfront.
FlyOver Canada
In case you love Soarin’ at Disney, you’ll love the multi-sensory expertise of FlyOver Canada at Canada Place (conveniently positioned very near our resort.) This flying trip options scenes from coast-to-coast throughout Canada. The particular results together with wind, mist, and smells, mixed with the flying movement and exquisite visuals make you each really feel like you may have seen all of Canada, whereas additionally making you wish to go to all these locations in actual life. It’s a trip I may do repeatedly.
Store in Gastown
This historic district, based from a tavern owned by “Gassy Jack,” right this moment options boutiques and a few of the finest eating places in Vancouver. Youngsters will get a kick out of the steam clock. (Right here is a good information to Vancouver vegan eating places.) You may as well take a Gastown meals tour (simply carry your umbrella!)
Vancouver Public Library
You possibly can spend a day getting misplaced on this nine-story, Coliseum-like construction with greater than 1.3 million books on the Vancouver Public Library.
H.R. MacMillan Area Centre
If we had extra time throughout our go to, we’d have liked to cease on the H.R. MacMillan Area Centre for our budding astrophysicist. The centre has many interactive reveals that educate guests about area and astronomy. You possibly can be taught in regards to the photo voltaic system, the historical past of area exploration, and the most recent discoveries in astronomy.
The planetarium is a must-see attraction with immersive exhibits that simulate area journey and discover the wonders of the universe. You may as well attend reside demonstrations that showcase the science of area exploration together with rocket launches, area fits, and different space-related subjects. In fact, the Area Centre additionally provides star gazing occasions — however these aren’t taking place within the rain!
The H.R. MacMillan Area Centre is positioned in Vanier Park at 1100 Chestnut Road, Vancouver, BC.
Britannia Mine Museum
Full with an underground tour and gold panning pavilion, the Britannia Mine Museum teaches the mining business and historical past in a enjoyable and interactive means (and my little Minecraft fiend would find it irresistible.)
The Britannia Mine Museum is positioned at 150 Copper Drive, Britannia Seaside, BC
We spent the rest of our time on this nice metropolis sampling its culinary delights — in any case, it’s recognized for being a foodie metropolis and there have been so many nice Ramen retailers to heat our bellies on wet days. All of us liked our time in Vancouver and I discovered it way more trendy and hip than after I final visited (umm…20 years in the past nearly?).
Hopefully, we’ll get to go to once more in nicer climate and eventually take that seaplane tour. I’d additionally like to recover from to Victoria (since we solely noticed a tiny bit on our Alaska Cruise), spend time on Vancouver Island, or take a scenic drive as much as Whistler.
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