by JULIE HAUVILLE
Need a break? Take advantage of the great weather by visiting the best parks of this beautiful city! Make time for a picnic, visit a dog run and plan some fun outdoor activities with your international friends. Vancouver is home to some of the finest parks in the country, so take a tour with us and explore our seven favorite parks.
It is the park not to be missed in Vancouver. You could spend several days exploring it all, as it is bigger than New York City’s Central park and contains more than 27 kilometers of forest trails winding through about half a million trees. Take a camera and don’t forget to make a stop at the Totem Poles, Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. Rent a bike and ride around the 9 kilometers stretch of the sea wall for a few hours and at one of the beautiful beaches.
Address: Vancouver, BC, V6G 1Z4
Another must see in Vancouver! Just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of downtown Vancouver, Lighthouse Park is one of the most beautiful and quiet parks just outside the city. Wear proper footwear as it’s a bit of a rugged hike and enjoy the view of the water, the mountains and the coastline that is often home to seals, dolphins or even whales.
Address: 4902 Beacon Lane, West Vancouver, BC, V7W 1K5
At 152 metres above sea level, it’s the highest point in Vancouver and makes for spectacular views of the park, city, and mountains on the North Shore. The 52-hectare park is home to the stunning Bloedel Conservatory. And if you feel like exercising with your friends, head over to the tennis, lawn bowling and pitch & putt recreational area.
Address: 4600 Cambie Street, Vancouver, BC, V5Y 2M9
Located near the University of British Columbia (UBC), Pacific Spirit Park is ideal for running, cycling, and hiking from dense forest to rugged beaches. You can combine a trip to Pacific Spirit Park with a day spent exploring the top attractions at UBC or with a visit to Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s only clothing-optional beach. Nearby Botanical Gardens at UBC even have a canopy walk, where you can walk through the native tree canopies on platforms high above the forest floor!
Photo Credit: www.bethany-sara.com
Address: 5495 Chancellor Boulevard, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1E4
Having a park and a beach at the same time, is there any better plan for the summer? This beach park is a lovely long stretch of sand with great clear and clean water. Good for relaxing, swimming, or finding shells with beautiful views of English Bay and downtown Vancouver. Perfect on hot summer days!
Address: 1499 Arbutus Street, Vancouver, BC, V6J 5N2
This park is a bit different from the other ones of our list, welcome to a true botanical garden. Originally the original Shaughnessy golf course, the site was transformed into a botanical garden and opened to the public by the mid 70s. Sculptures, fountains, birds and 255,000 individual plants from around the world! You will need several hours to have the full experience.
Photo Credit: https://en.wikipedia.org
Address: 5251 Oak Street, Vancouver, BC, V6M 4H1
The signature Capilano bridge is a simple suspension bridge, but its length, height, and setting makes this truly an experience to be had. Treetops Adventure takes guests 100 feet into the mid-story of a coastal rainforest on seven suspension bridges attached to old-growth trees. A free shuttle bus from Canada Place in Vancouver will take you right there. A good mix of nature and history!
Address: 3735 Capilano Road, North Vancouver, BC, V7R 4J1