Summary
Queen Elizabeth Park Description
There is a reason Queen Elizabeth Park is among the most popular locations for wedding photographs in Vancouver: its aesthetic appeal is undeniable. Featuring exquisitely landscaped quarry gardens, breathtaking vistas, and a 1,500-tree arboretum, the park is recognized as a premier public space and one of the most picturesque locations in the city.
Situated at Vancouver’s highest elevation and spanning 130 acres (52.78 hectares), Queen Elizabeth Park ranks second in popularity and annual visitors only to Stanley Park. At its summit lies the park’s plaza, a paved area offering panoramic views of downtown Vancouver, a courtyard adorned with dancing fountains, and the Bloedel Conservatory, which houses over 500 varieties of tropical plants along with 120 bird species.
From the plaza, patrons can meander along the winding paths leading to the quarry gardens, ponds, lawns, and arboretum. The two quarry gardens are horticultural masterpieces, featuring winding paths, charming bridges, and miniature waterfalls amidst a multitude of plants and flowers. Tranquil spots for relaxation and contemplation are readily available, while the abundant tree population—over 3,000 throughout the park—provides shade during the summer and vibrant colors in the fall.
Sporting activities in the park encompass the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt golf course positioned on the eastern side, disc golf, Tai Chi sessions in the morning at the plaza, lawn bowling, and 18 tennis courts available for public use on a first-come, first-served basis.
Seasonal events are also hosted here. Each April, the park glows with lights for the sakura festival to commemorate the arrival of cherry blossoms, optimizing the brief beauty of the flowers as they grace the park and cityscape for a limited duration.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park is situated at the intersection of Cambie St. and W 33rd Ave, with numerous entrances available, including those on Ontario St. and W 33rd Ave, as well as along W 37th Ave, between Columbia St. and Mackie St.
Although there is limited complimentary parking along the periphery of the park, parking lots adjacent to the central plaza charge $3.50 per hour. Visitors may also consider public transportation, such as the bus (#15 from downtown is advisable; check Translink) or opt for cycling.
Cyclists can take advantage of the east-west Midtown/Ridgeway Bike Route, located along 37th Ave, which directly passes by the park, or the north-south Ontario Street Bike Route.
Queen Elizabeth Park History
Formerly known as “Little Mountain”—the location stands at 501ft above sea level—Queen Elizabeth Park originated as a basalt rock quarry in the late 19th century. Initially owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), the quarry yielded foundational rock for many of Vancouver’s earliest roadways. By 1911, the quarry ceased operations, leaving the land unused for approximately thirty years.
In time, the CPR sold the land to the City of Vancouver, which rebranded the area as Queen Elizabeth Park in 1940, following a visit from King George VI and his consort, Elizabeth (mother of Queen Elizabeth II). In 1948, Vancouver Park Board visionary William Livingstone initiated plans to transform the park into the horticultural sanctuary it is today by planting the first trees in the arboretum.
In 1969, Prentice Bloedel, the founder of Canadian timber powerhouse MacMillan Bloedel Ltd. and a patron of the arts and horticulture, generously contributed over $1 million for the enhancement of the plaza, covered walkways, fountains, and the domed Bloedel Floral Conservatory.
Queen Elizabeth Park Features
- Arboretum
- Quarry Gardens
- Bloedel Floral Conservatory
- Celebration Pavilion
- Dancing fountains
- Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt golf course
- Tennis courts
- Lawn bowling
- Picnic areas
- Seasons in the Park restaurant
Making the Most of Your Visit
It is effortless to spend an entire day at Queen Elizabeth Park, exploring the gardens, visiting the Conservatory, or simply savoring the views. A tour of the gardens and plaza alone will approximately require two to three hours; incorporating a game of golf or tennis along with a picnic will create a satisfying outdoor experience.
Concluding your visit with a meal at the Seasons in the Park restaurant is also highly recommended. Seasons in the Park offers some of the finest views of the city and is undoubtedly among Vancouver’s premier dining venues with scenic vistas.
