Daycare in Vancouver is the most strained childcare market in BC — waitlists at Westside centres regularly exceed two years, and even Eastside centres run 12–18 months. The BC $10-a-day program has expanded significantly, and Vancouver now has hundreds of participating spaces, but demand vastly outstrips supply. City-run centres operated by the Parks Board and by non-profits like the YWCA, Collingwood Neighbourhood House, and Westcoast Child Care Resource Centre fill first. Private centres in Kitsilano, Kerrisdale, and Yaletown charge at the top end — often $2,000+ a month for infant care — while East Vancouver and South Vancouver centres sit in the middle. The prices below reflect Vancouver's market rate by age group, plus the $10-a-day rate where spots are available. If you're relocating to Vancouver, registering on waitlists before you arrive is standard practice.
Typical price ranges
Based on real quotes and community submissions in Vancouver.
| Service | Typical range | Source | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infant (under 18m), full-time | $1450 – $2100CAD | Researched | January 2026 |
| Toddler (18m–3y), full-time | $1250 – $1850CAD | Researched | January 2026 |
| Preschool (3–5y), full-time | $1100 – $1600CAD | Researched | January 2026 |
| $10-a-day enrolled spots | $200CAD | Researched | January 2026 |
- Infant (under 18m), full-time$1450 – $2100CADResearchedJanuary 2026
- Toddler (18m–3y), full-time$1250 – $1850CADResearchedJanuary 2026
- Preschool (3–5y), full-time$1100 – $1600CADResearchedJanuary 2026
- $10-a-day enrolled spots$200CADResearchedJanuary 2026
Last updated January 2026 · Based on surveyed providers and community submissions across Greater Vancouver.
What affects the price
Age is the biggest driver in Vancouver specifically because the city's real estate is so expensive that centres charge the maximum the infant-ratio allows. Infant care (under 18 months) requires 1:4 staffing, which is where the $1,800–2,100 monthly rates come from. Vancouver's Westside premium is sharp: the same daycare chain charges up to $400 more at its Arbutus location than its Renfrew-Collingwood one. Hot lunches add $100–150 a month and are standard at most Vancouver centres — ask specifically, because a few still have a bring-your-own-lunch policy. Montessori programs in Kitsilano and Point Grey run 15–25% over standard centres; language-immersion (Mandarin, French, Spanish) carries a similar premium. The Affordable Child Care Benefit can offset $300–1,200 a month for qualifying families — apply the moment you have a licensed spot confirmed, because the province backdates coverage only to the application date. City-run centres operated by the Parks Board are often the best-value option but allocate spots by lottery, not waitlist, and draws happen once a year. Always ask a centre whether it's part of the $10-a-day program and where you sit on the list in actual numbers.
Daycare providers in Vancouver
Seeded with research. Businesses can claim their listing to add photos, deals, and community tips.
★ FeaturedLittle Cedars Daycare
Nature-based play, outdoor programming every day. Part of the $10-a-day program.
Sunrise Learning Centre
Bilingual Mandarin–English program, 3:1 toddler ratios, hot lunches included.
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