We decided, well more so my husband decided, that a mini “staycation” was in order for us. So we decided to spend one night downtown in Vancouver with little kids. Our two little kids. Jason found a deal online for a hotel on the edge of Gastown, and our room had a separate sleeping area which meant we wouldn’t have to go to bed at 7pm like our daughter’s do. The morning of our trip we loaded the car with our suitcase, stroller, diaper bag, and pack-n-play. First stop… coffee!
Things got off to a rough start sadly. When we got to the hotel, we were able to check into our room early, but there were issues. Almost two hours later we finally got all that sorted, but we’d heard the horn that signals lunch time downtown. We needed lunch, people were getting hangry. Every single restaurant, or even small eatery was full with 40minute wait times. Another issue was that a lot of places are not stroller friendly, and we had our youngest in the stroller because she was asleep. We just kept walking and finally settled into a place that served all day breakfast. This works for us, because we know our preschool will eat breakfast food any time of day.
Unfortunately, things with the hotel had put such a damper on everything that we were actually debating just going home. When our hotel realized this they very kindly did everything possible to try and help us restart our staycation on a good note.
What exactly did we get up to with kids while downtown? Well, we walked a bit of Gastown and Coal Harbour. This was a hit with our oldest because she got to see all of the float planes. She has since requested that we get to take one of these some day. Can you guess what has now been added to our travel dream list?
There’s several different outdoor art pieces in Coal Harbour that you can check out. We saw the Olympic Cauldron, the Digital Orca, and the Drop. I get it that we live in Raincouver, but we all agreed that we are not a fan of the Drop plus if you hear how much that cost you will end up shaking your head. The Digital Orca was a huge hit though, but be ready to keep your kid from climbing on it.
One thing Jason and I have always wanted to do is go to the Vancouver Lookout Tower. This is stroller friendly, just in case you are wondering. The staff are very kind, and made sure Evie had a stool to stand on to be able to see out the windows. We walked our way around the 360 degree viewing area. It really is incredible to see all the buildings, and how beautiful Vancouver is. Jason went back before it was dark, and got some great night shots. Keep an eye out for discount coupons for this if you do want to go, there are many available in tourist pamphlets. Plus kids 5 and under are free.
Our evening there was spent enjoying movie night snacks that the hotel provided for us. Evie had actually fallen asleep on the couch and woke up to all sorts of special treats. We watched a couple of her favourite shows before getting the girls ready for bed. We actually managed to get both of the girls to bed in the same room with only one hiccup from Addie not wanting to settle and go to sleep.
The next day we packed up, and checked out because we were off to see the Canuck’s Open Practice. It’s a great free event, and the perfect way for younger kids to check out hockey without paying the high ticket prices for an actual game. There was lots to see and do. Evie got her face painted with a pink cupcake, and Addie ended up being on the big screen thats in the arena.
It was a nice little change of events for all of us as a family. We really needed the mini getaway from everything. Things have just been too crazy, and we needed to slow it down. If we were to do something like this again we will be looking for a hotel with a pool too, so if you know of any in downtown Vancouver let me know. It really was a simple staycation, and it was nice to explore the city. There really is so much to do, and explore while there.
Where did you end up having lunch?
At The Dutch right on the water near the float planes in Coal Harbour.
Despite the rocky start, it sounds like a fun trip! I’d love to go to Vancouver some day. It looks like a gorgeous city!
It did get better, next time though I think a trip without kids is in order. Definitely try to some day, you’ll love it.
Love that you guys make it a priority to travel with your kids. I have fond memories from my early childhood on with my parents and hope to take our boys on as many trips as possible!!
We’re trying to. I hope my girls have great memories.
Omg loving your photos!!! I spent a summer in Vancouver and Victoria a few years ago so this brought back some memories 🙂
Time to come back!
Totally not related to the post, but you have the best hair! I can only dream of having beautiful locks like that after two kids (mine will never be the same!).
You’re going to laugh at me Natalie, but I totally counted how many hairs fell out the other day when I brushed my hair. Over 400! I’m going to be bald in no time. So thankful that I had lots of hair to start. PS… I went to hairstyling school 😉
It’s too bad that you had a rough start, but it looks like it turned into a wonderful vacation.
Sorry to hear it started out rough but happy to hear you were able to get out and have fun with your kids! Great shots of the city. We’re actually heading up to Vancouver in a few weeks and can’t wait! If you have hotel recommendations, I’d love to hear them… I’m having trouble working with hotels up there, which normally isn’t a problem but maybe I’m contacting the wrong ones? Any hotel recommendations for 2 adults, 2 kids are appreciated! Thanks! 🙂
We stayed at the Delta Suites Vancouver, which is now connected to Marriot. Friends of mine have stayed at The Four Seasons and loved it! Let me know who you end up staying with!
Even though it was a rough start, sounds like a great trip.
We’ve been looking into Vancouver. Loved seeing your pictures. I do love a hotel with a separate room for the parents. It really makes a huge difference in how relaxed I am on vacation. And, great job getting out into the world with your kids. It really helps them to grow up and be excellent travelers. We have a blast taking our 5. The 2 year old is still a bit tough but the rest are like bringing along my best friends 😉
They look like they had a blast. Awesome.
We did the same thing a few years back. Kids had so much fun. Love the pictures and the VIEW!
We love staycations! I have family in Kent WA beautiful state!
My sister is in BC and I’ve never made it out to Vancouver. I must do that!
These are beautiful pictures! I would love to visit Vancouver one day. And good for you all for venturing to a hotel with little ones. That can be very stressing and I am glad you all had a great time. This inspires me to have a better staycation experience. 🙂
That looks like a great mini-staycation! We have stayed several times at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and have always loved it. They also have a pool but we have never stayed with the kids. Maybe it’s time we tried 🙂
We are very familiar with Coal Harbour here in Pittsburgh as that is where Sidney Crosby grew up 🙂 It would be awesome to go there in the off season in hopes of bumping into him 😉
Makes me want to take a trip to the city. We have stayed at Terminal City Club before and they have access to a pool with a bit of a view. Nice big rooms with separate living area (always great with kids!).
What a fun thing to do Tamara! Look s a fun weekend for sure!
It’s always so much fun to do a staycation and enjoy the tourist attractions in your own home town! I was sorry to hear that your vacation started off on the wrong foot with the hotel. But I was also glad to learn that things did get better. I love all of your beautiful Vancouver photos. They inspire me to take a trip up north and discover the beauty of Canada.
I would love to visit Vancouver. I’ve never been to Canada but would love to go. You’ve shared such a great family vacation!
Oh this looks so awesome. I have never been to Canada and have always wanted to go. One day maybe I’ll get to take the family and see all this beauty, thanks for sharing.
That outdoor art looks amazing! I would love to visit!!
Those views are phenomenal! I’d love to visit Vancouver someday!
Planning a mini staycation with my husband at the end of this month, and this post makes me so excited! We will be staying at the Delta and having dinner near by.
The views from the lookout are amazing!