Kids In Vancouver: Enjoy a Day at Queen Elizabeth Park

Queen Elizabeth Park | Photo: Bianca Bujan

Vancouver is rich with lush landscapes and gorgeous gardens, offering a range of destinations for visitors who are looking to enjoy the city’s natural surroundings.

Strolling through the picturesque parks is a great way to get fresh air and enjoy the scenery, but Queen Elizabeth Park, located in the heart of the city, offers so much more to see and do than just gaze at flowers and trek past trees. Here’s how to spend a day at Queen Elizabeth Park with kids in Vancouver – rain or shine.

While Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most-visited parkland, Queen Elizabeth Park comes in at a close second, with nearly 6 million visitors a year. Lovingly referred to as “Little Mountain” by locals, the hilltop urban oasis is the perfect escape from the bustling city that lies below.

Bloedel Conservatory | Photo: Lilies n’ Lavender (Flickr)

Visit the Bloedel Conservatory, a bird-lovers paradise! Enjoy the warmth of the tropics on a rainy day as you wander through the exotic plants and flowers that live under the climate-controlled dome.

Bloedel Conservatory | Photo: Bianca Bujan

Snap photos as you gaze at over 200 species of free-flying birds that call the space home, and mimic the chatty parrots as you learn about each bird and how they adjust to their surrounding habitat from one of the bird guides.

Enjoy a scavenger hunt with your kids (maps are available at the front desk) as you explore the tropical ecosystems that thrive under the dome, and please the senses as you experience the healing garden.

Park Gardens | Photo: Ted McGrath (Flickr)

Stroll through the manicured gardens that make up much of the 130-acre parkland. On a sunny day, you may even witness a bride and her groom posing for post-wedding photos on one of the beautiful bridges or against the floral backdrops that surround the park. Walk along the weaving paths and enjoy the view, just make sure your kids don’t pick the precious flowers that line the walkways!

Photo Session by J. Seward Johnson, Jr. | Photo: TrekEarth.com

Pose with the infamous Photo Session statues, a collection of bronze lifelike sculptures – a photographer and 3 people posing for a photo. The public art display was gifted to the park in 1984 by artist J. Seward Johnson, Jr. Set along the perimeter of the breathtaking viewpoint, this spot makes the perfect photo, with the Vancouver skyline and colourful Fall treetops as your backdrop.

Seasons in the Park Restaurant | Photo: Seasons in the Park

Plan ahead and book a table at the park’s on-site and award-winning restaurant, Seasons in the Park. Enjoy an upscale dining experience at the peak of the park, where you can soak up the sweeping city and garden views while noshing on Pacific Northwest inspired cuisine in a relaxed and welcoming setting.