Vancouver Vacation Rentals

There are a number of varieties of West Coast oyster available such as Kumamoto, Fanny Bay, and Kusshi. Head to one of the fish markets or restaurants to try a few and find your favourite. And why not pick up a dozen and enjoy them with a glass or two of champagne back at your vacation rental?

Salmon Candy is local smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup. The taste is smokey, sweet, and salty all at once. This is the perfect gift for friends and family back home but don't forget to buy plenty for yourself.

Be sure to also try the famous Japadog, a Vancouver specialty that consists of a hot dog topped with a variety of Japanese foods such as dried seaweed, miso sauce, and bonito flakes.

1. Explore Stanley Park

Stanley Park, Vancouver's heart and soul, is bigger than New York's Central Park and in itself has enough to entertain kids for days: ride the miniature train, explore huge playgrounds, spend a day at the beach, see sharks, penguins, and walrusses, or feel fish in the touch tank at the Vancouver Aquarium. The Seawall path tracing Stanley Park also offers hours of biking, walking, and enjoying sweeping views of downtown Vancouver, snow-capped mountains, and the Pacific Ocean for young and old.

2. Treetop Adventures and Walks around Granville Island

Head to quirky Granville Island on the cute and child-safe Aquabus, and explore the 25+ kids' stores at the dedicated Kids Market inside iconic Granville Island Public Market, which also has a two-storey Adventure Zone play area. Brave kids can cross the 70m-high suspension bridge over the Capilano River, or stick to the Cliffwalk and Treetop adventures nearby. The suspension bridge at Lynn Canyon Park is less daunting but no less impressive, and it's a great spot for a family picnic or easy, family-friendly hikes through lush rainforest.

3. Vancouver's Theme Parks and Science Attractions

For a rainy day, it's hard to beat Science World as a place to keep kids entertained, with interactive shows, hands-on exhibits, an Omnimax theatre, and other exciting educational activities. Science World is great for toddlers, with a dedicated learn-and-play area for kids aged 5 and under. Both older and younger children will find plenty of excitement at Playland Amusement Park, home to Canada's oldest wooden roller coaster as well as toddler rides, arcade games, adrenaline-pumping modern rides, and family concerts.

The Capilano Suspension Bridge park just outside of Vancouver makes for a fantastic excursion from the city. The bridge is 450-ft. long and is suspended 230 ft. above the river. There are plenty of other attractions at the park too including a cliff walk, treetop adventure, and a story section. The cliff walk is a series of cantilevered bridges anchored to a cliff on the side of the Capilano Canyon that includes glass floor panels offering dazzling views of the forest floor below.

Kids especially will love Science World, an interactive museum that features hands-on exhibits, unusual apparatus, and fun experiment demonstrations. Science World is situated on the popular Sea Wall, a 13.7-mi. walking path that goes from Stanley Park to Kitsilano Beach.

Thousands of swimmers head to English Bay on New Year's Day to take part in the annual Polar Bear Swim. Participants are encouraged to wear fancy dress costumes that follow a different theme every year. The race is just 100 yards but the water is freezing and only the bravest are willing to take part. The Vancouver Polar Bear Swim is the largest and oldest event of this kind in the world and is worth watching even if you don't want to participate.

The Spot Prawn festival takes place in May each year, at the peak of the spot prawn season. Buy the prawns directly from the boats as they arrive back with their fresh catch. Watch spot prawn cooking demonstrations by top Canadian chefs such as Makoto Ono and Amanda Cheng. Then enjoy a delicious six-course tasting menu, all made using spot prawns.

1. Museum of Anthropology

A mere 20 min. from Downtown Vancouver, this museum is a treasure trove of First Nation politics, arts, and culture. The Arthur Erickson-designed building offers beautiful seaside and mountain views. Look out for the Musqueam house posts, Haida houses, and poles on the museum grounds.

2. Vancouver Aquarium

Located in Stanley Park, the aquarium is home to over 50,000 animals from across the world, and also functions as a conservation, marine research, and marine animal rehabilitation center. Rotating activities ensure that no two visits are the same.

3. Queen Elizabeth Park

A popular backdrop for wedding photos, this park is Vancouver's highest point, offering spectacular city views. Keep an eye out for both native and exotic trees at the Bloedel Conservatory, as well as sculptures by internationally acclaimed artist Henry Moore.

4. English Bay

Close to the West End lies Vancouver's favourite destination for sunbathing, swimming, kayaking, and sunsets. The Stanley Park Seawall (a biking and running route) runs along a part of this beach.