Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinIf you’re ready to embrace the great outdoors in Vancouver without breaking a sweat, sitting out in the sun for a peaceful picnic immersed in nature is just the thing to do.
The city is riddled with a ton of picnic havens! From lush greenery to waterfront wonders, these spots offer more than just a place to have a meal. They’re the perfect locations for a tranquil day.
Join us on a tour of Vancouver’s best picnic spots, where the scenery is as delightful as the company. Grab your blankets and baskets and let’s explore the perfect picnic places.
Balaclava Park
Address: 4594 Balaclava St, Vancouver, BC V6L 2T2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours:
- Monday to Friday from 10:30 am to 4:30 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
In the heart of Dunbar, Balaclava Park has been known as a great place to take your furry friends for a morning walk or go for an early evening jog yourself. If wide flat fields of green is your ideal backdrop to a picnic, then this park is perfect for you.
Spanning 5 hectares, the expansive grassy fields offer a perfect setting for a leisurely picnic, allowing you to soak up the sun and savor the outdoors. There aren’t a lot of distractions because it’s far enough from the city’s hustle and bustle.
Pro Tip:
If you’re an early bird, try to embrace the tranquility by arriving early, and you might just catch a glimpse of some local birds that fly over the park and have made in one of the many trees there.
Charleson Park
Address: 999 Charleson Street, Vancouver, BC V5Z 4A2, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
Tucked away close to the False Creek area of Vancouver, Charleson Park is a sanctuary of calm amidst the city’s vibrant energy. This green oasis which still remains to be a well kept secret by the locals promises peace and solitude.
So if your idea of a picnic is just you, your blanket, and the sounds of nature, this is the place to be for a relaxing picnic. With a panoramic skyline view of Vancouver as your backdrop, the sights are as relaxing as the peace and quiet here.
Pro Tip:
Aside from the serenity it offers, Charleson Park also has a few walking paths that take you around the park and across the greenery there. We suggest you take them early in the morning. And don’t miss out on the small waterfall near the west end!
Connaught Park
Address: 2390 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6K 4K9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
If the kids have been asking you to take them out of the house to play outside, the Connaught Park located in the center of Kitsilano in Vancouver is a great pick. The children’s area is not only decorated with vibrant colors, but also has lots of installations.
While you set up the picnic in the grass fields that surround the playground, the kids can run off the energy and enjoy the slide and swings. The tall trees around the perimeter box out the outside world for a fully nature-intensive experience.
Pro Tip:
Vibrant flowers bloom during spring and stay up until summer and add an extra layer of color and beauty to the park for a picturesque setting for your outdoor picnic. When it gets too hot, the kids can cool off using the water features so bring extra clothes!
Crab Park
Address: 101 E Waterfront Rd, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7243
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
For perfect views that capture mountains in the distance, blue waters, and lush greenery, Crab Park is a top contender among the many local parks that dot Vancouver. This lesser known green sanctuary near Gastown offers a unique picnic experience.
As you lounge around on your picnic blanket, you’ll also be treated to captivating views of Vancouver’s bustling port. You can watch boats glide by, spot cruise ships docking, and maybe catch a glimpse of helicopters soaring overhead.
Pro Tip:
If you have them, try to bring a pair of binoculars to get a clearer look at the bustling port and maritime activities happening below.
Creekside Park
Address: 1455 Quebec St, Vancouver, BC V6A 3Z7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
For an afternoon picnic filled with activities and fun, the Creekside Park located just outside Science World, offers accessibility and diverse amenities. Whether you get there on foot or on 2 wheels on the False Creek seawall, you’ll find it easily.
This is a welcoming space for a picnic with low hills covered in soft grass. The park features a large kids playground complete with a climbing tower and even a zipline and benches to sit on in between the fun.
Pro Tip:
Try to grab a spot on the grassy hill during sunset, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful display of colors over the skyline of downtown Vancouver. The sun setting into the waters under the Cambie Bridge is also a sight to see.
David Lam Park
Address: 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Yaletown’s social hub, David Lam Park, is an iconic Vancouver picnic destination that draws locals and visitors from near and far alike. As the warmer months roll in, the park becomes a lively gathering place, embodying the vibrant spirit of the city.
The expansive greenery offers an inviting space for picnickers to spread out and enjoy the outdoors.
With the murmur of False Creek in the background, the park becomes a canvas of diverse activities, from impromptu Frisbee games to leisurely sun-soaked afternoons.
Pro Tip:
David Lam Park is one of Vancouver’s most popular parks. There are loads of people who drop by all year long, so if you like people watching it’s great for that. But, if you don’t, we suggest avoiding the summer months as the crowds get bigger then.
Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Park
Address: 565 Columbia St #553, Vancouver, BC V6A 4H5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 662 3207
Hours:
- Wednesday to Sunday from 9:30 am to 4 pm
- Monday and Tuesday: Closed
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park is a public park that invites picnickers into a tranquil realm steeped with the essence of a traditional Chinese garden. This spot is perfect for those who always enjoy a bit of cultural exploration in anything they do including a picnic.
You can find a shady spot under any of the many weeping willows. If you don’t like sitting on grass, there are flat rocks along the walking paths in the park you can use as chairs. The setting definitely creates one of the most serene environments for a picnic.
Pro Tip:
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park features a Chinese gondola built in the center of a pond. This is one of the prettiest places in the park, so make sure you drop by for some pictures or to reflect before you pack up your picnic.
Guelph Park
Address: 2390 Brunswick St, Vancouver, BC V5T 3L8, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
If you’re a long term Vancouver resident and Guelph Park doesn’t ring a bell, you probably know it as Dude Chilling Park. This park is home to the iconic sign that actually started out as a prank by Viktor Briestensky, a local artist.
The locals loved it so much and visited so often that the quirky sign that reads “Dude Chilling Park has become the unofficial name of the park.
Today, you can spread your picnic blanket at the park, surrounded by the charm of the Mount Pleasant area and unwind and soak in the community’s laid-back vibes.
Pro Tip:
Look for the seemingly random bent tree trunks stuck together. This is actually an art installation by Michale Dennis that inspired the entire prank and name of the park. Take a picture with the Reclining Figure and find out why the park is named that way.
Granville Island Picnic Pavillion
Address: 267 Old Bridge Walk, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 666 6655
Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
A must on any list of Vancouver picnic spots, Granville Island is a food lover’s paradise.
You can buy your picnic essentials at the Public Market like fruits, breads, pizzas and sandwiches. After your shopping trip, you can head over to the Picnic Pavillion.
The pavilion is popular and gets packed during weekends, so try to go during early morning on weekdays to avoid the crowds. But, if you can’t, you can still enjoy your picnic on the benches overlooking False Creek or by the duck pond.
Pro Tip:
The Granville Island Public Market is perfect for those who love a good picnic without the fuss of preparing and packing for one, where an array of fresh produce, cheeses, and international goodies are offered by the booths there.
Habitat Island
Address: 1616 Columbia Street, Vancouver, BC V5Y 0E5, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 6 am to 10 pm
- Sunday from 12 am to 10 pm
Tucked away along the Southeast end of False Creek, Habitat Island offers an almost fairytale like location for a picnic. This small island makes for a unique urban escape that really makes you feel separated from city life without actually having to leave.
Surrounded by water and trees, you can lay out your picnic on the grass and enjoy a peaceful afternoon with a backdrop of cityscape and nature blending seamlessly.
To avoid the weekend rush, plan a weekday visit where there are less people. For an added layer of beauty to the view, try to come during golden hour to experience the sunset.
Pro Tip:
If you’re into marine life, you’re in luck! There are plenty of boulders and logs along the shores where lots of animals like starfish, crabs, and barnacles live. If you prefer birds, try to visit during high tide,
Hastings Mill Park
Address: 1575 Alma St, Vancouver, BC V6R 3P3, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open everyday 24/7
Hastings Mill Park is a pocket-sized space that often goes unnoticed, especially since its located so near to the popular Jericho Beach and the lively Kits area. This park is one of our favorite places to have a picnic, with its expansive view of the ocean.
You can sit and eat on the expansive grassy fields there while you watch boats pass by and people on paddle boards drift past. If you time your visit right from May to June, you can even spot some seals!
Pro Tip:
The park contains the historic Old Hastings Mill Store Museum which is the city’s oldest building still standing. Don’t forget to check it out during your visit.
John Hendry Park
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
If you’re looking for a well loved park to have your picnic in, the John Hendry Park, affectionately known as Trout Lake by locals is a popular destination. The park is a great picnic especially for bigger groups because of the huge space and the amenities.
The park features huge open spaces to lay out your picnic blankets on and enjoy a lazy day. If you want to engage in activities to spice up your day, there are 8 separate fields for different sports including baseball, basketball, and soccer.
Pro Tip:
You can bring your furry friends on the picnic with you and let them enjoy the space to run around at the dogs area where they can run without their leashes. The area is closed off, so you don’t have to worry about them running off either.
Mahon Park
Address: North Vancouver, BC V7M 2Y4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 985 7761
Hours: Everyday from 8 am to 11 pm
Mahon Park is one of the biggest parks in the northern shores of Vancouver. It welcomes you with walking trails and lush greenery that’s always well maintained with care. Not to mention the extensive array of amenities.
It’s a great place to have a picnic if you enjoy the sight and sounds of people having fun around you. You and the kids won’t get bored here with the many sports fields, children’s playground with swings and slides, and open fields.
Pro Tip:
Try to visit during the summer when the park’s water spray park is open. The kids can have fun spraying each other with the water guns to cool off, just make sure you pack a change of clothes for them.
Memorial South Park
Address: 5955 Ross St, Vancouver, BC V5W 1T7, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Open from dawn to dusk
In the heart of the city, Memorial South Park emerges as a go-to destination for a well-rounded picnic experience. Beyond providing a peaceful setting for outdoor meals, the park offers essential amenities, including a convenient washroom.
Catering to diverse interests, Memorial South Park features playgrounds for younger kids, a wading pool for those who can’t stand the heat and a variety of sports areas for soccer, baseball, tennis, and cricket.
Pro Tip:
Try to arrive early in the morning when it’s still peaceful and quiet, so you can pay tribute to the war memorial located near the entry. To extend the serenity, you can set up your picnic near the duck pond and watch the animals splash around in the water.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Address: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 2Z1, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
Perched on Vancouver’s highest point, Queen Elizabeth Park offers a picturesque setting for the perfect picnic experience. You can find an open spot at the park plaza for the best views.
If you prefer a more secluded spot, you can find a lot of them under the many trees that dot the park’s arboretum. For those who believe a picnic should be adorned with flowers, the meticulously manicured Quarry Gardens is the place to be.
For art lovers, there are art installations scattered everywhere. You can make it a treasure hunt to burn off the picnic you just had.
Pro Tip:
After enjoying an afternoon of picnicking and exploration, don’t go home without dropping the Dancing Waters fountain near the Bloedel Conservatory. It’s best to watch the waters dance at night and see the LED lights reflected in them.
Stanley Park
Address: 610 Pipeline Road, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 681 6728
Hours: Everyday from 9 am to 5 pm
If you ask any local where they suggest you have a picnic, Stanley Park is almost always the first answer you get. While the park’s reputation for being a premier picnic spot is established, the amount of spots inside to choose from can be overwhelming.
Ferguson Point is one of the stand out choices because of how near it is to English Bay. This is perfect if you want a picnic by the water. For the best views of the Lions Gate Bridge, you should head to the Prospect Point Lookout.
Pro Tip:
Prospect Point is highly recommended if you’re bringing your kids with you because they have a special picnic area with everything you need like bathrooms, sinks, and power outlets for a hassle free experience.
Vanier Park
Address: 1000 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone Number: +1 604 873 7000
Hours: Everyday from 6 am to 10 pm
Spread across 17 acres of spaces in the Vanier Park are great spots to enjoy a picnic with family or friends. This park, located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, offers an ocean-facing picnic experience without the inconvenience of sand getting everywhere.
You can enjoy the breeze blowing from the English Bay while you appreciate the sights from downtown Vancouver which are visible from the grassy areas. The launching ramp to the right is also always busy with activities from smaller boats.
Pro Tip:
The Vancouver Museum and Planetarium and the City of Vancouver Archives are also located on the park premises. You can visit them to add a touch of culture and learning to your picnic day.
