Canada, O Canada (Vancouver)

(Skip to the bottom for where we went and recommendations).

Everyone knows I’m a big proponent for traveling with your kids, but I beg of you, do not take them to Vancouver. I don’t know if my kids were just on one or what it was, but it was a doozy of a trip. We stayed basically in downtown Vancouver, and explored surrounding neighborhoods and found that it wasn’t the most kid friendly of places. Granted, we didn’t really plan the trip around kid friendly activities.

While the scenery is mind-blowingly beautiful, Vancouver itself reminded me a bit of San Francisco, including the drug problem. Much, if not all, of the homeless we saw were smoking crack right out on the street and they even have an area they label as Skid Row.

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the great things Vancouver did have to offer, though. Again, did I mention the views? Something about that water with the mountains and the city skyline that you don’t often see in the same line of site that takes your breath away. Scroll down and save for a list of where we went and top recommendations.

Yaletown: lots of cool restaurants and cocktail lounges with tons of outdoor seating along the strip.

Revolver Coffee: their hot chocolate is made with chunks of real chocolate

Stokes Bike Rentals: rent a bike and ride along Stanley Park where you can ride alongside the water (it’s larger than Central Park!)

Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant and Brewpub: delicious burgers and ice cold beers.

MeeT in Gastown: a delicious vegan restaurant. Get the Noodle-y Thai.

A-maze-ing Laughter: 8.5 feet tall bronze sculptures of laughing men.

Kitsilano Beach: the most beautiful beach where sea meets mountains meets skyline.

Local Public Eatery Kitsilano: great vibe and great burgers.

Granville Island Public Market: indoor market with restaurants, cafes, and shopping.

Jam Cafe: beautiful plates of food. Get there early as lines start to form as early as 8 am.

English Bay Beach: another beautiful beach right next to the A-maze-ing Laughter sculpture.

Charleson Park: an awesome playground with great views of False Creek and skyline views of the city.

Nemesis Coffee in Gastown: their pastries were next level and their avocado toast was the best I’ve ever had, hands down.

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park: worth the $50 bucks to get in and explore the park and walk the bridge.