Climb on Board These Family-Friendly Nautical Adventures in Vancouver
You’re never far from water in Vancouver with the gorgeous blue of Burrard Inlet, the Strait of Georgia and the Fraser River surrounding our coastal city. Known as one of the world’s most beautiful waterfronts, Vancouver boasts 17 stunning hectares of natural shoreline with many opportunities to explore this picturesque setting.
Before summer winds down, enjoy some experiences on the water and learn about our fascinating marine heritage. Here are four great nautical experiences on land and sea for the sailors, paddlers and pirates in your family:
Pirate Adventures
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Ahoy, matey! Sail the high seas (or in this case, False Creek) aboard a 50-foot pirate ship armed with 12 cannons. Departing from Granville Island, Pirate Adventures cruises are suitable for all ages. Once onboard, children are outfitted in pirate gear and face paint to get ready for their adventure. Then, during the 75-minute journey, guests interact with the ship’s lively crew, join the search for sunken treasure and defend the ship with water cannons. This unforgettable experience is $30 per person. Children under 2 are $16. Strollers are welcome. For more information, visit pirateadventures.ca
Community Paddling Day
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Dragon boats are a common sight in False Creek—they’re long, sleek vessels powered by paddlers working in unison. If you’ve ever wanted to give this sport a try, check out Community Paddling Day on Saturday, August 10, hosted by Dragon Zone Paddling Club. There are free 45-minute sessions to introduce new paddlers to the sport, held at 12:30, 1:30 and 2:30 pm. The event begins at Creekside Community Centre, and instructors, equipment and boats are all provided. Pre-register for a time slot at dragonzone.ca
Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival
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Head to Granville Island for 4 days of nautical fun as the 32nd Annual Vancouver Wooden Boat Festival takes place from August 23 to 26. Dozens of wooden boats from around North America will be docked and available for boarding. Step onto a steamboat, tug boat, salmon trawler, houseboat, cruiser and more. Meet the owners and ask questions about life on one of these vessels. There are also workshops and demonstrations on the craft of wooden boat building, fun boat-building challenges, exhibits, vendors and live entertainment. Children can also construct their own boats and sail them in the lagoon next to the water park. Find out more at vancouverwoodenboat.com
Vancouver Maritime Museum
Delve into our marine history at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, located in Vanier Park. It’s home to the St. Roch, the first vessel to circumnavigate North America through the Northwest Passage. Drop by to explore exhibits about the history and legacy of Greenpeace—which had its beginnings in Vancouver—as well as the search for the lost ships of the Franklin Expedition. Visitors can learn about pirates, shipwrecks, warships, lighthouses, model ships and maritime art. There are also hands-on displays for little ones in the Children’s Maritime Discovery Centre. Admission is $13.50 for adults and $10 for children over the age of 5. Special rates are available for families. Learn more at vancouvermaritimemuseum.com
