Having lived in Calgary, Vancouver, San Francisco (outskirts), Penticton and Oslo (Penticton / Oslo without kids, the rest with kids)..
I have found that Vancouver is incredibly cheaper compared to Calgary and SFO for family activities. Calgary, it seemed like you needed to be part of community association, or YMCA , or get the zoo / science museum passes to get into activities, which cost a moderate amount. More private recreation classes, etc.
The Vancouver area subsidizes the recreation centers, library, low school supply / year start costs, etc. So things like a day at the waterpark, swimming / rec hockey / intro dance / childcare drop in etc are very cheap, and often in short distance outside of some vancouver city areas. The museums and day trips possible / costs are similar across Canada.
Vancouver Housing is expensive to buy, but not bad to rent. It is possible to get work near where you live, if you plan it.
Penticton at the time did not have as many activities going on, but was low cost for what there was, and wild nature / skiing was terrific. (Float on canal and lakes in summer, ski in winter).
Calgary - recommend a car, lots of parks / walking paths, but they only lead around the park. Costs were a bit more than Vancouver, including $200 more at the start of the school year. Lower taxes resulted in more user fees, so its a trade off.
San Francisco -- very little art enrichment in the classroom, and a lot more costs everywhere you turn, most classes were private, and everyone needs to charge more there... so you end up with a LOT more out of pocket. Less going to the local lake for a family swim and picnic day, more about driving to monteray bay acquarium to pay $100 to have a day there, then driving back (or 6 flags, or other areas, all with pay parking).
Everywhere we went we found ample opportunities to enjoy life as a family. There is no bad choice out of the list where I have lived.
:-0 Hope that helped!
When I have worked / visited toronto area and ottawa, it seemed that the corridor towards niagra was very conducive to families, if you can get work there, and Ottawa appears to have a lot of family friendly.
Oslo -- i am not sure if long walks with small children or biking in town was warranted.