Vancouver travel is great for getting the family out to the main attractions. All of the most well-known places are located within the city. Yet, for those looking for kid-friendly activities, getting outside to Burnaby, Fort Langley and Port Coquitlam to see the Burnaby Village Museum, Fort Langley National Historic Site and Port Coquitlam Truck Museum are popular options.
Burnaby Village Museum
6501 Deer Lake Avenue, Burnaby V5G 3T6
Phone: (604) 293-6501
Admission: Adults $11.22 CDN, children 6-12 years $5.66, children under six free.
The Burnaby Village Museum is an exciting re-creation of life in the 1920s. Costumed volunteers welcome families with period language and attire, matching the early 20th century buildings. Special events and exhibits happen year round, so phone the number above to find out what’s new.
Make sure to visit each one of the period buildings, complete with specific era goods, machinery and personalities over the 10 acres. Always a favourite with kids are the 1912 CW Parker Carousel, where children can watch it go around and even get on for a ride ($1.89), and the Interurban Tram #1223, which has been gracefully restored to its former glory.
Fort Langley National Historic Site
23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley V1M 2R5
Phone: (604) 513-4777
Admission: Adults $7.80 CDN, family day pass $19.60
Another re-created historical attraction, the Fort Langley National Historic Site is a playground of fort buildings from the fur trade era: a fur press, blacksmith shop, servant’s quarters, storehouse and cooperage are just a few.
Originally built in 1827, this Hudson’s Bay Company fort was a trade hub with the local Aboriginal People. Depending on the day and season, families can watch a fur trade era wedding, pan for gold, watch the blacksmith forge tools and trinkets, or chat with the costumed volunteers who can act out history. The on-site Mighty Fraser Bistro serves delicious baked good and full lunches.
Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum & Archives
1580 Kingsway, Port Coquitlam V3C 3Y9
Phone: (604) 472-1647
Admission: by donation (only open on Thursdays or call for an appointment/tour)
Tucked away in an industrial part of Port Coquitlam, the Teamsters Freight Transportation Museum & Archives is a prized find. Here you’ll find beautifully restored trucks from as early as 1914, ranging from Chevrolets to a Dodge Airflow Tanker.
The volunteer mechanics and retired truckers provide a unique atmosphere of old world glory and down to earth hospitality. For history buffs, the museum also has a collection of trucking history magazines and books, as well as a wide array of automobile-related paraphernalia throughout.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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