🕰️ Gastown Steam Clock
Our morning began at one of Vancouver’s most photographed landmarks, the Gastown Steam Clock. Located in the heart of Vancouver’s oldest neighborhood, the clock releases a burst of steam and plays its signature whistle tune every quarter hour.
It’s a short stop, but one worth making early in the day before the streets get busy. The surrounding cobblestone streets are lined with cafés and boutiques that make for a pleasant stroll.
The iconic Gastown Steam Clock letting off steam along Water Street
🌊 English Bay & the A-maze-ing Laughter Statues
Our next stop was English Bay, home to the whimsical A-maze-ing Laughter statues. The bronze sculptures, each with exaggerated laughing expressions, instantly brought smiles to the kids’ faces.
The area is lively yet relaxing. It’s perfect for a quick photo stop or a short walk along the waterfront before moving on to the next destination.
The playful A-maze-ing Laughter statues make for a fun photo stop
🧬 Science World
We spent several hours at Science World, one of Vancouver’s best family-friendly attractions. The interactive exhibits sparked everyone’s curiosity from physics demonstrations to marine life displays.
The kids particularly enjoyed the hands-on experiments and immersive displays inside the giant geodesic dome. It’s a great option for families looking to mix learning with fun, especially if the weather turns cloudy.
🍱 Lunch at Saku
After a morning of exploration, we stopped for lunch at Saku, a popular Japanese restaurant known for its traditional katsu, crispy breaded cutlets served with shredded cabbage and house-made sauces.
The food was simple yet comforting, a nice break between sightseeing stops.
Delicious, crispy katsu lunch at Saku
🌸 Queen Elizabeth Park
Beautiful views of Vancouver’s skyline from Queen Elizabeth Park
In the afternoon, we visited Queen Elizabeth Park, one of Vancouver’s highest points. From the lookout, we enjoyed sweeping views of the downtown skyline and the North Shore Mountains.
The manicured gardens and peaceful walking paths made it an ideal place to unwind after a busy day of exploring.
🏙️ Richmond City Centre & Dinner at Shanghai River Restaurant
To end the day, we made our way to Richmond City Centre for dinner at Shanghai River Restaurant, a local favorite known for authentic Shanghainese cuisine.
💡 Tips for Travelers
Visit the Gastown Steam Clock early to avoid crowds and get cleaner photos. Mid-morning is ideal.
Buy Science World tickets ahead (or arrive early) — timed exhibits can fill quickly on weekends. Check their website for special programming.
Comfortable shoes are a must — Queen Elizabeth Park and Science World involve walking on paved and slightly hilly paths.
Plan transit to Richmond — Richmond City Centre and Shanghai River are easy by car or the Canada Line SkyTrain. Allow extra time during evening rush.
Kid-friendly stops: Science World and the English Bay statues are great for children. Pack a small snack and water to keep energy up between sights.
Cash/card mix for dining: Most restaurants accept cards, but smaller vendors or market stalls can be cash-preferred.
Photography tip: Queen Elizabeth Park offers the best skyline views in late afternoon light. Bring a light jacket for breezy lookout points.
🧭 Looking Ahead
We wrapped Day 4 feeling full, both from great food and from one more full day of Vancouver sightseeing. Tomorrow is our Disney Cruise boarding day, so we’ll be focused on final packing, confirming embarkation documents, and enjoying one last Vancouver breakfast before heading to Canada Place and the ship. We’ll keep the kids entertained with sticker books and small games for the embarkation line, and carry a daypack with essentials (snacks, chargers, travel documents, and a change of clothes) to make the first few hours on board smooth and comfortable.