Categories > Guides and Tips
11 Amazing Parks in Vancouver You’ll Want to Explore Again and Again
I don’t think anything beats stepping outside and breathing in fresh air surrounded by trees, open spaces, and the sound of nature. Parks have always been my go-to escape, whether it’s for a quiet walk, a weekend picnic, or just a change of scenery from the usual routine.
Vancouver is packed with green spaces that offer way more than just a patch of grass. Some have mountain views, others hug the ocean, and a few feel like hidden pockets of wilderness right in the city.
If you’re looking for a spot to unwind, explore, or just take in the scenery, here are some of the best parks in Vancouver to check out.
Vanier Park
Media from stevarino.g
Address: 1000 Chestnut St.
Contact Details: +16048737000
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
The best part about Vanier Park is how much open space you get. Unlike some of the busier parks in the city, this one feels wide and quiet, with room to spread out and take in the views.
You’ll find grassy fields, walking trails, and a waterfront path that looks straight out at downtown Vancouver. Kites flying overhead and boats drifting in the distance make it an easy place to stay for a while.
Several museums, like the Museum of Vancouver and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, sit right on the edge of the park—perfect for a quick addition to your itinerary.
Pro Tip:
If you come at sunset, you’ll get one of the best skyline views in the city. Bring a light jacket—the breeze off the water can be stronger than you’d expect.
John Hendry Park
Media from colorfullifeofsabrina
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr.
Contact Details: +16048737000
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
The mornings at John Hendry Park start with the sound of runners on the trails and dogs splashing into the lake. The park wraps around Trout Lake, giving you a mix of green space that feels tucked away from the rest of the city.
A flat walking path circles the lake, making it an easy stroll with plenty of spots to stop and take in the view. If you’re up for something more active, there’s a beach, sports fields, and even a well-loved off-leash dog area.
It’s a neighborhood park that feels bigger than it is, with locals gathering for weekend markets and casual picnics. On clear days, the mountains reflect off the lake, making it a quiet place to slow down for a bit.
Pro Tip:
The Trout Lake Farmers Market happens here on weekends. It’s a great spot to grab fresh produce or a snack before you start your walk.
Nitobe Memorial Garden
Media from ubcadmissions
Address: 1895 Lower Mall
Contact Details: +16048226038
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday Daily 10 AM–2 PM; Saturday to Monday, closed
Entrance Fee:
- Adults: $7
- Seniors (65+): $6
- Non-UBC students: $6
- Youth (13–17 years old): $6
- Children under 6: Free
- UBC students, faculty, and staff: Free with valid ID
Stepping into this garden feels like entering a completely different world. The noise from the city fades, and all you hear is the sound of water, rustling leaves, and the occasional bird.
Its layout follows traditional Japanese garden design, with winding stone paths, wooden bridges, and perfectly placed plants. Every turn leads to a new detail, whether it’s a koi pond, a carefully pruned tree, or a lantern tucked into the landscape.
It’s small compared to other parks, but the quiet atmosphere makes up for it. If you need a break from fast-paced city life, this is the place to slow down.
Pro Tip:
Spring and fall are the best times to visit. Cherry blossoms brighten up the garden in April, and the autumn leaves turn it into a completely different experience.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Media from paularebalo
Address: 578 Carrall St.
Contact Details: +16046623207
Opening Hours: Monday to Tuesday, closed; Wednesday to Sunday 9:30 AM–3 PM
Entrance Fee:
- Adult: $16
- Senior (65+): $13
- Student (with valid ID): $12
- Youth (6-18): $10
- Children (5 & under): Free
- Family (2 adults + 2 youths): $35
Tucked inside Chinatown, this garden feels worlds away from the busy streets just outside its walls. The moment you step in, the mix of water elements, stone, and carefully placed trees creates a sense of calm.
The design follows traditional Chinese garden principles, where every detail serves a purpose. Winding pathways lead past koi ponds, pavilions, and latticed windows that frame the scenery like paintings.
It’s a smaller space, but every turn offers something new to take in. If you want a break from the fast pace of the city, this is an easy place to stop and recharge.
Pro Tip:
Rainy days make the experience even better. Water dripping off the rooftops and rippling through the ponds adds to the quiet atmosphere.
Dude Chilling Park
Media from derekrydquist
Address: 2390 Brunswick St.
Contact Details: +16048737000
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
Some parks are known for their scenery, but this one stands out for something else. Right in the middle of the green space, you’ll find the “Dude Chilling Park” sign—a name that started as a prank but stuck.
The park itself is simple, with wide grassy areas, a few benches, and enough space to stretch out. It’s a laid-back spot where you’ll see locals reading, playing music, or actually just chilling.
The art scene here is active too, with rotating installations and a creative vibe that makes it different from the usual city park.
Pro Tip:
If you’re into local humor, snap a photo with the “Dude Chilling Park” sign. It’s become one of the most recognizable landmarks in Vancouver.
Capilano Suspension Bridge & Park
Media from capilanosuspensionbridge
Address: 3735 Capilano Rd.
Contact Details: +16049857474
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–8 PM
Entrance Fee:
- $59.95 for Adults
- $49.95 for Seniors
- $39.95 for Youth
Prices vary per season
Stepping onto the suspension bridge is the easy part. It’s the swaying, bouncing, and the rush of the river below that makes it an entirely different experience.
The bridge stretches 137 meters across the canyon, surrounded by dense forest on both sides. Once you’re across, trails lead to treetop walkways and platforms built high into the trees.
It’s more than just the bridge—there’s also a cliffwalk that hugs the rock face and a series of smaller suspension bridges in the canopy. Every part of the park gives you a different way to see the forest from above.
Pro Tip:
The bridge gets packed by midday. Go early or visit in the evening when the crowds thin out.
Charleson Park
Media from mcompas
Address: 999 Charleson Street
Contact Details: +16048737000
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
Many parks here in Vancouver feel they were made for escaping the city, but this one blends right into it. Right along False Creek, Charleson Park gives you skyline views while still feeling like a quiet retreat.
The park has winding trails, open green spaces, and a small pond that attracts ducks and herons. If you’re walking or biking along the seawall, it’s an easy place to stop and take a breather.
A big draw here is the off-leash dog area, where locals bring their dogs to run and play. Whether you’re passing through or staying a while, the mix of nature and city makes this park stand out.
Pro Tip:
The best spot to sit is by the water, where you can watch boats pass while the skyline reflects off False Creek. Bring coffee and take your time.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Media from viawesome
Address: Vancouver
Contact Details: +16048737000
Opening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
At its highest point, Queen Elizabeth Park gives you one of the best panoramic views of Vancouver. With gardens, walking paths, and open green spaces, it’s the kind of place that works for both a quick stop and a full afternoon.
The sunken quarry garden is the highlight, with winding pathways that take you through seasonal flowers, waterfalls, and perfectly placed stonework. Nearby, the Bloedel Conservatory houses exotic plants and colorful birds in a tropical dome.
It’s a park that’s always changing depending on the season. In spring, the cherry blossoms take over, while autumn brings fiery red and orange trees across the landscape.
Pro Tip:
Head up here at sunset. The skyline view from the top of the park is one of the best in the city.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
Media from ironmushroom
Address: 5495 Chancellor Blvd.
Contact Details: +16042245739
Opening Hours: Daily 7 AM–6 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
The Pacific Spirit Regional Park, to us, feels like a hidden escape right next to the city and its hustle and bustle. Once you step onto the trails, you’re surrounded by tall trees, winding paths, and nothing but the sound of nature.
With over 70 kilometers of trails, there’s a route for whatever pace you’re in the mood for. Some paths are wide and well-packed, while others take you deeper into the woods with softer trails underfoot.
It’s a popular spot, but the size of the park means you’re never walking in a crowd. Whether you’re here for a run, a quiet walk, or just a change of scenery, it’s easy to lose track of time.
Pro Tip:
Some trails can get muddy after rain, so waterproof shoes help. If you’re up for a longer walk, take a route that leads toward the beach for an even better ending.
VanDusen Botanical Garden
Media from vandusengarden
Address: 5251 Oak St.
Contact Details: +16042578463
Opening Hours: Daily 10 AM–2 PM
Entrance Fee:
- January 1 – March 31 & November 1 – December 31:
- Adult (19 – 64): $10.67
- Senior (65+): $7.45
- Youth (13 – 18): $7.45
- Child (5 – 12): $5.35
- Preschooler (4 and under): Free
- Garden Member: Free
- April 1 – October 31:
- Adult (19 – 64): $15.05
- Senior (65+): $10.55
- Youth (13 – 18): $7.45
- Child (5 – 12): $7.55
- Preschooler (4 and under): Free
- Garden Member: Free
The VanDusen Botanical Garden changes with the seasons, so no two visits feel the same. In spring, it’s covered in cherry blossoms and tulips, while summer brings bright wildflowers and shaded green paths.
Walking through, you’ll find themed sections like the Japanese Garden, a hedge maze, and a massive collection of plants from around the world. Ponds and little wooden bridges make it easy to slow down and take in the scenery.
It’s quiet, spacious, and perfect if you just want to wander without a set plan. If you’re into photography or just like being surrounded by nature, this spot never disappoints.
Pro Tip:
The Festival of Lights in winter transforms the garden into a glowing maze of colors. It’s one of the best times to visit.
Stanley Park
Media from yulinwu96
Address: Vancouver
Contact Details: +16046816728
Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM–5 PM
Entrance Fee: Free
Website
You don’t really visit Vancouver without spending time in Stanley Park. It’s massive, surrounded by water on three sides, and packed with trails, beaches, and some of the best city views around.
The Seawall wraps around the park, making it one of the best places for a long walk or bike ride. Inside, the forested paths take you past hidden gardens, massive trees, and even a few quiet lakes.
There’s always something to check out, whether it’s the totem poles, the viewpoints, or the beaches that stretch along the edges. Even on the busiest days, you can find a quiet spot to take in the scenery.
Pro Tip:
Rent a bike to ride the Seawall. It’s the easiest way to see the entire park without missing anything.
