Discover New Adventures With the Whole Family

And just like that, another Spring Break is upon us! Time to gather up the kids (and your nerves?), fill up the car and make sure you have a plan in place so that you never have to hear those dreaded words: “I’m bored.” 

Whether you’re coming from across the province, across the water or just across town, Vancouver’s North Shore offers boundless outdoor adventure and a fascinating urban playground to explore for the whole family. So, you’re gonna need your rest. Thankfully there are plenty of spots for a good night’s sleep on the North Shore, and they’re offering special deals for Spring Break this year.

The Pinnacle Hotel at the Pier is just steps from the SeaBus station at Lonsdale Quay, and here your stay includes one in-room movie, plus a $25 convenience store credit for snacks to go with it. 

The North Vancouver Hotel is perfect for those heading into the mountains, not far from the Lions Gate Bridge and the base of Grouse Mountain. A room stay here includes a hearty breakfast to-go for up to two adults and two children. 

And kids eat free at Medley’s Grill at the Holiday Inn & Suites North Vancouver, easily accessible from Highway 1 and the Second Narrows Bridge.

In addition to Spring Break breaks, these hotels, as well as the ultra-modern Seaside Hotel Vancouver, offer an array of package deals that include savings on some of the North Shore’s most popular attractions.

If you’re heading to the mountains, you can find free snowshoe rentals or buy-one-get-on-free ski rentals at Reckless Bikes in the Shipyards. 

Or if a little culture is more what you’re after, the Museum of North Vancouver is offering two free tickets with your booking. Here you can explore the rich history of the area in unique interactive exhibits.

The Polygon Gallery is the largest non-profit photography gallery in Western Canada and the architecture of the building by the water is as inspiring as the works within it. You can score a $25 Gift Store Credit with a hotel stay.

(As a bonus, at any of the above mentioned hotels you’ll also receive a welcoming gift of two of Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Child’s Bear Backpack, colouring pages, markers and more!)

Packages vary by hotel so be sure to check out vancouversnorthshore.com/deals for all the info you need.

Of course, this is just the tip of the iceberg-sized fun you can find on the North Shore this spring. 

Three local mountains offer some of the finest skiing and snowboarding you’ll find in the province. Grouse, Seymour and Cypress mountain resorts are open day and night and come with spectacular views of downtown Vancouver and Howe Sound to boot. 

Capilano Suspension Bridge Park is a perfect mix of adventure, history and Indigenous culture to explore amidst the majesty of an ancient West Coast rainforest, “capped” by the ultimate thrill of crossing the canyon on a 450-foot swaying footbridge.

Sticking to town, you can spend a full day on the waterfront shopping, dining and taking in the skyline views from Lonsdale Quay where locally made food, art and craftsmanship are showcased in a bright and airy marina setting. Head just a few steps up the boardwalk to The Shipyards where outdoor skating is open in the commons until the end of March. Twirl to your heart’s content around the 12,000 square foot rink against a backdrop of city lights and mountains.

With the kids in tow, there’s always a little time for a sweet treat and the North Shore delivers big in that area too. Even if Deep Cove wasn’t a gorgeous natural wonder, the drive out there would be worth it just to stop in at Honey’s Doughnuts & Goodies for their perfect Classic Honey. Or if you’re looking to cool off, Welcome Parlour has been serving up scoops of small-batch, natural ice cream around these parts since 1909.

To fuel your escapades, you’ll have no trouble finding kid-approved restaurants as well, ones that will keep mom and dad delighted too. 

Start the day at a bonafide North Shore institution. The Tomahawk Restaurant has been serving hearty “home-made” dishes for close to one hundred years now in a room adorned with fascinating West Coast Indigenous art and artifacts.

Take in lunch with a view at the Arms Reach Bistro next to the picturesque marina in Deep Cove. Enjoy local seafood and other West Coast favourites on one of the prettiest patios you’ll plunk down on.

At the end of a busy day, the Cheshire Cheese Restaurant in the Quay is the perfect spot for a well-earned dinner. From fresh West Coast seafood to burgers to traditional British pub fare, these comfort-classics will please even the most discerning of family members

Wherever you choose to roam over Vancouver’s North Shore, make this Spring Break a vacation (or staycation!) one of the best yet. 

Share your Spring Break family photos for a chance to win a 1-night stay on Vancouver’s North Shore! To enter, tag your photo or video on Instagram using the hashtag #ExploreNorthShore. More details can be found here.