4-Day Family Friendly Itinerary for British Columbia

  • Day 1: Capilano Suspension Bridge Park
    20 minutes (7.2 miles) from downtown Vancouver

    Begin your trip with a thrilling visit to the Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, perfect for adventurers of all ages. Walk across the suspension bridge that sways 230 feet above the Capilano River, take in the stunning scenery, explore the Treetops Adventure, and learn about the area's Indigenous culture.

  • Day 2: Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park
    5 minutes (1.7 miles) from Capilano Suspension Bridge Park

    Experience the marine wildlife and the natural beauty of Stanley Park at the Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park. See sea turtles, beluga whales, and dolphins, and learn about the conservation efforts to protect them. Walk, cycle or take a horse-drawn carriage ride around Stanley Park's scenic Seawall and spot evergreen trees, beaches, and the Lion's Gate Bridge.

  • Day 3: Whistler
    2 hours (75.3 miles) from Vancouver

    Take a day trip to Whistler, a beautiful mountain town with endless outdoor activities all year round. Go mountain biking, zip-lining, or take a scenic ride in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola. Or simply explore the charming Whistler Village with its shops, restaurants, and breathtaking views of the Whistler and Blackcomb mountain ranges.

  • Day 4: Butchart Gardens and Victoria
    3 hours (68.4 miles) from Whistler

    Spend your last day at one of the world's premier floral show gardens, the Butchart Gardens, featuring vibrant colors and styles from different parts of the world. After exploring the gardens, head to Victoria, the capital of British Columbia, and stroll around its picturesque Inner Harbour. Take in the beauty of the architecture, visit the Royal BC Museum, or enjoy delicious seafood at a local restaurant.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Capilano Suspension Bridge Park (2-3 hours, $54.95/adult)
  • Vancouver Aquarium and Stanley Park (3-4 hours, $39.95/adult)
  • Whistler (8-10 hours, $50 for Peak 2 Peak Gondola ticket)
  • Butchart Gardens and Victoria (6-8 hours, $33.20/adult)
  • Total Estimated Costs: $361.05 CAD

Transportation

Consider renting a car to make getting around to all of the different destinations on this itinerary more convenient. The trip from Vancouver to Whistler is approximately 2 hours, so be prepared for a longer drive. Total travel distance is approximately 152 miles. Estimated rental car cost for 4 days is around $250 CAD.

Useful Tips

If you have an extra day, consider exploring Vancouver's Granville Island or taking a whale watching tour. For a shorter trip, you could skip Whistler or the Butchart Gardens portion of the itinerary.

Airports

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the main airport in British Columbia, located about an hour south of Whistler. The airport is well-connected to the city by public transportation and taxi services.

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