Forget about the usual tourist spots; we’re diving into the lively heart of Vancouver’s Hadden Park. Here, you’ll find sweeping views of downtown, peaceful strolls on dog-friendly beaches, and the allure of historic vessels in the harbor.
Whether you’re a local on the hunt for hidden gems or a visitor ready to explore, this guide guarantees memorable experiences and breathtaking natural beauty.
Keep reading to discover why Hadden Park is a favorite among adventurers and those seeking a relaxing escape.
Where is Hadden Park?

Hadden Park is located in the Kitsilano neighborhood, which is located in Vancouver’s West Side. The park adjoins Kitsilano Beach and is the “garden in the garden” in Vanier Park.
How to Get to Hadden Park
By public transit: board the 002 Bus at Burrard St @ Robson St towards Macdonald/To Dunbar Loop. Get off at WB Cornwall Ave @ Cypress St, and from there, the park will be a 10-minute walk away.
By car: head to Howe Street and take a right onto Davie. Then, make a left onto Burrard and a right on Cornwall Avenue. Next, make a right into Cypress Street and take the 1st exit onto Creelman Avenue at the roundabout. Finally, turn left onto Chestnut.
What to Do and See in Hadden Park
Swim at Hadden Beach
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Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
One of Hadden Park’s main attractions is Hadden Beach. It’s quite well-maintained and the sandy shores make it a great place to sunbathe and have a picnic. The beach’s gentle waters also make it ideal for kayakers and paddle boarders.
The beach is quite rocky, but it’s still fun for swimming. There is a beautiful view of the city at night, making it a great spot to watch the sunset.
Relax and Take in the Views
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Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Hadden Park is a lovely area with many benches and walkways where you can enjoy simultaneous views of downtown, the mountains, and the ocean. Benches and gardens make this spot a highlight in Vancouver for both locals and tourists.
When you reach Elsje Point just beyond Hadden Beach, you’ll find various photographic opportunities of downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, and the scenic North Shore Mountains.
Have Fun Under the Sun
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Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
One of the standout features of Hadden Park is its dog-friendly beach, making it a popular destination for dog owners looking to let their pets run and play freely.
The park also boasts tide pools to explore and ample sandy areas for both kids and dogs to enjoy. It’s a great place to hang out and one of the best spots in Vancouver to watch the Honda Celebration of Lights.
Visit the Maritime Museum
Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
The museum, though relatively small, is interesting. It’s a bit of a mixture and given the absolute importance of maritime history in relation to Vancouver and the surrounding areas.
The star of the museum is without doubt the RCM Police vessel St. Roch.
Having a free walk (and climb) around this vessel really gives you a sense of long durations at sea.
Watch Boats Go By
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Address: 1905 Ogden Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1A3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-873-7000
Hadden Park is filled with fascinating bits of Vancouver history, with historic vessels often docking in the harbor. The harbor of old-timey boats is neat to peer at and is right next to Elsje Point, one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Where to Eat and Drink near Hadden Park
Cockney Kings Fish & Chips
Address: 1935 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C8, Canada
Phone: +1 604-566-3474
Pricing: $
Started in 1965, Cockney Kings Fish & Chips has been serving fish and chips on Cornwall Ave, very close to Kits beach. The fish is excellent, with large pieces cooked in a nice batter.
Our advice? Try their cod burger. The crispy calamari is another favorite. We also enjoyed their Steak and Kidney Pie. The Batter Dog was juicy and delicious.
TacoLoco
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Address: 1965 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 3R2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-733-3323
Pricing: $$
This isn’t your typical taco joint. The menu is designed with careful creativity, offering an eclectic mix of flavors and a vibrant chic atmosphere.
The decor, the ambiance, the music, the staff, and of course, the food—everything is perfect. Highly recommended! The selection of wine is amazing. Our favorites so far are the beef brisket barbacoa tacos, the chicken tinga tacos, and the queso fundido.
Siegel’s Bagels
Address: 1883 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-737-8151
Pricing: $
For years now, they have been the best spot in Vancouver for bagels—always open! With tasty flavors and freshly baked goods, the food is wonderful. Siegel’s bagels are boiled and then baked in a customized stone oven.
Hands down, they offer the best bagels, cream cheese, and smoked meat in Vancouver; nobody else can even come close to comparing.
Octopus’ Garden Restaurant
Address: 1995 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1C9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-734-8971
Pricing: $$
For the best Japanese food in town, visit Octopus’ Garden if you can’t make it to Japan. Their menu changes based on available ingredients, ensuring you always get the freshest dishes.
We recommend salmon, spot prawns, bluefin chutoro, bluefin otoro, and other fresh fish. Additionally, you can customize a sashimi platter to your preferred price.
The Boathouse Restaurant
Address: 1305 Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC V6J 5N2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-738-5487
Pricing: $$$
The Boathouse Restaurant offers a beautiful view of the beach, with plenty of window seats available. However, the inside tables are quite outdated, reminiscent of the 90s.
Among the food we ordered, the best was the steak, followed by the oysters and mussels (tied for second), then the ravioli, and the calamari. The only potential drawbacks are limited parking and a lack of vegetarian options on the menu.
Where to Stay near Hadden Park
Granville Island Hotel
Address: 1253 Johnston St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-683-7373
Pricing: $$
This one-of-a-kind boutique hotel is set across the water, where you can breathe in and admire the view of False Creek and downtown Vancouver. Granville Island Hotel is also just 9 minutes away from Hadden Park.
You’ll definitely enjoy the blend of a very nice waterside breakfast and drinks spot, with a very quiet environment in the bedroom area. The hotel also has a jacuzzi and sauna.
Meridian At 910 Beach
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Address: 910 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-609-5100
Pricing: $$
910 Beach Avenue sounds like those fancy apartments you hear about in movies, with stunning views of the ocean and luxurious amenities, and it’s exactly that. We expect nothing but grand as it’s in Vancouver’s vibrant West End neighborhood.
Inside features furnished rental suites that include breakfast and housekeeping services. The property is adjacent to Yaletown, known for its striking architecture and boutique shopping, and is situated across the water from Granville Island.
The Parker Hotel
Address: 1379 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-7678
Pricing: $$
A 6-minute drive away to Hadden Park, The Parker Hotel’s whole deal are wine-themed rooms.
The location is excellent, being close to Granville Island, with easy access to downtown attractions. It is also far enough from the city center to be a bit quieter, reducing city noise.
The hotel has 8 signature amenities: a Tesla chauffeur driven limo, free Cruiser style bike rentals, rooftop, Keurig Espresso machines, in-house cardio fitness center, and business station.
HI Vancouver
Address: 718 Drake St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-9888
Pricing: $
Tucked in the Davie strip, HI Vancouver is a 7-minute drive to Hadden Park, and while the “hostel” label may deter some, it’s got a cozy atmosphere and a rooftop patio, so you’re sure to feel right at home.
The vibe is friendly but not a massive party hotel, so it isn’t too loud. It features a great kitchen and fridge storage, laundry facilities, and is overall quite clean. Additionally, there are a few communal areas to hang out.
Sonder The Sunset
Address: 1111 Burnaby St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1P4, Canada
Phone: +1 438-795-6650
Pricing: $$
Surrounded by mountain vistas, Sonder The Sunset might be small, but the 1-bedroom apartments inside compensate for it. It’s the perfect stay if you plan to stay in Vancouver and prefer to walk around or take public transport.
The Sonder is located in a primarily residential area, just minutes from many restaurants, pharmacies, and grocery stores. Additionally, the building has convenient laundry facilities.