Strawberry

just read the above thread and wondered, we are coming over in July (peak season I know) and have allocated a day to do the Grouse Mountain, Capilano Bridge stuff for our four kids. Now honestly do you think it is too much or is there somewhere better??? The kids are 14,8,.6,5 and have looked on internet and are looking forward to it?? help some honest advice please is required for us soon to be tourists.....

MR79

hey they are nice places to visit, capilano but expensive to get into and the grouse grind is good, again bit expensive coming back down on the gondola, so much to see and do, depends on how much time you have, kitslano beach, english bay, shopping on robson, gastown, metrotown shopping mall, whistler, steveson village richmond, lots more just depends on what you really wana see and do.....

MR79

dboy

Lynn valley might be a choice over the capiliano bridge since its free and will see you around 30 dollars ahead. Grouse mountain is worth the splurge. Definately check out the beaches on a sunny day - kids will have a blast and the scenery is awesome.

el_richo

Also, depending which dates you're there in July, make sure you're somewhere near Kits Beach or possibly Vanier Park to watch the Celebration of Light. Awesome sight!!!

http://www.celebration-of-light.com/

I also agree with dboy, get to Lynn Valley instead of Capilano Expensive Bridge and you'll save a small fortune.

The kids (and adults) will love the Aquarium followed by a nice walk around the sea wall in Stanley Park. Just past the car park down to the water the kids will have a blast flipping rocks and hunting crabs.

A few hours at Granville Island is also a must. There's a kids area in there too that the young ones will love. Make sure you get the aquabus between there and downtown too. Not a long journey but it's fun.

How long are you staying? There's tons to do in the Summer (especially playing on the beach)

Strawberry

we are staying in Vancouver 4 nights and are really looking forward to it, we come over on 17th July, stay 4 nights and then travelling to Okanagan for few days then up to Banff, then Calgary.

There does seem to be so much to do, we will definitely do Grouse Mountain, then see about the other suspension bridge... we are def going stanley Park and which beach would you recommend for the kids. Thanks again for all your recommendations, it is so much better getting info from people who are actually there or have been.

Mel

Strawberry

Aww shame, we will just miss that.

el_richo

I find the beaches are much of a muchness to be honest. Kitsilano beach is very nice as you're close to shops and downtown. There's also an open air (heated the last time i swam there) swimming pool there if you want some swimming out of the ocean. It has play areas for kids. Like a playground.

Jericho and Locarno are also very nice stretches of beach with picnic areas around. Jericho i think has the larger grassed areas next to the beach to get some relief from the sand and great picnic areas as well ad beach volleyball the last time i was there.

Depending where you're staying though and if you have a car or not, you could easily just stay on the beach downtown in English bay.

Either way, if the weather's nice, you're going to love it i think.

el_richo

Actually,

Here's some more info on a few of the beaches in vancouver. Something for the kids

http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/

Strawberry

Cheers, fantastic, will show the kids tonight.

Mel

Rob_999

Aquarium is very good. If you're just happy seeing the beluga whales and seals then there's a free viewing entrance on the west side.

Grouse is a must - there's a bird show, lumberjack show, plus the bears to check out so plenty for the kids. If any of you are feeling adventurous you can hike up and pay $5 to ride back down. Otherwise it's $30+

The pool at second beach is great - third beach is my favourite out of the ones downtown

Mixed reviews on Capilano - IMO it's very expensive, however every visitor we've sent has really enjoyed it, especially since they've added the treetop walk thing. The Lynn canyon bridge is a great alternative for free, and theres good trails through the forrest - but if your budget can strech I'd check out Capilano.

Granville Island, lunch on the deck at Bridges plus a ride on the aquabus is another popular tourist activity

Also consider whale watching - great fun but pricy for a large family.

Otherwise there are loads of free things to do: Walk round seawall, short (or long) hikes on Mount Seymour.

Are you hiring a car at all, or just using public transport?

dboy

Lost of nice beaches - english bay, second beach, kitsilano beach and jericho (my favourite)

The4BellsLondon

hasnt the celebration of lights been cancelled this year due to economic downturn etc. . .?

el_richo

Nope it's back on again............for now

jaynewithay

How about catching the ferry over to Bowen Island, the bus to Horseshoe Bay is very easy then a quick hop over on the ferry. Some lovely walks (worth taking a picnic to eat by the lake) and views to take in.

Jayne

The4BellsLondon

hmmm - not on the web sites . . .

or maybe . . .http://www.straight.com/article-2053...ks-competition