March Break Activities in Vancouver

With our loonie in the tank, staying in Vancouver is a great way to stay afloat this March Break. It will be easy to keep boredom at bay with these fabulous activities right here in YVR.

Skiing on local mountains is a rite of passage for BC residents. Choose from Grouse Mountain, Cypress Mountain, and Mount Seymour and spend a day shredding on our substantial snow base. Grouse and Seymour also offer snow tubing, while Cypress offers over 50 km of cross country trails besides its downhill skiing, and all three mountains offer snow shoe trails. If you have a hankering for a road trip, make a day of it and head to Whistler Blackcomb, a mere hour and a half in the car will take you to the best ski terrain in North America. Go play in the snow.

If you have a budding actor on your hands or a dedicated fan of ABC's hit television series Once Upon a Time, check out YVR Shoots for filming times and locations. Filmed in Steveston, spend a day watching the filming and then grab fish and chips at Pajos while you're there (the wharf location is open 11 am-4 pm, weather permitting). Check the website for updated filming information, usually released a couple of days in advance.

The Telus World of Science is inventive at the best of times, but during spring break it's a child's dream. With daily magician shows, the Iron Scientist Competition, and puzzles and illusions showcased regularly throughout the break, you may want to buy an annual membership pass because your kids will want to return. Good to know: memberships pay for themselves in two and a half visits.

Head to Burnaby Village Museum to learn about life before the internet. Brand new to the village this spring break is their Adventure Guides, which will take you around the village for a hands on experience exploring this museum dedicated to the olden days. Children will learn about type set, blacksmithing, and one-room classrooms, and experience the old world charm of a soda shop and watch a silent movie. Entry is fee, the Adventure Guide is $6.

If your kids are not ready to climb the Squamish Chief but tired of climbing your walls at home, take them to the Edge Climbing Centre in North Vancouver. With beginner, intermediate and advanced walls to choose from, there is something for every child. Check out their March break camps in order to make it a break for you too. Good to know: wear fitted, not loose, clothing that won't get stuck on holds and prepare to sweat.

You don't have to ski or snowboard to ascend a mountain in winter—a ten minute ride in the Squamish Sea to Sky Gondola will deliver both big views and big mountain experience. On top of the mountain you can snowshoe, snow tube (check for conditions, only open if snow permits), brave the 100 meter long Sky Pilot Suspension Bridge or just grab lunch and enjoy the spectacular scenery of Howe Sound.

While other parts of Canada have ice storms, spring has sprung in Vancouver, so load your bikes and head to Stanley Park to cycle the seawall. The 10-km paved seawall is free of cars and hills. Note that it's a one-way route, so park near the Vancouver Rowing Club and head counter-clockwise. It gets extremely busy on weekends, so go early, or plan weekday excursions if your riders are wobbly. Bike rentals are available nearby on Denman Street, rent a tandem bike from Spokes for a unique cycling experience and a great photo op.

Introduce your children to the magic of live theatre. Carousel Theatre presents 'Go Dog Go' at the Waterfront Theatre until March 20. An hour long, it's a perfect way of teaching children that entertainment exists beyond screens. Recommended for children ages 3-5, check out their website before you go for family craft activities in order to build excitement. After the show, head to the Granville Island Kids Market next door to shop for handmade toys and a play in the Adventure Zone.