Discover Vancouver, Canada: A Perfect March Break Getaway for Families

Canadian Charm, Our Five-Day Itinerary in Vancouver, British Columbia

Explore Vancouver's west coast charm with an itinerary featuring iconic landmarks, family-friendly activities, and breathtaking scenery.

Discover Vancouver, Canada: A Perfect March Break Getaway for Families - This past March Break, we embarked on a delightful five-day getaway to Vancouver, British Columbia, in part to visit our eldest daughter attending Simon Fraser University (SFU), and in part to further explore this thriving Canadian metropolis. With our friends, their children, and our two younger kids in tow, we set out for an adventure that combined family bonding, sightseeing, and quintessential Canadian experiences. From soaring high above the Rockies to exploring Vancouver's vibrant streets, parks and hiking trails, this was a trip to remember.

Day 1: Discover Vancouver, Canada: A Perfect March Break Getaway for Families - Arrival accomplished, amazing accommodations

Woman waiting in an airport with an airplane in the background. Discover Vancouver, Canada: A Perfect March Break Getaway for Families

Waiting to board at Pearson International Airport in Toronto, Ontario.

A red map of Canada with a white airplane icon flying from Kingston, Ontario to Vancouver, British Columbia with the title

Time for a Family-Friendly Adventure! Our path from Ontario to British Columbia, Canada by plane.

Woman and teen girl in an airport, smiling because they have arrived at their destination. Geo-stamped Vancouver International

We have arrived at Vancouver International Airport in British Columbia. Shown here is myself with my youngest daughter.

Our journey began with a drive from Kingston, Ontario, to Toronto's Pearson International Airport which took us about three hours. Boarding a WestJet flight, we were whisked across the country, arriving at Vancouver International Airport five hours later, but thanks to time zone changes it was only about 25 minutes later! From there, we embraced Vancouver's efficient public transit system, taking the SkyTrain and buses to our accommodations at The Simon, located on SFU's Burnaby campus.

A double queen hotel suite with two beds, corner chair, large television over a desk at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia.

The double queen accommodations at the Simon, a hotel located within the residences at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia.

Monument of Terry Fox, a Canadian here, at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia

Terry Fox, one of Canada's greatest heroes, attended Simon Fraser University as a student. A beautiful monument has been erected on campus in his memory.

Nestled atop Burnaby Mountain, The Simon provided hotel-style accommodations that were both comfortable and convenient. Our rooms offered amenities such as 55" ROKU TVs, private washrooms, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and access to a lobby coffee station. Surrounded by a tranquil courtyard, it was the perfect place to unwind after a day of travel. After settling in, we toured the SFU campus and enjoyed dinner at the campus dining commons, immersing ourselves in the vibrant student atmosphere before heading to bed for the night - We couldn't wait to discover Vancouver, Canada, a perfect March Break getaway for families!

Day 2: Granville Island, Gastown, and NHL Excitement

Woman stands beside a city street with neon sign for Granville Island in the background under a bridge.

We took public transit and a short walk to get to Granville Island in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The Gastown Steam clock in Vancouver, British Columbia

This steam clock is powered by a series of steam pipes connected to a generating plant at Georgia and Beatty Streets in Gastown, BC.

The ice surface at the Rogers Arena in Vancouver for an NHL Game: Vancouver Canucks vs Montreal Canadiens

The Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, can hold almost 19,000 fans for an NHL game. The atmosphere was electric!

To discover Vancouver, Canada on our perfect March Break getaway for families, we headed northwest to Granville Island, a bustling hub of culture, art, and food. Once an industrial area, it now boasts iconic hotspots like Lee's Donuts and the Granville Island Brewery. As we wandered through the Public Market and artisan shops, the kids marveled at the colourful murals and delicious scents from the various food vendors. A key highlight was quality time spent at Hamuhk Hangout Place, where you can try-before-you-buy a variety of hammocks in fun colours, patterns and sizes!

Later that day, we explored Gastown, one of Vancouver's oldest neighbourhoods. Its cobblestone streets and historic charm were the perfect backdrop for dinner at The Old Spaghetti Factory. To cap off the day, we attended an NHL game at Rogers Arena, where the Vancouver Canucks faced the Montreal Canadiens. The energy in the arena was electric, making it a thrilling experience for hockey fans of all ages.

Day 3: Discover Vancouver, Canada Includes Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park

A rusty-orange starfish or sea star on the glass of an aquarium with colourful sea life in the background

Every exhibit showcased beautiful sea life in magical-looking habitats. Here a starfish, or sea star, shows off its arms.

Map of the Vancouver Aquarium via the interactive directory that is on display. Includes location of exhibits as well as Program show times.

The directories at the Vancouver Aquarium made finding your way to exhibits of interest and participating in the interactive programs very easy.

Man stands, smiling, in forward of image with tall trees in the background, Stanley Park, Vancouver.

My husband was delighted to be surrounded by nature as we strolled through Stanley Park, Vancouver.

Rain didn't dampen our spirits as we continued to discover Vancouver, Canada on our perfect March Break getaway for families! The third day we ventured to the Vancouver Aquarium, located in the heart of Stanley Park. From playful sea otters to the glowing jellyfish, every exhibit captivated our group. The kids were particularly enthralled by the Amazon Rainforest habitat, teeming with unique creatures.

After the aquarium, we strolled through Stanley Park, taking in the lush greenery and scenic views of the city skyline. Even in March, the park's natural beauty was on full display, offering a serene escape from the bustling city.

Day 4: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, North Vancouver, Canada

Portrait view of the Capilano River from the Capilano Suspension Bridge 70m above. The North Shore Mountains are in the background set agains a beautiful blue sky with puffy white clouds.

This is the view from the Capilano Suspension Bridge, 70 meters above the Capilano River. See the North Shore Mountains in the background.

Woman strikes a pose on a suspension bridge at the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park in North Vancouver, British Columbia

I felt a sense of exhilaration (relief?) coming to the end of the 137 meter long suspension bridge!

The view from the bottom of a tall Douglas Fir tree to the top, approximately 85 meters tall in North Vancouver, Canada

The Douglas Fir trees can grow to be an impressive 85 meters tall in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Our fourth day was spent in North Vancouver at the iconic Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. We took public transit to within a short walk of the park to get there, and were able to take free shuttle from the park back into Vancouver on the way back. The free shuttle is a great feature!

Crossing the 137-meter-long bridge over the Capilano River was both exhilarating and awe-inspiring. The Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk provided additional thrills, with stunning views of the coastal rainforest. Educational exhibits throughout the Nature's Edge Boardwalk and the Story Centre enriched our visit, offering insights into the region's history and rich Indigenous culture.

With a mix of adventure, exercise, and education, the park was a hit with both the kids and the adults. Before leaving, we stopped at the gift shop to pick up souvenirs, a perfect way to remember our time in this enchanting setting and discover Vancouver, Canada during our perfect March Break getaway for families.

Day 5: Farewell to Vancouver, BC, Canada

Welcome sign to the Simon Fraser University dinning commons, Burnaby, British Columbia

The Dinning Commons at Simon Fraser University is open 24-hours, 7-days per week for all students, guests and visitors.

Overview of the Dinning Commons at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia, a large cafeteria on the university campus

With a very open floor-plan, numerous options for seating, and ample varieties of hot and cold food and drinks, the SFU Dinning Commons has something for everyone.

On our final day, we enjoyed a leisurely breakfast at the dining commons before packing up and making our way to the airport. The public transit system once again proved reliable, getting us to Vancouver International Airport with time to spare. Flying WestJet back to Toronto, we retrieved our car from Econ Park & Fly and began the final leg of our journey home. Despite the late-night arrival in Kingston, the memories of our Vancouver adventure made it all worthwhile.

Reflections on Our Vancouver Adventure

This trip was more than just a getaway; it was a celebration of family, friendship, and the incredible beauty of Canada. From the cultural vibrancy of Granville Island, and the excitement of watching an NHL game live, to the natural wonders of Stanley Park and the Capilano Suspension Bridge, every moment offered something special. This was a perfect March Break getaway for our family! Whether you're planning a family trip or a solo adventure, Vancouver's blend of urban excitement and natural splendour makes it a must-visit destination. We can't wait to return and discover even more of what this remarkable city has to offer.