Vancouver
North
In 1939, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth officially opened Lion's Gate Bridge: the British Empire's longest suspension bridge, linking Vancouver to the North and West Vancouver
Lonsdale Quay - This is where you get off the SkyTrain. The Quay includes a great market to wander through, buy farm-fresh foods, or shop for crafts (a smaller version of Granville Island). Climb the three-story tall external staircase to get a bird's eye view of it all. Leaving the Quay you enter North Vancouver, a town made to wander, full of crafts and all kinds of other shops.
Take the boat - Today, the scenic route is on the Burrard Beaver or the Burrard Otter SeaBus 400-passenger catamarans which cross the bay from Canada Place to the Lonsdale Quay about 15 minutes (people and bicycles only). The SeaBus is part of the transit system that includes SkyTrains and buses. Grouse Mountain - A must-see trip for Vancouver, take the SeaBus to Londsdale Quay and a bus up to the mountain, or drive across the Lion's Gate Bridge. Take the gondola ride (not for the acrophobic) or SkyRide, an aerial tram, to the top. At the top, spectacular city views, beautiful warm-weather hikes and wintertime skiing, skating, snowboarding, snowshoe trails. The mountain has several places to eat, and a free high definition movie.
Capilano Suspension Bridge - A tourism center has grown up around the suspension bridge that spans the Capilano river. A nice little trip - but if you're going for the scenery, drive a couple blocks farther and go to the Capilano Salmon Hatchery instead.
Capilano Canyon Park and Salmon Fish Hatchery - Much less demanding, with spectacular views along the way. Check out the hatchery, where huge view windows let you watch the salmon spawning up stream. Then stroll along wooded paths through ancient growth forests. Tip: You'll get the same dizzying views from bridges in this free area as on the Capilano Suspension bridge.
Maplewood Farm - In the Seymour River area, this five acre North Vancouver District Park has scores of farm animals that children are allowed to feed (supervised). Oriented to the 10 and under crowd, there are picnic tables available.
Maplewood Mudflats Bird Sanctuary - Right next to the Farm, if your kids are birders, don't let them forget their guide books and binoculars.
Skiing - North Vancouver has two ski hills: Grouse Mountain and Mount Seymour, open in November to as late as June. At Grouse Mountain, the snow school has instructors for skiing and snowboarding, starting at 3-6 year olds, half day programs for 7-12 year olds. At Mount Seymour, the "Bear Bowl," is just for 4-6 year olds, half or full day programs for 6 -12 year olds. Snowboard, ski and clothing rentals are available at both locations.
Kayaking - From Deep Cove up Indian Arm is the place for the novice (and glorious views of the mountains). Rent canoes and kayaks at Deep Cove Canoes and Kayak in Deep Cove.
