, I’ve seen the city through all stages of life: as a curious teen looking for adventure, as a single twenty-something eager for fun, as a new mom searching for ways to entertain my
, helping them find new thrills in the city we call home. Regardless of which stage of life you’re in, Vancity has something for everyone.
When I think of the best family-friendly hotels in Vancouver, I think of spots that make it easy to get around (even without a car) and that have room service or a restaurant with options for picky eaters. With three kids, I also always appreciate some extra space for everyone to settle down after a busy day of exploring. And if there’s a
, my kids’ trip is pretty much made. For teens, the ability to roam freely on their own is another big perk, so I like a hotel that’s close to the action, with plenty to explore within walking distance.
The family-friendly hotels below put you in the heart of Vancouver, with plenty of kid-friendly perks that make it easy to settle in—and hard to leave.
Editor-recommended family-friendly hotels in Vancouver
is practically your backyard at the Westin Bayshore, with the North Shore mountains as the backdrop. But for kids, it’s the two pools—a large indoor pool and heated outdoor pool—that make this family-friendly hotel a top pick. Free bike rentals let active families pedal straight to the Stanley Park Seawall, while seasonal movie nights and kids cooking classes give them plenty to do back at the hotel. Spacious rooms include two-double-bed options and suites, while welcome packs and in-room camping tents with s’mores kits turn a hotel stay into a little adventure.
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
First-time Vancouver visitors will love the Fairmont Waterfront, found in the heart of the action with Canada Place, Coal Harbour, and FlyOver Canada at its doorstep. Arriving by cruise ship? The port is just steps away. Kids can watch float planes and cruise ships from the room, then take a dip in the heated rooftop pool overlooking the harbor and North Shore mountains. Complimentary
—including tandems, trailers, and cruisers—make exploring easy, while rooftop garden and beehive tours offer a peek behind the scenes. Family perks include milk and cookies, in-room movies, and
, while mini robes, cribs, and Diaper Genies keep little ones comfortable.
For creative families, the Granville Island Hotel puts you in the middle of Vancouver’s most colorful arts scene, with theaters, galleries, craft shops, and the
right outside. Kids Market is an easy walk away, while a mini ferry makes getting downtown part of the adventure. Back at the hotel, rooms and the restaurant overlook boats and floating homes, and families can choose from double rooms or larger suites. Kids can also roll up their sleeves for cookie- and pizza-making classes, guaranteeing a stay that’s as creative as the neighborhood.
The neon sign, motel-style layout, and bright yellow and teal doors at this locally owned boutique hotel nod to The Burrard’s 1950s roots, but there’s nothing dated about the vibe.
touches pop up everywhere, from the turquoise walls and midcentury-style wood furniture to the palm-filled courtyard, where you can get competitive over ping-pong with the kids or cozy up by the firepit. Rooms have modern amenities, and complimentary bikes and e-bikes make exploring easy. There’s even a Little Free Library for downtime between outings. With Robson Street shopping and Yaletown just steps away, you’re right in the middle of it all.
Sports-loving families will get a kick out of this chic waterfront hotel, sandwiched between BC Place and Rogers Arena. Both venues are steps away, making it easy to catch a Lions or Canucks game, but you don’t have to be a sports fan to appreciate the location. Stroll the False Creek waterfront to get to
, borrow bikes for a seawall ride, or catch a mini ferry to Granville Island. Back at the hotel, kids can join a scavenger hunt and score a free ice cream voucher. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows framing city, mountain, or water views, while larger suites give families more space to spread out.
For families who love being by the water, the Pan Pacific sits directly above the cruise terminal, convenient if you’re starting or ending a cruise in Vancouver. This hotel also puts you steps from Canada Place, FlyOver Canada, and harbor excursions—perfect if
is in your plans. Little swimmers can splash around in the heated rooftop saltwater pool and hot tub, open year-round, and the
includes perks like 50% off a second room and a $50 daily food and beverage credit. Rooms overlook the city, harbor, or mountains, and you’re within walking distance of the seawall and Stanley Park, with easy access to the North Shore mountains by a free shuttle.
Best for beach bums, Sylvia Hotel is about as close as you can get to a stay on a sandy beach in Vancouver. Built in 1912, the heritage boutique hotel was once the tallest in the city, and it sits directly across from English Bay Beach, with Stanley Park’s trails, playgrounds, and sandy beaches close by. Rooms and suites are surprisingly spacious, with select family-friendly accommodations offering separate sleeping areas and full kitchens that make longer stays simpler. The on-site restaurant keeps things casual and kid-friendly, while the
, seawall, and nearby park mean little ones have plenty of places to play right outside.
Across the water from Downtown Vancouver, the Pinnacle puts families in the heart of Lower Lonsdale’s lively Shipyards District. Step outside for
, shops, the Lonsdale Quay, and a water park in summer that transforms into a giant outdoor ice rink in winter, then hop on the nearby SeaBus to explore downtown—no car needed. The North Shore mountains are also close by, so you can traverse the Capilano Suspension Bridge, or go hiking or skiing on Grouse, Cypress, or Mount Seymour. Back at the hotel, kids can burn off the last of their energy in the five-lane heated pool, while spacious rooms and suites give everyone space to spread out and rest.
Readers’ Choice Awards 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2024, 2025
For families who love a little luxury, the „Pac Rim” delivers. More like an urban resort than a downtown hotel, it comes complete with a heated rooftop pool, where families can lounge in covered cabanas and take in mountain and water views, plus enjoy family movies on the outdoor patio in summer. Kids can also get candy jars and other sweet treats to make their stay feel extra special. Parents have plenty to love too: the Lobby Lounge is a lively see-and-be-seen spot for cocktails, live music, and even the occasional
, while Botanist is the place to splurge on dinner.
For families, downtown Vancouver is one of the most convenient places to stay, especially around Coal Harbour. You’ll be within walking distance of restaurants, shopping, and major attractions like the
, with the waterfront and Stanley Park just steps away.
Absolutely. Vancouver packs a lot of family-friendly fun into a relatively compact city, from beaches and bike rides to aquariums and museums. Choose your hotel wisely, and you can walk, bike, or take public transit between many of the city’s top spots.