If you’re tired of the indoor gym grind, Vancouver’s outdoor exercise parks are 100% the perfect escape. Just imagine doing push-ups with a view of the ocean or mastering the monkey bars under a canopy of trees.
Ready to breathe new life into your workout routine? Let’s find the perfect outdoor gym for you!
Best Outdoor Exercise Parks in Vancouver
Whether you’re looking for strength training, cardio, or a mix of both, there’s a perfect spot waiting for you. Here are the top outdoor exercise parks in Vancouver, grouped by area, to help you find the best fit:
Downtown
Barclay Heritage Square
Media by @gabrielvalcam
Location: 1433 Barclay Street
Key features: Pull-up bars, dip bars, inclined sit-up bench, off-leash dog area
Barclay Heritage Square is a compact park that offers the most essential workout equipment like pull-up and dip bars, perfect for a quick, efficient session.
Tucked among the high-rises, it’s not only a workout spot but a little urban retreat with its shaded green areas. It’s a favorite spot for local office workers looking to break a sweat during lunch breaks.
Pro tip: After your workout, explore the nearby Roedde House Museum for a dash of history. You can also grab delicious coffee at Nero Belgian Waffle Bar, just a short walk away.
Lord Roberts Elementary School Playground
Media by @andrewabrahamalcalde and @andrewsclassfitness
Location: 1100 Bidwell Street
Key features: Climbing structures, balance bars, zip rail, swings
Imagine a playground that doubles as a fitness paradise.
Lord Roberts Elementary School Playground is open to the public after school hours and offers climbing structures and balance bars for a full body workout.
The zip rail adds a fun twist to your routine, making it more than just exercise. Plus, the soft woodchip base makes it safe for all your fitness moves.
Pro tip: Visit on weekends or after 4 PM on weekdays to make the most of the equipment without interruptions. Afterward, take a relaxing stroll along the nearby English Bay Beach.
Stanley Park
Second Beach
Media by @jlngns
Location: Stanley Park
Key features: Pull-up bars, rings, trapeze bar
Second Beach offers a workout with a view. Imagine doing your pull-ups and ring exercises while soaking in the stunning ocean vistas.
Bring a yoga mat for stretching exercises on the grassy areas nearby and soak in the views. This area also features a trapeze bar, adding an element of fun to your fitness regime.
There’s even a spot for bodyweight exercises and calisthenics, which makes it a versatile workout destination.
Pro tip: Located close to the seawall that’s often voted one of the world’s best urban running trails, it’s perfect for combining your strength training with a scenic run.
Brockton Oval
Media by @100days.of.discipline
Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver
Key features: Angled monkey bars, parallel bars, sit-up board
Located behind the fieldhouse, Brockton Oval offers a variety of bars and a sit-up board.
The equipment is well-spaced, so your workout can be versatile. It’s also an ideal location for a focused workout with its lush surroundings and tranquility.
Plus, the track nearby is perfect for running or walking laps if you want to include it as part of your routine.
Pro tip: Visit early in the morning for the quietest experience. After exercising, take a leisurely walk to the totem poles to learn a bit about local Indigenous culture.
Kitsilano
Kits Beach
Media by @aly.mckay10
Location: Arbutus Street at McNicoll Avenue
Key features: Pull-bars, rings, trapeze bar, ocean view, close to cafes
Kits Beach is where fitness meets fun. Next to the basketball court, you’ll find pull-bars, rings, and a trapeze bar, perfect for a robust workout.
The sound of waves and the ocean view make your exercise sessions incredibly invigorating. There’s also plenty of space for bodyweight exercises and stretching.
After sweating it out, the beach vibe and nearby cafes make it a perfect spot to unwind.
Pro tip: Time your visit to catch the sunset while working out for an awe-inspiring experience. If you have time to wander, you can also look for #KitsWings artwork and take a pic for your Instagram!
East Vancouver
China Creek North Park
Media by @mathildegilhet
Location: 1001 East 7th Avenue
Key features: Rings, parallel bars, sit-up benches, jogging track
Revamped in 2019, China Creek North Park is perfect for those who love variety in their workouts.
The park offers a mix of workout equipment and open spaces, ideal for both solo and group fitness sessions. The scenic views add to the welcoming atmosphere, making it a favorite spot for locals.
Pro tip: Check the park’s event calendar for free community fitness classes during summer months.
Hastings-Sunrise
Empire Field at Hastings Park
Media by @johoswitnesses
Location: 2901 East Hastings Street
Key features: Cardio equipment, pull-up bars, ping pong tables, parkour zone
Empire Field at Hastings Park is a fitness playground for the adventurous. Featuring a parkour zone, cardio machines, and pull-up bars, it’s designed for dynamic workouts.
The unique setting under the wooden roller coaster adds a touch of excitement, and the ping pong tables offer a fun cooldown activity.
Pro tip: Pair your workout with a visit to the nearby PNE for a full day of fun and fitness. Don’t miss out on the thrilling rides at Playland for a post-workout adrenaline rush.
South Vancouver
Fraserview Park
Media by @akela_the_golden
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Location: 7595 Victoria Drive
Key features: Walking/jogging trail, fitness stations
Fraserview Park is a great, peaceful spot for fitness lovers. It has a scenic walking and jogging trail with fitness stations, perfect for circuit training.
Surrounded by lush greenery and beautiful views of the Fraser River, it’s such a nice place to exercise and reconnect with nature.
The park also has a playground, adding a fun twist to your exercise routine.
Pro tip: Post-exercise, visit the nearby Fraserview Golf Course for a relaxing round of golf or a meal at their restaurant.
Memorial South Park
Media by @retruekaano
Location: 5955 Ross Street
Key features: Bodyweight exercise diagrams, elliptical machine, spacious design
Memorial South Park offers a structured workout environment with bodyweight exercise diagrams and an elliptical machine.
The park’s spacious layout and lush greenery make it a pleasant place to work out, and the various fitness activities keep your routine fresh and exciting.
Pro tip: Explore the nearby Punjabi Market for some vibrant shopping and delicious food.
West Side
Douglas Park
Media by @dostrength
Location: 794 West 20th Avenue
Key features: Chin-up bars, parallel bars, benches for box jumps, community center
Douglas Park is a favorite among locals for its variety of fitness equipment and quiet neighborhood.
The nearby community center provides additional resources like water fountains and restrooms, making it convenient for extended workout sessions.
Pro tip: Check out the community center for yoga classes and other fitness programs to complement your routine.
Tisdall Park
Media by @nmanouch
Location: 6210 Tisdall Street
Key features: Stair stepper, squat press, balance steps, wellness circuit
Tisdall Park is known for its seniors’ wellness circuit, but it’s great for all ages. With 13 activity stations, including a stair stepper and squat press, it offers a comprehensive workout in a peaceful, park setting.
Combine your workout with a scenic walk around the park’s paths for a complete fitness experience.
Pro tip: Stop by Oakridge Centre nearby for shopping or grab a smoothie at Jugo Juice to refresh after your workout.