Kidsbooks

Kidsbooks on West Broadway is Vancouver's premier independent children's bookstore, and it lives up to its reputation. The store is organized by age group, so you can walk straight to the section that fits your child — board books for babies, picture books for toddlers, early readers, chapter books, and middle grade. Staff really know children's literature and will give you spot-on recommendations.

The store hosts regular storytime sessions and author events that draw families from across the city. These events are free and don't require registration, but they fill up fast on weekends. The play area near the front keeps younger kids occupied while you browse, which is a lifesaver for parents trying to actually look at books.

Shelving is low enough for kids to pull books and flip through them independently, which makes the whole experience feel like theirs. The graphic novel section is strong for the 8-12 crowd, and they carry a good selection of French-language children's books too.

Parking on West Broadway can be tricky during peak hours. Your best bet is the side streets south of Broadway or the small lot behind the strip of shops. Transit is easy — the 99 B-Line stops right nearby. The Kitsilano neighborhood around the store has tons of family-friendly restaurants and cafes, so plan to grab lunch before or after your visit.