British Columbia blends coastal cities, old-growth forests, and Salish Sea islands into one gorgeous corner of Canada. Vancouver sits between mountains and ocean, a place where you can cycle a seawall in the morning and browse markets by afternoon. Across the Georgia Strait, Victoria charms with flower-draped lanes, heritage architecture, and easy access to orcas, seals, and seabirds.

Indigenous Coast Salish peoples have called this region home since time immemorial; totem poles in Stanley Park and names like Tsawwassen and Squamish honor that living heritage. For families, the draw is simple: stroller-friendly parks, aquariums and gardens, gentle beaches, and plenty of casual dining that welcomes big groups. Weather can shift quickly—layers and light rain gear are your best friends year-round.

This 5-day plan is built for a multigenerational crew (infant, four kids ages 4–8, seven adults) with a moderate budget. You’ll base in Vancouver, sample Whistler on a stress-free day tour, then spend a night in Victoria so travel days stay manageable. Tips on car seats, ferry timing, and kid-approved meals are woven in so you can focus on the fun.

Vancouver

Vancouver pairs skyline and rainforest with a family-first spirit. Top hits include the 10-km Seawall around Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium’s rescued sea otters, the food-and-art warren of Granville Island, and sunset over English Bay. Coffee culture runs deep, and you’ll find playgrounds tucked into nearly every neighborhood.

• Don’t miss: Stanley Park totem poles, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville Island Public Market, Gastown’s cobblestones and Steam Clock.
• Kid perks: Flat seawall paths for strollers, many washrooms and playgrounds, casual eateries with kids’ menus.
• Fun fact: The Seawall is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.

Where to stay (family/group friendly): Look for 2–4-bedroom suites or entire homes in the West End (near Stanley Park), Coal Harbour (quiet, flat, stroller-easy), or Yaletown (playgrounds, SkyTrain). Browse options on VRBO Vancouver or hotel suites on Hotels.com Vancouver.

Getting to Vancouver: Fly into YVR (Vancouver International). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. The Canada Line SkyTrain connects YVR to downtown in ~25 minutes; it’s step-free and stroller-friendly. Rideshares and taxis have infant/child seat rules—bring your own or request vehicles that can accommodate. In BC, children under 9 (or under 145 cm/4'9") generally require appropriate car/booster seats—plan accordingly.

Day 1: Arrival, Seawall Stroll, and Aerial “Flight” Over Canada

Afternoon (arrival): Check in and decompress with an easy wander along the Coal Harbour Seawall from Canada Place toward Stanley Park. Flat, wide paths are ideal for strollers and scooters. Let kids climb at Devonian Harbour Park or the playground beside Second Beach.

Dinner: For a big group, try Tap & Barrel • Bridges on Granville Island (BC beers, kids’ menu, harbor views), Nuba (Lebanese plates; shareable, great for vegetarians), or Brewhall in False Creek (lively, counter-service ease, kids’ menu).

Evening: Cap the day with the immersive Flyover in Vancouver—a gentle, seatbelted “flight ride” that thrills kids and grandparents alike. Pre-book to avoid queues; shows run ~30 minutes near Canada Place.

Day 2: Stanley Park, Granville Island, and Hop-On Hop-Off Highlights

Morning: Coffee and pastries at Breka Bakery (24/7) or Greenhorn Café (West End), then head into Stanley Park. See the totem poles at Brockton Point and visit the Vancouver Aquarium (reserve timed entry on busy days). The aquarium’s touch pools, sea otter feedings, and stroller ramps make it a hit for ages 0–99.

Lunch: Take the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries to Granville Island. Inside the Public Market, shareable picks include Lee’s Donuts, La Grotta del Formaggio (Italian sandwiches), Kaisereck (German sausages), and A La Mode (pot pies). Outside, watch buskers and let kids loose at the Kids Market play areas.

Afternoon: Give older legs a break with a flexible Vancouver: 24 or 48-Hour Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass. Stop at English Bay for beach time, Yaletown for playgrounds, and Gastown for history and the Steam Clock.

Evening: Family-friendly dinner in Gastown at The Old Spaghetti Factory (budget-friendly, kids’ sundaes), or Steamworks Brewing (harbor views, broad menu). Foodie-minded adults can peel off for the Gastown Historic Walking Food Tour while grandparents mind bedtime—tastes span local charcuterie to maple treats.

Day 3: Sea to Sky Day Trip—Shannon Falls, Gondola, and Whistler Village

Make it easy on a large group by joining the Whistler & Sea to Sky Gondola Tour with Shannon Falls Stop (hotel pick-ups available). You’ll trace Howe Sound fjords, stop at Shannon Falls for a short stroller-friendly walk, ride the Sea to Sky Gondola to sweeping viewpoints and a gentle suspension bridge, then wander pedestrian-only Whistler Village.

Food tips on tour: Grab pastries at Purebread in Squamish or Whistler, share rotisserie plates at Hunter Gather, and treat the kids to COWS Ice Cream. Bring layers—mountain weather flips fast—and a baby carrier for viewpoint stairs.

Victoria

Victoria trades skyscrapers for storybook charm, with the Fairmont Empress guarding the Inner Harbour and narrow alleys like Fan Tan Lane leading to tea rooms and toy shops. Orcas glide the nearby Salish Sea, and flowerbeds burst at Butchart Gardens.

• Top sights: Butchart Gardens, Inner Harbour, Fisherman’s Wharf, Beacon Hill Park, Miniature World, Victoria Bug Zoo.
• Vibe: Walkable, garden-rich, and gentle for little legs—most core attractions sit within a 15–20-minute stroll.
• Fun fact: Victoria often ranks among Canada’s mildest climates, making it a year-round garden city.

Where to stay: Base in the Inner Harbour or James Bay to walk to everything. See family apartments and heritage homes on VRBO Victoria or multi-room hotels on Hotels.com Victoria.

Day 4: Ferry to Victoria, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Butchart Gardens

Morning (travel): Depart Vancouver for Victoria. Driving via Tsawwassen–Swartz Bay on BC Ferries is ~3.5–4 hours door-to-door (90-minute sailing). Expect roughly CA$120–$160 per vehicle + driver one-way, plus ~CA$19 per adult passenger; kids 5–11 discounted; under 5 free. The BC Ferries Connector coach runs downtown-to-downtown in ~4 hours (~CA$70–$90 adult). Seaplanes (Harbour Air) fly downtown-to-downtown in ~35 minutes (often CA$130–$200+ one-way; infants typically fly on lap) if you prefer speed over cost.

Lunch: Drop bags and head to Fisherman’s Wharf: Barb’s Fish & Chips (dockside classic), Puerto Vallarta Amigos (tacos), or Imagine Studio Café (quiet nook). Kids love watching harbor seals and colorful float homes.

Afternoon: Explore Butchart Gardens (20–30 minutes north; stroller-friendly paths and changing facilities). The Sunken Garden’s viewpoints wow all ages; in summer, come later for cooler temps and occasional evening entertainment.

Dinner: 10 Acres Commons (local seafood and farm veg, kids’ options), Red Fish Blue Fish (harborfront tacos; seasonal), or Pagliacci’s (hearty pasta, lively vibe—arrive early).

Day 5: Whales, Inner Harbour, and Departure

Morning: For a grand finale, board the Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos. The high-speed, stable catamaran offers indoor and outdoor viewing and is suitable for families (Zodiac-style boats are not ideal with infants). Expect orcas, humpbacks in season, sea lions, and eagles.

Alternate (if seas or naps don’t cooperate): Stay on land with Miniature World (intricate dioramas), Victoria Bug Zoo (guided “critter” encounters), or a gentle loop through Beacon Hill Park to see the petting farm (seasonal) and peacocks.

Lunch: Nourish Kitchen & Café (heritage-house brunch; thoughtful kids’ plates), Frankie’s Modern Diner (old-school comfort), or Bao (quick, tasty buns and bowls).

Afternoon (departure): Fly out of Victoria International (YYJ) for the easiest exit—check fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. If you prefer returning to Vancouver, budget ~4 hours via coach + ferry to reach downtown or YVR for an evening flight.

Practical Tips for a Smooth, Budget-Minded Family Trip

• Costs & passes: Vancouver Aquarium offers family pricing; the Hop-On Hop-Off pass can replace multiple transit/Uber trips. Many parks and beaches are free—build them into each day to balance tour spend.
• Car seats: BC requires proper child restraints; bring your own or confirm availability with rental agencies. Rideshares may not supply seats—plan ahead for transfers.
• Strollers: The Seawall, Granville Island, Inner Harbour, and Butchart are stroller-friendly. If you visit suspension bridges (like Capilano), note strollers aren’t permitted on the main bridge—use a baby carrier.
• Weather: Carry light rain shells, warm layers for mountain stops, and sunscreen even on overcast days.
• Food strategy: Vancouver and Victoria excel at shareable plates and markets—great for big groups and picky eaters. Book dinners for 12 in advance or go early.

Optional/Swap-In Activities (If You Add Time or Prefer Alternatives)

• NEW Vancouver Sightseeing Boat Cruise with Live Tour Guide (90-min harbor views; easy on toddlers and grandparents).

  

• Vancouver Scenic Panorama Seaplane Tour (20 minutes; thrilling but short—good nap-window fit).

  

Dining Shortlist by Neighborhood (save for later): West End: Legendary Noodle House (hand-pulled noodles), Miko (sushi). Kitsilano: AnnaLena (date night), Sophie's Cosmic Cafe (kitschy kids’ fave). Yaletown: Minami (aburi sushi), Tacofino (casual). Victoria: Jam Café (brunch; go early), Fishhook (Indian-influenced seafood), The Empress Lobby Lounge (special-occasion tea; book ahead).

Across five days, you’ll trace the best of BC: oceanfront paths, mountain views, island gardens, and wildlife, paced for nap times and teen appetites alike. From the Seawall to the Salish Sea, this family itinerary keeps logistics light and memories big.