If you’re looking to shake up your typical weekend getaway or vacation plans, Vancouver, British Columbia, is a great family-friendly option just 6-7 hours north. Tucked between the Pacific Ocean and snow-capped mountains, Vancouver offers an unbeatable mix of urban adventure and natural beauty. Whether your family loves outdoor excursions, interactive museums, or world-class food, this city delivers.
Here’s why it’s worth the road trip, and what fun family activities await once you arrive.
Why Drive from Oregon to Vancouver?
Before diving into all the fun waiting in Vancouver, you might be wondering: Is it really worth the drive? For families living in Oregon, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why making the 6–7 hour journey north is worth the time and energy.
1. The Journey Is Half the Fun
The drive from Oregon to Vancouver—whether you’re coming from Portland, Eugene, or Salem—takes you through some of the Pacific Northwest’s most beautiful landscapes. Think coastal views, lush forests, and majestic mountain backdrops. You can stop at Mount St. Helens, take a snack break in Olympia, or stretch your legs in Seattle along the way.
2. International Travel Without the Jet Lag
Crossing into Canada gives kids the thrill of international travel without jet lag or culture shock. From Canadian currency to new foods, it’s just different enough to feel special but still comfortable and English-speaking.
3. Family-Friendly and Clean
Vancouver is widely recognized for being clean, green, and family-oriented. Public transit is efficient and stroller-friendly, parks are abundant, and attractions are thoughtfully designed for visitors of all ages. The city also boasts a strong reputation for safety, making it an appealing option for families exploring on foot or by bike.
Top Family Activities in Vancouver
Here are some top family-friendly activities to do in Vancouver.
1. Stanley Park & Vancouver Aquarium
No visit to Vancouver is complete without exploring Stanley Park, one of the world’s best urban parks. Rent bikes and ride the 5.5-mile seawall with breathtaking views of the harbor and mountains, or explore forested trails that wind past totem poles and duck ponds. Inside the park, the Vancouver Aquarium offers hands-on exhibits, daily animal feedings, and a behind-the-scenes look at marine conservation, perfect for curious young minds.
2. Science World
This geodesic dome is packed with hands-on science exhibits, a giant IMAX theatre, and live science demonstrations. Kids can build, tinker, and experiment in themed zones like Eureka! and the Wonder Gallery for toddlers. The exhibits change regularly, so even repeat visits offer new opportunities for learning through play.
3. Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
Just 15 minutes from downtown, this thrilling park features a 450-foot-long suspension bridge that sways gently over a river gorge. The Treetops Adventure and Cliffwalk add even more excitement, with elevated walkways and glass-bottomed paths through towering evergreens. Educational signs throughout the park introduce kids to the ecology and history of the West Coast rainforest.
4. Granville Island
Ride the Aquabus across False Creek and land at Granville Island, home to a bustling public market, artisan shops, and the Kids Market—a two-level play space packed with toy stores and indoor activities. Street performers, bakeries, and fresh seafood vendors make this spot a lively and delicious destination. The nearby waterfront is great for a relaxing stroll with scenic views of the city skyline.
5. Grouse Mountain
Whether you’re visiting in summer or winter, Grouse Mountain offers seasons of fun. In winter, families can ski, snowboard, snowshoe, and enjoy a mountaintop skating pond, while in summer, the gondola ride, zipline tours, and lumberjack shows provide plenty of excitement. Don’t miss the wildlife refuge, where you can meet grizzly bears in a protected, natural setting.
6. Kitsilano Beach & Vanier Park
For a more laid-back day, head to Kitsilano Beach, where kids can build sandcastles or splash in the ocean while parents relax with mountain views. Right next door at Vanier Park, you’ll find three major attractions: the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. These institutions offer hands-on exhibits, planetarium shows, and nautical displays that are both fun and educational.
Tips for Oregon Families Driving Up
Bring Passports: Every family member, including children, needs proper documentation to cross the Canada-U.S. border.
Use a Nexus Lane (if available): If you have a Nexus pass, border wait times can be significantly shorter.
Exchange Some Cash: Most places take cards, but it’s fun and useful to have some Canadian dollars for markets and small vendors.
Book Accommodations Early: Vancouver is a popular destination, especially in spring and summer, so hotels and family-friendly rentals can fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
With its mix of natural beauty, cultural richness, and family-friendly attractions, Vancouver is the ultimate road trip reward. Just a few hours from Oregon, it offers a refreshing change of scenery and pace, all in a safe, engaging environment for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re hiking among the treetops, exploring quaint shops, or enjoying street food by the water, Vancouver is a great place for a family trip that won’t break the bank.
Emily currently lives in Orange County, California after spending four years in Illinois and half a year teaching in Florence, Italy. She holds a B.A. in English Literature from Knox College and an M.A. in Counseling from the University of San Diego and has taught English to native speakers and ESL students for over three years. When she’s not working as a School Counselor or writing, she enjoys traveling the world, playing instruments, and blogging about Millennial experiences at Long Live the Twenties.