How to spend the perfect fall day with your family in Vancouver
Vancouver is a beautiful city all year around, but there’s something special about the crisp mountain air, a cozy scarf, and watching our children play in piles of crunchy red maple leaves in the fall. Here are some ideas on how to spend the next lovely fall day.
Every parent knows that the perfect day starts with a perfect cup of coffee. Savour a moment of caffeinated bliss while your kids dig in to an organic breakfast bowl or house-made honey bee biscuit at Off the Tracks Espresso Bar & Bistro on Granville Island. Meander through the Public Market before diving into the indoor playground and ball-pit at the Kids’ Adventure Zone (opens at 10 am). Rain or shine, it’s a fabulous place for your little ones to burn off some energy!
Kids love zipping across the harbour in these rainbow-coloured ferries (bike and stroller-friendly) while you sit back and enjoy the fresh ocean breeze and scenic views. Round-trip mini cruises are 25 minutes or you can hop on-and-off at one of Vancouver’s top attractions such as Science World (Olympic Village) or the Stanley Park seawall (Hornby St).
Hop on your bikes or rent a tandem two-seater for a leisurely cruise around the spectacular seawall encircling Stanley Park. Grab a bite to eat at Second Beach’s Concession or share a smoked pulled-pork poutine from Signal Station Grill. A well-deserved Rocky Mountain ice cream cone from Prospect Point’s Café & Creamery is a perfect midday treat.
Thrill-seekers can climb aboard the free shuttle from downtown and head to North Vancouver’s awe-inspiring Cliffwalk at Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. If suspended walkways and narrow glass floors don’t get your adrenaline pumping, check out Treetops Adventure, a series of coastal forest suspension bridges and viewing platforms secured 100 feet high from 250-year-old Douglas Fir trees!
For a more relaxing option, stroll through the autumn crocuses and vibrant hydrangeas in full bloom throughout Queen Elizabeth Park. Weather permitting, challenge your kids to a game of disc golf or play a round of pitch & putt. Unexpected downpour? Take shelter inside the Bloedel Conservatory and wander through lush tropical gardens while your kids spot exotic birds (scavenger hunt sheets are available at the front desk).
After a fun-filled day making memories together, top it off with a hearty dinner in Historic Gastown. Snap a family photo with the legendary steam clock and say hello to Gassy Jack (his statue is found in Maple Tree Square) on your way to Incendio Pizza or the Old Spaghetti Factory. Save room for dessert at Wishing Treats! Using a centuries-old technique to combine organic sugar and natural ingredients, their vegan caramel candy is the perfect way to end a perfect fall day.
