I was expecting the Opus Hotel in Vancouver and the surrounding Yaletown neighboard to be cool and lively, but I was pleasantly surprised by their kid friendliness.  (We have two daughters, 3 and 5.) They happily gave us an extended checkout time of 2:30, secluded seating at dinner (for which we were very thankful!), and in general were friendly and welcoming of our children.

The surrounding neighborhood is pedestrian friendly, and has a good grocery store (the urban market) as well as great restaurants and shops. You see lots of families with kids and strollers.

The view of the False Creek waterfront is beautiful and there is an extensive set of walking and biking paths as well as parks and playgrounds.

The Roundhouse community center features a historic steam locomotive which kids love; it was the first locomotive to cross Canada.

Nearby is Stanley Park and the “Vancouver Aquarium”:http://www.vanaqua.org/home/, which puts the Seattle Aquarium to shame with its exhibits.