Maplewood Farm in Vancouver, BC

Maplewood Farm in Vancouver, BC is just ten minutes from the downtown area is one of the best agri-tourism sites around. There are five acres housing a number of domestic animals as well as birds. Anything you might expect on a farm is here from cows to goats to chickens and more. Open from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. most days, you can take a guided tour throughout the farm or go for the self-guided tour.

Children will be able to get up close and personal with the baby goats, bunnies and even some of the birds like the ducks and chickens. Feeding time is fun and you and the family can watch the cows being milked too. There are pony rides for the kids as well as nature walks along streams and around a pond. The park on Maplewood Farm is perfect for a picnic or even birthday parties as it has a 1,500 square foot shelter.

There is a covered area called the rabbitat where you and the kids can interact with the rabbits and is perfect for a rainy day. A place called goat hill offers another up close and personal look at the goats, particularly the babies. You can also see baby lambs and calves here as well. Watch the milking demonstration every day at 1:15 p.m. with both cows and goats. It's the perfect time to ask questions about the milking process and how it is different today with the modern equipment.

The greenhouse is another area that is ripe for visiting, especially during rainy days. It is full of tropical plants and home to many different species. This plant home is popular in the winter time when it is cold outside. All in all, Maplewood Farm is a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of sightseeing in the city of Vancouver. It is a more laid back, slower time in which to relax, commune with nature and enjoy some friendly animals.