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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This site is really helpful. Will bookmark this and share with friends.
this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
I represent (and use) a helicopter rides company based in Charlottesville, VA. Helicopter rides attract both attention and bump attendance to any event where they operate. The company is called Cardinal Helicopter Company, Inc.
Please contact me for further info and prices for any festival you sponsor in the Norfolk region that could enjoy a boost in attention & attendance.
Thank you very much-
Jan Wilkins
President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
thank you about your comment. we organise trips and excurcion to the desert of erg chebbi .if you need info contact us at .www.salemdesertcameltrips.com
What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
Tent 4 Rent offers complete, set up, tent accommodation for small and bigger families. You don't have to take any camping and or kitchen gear. Just pack up your personal stuff and enjoy a relaxing camping trip that even fits in te smaller budgets.
My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
During the last 7 years, I have become very familiar with many Trekking Destination, including The Everest, Annapurna and Langtang Regions, As well as Mustang, Manaslu, Ganesh Himal and Helambu. I am very knowledgeable about local flora and fauna, cultural history and environmental issues in the areas where I trek. For Trekkers hoping to climb high passes and peaks, I can accommodate this challenging and rewarding adventure. My experience includes mera peak, island peak, kalapathar, gokyo peak, tseryo ri and I have led expeditions across many high passes in Nepal, Larkye pass, Ampulapcha Pass, Chola pass, Renjula pass, Tashilapcha pass, Ganjala pass, thorong pass, Tilicho pass, (Mesokantola pass)
There are many types of treks in Nepal, ranging from relaxed easy trekking where you can experience Nepalese Culture and Village life to tea-house trekking in popular regions, to unique treks into areas of Nepal that are off the beaten track and seldom visited by foreigners. All treks offer spectacular scenery and a viewpoint into Nepali culture. I can tailor our treks to meet your wishes.
My clients have been very pleased with my professional guiding services, and you may read some of their comments. i can offer you a unique and challenging experience of a lifetime! Please contact me at the email address listed below if you have questions or would like discuss a possible trek! I will look forward to hearing from you!
Thank Your,
Independent Trekking Guide in Nepal
Email: sanjibac@gmail.com.com
sanjib-adhikari@hotmail.com
http://www.nepalguideinfo.com
wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
Online shopping is a wonderful way to save time as well as money. Greatskin often have great sales and many even have free shipping. These tips will help you find the coolest gifts for the best prices, all without leaving your house. Discount coupons or free shipping voucher policies are normally entered during the checkout process or in the shopping cart. As each online store is different, it is important to read fine print regarding the e-voucher and prior to discount coupon codes or promotional offers use.
parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
TRAVEL BUDDIES and TOURS
Dear buddies
We here at Travel Buddies and Tours are happy to offer fresh and unique tours to our travelers. Each tour has its own specialties and advantages that none other has. Also our company is able to plan and design tailor made tours to suit your budget and every desire. Our main purposes are planning excellent tours with reasonable prices, serving fresh and healthy foods to suit every diet, providing experienced drivers, skilful guides and great chefs and ensuring the upmost safety in transportation. The staff at Travel Buddies and Tours have great passion to develop and contribute to responsible tourism activities in Mongolia. We look forward to your participation on our tours.
Tours offered include:
Horseback adventures
Nomads tours
Real adventures that take you off-the-beaten-track
Walking tours
Cycling tours
Fishing and hunting tours
Jeep tours
Volunteer vacations
A combination of all orany of the above.
Services:
Finding travel buddies – you can find your travel buddies here.
Tourist information – we can provide the information that you need.
Renting cars – we organize vehicle rentals for traveling around Mongolia.
Hiring guides – if you need a guide or interpreter, you can hire from us.
http://www.travelbuddiesandtours.blogspot.com
zozo_1031@yahoo.com, etn_urtnasan@yahoo.com
Address East side of State Department Store, Travel Buddies and Tours
Contact: +976-88536061, 95215728
im happy to indoors your resort.. i hope that sometimes i could be useful movers and doers in your society…. mwaaaahhhhhhh mwahhhhhhhh hugsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss kissssssssssssssssssssssssseeeeeeeeeees
dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
well come to himalayan federal democracy country of nepal I am sujanNepal (independent trekking and tour guide of Nepal since 9 years. I am a register trekking guide. I have been working in Nepal tourism industry since 11years as a professional trekking guide. I have a wide variety of skills in this sector and can guarantee that foreigners who visit with me in Nepal are truly positive and happy with me and confidently recommend my service to new visitors to Nepal. I offer any kinds of trip in Nepal like; trekking, tour, rafting, jungle safari, ticketing, hotel reservation and many more…. TREKKING IN NEPAL Trekking is the most popular adventure activity in Nepal. The experience of walking through Nepalese villages, learning their cultures and Enjoying real natural views along the way are considered once in a life time experience. The Nepalese landscape with varying altitudes up to 5600 meter for trekking at various routes are best experience for true Nepalese lifestyle of indigenous people, their culture, religions and habitat. http://www.nepaltrekkingtour.com offer full ranges of Best Quality trekking trips that available in all Trekking Regions of Nepal. However, Annapurna, Everest and Lang tang. NEPAL TOURS Tour is the easiest way to explore Natural beauty, cultures, religions and people of Nepal without Physical efforts. Most of our tours include scenic overland drive or breathtaking flights from one interesting place to another place we organize all available tours in Nepal (Cultural & Religious Tours, Honeymoon Tours & wildlife tours) at best price with Quality services and Accommodations as your choices and requirements. Some of Our Best of Nepal tours are as follows: ADVENTURE TRIPS IN NEPAL Nepal is country of full Adventure Activities. Wild life Safari, Bungy Jump, Canyoning, White water Rafting, Rock Climbing, Kayaking, Paragliding, Ultra Light flight, Everest View Flight, Cable Car Ride are the most exciting Extra Adventure Activities of Nepal. I organize all these Activities anytime before and after you''re Treks, Tours or climbing as per guest''s requirements. If you wish to experience all Activities in Nepal, you are most welcome for trip of once in a lifetime Adventures. ADVANTAGES TO TRAVEL WITH ME( SUJAN) Quality services at Low Price with Great value Safe & Comfortable Holiday Complete Hassle free Services Flexibility in all programs Comfort Accommodations & Hygienic meals Professional, Experienced, Experts & Dedicated Staffs Government Authorized Independent Guide sujan
sujan.nepal100@gmail.com
for detail information other activities visit our home page
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00977-9841035868
Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!