Vancouver, Canada’s great Western city and the third largest in the entire nation was the host of 2010 Winter Olympics. In addition to the scenery of the rugged Pacific Ocean coast on one side, a myriad of forested islands, and impressive snow-capped mountains rising to the north; Vancouver offers a great variety of museums and outdoor attractions to choose from. Although beautiful and fun-filled, visitors to Vancouver should be prepared for rain; bring slickers, galoshes and umbrellas! Vancouver’s weather is best from May to September, but you should be prepared all year long.
Few cities combine such stunning vistas and gracious citizens with so many family-friendly spots. And for the budding Olympians in the family, there are many wonderful places to work out. For even more great information, visit www.tourismvancouver.com.
Great Fun for the Kids
(Toddlers to Age 8)
Vancouver Aquarium
845 Avison Way
Vancouver, British Columbia V6B 3X8
604/659-3400
Vancouver Aquarium, Canada’s first official public aquarium, opened on June 15, 1956. It has become the largest in Canada and one of the five largest in North America, with 166 displays of over 70,000 animals that include moray eels, sharks, sea lions, seals, otters and many varieties of fish. Both parents and kids can enjoy the daily whale shows and shark dives. The underwater windows also give kids a chance to look at different aquatic mammals. The aquarium also offers many family-friendly amenities from strollers to family programming. Come during the holiday season for events like Scuba Claus makes his annual visits, as well as the Eel-ectric Lights show.
Granville Adventure Zone
1502 Duranleau St.
Granville Island
1496 Cartwright Street Vancouver, B.C. V6H 3Y5
604/608-6699
This small island near downtown offers a family-friendly excursion including the Kids Zone on Cartwritght Street. A multi-level playground keeps kids busy with slides, climbing structures and indoor adventures. Let the kids dive into the interactive virtual ball pit while they reinstall the real thing on the ground level. For toddlers, games include drumming, cymbals and musical fun.
Fun for Older Children
(Up to Age 18)
Vancouver Museum
Vanier Park
1100 Chestnut Street
Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9
604/736-4431
This museum opened in 1905 in the former Carnegie Library and survived two World Wars. Teens and older children can enjoy permanent displays, exhibitions and educational programs about the Vancouver region, and its natural history. Families can enjoy exhibits from “Boom, Bust and War” (exhibit on the affects of WII on Canada), to “You Say You Want A Revolution,” and “ The 50’s Gallery,” where you can learn about the history of 1950s from poodle skirts and other elements of popular culture.
Science World & Alcan Omnimax
TELUS World of Science
1455 Quebec Street
Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7
604/443-7440
Science World is located in a geodesic dome or ‘golf ball’ that has 391 lights and 766 triangles on the exterior. Besides Science Theatre and OMNIMAX Theatre, there are five permanent galleries: the Eureka! Gallery, the Sara Stern Search Gallery, the Kidspace Gallery, the Our World Gallery, and Illusions (where children can play games such as optical illusions or puzzles to test their brain), as well as many special exhibitions. The OMNIMAX Theatre seats 400 people. Its screen is 27 meters in diameter with high fidelity and two-way sound with sub-bass that creates an unparalleled surround sound experience.
B.C. Place Stadium & Sports Hall of Fame
False Creek
777 Pacific Boulevard (Gate A)
Vancouver, BC V6B 4Y8
604/687-5520
This is the world’s largest air-supported dome stadium, which is the home of the British Columbia Lions, one of the Canadian Football League teams. This stadium also presents the city’s largest concert and trade shows. Teens and older children can enjoy going through the history of the museum from old photographs, videos, and memorabilia from the past. There are over 20 galleries that feature BC sports from the early 1800’s to the present. Check their website for exhibits and information.
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Fun for the Family
Stanley Park
604/873-7000
This 1,000-acre park is located in the heart of Vancouver; the place local families go for walking, jogging, rollerblading and bike riding. Visitors can view the downtown skyline framed by trees, or go to the beach to look at different boats sailing on the water. This park has a summer time playground with a pool and water slides to help little kids cool down. Families can also board the old-fashioned horse-drawn tour (instead of walking with young kids in the hot weather) where they will be guided and shown the Deadman’s Island, Vancouver’s Harbour, Lions Gate Bridge, a Coastal Red Cedar Forest and stops at Totem Poles, and the Girl in a Wet Suit Statue. Families can also take their children to Vancouver Aquarium (see above for more information) or they can take them to a Children’s Farmyard and Railway where kids go to the petting zoo or ride on a miniature railway around the park.
Granville Island
This island in the middle of Vancouver is located at the south end of the Granville Street Bridge. It is a great spot for families who can drive, walk, or take a ferry that goes back and forth between Granville Island and different mini-docks around False Creek. This is a perfect family spot for both adults and children who want to shop, relax, and enjoy live free entertainment. Children can enjoy playing, shopping for clothes, or buying toys at the Kids Market or seeing the Granville Island Museums noted above. Families can also go to the largest free Water Park, where they can relax after a long day in the sun or have a picnic day and try different foods from the market.
Capilano Suspension Bridge
3735 Capilano Road
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4J1
604/985-7474
The mother of all bridges and the oldest tourist attraction in the region, this novel and frightening 450-feet-long suspension bridge runs across River Canyon. You can spend time going back and forth and ignoring the creaking of planks under your feet, or take advantage of the fun kids’ treehouse, nature hikes, tours, and almost weekly programs designed for ages 6-12. When you’ve learned all about this bridge dating to 1889, and how its original hemp cable was replaced with steel, you can cross over and reach the Treetops Adventure, a series of seven suspended bridges hanging between beautiful old Douglas Fir trees. Like zip-lining, this place gets kids up close and personal with the trees, and in the mood to cross all of the smaller suspension bridges.
Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge
North Vancouver over Lynn Creek
604/981-3103
For those who really enjoy the novelty of bridges, this is a perfect spot and it’s far less crowded than Capilano. Bold family members who want to hike, explore, and learn about Lynn Canyon will first have to cross the Lynn Canyon Suspension Bridge, a narrow bridge that jiggles every time people walk on it. This wooden bridge, built in 1912, is 50 meters above the bottom of the canyon and is safe to cross. Afterwards, you can go on hiking trails, sun bathe on the rocks, visit the Ecology Centre to learn about the rainforest, or go on a picnic. Families can also go on longer hikes that lead to Seymour Demonstration Forest and the Lynn Headwaters Regional Park.
Westminster Quay
New Westminster
604/520-3881
Catch the SkyTrain from downtown Vancouver for the scenic ride to Westminster Quay on the Fraser River. There are many activities for the whole family from shopping at traditional or specialty shops to exploring New Westminster. You can also board a paddle wheeler and go sight seeing on the Fraser River. Check the website for upcoming events and festivals and a list of local restaurants.
Lighthouse Park
West Vancouver
Lighthouse Park is a perfect place for families who enjoy going on outdoor adventures. This small park has a three-mile trail that winds along the seaside. You can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the trees and the ocean. On your walk, you can visit or take family photos near the Point Atkinson Lighthouse in West Vancouver.
Grouse Mountain
6400 Nancy Greene Way
North Vancouver, BC V7R 4K9
604/980-9311
Hop on the Skyride funicular for a 3,700-feet ascent and spectacular view of the city and bay. There’s also a chairlift to the summit you can take that rises 400 feet higher, and the popular hiking trail known as the Grouse Grind that will give everyone in the family a big workout. In summer, Grouse offers a lumberjack show, paragliding, mountain biking, hiking, and helicopter tours. If that’s not enough exercise, sign up for a zip-lining adventure that whizzes up to 50mph between the trees. Winter visitors to Grouse can ski, snowboard, snowshoe or take a sleigh ride.
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I would like to suggest a site where you can find a lot of cheap shelters and hostel. http://www.hostelrail.com
Hi BVIslands411 –
we really appreciate your comments and have just updated this story in response. Thanks for keeping us up to date! – editors
Please check this web site to get informations about trekking in Morocco.
thankx a lot
Hello,
I am giving away a free 30 minute Spanish class via Skype (conversation, grammar, etc. depending of your Spanish background. It could be from zero level to very advanced). I have more than 25 years of teaching experience and Spanish is my native language. So, don't miss this chance and write me to fit a schedule. Regular online Spanish classes via Skype are just $5/hour. I hope you will find the lesson very instructive and could ask for more lessons, but if not at least you will get your free lesson.
My email is gmelean@consultant.com
There are so many great ranches that it is a fun challange to find the right one for you…but I have to say that the Dude Ranchers' Association website and directory are a very big help…you will find quality ranch vacations that will match what you are looking for. I recommend contacting the Association for more information.
Story tapes allow the driver to be amused and entertained along with the troops. The website Audible.com has a selection of stories for children and families and it allows you to preview a story to see if you like the reader.
A & J Aparments are no longer a vacation rental.
Sage Mountain Villas, the area code would be (284) not (809) we have not used that area code in many many years and is now used but the Dominican Republic.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
Hello to all ! Great site. I am new here greetings to all from Poland.
These are all great options and sound like lots of fun. We've been planning to visit New Zealand and the Butterfield & Robinson vacations seem to be right up our alley.Thanks for the suggestion it sure beats me stressing over the details.
If you're looking for a place to stay try to have a look on http://www.rivierAds.com. Hope this helps.
For the bargain hunter, the beauty of Yosemite can still be enjoyed with an inexpensive stay at Yosemite Pines RV Resort & Family Lodging. The resort is now offering <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com">Yosemite lodging</a> starting at only $39 for two nights for a yurt that can accommodate up to five people. Yosemite cabins start at only $49 for two nights for a basic cabin that can accommodate four people. With the Yosemite National Park entrance fee of $20 per car for unlimited entries for seven days, a family can spend less than $100 for two days of Yosemite-area lodging and admission to the park. These special rates are available at http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-camping-specials.html during the fall and winter season. Some restrictions apply. Yosemite Pines (http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com) is an RV resort, campground, and lodge located near Yosemite National Park. Yosemite Pines offers <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-camping-rv-tent.html">Yosemite camping</a> near Yosemite National Park with full hook-up RV and campsites. Yosemite Pines also offers Yosemite lodging and <a href="http://www.yosemitepinesrv.com/yosemite-lodging-cabins-yurts.html">Yosemite cabin rentals</a> near Yosemite National Park with cabin and yurt rentals. Amenities include a clubhouse, gold mine, gold panning, petting zoo, swimming pool, hiking trail, general store, children’s playground, horseshoe pit, and volleyball.
Hola, great site here 🙂
You can find information about the Caribean zone at http://www.Cahuita.cr
D.C. is incredible. I love going there for the cherry blossom festival and I have also been lucky enough to get a tour of the White House's West Wing.
The Verizon Center is a great place to see concerts, and the metro is such an easy and convenient way to get around.
I'm lucky to live just a couple hours away in Colonial Beach, a great little riverside resort town.
I always wanted to visit Jamaica with my kids (boys 7 & 12), but lots of people really discouraged me with horror stories about the safety and attitude of locals towards tourists. I was told if we decide to go just make sure we stay inside our resort. We love exploring and learning new things so this keeps me away.
Thanks,
busymom
http://www.freeguideforbusymoms.com
Hi Guys,
Just joined up, thought i would say Hi 🙂
Claire
You can contact this tour operator in South Africa that specializes in African Safari. http://www.journeyintoafrica.co.za/
Hi. I like your story. I'm here in Växjö on a study abroad semester from SFSU. I found a nice Miyata 12 speed and totally refurbished it, including a new free wheel and brake levers. My main question is how easy it is to get on Swedish highways? I giving serious thought to riding to Copenhagen via Malmo from Växjö. I'm sure I can make an average of 80 miles a day but I would really like to just hop on a highway and tread right to Malmo. Do you know if Swedes allow riding on larger roads? I had a some problems with this in the states.
Great…
I think your site is great for disussions.
Excellent site http://www.familytravelforum.com and I am really pleased to see you have what I am actually looking for here and this this post is exactly what I am interested in. It's taken me literally 2 hours and 34 minutes of searching the web to find you (just kidding!) so I shall be pleased to become a regular visitor 🙂
Thank you for the interesting piece about Provence, and for giving us the courage to consider a French holiday with OUR teenagers the coming summer! It sounds like it was a great time for all. Looking forward to following your further family holidays.
The Gaylord Resort is a great place, although it's a bit far from downtown Nashville. But if you don't mind driving a bit, it's an empire unto itself and older kids can amuse themselves for hours just exploring the place.
UNLESS ITS NOT A CROWDED DAY, I THINK THE CABLE CARS ARE A MAJOR PAIN WITH TODDLERS. I WOULD WAIT TIL KIDS ARE OLDER TO GO TO THE TROUBLE UNLESS YOU DON'T HAVE TO WAIT IN LINE AND JOSSLE FOR A SEAT.
I ALSO THINK CROSSING THE GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE IS FUN, BUT ALSO LOST ON TODDLERS, SO UNLESS YOU WANT TO DO IT, SKIP THAT ATTRACTION OR MAYBE JUST WALK OUT A LITTLE WAYS.
THE EXPLORATORIUM SHOULD BE AT THE TOP OF THE LIST FOR A COLD, FOGGY OR RAINY DAY – IT'S THE PERFECT PLACE FOR LITTLE ONES TO RUN AROUND AND PUSH, PULL AND POKE ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.
if you're in Scotland you have to try the national dish, haggis, just don't tell your children what it is! It's actually quite delicious. Scots often refer to dessert as pud or pudding, but they mean the entire gamut of dessert items, not just pudding.
I think it's important to get out of the city and go into the country if you get the time. Check the calendars to see where a Scottish game might be where there will be bagpipers, the tossing of the caber, and all kinds of interesting Highland games. They take place throughout the spring and summer throughout the country and are well worth a detour.
I'd skip Poble Espanyol in Barcelona — way too touristy — unless you want to take advantage of the kids crafts activities.
Kids adore Gaudi's crazy Sagrada Familia, the high-spired church that soars above the skyline. Pay to take the elevator up and then climb down the tight spiral staircase – your kids will be thrilled.
Barcelona;s beachfront was developed during the Olympics, it's now a relaxing way to spend an afternoon with the kids after too much busy city-touring.
Another great kid pleaser is the aerial tram ride up to Montjuic where older kids may enjoy the Olympics museum or a quick stop in the Miro museum.
Villa Cosmica
Villa Cosmica is located on the south side of Puerto Vallarta, far away from the noise, where only the sound of wild birds and the whispering of the waves colliding in the ocean will awaken you every morning. Enjoy this 5 bedroom house, where all bedrooms surround a beautiful swimming pool with a Jacuzzi for 10 people and the most marvellous view to the bay is just a glance away from you. All the bedrooms have air conditioning, also our T.V. room with a game table and SKY cable at your service. Our living room, in the center of the villa is open to the breeze, under a beautiful palapa roof with a small bar to pamper all your senses.
Bedrooms: 5 Sleeps: 10 Baths: 6
Floors: 2 Parking Space: 2 Year Built: 2007
Size of Unit: 450 sq. mts.
Period Nightly Weekly Monthly
Jan 6, 2009 – Apr 30, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2009 – Nov 15, 2009 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2009 – Dec 17, 2009 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2009 – Jan 5, 2010 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
Jan 6, 2010 – Apr 30, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
May 1, 2010 – Nov 15, 2010 $978.00 $6,846.00 N/A
Nov 16, 2010 – Dec 17, 2010 $1,495.00 $10,465.00 N/A
Dec 18, 2010 – Jan 5, 2011 $1,840.00 $12,880.00 N/A
http://www.pvrpv.com
Gay Friendly Puerto Vallarta
Nestled between the lush jungle greenery of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the sparkling waters of one of the world’s largest bays, The Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta has earned an international reputation as one of the best Gay tourist cities in the world.
Being a port city and a destination for many cruise lines including RSVP and Atlantis, Puerto Vallarta is tolerant and abundant with all things gay.
The center of the activity is the charming section of old town known as The Zona Romantica. Here you will find cobbled streets, red tiled roofs and lovely white washed buildings rich with Spanish architecture. Many gay owned and gay friendly businesses including restaurants, bars, shops and art galleries for every pallet and taste, fill the narrow streets of this splendid fishing village.
Coming Events
There are no scheduled events.
Most tourists spend their day on the gay beach. With its white sand and raging surf Playa Los Muertos is the place to be and be seen. Find a deck chair, sit back and relax and let the friendly servers indulge you with great cocktails and yummy food while you unwind and watch whales and dolphins frolic in the blue ocean waters. If beaching is not for you, Puerto Vallarta offers many gay tours to fill your days. Bay cruises, horseback riding through the jungle, bike rides along the Rio Cuale and canopy tours are just a few of the many activities available.
Late afternoon the roof top bars of the gay hotels offer entertainment and a place to enjoy and view spectacular sunsets. These lively spots are crowded with beautiful men and women drinking, laughing and sharing their stories. After the sun sinks into the ocean, it’s time for dinner. From internationally recognized 5 star restaurants to small local eateries Puerto Vallarta is a foody’s delight. At last count, Puerto Vallarta boosted over 1100 restaurants of every description. Haute cuisine to meatloaf, the list of places to dine is extensive and wonderful.
Being a top gay destination, Puerto Vallarta offers more gay bars and dance clubs than most mid-sized American cities. Cantinas, martini bars, stripper and drag shows and fabulous dance clubs await you. As some of the clubs serve until 6am, most are not busy until 1am, so it is advisable to take that all important ¨Disco nap¨ before heading out.
While the vast majority of gay travelers are from Canada and the United States, Vallarta, recently has seen an increase in gay tourists from Europe and as far away as Australia. Gay men and women world wide are discovering and falling in love with the little spot of paradise that is Puerto Vallarta, making it Mexico’s and perhaps the world’s, gay mecca.
It’s good to be gay and it’s great to travel to such a gay friendly resort town. Puerto Vallarta beckons and embraces its gay tourists and it will be a spot you will return to often.
Agree that the skiing is absolutely terrific – the tram to the top of the mountain makes this resort absolutely awesome top to bottom. But I think there is one level of skier/rider who would have trouble – the advanced beginner or beginning intermediate. There isn't as much terrain to select for this group. But it's a resort that you definitely have to experience at least once – and you might get hooked and never want to go anywhere else!
It's important to start 'em young! Of all the family vacations you can pick that can last through the decades, skiing is the very best. When the kids are little you get a break because they're having fun in ski school. When they're older and more accomplished you can ski together. When they're teens and are whizzing past you, you can still ride up the chairlift with them and have them to yourself in the condo. Then when they're in college, you get to spend quality time with them on the slopes and in the condo because you're buying your lift ticket. It's a family vacation that can continue on as a tradition until you're too old to strap on a pair of skis…
i think many accidents occur when new teen or young men (and sometimes women) who are not very experienced are out with their much-more experienced pals. They get talked into trying a part of the mountain that is too much for them and then they try to keep up. They get themselves into trouble that way and often are injured.
If you are looking into hostels and you are a family, call the hostel to get a sense of the character of the place. We went to a hostel once with our elementary age kids(not in a ski area) and it was filled with young 20 somethings and teens having lots of fun – smoking pot in the parking lot, partying, etc. Even though some hostels have family rooms, if the place is full of kids it can be uncomfortable. Some hostels do have older visitors and more families, so it pays to ask.
Don't forget to plan some time to see some of the other attractions in Monterey, like the aquarium, which has an amazing sea horse exhibition coming up and take a drive to Point Lobos to hike around and Big Sur to see some of California's most spectacular coastline. Have lunch at Nepenthe in Big Sur.
Great advice and some fun ideas for new places to try. thanks for sharing your family secrets!
All of Wyoming is a great destination with kids, but my family especially loved this place because it is really a unique bit of the Old West. Definitely worth a detour!
Hello People,
I Just joined up and am trying edit my profile but i can't see the button!! probably staring me in the face lol
thanks guys
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The 25-year-old tour company Wildland Tours has a family vacation package for 2009. It will be a great multi-generational adventure for folks who like whales, puffins, comfortable hotels, and the many wonders of Newfoundland.
Just stopping by to say that the fourm seems to be a great place so i thought that i would signup and join in on all the fun
Hello People,
Just joined! I'm liking it around here 🙂 hopefully i can contribute something to the forum in future.
G
Great article- I am a resident of oregon and my family and I enjoy the coast and central oregon. Oregon has some of the best fishing in the northwest and such a diverse climate to choose from year round. The weather is very tempermental and almost impossible to plan around so bring a rain coat and sunglasses. I think this article gave a pretty good overview of everything that Oregon has to offer.
Sunriver Resort is a quality organization with a great reputation in Oregon. I have been to sunriver probebly 10 times since moving to Oregon and we have used the resort 7 times to book vacation rental accomodations. I highly recomend them and also visiting Sunriver.
Good hotel in a great location.
I find it to be a good value hotel, breakfast facilities are one of the best i have seen. Room is great for people on a budget who want the amenities and cleanliness of a 5 star. I'm very happy with our choice.
Hello Cassiano!
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Bibiana
This is very interesting and helpful information.
Thank you,
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Hi. Good site.
Very useful for me. Thanks!
This is a very good article. Thank you.
Just wanted to add that we're on Central Daylight Time and now open at 9:30 am (Holiday World) and 10:30 am (Splashin' Safari). In 2009, we're introducing the World's Tallest Water Ride, Pilgrims Plunge, plus the new (free) HoliWatch program which will help separated family members find each other during their visit.