Robert WebbHey, have you heard? There’s been more than 100 kinds of birds seen around Trout Lake. Yeah, a whopping 165, believe it or not! We’ll look into this hidden gem in the heart of Vancouver, nestled between Victoria Dr. and East 19th Ave.
Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful spot to relax, Trout Lake is definitely worth a visit. Keep reading as we delve into the best places to stay, eat, shop, and explore around this beautiful lake.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- What is Trout Lake known for?
- Is it safe to swim in Trout Lake?
- How to Get to Trout Lake in Vancouver
- Where to Stay near Trout Lake
- Where to Eat near Trout Lake
- What to Do in Trout Lake
- Where to Shop near Trout Lake
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Trout Lake in Vancouver
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Trout Lake in Vancouver is during the spring season, from March to May. During this time, you get to see cherry blossoms in the area and the weather is quite cool.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
What is Trout Lake known for?
Trout Lake in Vancouver is a beloved urban oasis, offering a tranquil escape amidst the city bustle. It’s treasured as a space for recreational opportunities and natural beauty.
Locals and tourists flock to Trout Lake to have picnics, walks, and outdoor activities, fostering community connection and appreciation for nature.
Being one of the few lakes within the city, Trout Lake is especially known as an ideal walking spot. It takes only 15 to 25 minutes to walk around the lake.
Is it safe to swim in Trout Lake?
It is not safe to swim in Trout Lake as it’s often among the first places in the city to be closed to swimmers each year because of poor water quality—namely E. coli.
According to Swim Guide, the water quality in Trout Lake has only passed 60 to 95% of the time, and the Freshwater Fisheries Society of B.C. doesn’t even stock the lake with trout for people to catch because of the poor water quality.
How to Get to Trout Lake in Vancouver
From Vancouver: drive down W Georgia Street and stay left onto the Georgia Viaduct. Once at Prior Street, turn right onto Clark Drive. Next, take a left onto E 12th Avenue, then a right onto Victoria Drive. Make a left onto E 19th Ave and another left onto BC Parkway.
From North Vancouver: drive to Trans-Canada Hwy and take exit 27 to merge onto Rupert Street toward 1st Ave. Then, take a right onto E Broadway, followed by a left onto Nanaimo Street. Finally, turn right onto Copley Street, E 19th Ave, and BC Pkwy.
From YVR: head towards Arthur Laing Bridge and take the Marine Drive E ramp. Next, turn left onto Main Street and take a right into E 33rd Avenue. Then, turn left onto Victoria Drive, and right onto E 9th Ave and BC Pkwy.
Where to Stay near Trout Lake
2400 Motel
Address: 2400 Kingsway, Vancouver, BC V5R 5G9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-434-2464
Pricing: $
2400 Motel rocks that old-school motor court vibe, decked out with funky 40s-inspired decor. It’s just a quick 4-minute drive to Trout Lake, smack dab in Renfrew-Collingwood.
Step indoors and you’re greeted with cozy guest rooms, handy kitchenettes, and even full-on bungalows. Plus, parking a breeze and right outside your door, and hey, it’s on the house!
Accent Inns
Address: 3777 Henning Dr, Burnaby, BC V5C 6N5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-473-5000
Pricing: $$
Just a hop, skip, and jump from downtown Vancouver, Accent Inns puts you close to all the action, with tons of eateries and stores just a stroll away. Their rooms come equipped with mini-fridges and kitchenettes for your convenience.
They also have a country-style restaurant, a hot tub and if you’re feeling active, hit up the gym. And don’t worry about dirty laundry; they’ve got you covered with a coin-operated laundry on-site.
Coast Metro Vancouver Hotel
Address: 2950 Boundary Rd, Burnaby, BC V5M 3Z9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-438-3451
Pricing: $$
Coast Metro Vancouver Hotel is a uniquely-designed hotel with wood accents and private balconies. The exterior and rooms of this hotel have been beautifully remodeled. It’s an 8-minute drive to Trout Lake.
Sure, there’s not a lot of amenities, but there’s free coffee, triple-sheeted beds, and a 24-hour front desk.
Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre
Address: 711 W. Broadway, Heather St, Vancouver, BC V5Z 3Y2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-879-0511
Pricing: $$
The Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre is in a prime spot, right by the Skytrain, and let me tell you, the rooms are a steal for what you get. You’ll be right in the thick of things, with views of the city, inlets, and mountains from your room.
You’ve got everything you need right on-site at the Holiday Inn Vancouver-Centre. There’s a restaurant and lounge and an indoor pool.
Executive Suites Hotel and Conference Centre
Address: 4201 Lougheed Hwy., Burnaby, BC V5C 3Y6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-298-2010
Pricing: $
This all-suite hotel and convention centre is an 11-minute drive to Trout Park, and it’s got spacious rooms with a mini fridge, microwave, kettle, coffee maker, plates, bowls, and everything you may need.
Amenities here include a sports bar, and a casual restaurant serving West Coast fusion cuisine.
Where to Eat near Trout Lake
Gojo Café Ethiopia
Address: 2838 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C6, Canada
Phone:
Pricing: $$
This Ethiopian restaurant serves authentic coffee all the way from Sidama in northern Ethiopia plus from other nations, alongside good food served with rice or injera.
The decor is delightful – including a coffee ceremony setup. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll definitely enjoy the variety of meat options here. We say go for the Beef Awaze Tibs.
ChongQing On Commercial
Media credit: chii_nik
Address: 2808 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-254-7434
Pricing: $
One of the first Szechuanese restaurants in the city, ChongQing On Commercial serves regional Sichuan-style fare like chow mein, ginger beef, szechuan green beans, and many more.
Their ginger beef is bursting with aromatic spices, sweet notes, and just the right amount of kick. Absolutely delicious. And as for the stir-fried veggies, they’re your classic, tasty fare.
The Burrow
Address: 2781 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-8224
Pricing: $$
Formerly known as Bandidas Taqueria, the Burrow is a Mexican-inspired restaurant specializing in vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free dishes.
For cheese lovers, the baked burrito is a must-try, generously topped and perfectly broiled. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, don’t miss out on their tasty Hibiscus Margarita—it’s a real winner.
Naruto Sushi
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Address: 2763 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-558-3858
Pricing: $
Naruto Sushi is, yes, you guessed it, inspired by the hit manga and anime series Naruto, and they serve rolls, sashimi, and other Japanese staples. It’s not fancy sushi, but it’s got classic options and flavors, so you can’t go wrong with anything.
If we had to choose our favorite, it would have to be the spicy wild salmon roll. It’s so good; you won’t be disappointed with the combination of flavors and heat in every bite.
Baby Dhal Roti Shop
Address: 2707 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-566-7684
Pricing: $
Baby Dhal Roti Shop is a Caribbean Restaurant. When you walk into this unassuming place, you’re energized with the music and the vibrant mural on the wall.
If you’re looking to try Trinidadian and Jamaican style food, this is it. The curry chicken is delicious, good portion, tender, and great flavour. The goat is nice, and falls off the bone.
What to Do in Trout Lake
Enjoy a Picnic by the Shores
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Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Trout Lake is a beautiful spot to have a picnic. There’s plenty of spots by the lake, towering trees, and a serene atmosphere that makes it the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.
There are dedicated picnic spots in this lake so you can easily find a place to set up your meal.
Take a Walk around the Lake
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Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
This is a nice little park with a walking trail which goes all around the lake. The walking paths are well-maintained, there are plenty of sitting spaces all around, and it’s a pretty easy walk.
Just an insider tip: watch out for muddy spots, even along the gravel pathway.
Drop by the Farmer’s Market
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Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The Farmer’s Market is a hit during the weekends, drawing more vendors than your average market and offering a wide range of products.
Plus, with Trout Lake right next door, you can pick up fresh fruits, baked goods, and coffee, then head into the park for a picnic.
Capture Photographs of the Diverse Wildlife
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Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Trout Lake serves as a nesting ground for numerous bird species. Ducks, seagulls, and various other birds flock to the tranquil waters, making for delightful sightings.
Plus, it’s a pet-friendly lake so you can bring your furry friends along for a day of birdwatching and outdoor fun.
Relax and Unwind in the Peaceful Surroundings
Media credit: streetsby_dave
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Trout Lake has plenty of spaces to relax and lots of large trees to sit under and maybe read a book or take a nap. The calm atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a perfect spot for simply enjoying nature.
Where to Shop near Trout Lake
Trout Lake Farmers Market
Media credit: somethingshelley
Address: Trout Lake John Hendry Park, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-879-3276
The Trout Lake Farmers Market stands out as one of the biggest weekly summer markets in the Lower Mainland. While parking might be a bit tight, it’s manageable if you’re willing to stroll a few blocks.
This market boasts an impressive array of healthy veggies, fresh produce, and local fare. Don’t miss out on the delectable offerings from Purebred, including their breads and apple chips, as well as the Gai Lan & Bok Choy.
Cross & Crows Books
Address: 2836 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4C6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-796-4159
This independent bookstore offers a handpicked selection of new, used, and collectible books for all ages. It’s a charming space, featuring various seating areas and an eclectic collection of new and used books, stickers, and bookmarks.
Plus, on the first Sunday of each month, a portion of the proceeds goes to non-profit organizations!
Apps to Download for a Trip to Trout Lake in Vancouver
Vancouver Transit Live: provides real-time bus schedules as well as live updates on buses approaching stops near you.
Uber: arrange a ride anywhere in Vancouver. Allows you to track the driver’s whereabouts in real time on the app and provide an anticipated arrival time.
Street Food Vancouver: Locate the nearest food trucks on a map, along with their operating hours.
Maps.me: offline maps with turn-by-turn navigation are available for free.
