Vancouver

I've heard many times that Vancouver isn't the most kid friendly city and I have to say that I outright disagree. We took a trip there to visit friends a few years ago and can't wait until we go back. Here are a few reasons why.

Granville Island Market is one of the most amazing places ever. It's one of our absolute favorites and must-visit places every time we're there. Whether it's getting lunch at the farmers' market (and mouth-watering ingredients for dinner), or shopping for local art and seeing the artists at work (the last time we were there we picked up a piece by each of these incredible artists), or visiting the Kid's Market and its great shops, it's easy to spend the entire day there (or at least a good half day).

Farmers' Market at Granville Island

Kids' Market at Granville Island

Fritz using the wrong door at the Kids' Market

Watching a totem being made at Granville Island

Another place we stopped by at was Cupcakes on Denman St. A great little shop in the West End, you can never go wrong with one of their little cakes for desert. Nevermind that they actually have a cupcake called Ella.

Cupcakes on Denman Street

After seeing the totems being carved, go spend a day in Stanley Park and see them in all their splendor. Unfortunately the day we went it rained, but that only encouraged us to visit what is probably the best aquarium in the world. The Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park and although its admission is a little pricey and I've been to many different aquariums this one outranks them all, by far. They are even the people behind Ocean Wise  a conservation program created to educate and empower consumers about the issues surrounding sustainable seafood who just happened to be having a sustainable chowder competition. You can't really ask for more for a fantastic lunch. If they aren't having their annual chowder competition while you're there, they also have a great menu and kids menu.

Totems in Stanley Park

E looking at the aquarium from under/inside

Sea turtles swimming overhead

Another great place to see is the Aberdeen Centre in Richmond, about 20 minutes by car from downtown. It's a great Asian mall with all kinds of shops with products you've never seen before in your life. This place was probably Fritz' favorite. My favorite was by far the Daiso where you can get anything you ever wanted, or never knew you needed for 2$ (weird translations included). Kind of like the Japanese version of Dollarama. It's awesome. They also have a great food court.

Lastly, a great little independent book store called Sophia Books was also going to be featured in this posting. Sadly, they closed this past May. They were a great multilingual bookstore with an amazing kids selection. We picked up some Italian books for E. Fritz picked up some Japanese magazines, I gazed nostalgically at french childrens' programs DVDs from my childhood. Sophia Books, you will be missed.

Vancouver, we'll see you soon.