Rediscovering Your Backyard in Vancouver This August Long Weekend

Vancouver offers SO many opportunities for family fun right at our doorstep, allowing you to create lasting memories without the stress of travel.

We put together a list of the most popular family excursions you can take with your family and friends to make the best of it.

Stanley Park:

It's huge and has everything from beaches and trails to playgrounds and gardens. It can get busy for sure, but you could spend the whole weekend just exploring here - make a day out of Vancouver aquarium, located in Stanley park, to see some of their friendly seals, whales, frogs and bats. Yeah, they have bats.

Granville Island:

Super fun for families! There's a public market with tons of food, street performers, and a kids market with a playground and toy stores. The great thing about Granville Island is that even though a lot of people comment on how pricey it is, you really don’t need to spend more than you want to. You can enjoy some sightseeing opportunities and grab a hot dog or bring a lunch if you don’t want to break the bank. The small hop-on-hop-off ferries can pop you across the water as well, to cross to the other side and back.

Science World:

If your family is into science and nature, and you don’t mind the price tag, this is a great place to spend a day. It's interactive and educational, perfect for kids of all ages, and they’re activities for everyone. Science World is a known tourist destination, but it’s for good reason. They frequently update their exhibits. They have an exhibition called Coastal Life which is a lot of fun - the coastal waters of British Columbia are home to a wide variety of marine species, forming intricate ecosystems that humans rely on in many ways. Their educational exhibit several ecosystems that interact within the ocean as well as the impact of human activities.

Book a Private Boat Tour:

If you're looking for something more unique, consider a short boat tour,  taking in breathtaking views of the Vancouver skyline and surrounding mountains. The August long weekend in Vancouver is fast approaching, and with it comes the inevitable surge of traffic and crowded tourist spots and transit.

Why not consider a different approach this year? Instead of battling the masses, rediscover the charm and tranquility of the ocean along our gorgeous coasts, spotting harbour seals, jellies, and seabirds in their natural environment.

Grouse Mountain: Take a gondola up for amazing views of the city. There are also lumberjack shows, a wildlife refuge, and hiking trails. Grouse Mountain's history dates back to the late 19th century when it was first explored by hikers. In 1894, the first trail was blazed up the mountain, and in 1926, the Grouse Mountain Highway was completed, making it more accessible. The iconic Grouse Mountain Skyride, an aerial tramway, was opened in 1966, becoming a major attraction.

Today, Grouse Mountain offers a variety of activities year-round. You can enjoy hiking trails, lumberjack shows, and the Birds in Motion demonstration. The Grouse Mountain Refuge for Endangered Wildlife is home to rescued grizzly bears and owls. The panoramic views of Vancouver from the summit are a highlight no matter the season, but be warned of the Grouse Grind traffic- it’s extremely busy on weekends in the summer, but exhilarating nonetheless.

Kitsilano Beach: A great beach for swimming, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball. There's also a playground and lots of restaurants nearby. This way you can enjoy the beach, just make sure to arrive early and find a spot. Kitsilano Beach, or "Kits Beach" as us Vancouverites classically call it, has a pretty cool history.

Originally, the area was inhabited by the Squamish Nation. In the early 1900s, it started to develop as a residential area, and the beach became a popular spot for locals.

During World War II, the military used the beach as a training ground. After the war, it transformed into a recreational hub. In 1931, the Kitsilano Pool opened, becoming North America's longest saltwater swimming pool.

For those seeking adventure, explore the local parks and trails that Vancouver has to offer. Pack a picnic and spend the day hiking through lush forests, or take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic seawall.

Of course, sometimes the best way to enjoy the long weekend is to simply relax and unwind at home. Fire up the barbecue and host a backyard cookout with friends and family. Set up a lawn game tournament, or chill out in the sun with a good book. With a little creativity, your literal backyard can be the perfect setting for a memorable long weekend.

Whether you choose to explore local parks, embark on a boat tour, or simply relax at home, Vancouver offers endless opportunities for family fun without the stress of traveling too far.