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Everything You Need to Know about Pacific Spirit Park

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Pacific Spirit Park is a tranquil haven in Vancouver. Amidst the urban hustle, we love how it provides a peaceful escape into nature! 

With the park’s blend of hidden trails, diverse flora and fauna, and serene spots for reflection, it caters to nature enthusiasts, runners seeking scenic paths, and anyone looking for a calming retreat. 

If you need a little time out from the busy city life, then join me as we discover all Pacific Spirit Spark has to offer!

Where is Pacific Spirit Park?

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Pacific Spirit Park is in the west of Vancouver on Point Grey, located inside the University Endowment Lands. It’s right up against the University of British Columbia.

How to Get to Pacific Spirit Park

By car: from downtown Vancouver, drive south to the Granville Street Bridge to 16th Avenue. From there, make a right on 16th Ave and continue driving for 5 kilometers until you spot Camosun Park and find yourself on Discovery Street.

By public transit: there are a number of buses that pass by Pacific Spirit Park. If you’re comin from downtown Vancouver, hop on the B-Line #98 bus. This bus will head to 16th Avenue, where you’ll find the park on your left.

What to Do and See in Pacific Spirit Park

Hike the Forest Trails

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

With over 54 kilometers of forest trails and 16 hiking trails, there’s more than enough soil for everyone here at Pacific Spirit Park.

To start you off, we highly suggest you view the park map first so you can determine the route you wanna traverse.

These trails stretch out across the park, which takes hikers through beaches and deeper into the forest.

Inside the forest, you’ll find various ecosystems, from beaches and forests to meadows, streams, and wetlands, so you can explore a diverse range of environments in one visit. 

The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, bald eagles, snakes, and squirrels.

Go Biking along the Trails

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

If you’re not a fan of hiking or just walking in general, biking is highly encouraged at Pacific Spirit Park. You see, many of the trails in the park are gravel, so it’s suitable for almost all bikes.

However, make sure to watch out for dogs as many of the trails in the part are leash-optional areas.

Bring Your Furry Friend

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

Most of the trails here welcome furry companions with open arms, and what’s even better is that you can hike alongside your pup without a leash!

However, it’s important to note that certain parts of the park enforce dog-free policies on weekends and holidays, while Acadia Beach to Trail 6 prohibits dogs from March through September.

Discover WWII History

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

Okay, so, get this. Pacific Spirit Park was actually home to the Point Grey Battery, so there were guns here that were placed on top of the bluffs and searchlight towers.

You can find these World War II remnants behind the Museum of Anthropology. The searchlight towers along Tower Beach are covered in graffiti, so you may want to check that out, too.

Hang Out at Wreck Beach

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

This renowned clothing-optional beach is part of Pacific Spirit Park, and it’s one of Canada’s most-visited beaches.

It’s a stunning beach, but be prepared for a workout with hundreds of steps down and back up to reach the sand. About two-thirds of the way down, you’ll spot a warning sign indicating it’s a clothing-optional beach.

Once you reach the beach, you’ll find plenty of logs scattered around, perfect for sitting, leaning back with a drink, strumming a guitar, and soaking in the sunset.

Try Your Hand at Geocaching

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Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

Here’s a unique activity at Pacific Spirit Park: geocaching. You do this by using a GPS device or an app to find treasure! Yes, that’s right!

There are a lot of secret caches of small treasures in Pacific Spirit Regional Park waiting to be discovered by adventurous geocachers. It’s a fun way to explore the park while also engaging in a modern-day treasure hunt. 

Take a Peek of the Camosun Bog

Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-5739

Website

Northeast of Pacific Spirit Park lies Camosun Bog, a remarkable and ecologically important wetland nestled in Vancouver.

This bog is a rare urban example of a sphagnum bog ecosystem, supporting diverse plant and animal species, some of which are rare and endangered.

You’ll find numerous signs around the bog to guide you in identifying its unique plant life. If you get tired, there are benches, shaded areas, and plenty of picturesque spots for capturing memorable photos.

Where to Eat and Drink near Pacific Spirit Park

Milano Casa Ristorante

Address: 4397 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-620-1177

Pricing: $$

Website

This family restaurant in Point Grey is a go-to place for authentic Italian cuisine. Plus, they’ve got live music and belly dancers inside the establishment to really give you the full experience.

The bread is fantastic, whether it’s the complimentary bread or the bread in the sandwich. The roasted chicken sandwich features bread that’s perfectly crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. Plus, the pappardelle tastes amazing.

Bombay Masala Restaurant

Address: 4473 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H8, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-1111

Pricing: $$

Website

At Bombay Masala, classic Indian dishes like butter chicken, garlic naan, and lamb curry are prepared traditionally but with a contemporary twist. It’s a great spot to dine in with friends, and you can order family-style for a shared experience.

If you’re a fan of spicy food, be sure to ask them to turn up the heat. I tried the channa masala and fish pakora, and they were both really good.

Four Olives Restaurant

Address: 4510 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-221-7777

Pricing: $$

Website

This Mediterranean restaurant offers a fantastic lunch menu for just $22. While the portion sizes are a bit smaller, the quality is impressive for the price.

The lamb shank was incredibly tender, with melt-in-your-mouth bits of fat and a rich, flavorful sauce. Paired with the accompanying rice and tzatziki, it was pure bliss in every bite.

Chickasta Grill

Address: 4443 W 10th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6R 2H8, Canada

Phone: +1 604-336-0718

Pricing: $

Website

On the way to UBC, there’s a casual Indian-Italian fusion restaurant with a menu full of options, from traditional pastas to fusion burgers.

The standout was the “typical Canadian potato salad,” which we found to be anything but typical—it’s far better.

If you’re craving creamy butter chicken, this is the place to go. It boasts a perfect chicken-to-sauce ratio, a hefty serving of rice, and generous portions overall.

Rice Burger

Address: 2630 Sasamat St, Vancouver, BC V6R 2J1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-716-9686

Pricing: $$

Website

If you’re in need of a quick and satisfying meal, Rice Burger is the place to be. We stopped by for a bite and were pleasantly surprised by their unique and flavorful burger and rice bowl offerings.

We tried the spicy chicken katsu burger, beef yakiniku, and prawn tempura. The tempura was delightfully crispy, and the katsu sauce had just the right amount of spice—absolutely delicious!

Where to Stay Near Pacific Spirit Park

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach

Address: 1515 Discovery St, Vancouver, BC V6R 4K5, Canada

Phone: +1 604-224-3208

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Tucked in the Point Grey district, HI Vancouver Jericho Beach is like a breath of fresh air away from all those fancy schmancy hotels. Instead, your amenities are the parklands and beaches that surround the property.

The place has it all: a cozy cafe, a guest kitchen, a laundry room, sports equipment and games, plus bike rentals and storage.

Pacific Spirit Hostel

Address: 1935 Lower Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 1X1, Canada

Phone: +1 604-822-1000

Pricing: $

Book Now

Tucked away on the UBC campus, the Pacific Spirit Hostel is a haven for budget travelers. It offers easy access to campus amenities, cheap eats, lively pubs, entertainment spots, and all the amazing attractions Vancouver has to offer.

With cozy private single and double rooms, shared washrooms, and handy on-site laundry facilities, the hostel guarantees a comfy and convenient stay.

Gage Suites at UBC

Address: 5959 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1K2, Canada

Phone: +1 604-822-1000

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Yes, even if you’re not a student, you can definitely stay here at Gage Suites at UBC. It has studios and 1-bedroom suites that are right in the middle of UBC Campus so you know you’re in the heart of all the action.

It’s also just a 6-minute walk from Pacific Spirit Park. The area is packed with amenities, including several cafes, fitness centers, restaurants, pubs, bistros, and an indoor pool and aquatic center.

West Coast Suites at UBC

Address: 5961 Student Union Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 2C9, Canada

Phone: +1 604-822-1000

Pricing: $$

Book Now

Not more than five minutes away from Pacific Spirit Park, West Coast Suites at UBC is like those fancy dorm rooms you see in movies where the main characters gets their own room, with a TV and balcony.

The amenities include conference facilities, a business center, and a fitness room. Plus, parking and laundry services are available for your convenience.

Carey Centre on UBC Campus

Address: 5920 Iona Dr, Vancouver, BC V6T 1J6, Canada

Phone: +1 604-225-5920

Pricing: $$

Book Now

The Carey Centre has everything you need for a cozy stay, including a TV, kitchen facilities, a dining area, and a living room. Enjoy amenities like a game room, TV lounge, outdoor patio, and versatile event space.

Plus, nearby walking paths lead to stunning beaches, ideal for leisurely strolls and taking in the scenery.


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