Discover the Best Parks in Vancouver

When choosing a travel destination, many people struggle to decide between touring the sites of a bustling city, exploring the great outdoors in a natural wonderland, or lounging on the beach on a laid-back stretch of coast. For travelers who want a taste of it all, Vancouver ticks all the boxes. With sky-piercing towers, enticing neighborhoods, thousands of nature trails, and a bounty of beautiful beaches, Vancouver is an all-rounder that is sure to please all types of travelers.

In contrast to most metropolitan hubs, Vancouver offers stunning natural surroundings as well as a lively urban scene. Stanley Park tops the list of must-see outdoor spaces in the city, and with good reason: the 400-hectare public park is a natural playground for outdoor adventures. However, there are more than 240 city parks to explore, from small green spaces to sprawling forest parks, providing a wealth of options that travelers with kids in tow will surely appreciate.

Whether you’re looking for a simple seawall stroll in the heart of the city or a challenging cycle along forested trails, Vancouver has parks where you can partake in all sorts of pastimes. As a bonus, park users have permission to enjoy alcohol in several parks across the city—so there’s an official sanction to enjoy an outdoor sundowner. Pack up a picnic and some ice-cold beverages, and delight in the best city parks in Vancouver.

Stanley Park

Best park for all-around outdoor adventure

Known as the Central Park of Vancouver (but much larger), Stanley Park stuns visitors with its scenic waterfront, dense woodland, and nature trails that span 400 hectares of coastal forest.

Located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Vancouver’s largest city park shines with cultural pride. The rich history of this low-lying headland is revealed by the totem poles that stand tall at the park’s edge. As you explore, you’ll learn about the past and present history of the people who first called this land home.

A stroll or bike ride along the five-and-a-half-mile-long paved seawall is another Vancouver must-do. Make a day of it with stops at sandy beaches, the Lost Lagoon nature sanctuary, and a dip in the heated outdoor pool at Second Beach. Catch a stunning sunset view from nearby Third Beach. Stanley Park also features multiple playgrounds, public gardens, and some top-notch dining spots, as well as the Vancouver Aquarium—home to thousands of kinds of aquatic life.

Vanier Park

Best park for arts and culture

Home to the HR MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and a lively program of festivals and cultural events such as Bard on the Beach—Western Canada’s largest Shakespeare festival—Vanier Park is a beacon for arts and culture enthusiasts. The wide-open fields make this a great spot for kite flying, and the public boat-launching ramp is ideal for water activities. A tranquil pond and walking path allow for quiet reflection, while the park’s broad, sandy beach makes for an excellent picnic stop at the center of it all.

Creekside Park

Best park for active kids

Surrounding one of Vancouver’s top attractions, Science World, this park is perfect for small travelers. After exploring the universe in the indoor spaces of the science museum, kids can play on one of the city’s best playgrounds or just sit back and admire the skyline and water views.

Parents can relax under shady trees while kids navigate the newly-built, nature-inspired playground, featuring a giant tube slide, a climbing tower, swings, and water and sand play areas.

Ambleside Park

Best park for dog walks

This waterfront park is the gateway to West Vancouver, and a favored destination for off-leash dog walks. Spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver set the scene for seawall walks, with 3.5 hectares of dog-designated space—providing plenty of room for furry friends to roam free.

Further along the seawall is the pet-free part of the park, with a beachfront playground for kids, a skate park, a basketball court, and a concession stand for snacks. Ambleside Park also hosts a busy farmer’s market during the summer months, where visitors can pick up fresh fruit, prepared foods, and locally-made keepsakes.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Best park for horticulture and city views

The highest point in the city, Queen Elizabeth Park serves up panoramic views of Vancouver, framed by the majestic mountains surrounding downtown. This is the prime spot for capturing stunning photos of the city skyline backed by forested peaks. However, the park is not just about views; thanks to the Bloedel Conservatory—a striking dome filled with free-flying birds and exotic plants—the park has become a popular destination for horticultural enthusiasts.

Behind the dome is the beautifully landscaped Quarry Garden, featuring a collective of native and exotic trees surrounded by sculptures and colorful flora and fauna. Keeping younger visitors entertained, pitch and putt, lawn bowling, and tennis are also available.

PACIFIC SPIRIT REGIONAL PARK

Best park for an afternoon hike

With trails that loop through the rainforest, along the seafront, and around the boardwalk that circles bird-filled Camosun Bog, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a favorite spot for joggers, hikers, and cyclists. Covering more than 750 hectares, this green expanse of unspoiled nature connects the University of British Columbia (UBC) with the city. Whether you’re looking for a short stroll or a longer trek, the park is a hiker’s paradise.

David Lam Park

Best park for a waterfront stroll

Just steps from the shopping corridor of Yaletown in downtown Vancouver, David Lam Park provides a lovely green expanse that offers a taste of the great outdoors amidst the hustle of city streets. With views over False Creek framed by contemporary glass condo towers, grab a takeout from a local café for a picnic on the grass and enjoy the scenery.

The park serves as an ideal launch point for a seawall walk along the north bank of False Creek, passing stalking herons and intriguing public artworks. You can continue the walk around the east end of False Creek to Hinge Park, which is being developed as a wetland reserve, and Habitat Island, known for its rocky shore—a great spot to sit and soak up the sunshine.

Kitsilano Beach Park

Best park for beach lovers

Often referred to as the ‘Venice Beach of Vancouver’, Kitsilano Beach Park serves as the city’s hub for summer action. Known to locals as Kits Beach, this scenic strip of sand is ideal for aquaphiles, featuring the longest swimming pool in Canada, a heated outdoor saltwater pool beside the ocean. The park offers numerous ways to keep active—beach volleyball, outdoor basketball courts, and Vancouver’s largest fully accessible playground, featuring saucer swings and a sand table.

For picnickers and beach bums, the big draws are the sandy beach, open green spaces, and panoramic views of downtown Vancouver. It’s the perfect place to lounge away a summer day surrounded by sun-loving locals.

John Hendry Park (Trout Lake Park)

Best park for a lakeside picnic

Home to one of Vancouver’s biggest farmers’ markets every Saturday in summer, John Hendry Park vibrates with a local East Vancouver crowd. A walkway circles tranquil Trout Lake—a natural lake fronted by a small beach at the center of the park—and expansive grass fields offer the perfect setting for outdoor concerts.

Dude Chilling Park

Best park for a hipster hangout

Simply put, Dude Chilling Park is ideal for chilling with friends. As one of Vancouver’s approved parks for public drinking, you can relax with some local brews while enjoying the ambiance. This usually-bustling spot often hosts crowds picnicking, drumming, and soaking in the community vibes.