6 Places to See Animals in Vancouver

It's no secret that kids love animals. Critters of all shapes and sizes fill their lives—in their books, movies, toys and clothing. So, indulge the wonderment this summer with some animal day trips.

Ideal for any child but especially for toddlers, this is a little farm with a big heart. Historically a dairy farm, it is now home to over 200 animals, from Fluffy the New Zealand White Rabbit to Tom the Belgian Draft Horse. Pigs, sheep, cows, goats, and ducks also call the farm their home. Wander around on a self-guided tour—the farm doesn't offer guided tours, but you can download a self-guided map from their website. If small legs are tiring, pedal tractors are available for kids to zoom around on. Kids can get up close and personal with the pygmy goats in the paddock (our personal favourite) or the bunnies in their pen, so bring your own celery and carrots for feeding the rabbits. In fact, bring snacks for your children, too—there isn't a concession on hand, but there are tables set up for you to bring your own picnic.

Bear Discovery is the theme this summer on Grouse. Coola and Grinder have been the grizzly residents of the mountain for many years, but new this year is an exciting opportunity to have ‘Breakfast with the Bears', while being led by Ranger staff and learning all about the grizzly diet and life. Grouse is also home to Alpha, a gray wolf, who finds his refugee home at the bottom of the mountain. If your family is interested in birds of prey, be sure to check out the Birds in Motion Show, the Theatre in the Sky tribute to the northern spotted owl or take an eco-walk.

For a farm animal experience like no other, head to Maplewood Farm on the North Shore. Feed the ducks, ride a pony, pedal a tractor, pet the farm animals, picnic in the gardens, walk around the pond and check out the growing spring additions to the farm family. Whether your child likes cows, goats, sheep, pigs, donkeys, horses, rabbits, ducks or hens, there are over 200 domestic animals and birds on this beautiful 5-acre setting to give you a little piece of country in the midst of the city.

If San Diego is not on your list this summer, why not take a day trip to Aldergrove to visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Take the kids' bikes if they are past the stroller stage and you have the room, as there is a lot of ground to cover. Start off by riding the miniature train to get oriented and then be sure to take in the lion and tiger feeding and the raptor show. There are also lots of animals that are not on the train tour—the cheetah, jaguar, baboon and giraffe enclosures are definitely worth the walk.

You may have already been to the Aquarium, one of the best family attractions on the Lower Mainland, but ‘The Big Reveal' is your reason to go again. The largest expansion in the Aquarium's 58-year history opened to the public on June 13. With new state of the art multi-media and engagement opportunities, expanded viewing and eating areas and at the heart of any young child's visit, an improved experience in Clownfish Cove.

For a wetland experience along the Fraser River, head to George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Walk the many tree lined and riverfront paths through the marsh to see different varieties of birds. Snow geese, hooded mergansers, trumpeter swans and red-breasted blackbirds are just a few of the more interesting creatures that call this sanctuary home. Buy a bag of birdseed and make a game of spotting some of the more unusual birds and waterfowl along the way. Be sure to climb the stairs to the top of the viewing platforms to enjoy the amazing sights.