Where to Go for a Spring Picnic Around Vancouver

April 14, 2025

4 min read

Four people sitting on a beach at sunset, with one person reading a book and the ocean and ships in the background.

In Vancouver, natural spaces are integrated into the fabric of the city. As the weather warms up, take your meals outdoors and plan a picnic in one of these beautiful parks.

Stanley Park

People cycling on a path by a beach with logs and a rocky shoreline at sunset, with mountains in the background.

Third Beach in Stanley Park at sunset. Photo: Destination Vancouver

Stanley Park spreads across 400 hectares, so there are lots of picnicking options. Ceperley Field near Second Beach is a popular spot for picnics. The grassy lawn has lots of room to spread out and playgrounds at each end. Bring your own picnic basket or grab takeout from the Second Beach Concession Stand or Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant, both of which are steps away.

If you want to picnic on one of the park's beach, head to Third Beach. It has a great view of Burrard Inlet and since it's surrounded by forest, it feels a bit more secluded than some of Vancouver's other beaches. There is parking here, but it's more fun to arrive by bike via the Stanley Park Seawall. You can rent bikes and pick up a take-out picnic just outside the park at shops near the intersection of Denman and Georgia Streets in the West End neighbourhood.

Harbour Green Park

Waterfront park with walking paths, trees, and high-rise buildings beside a calm body of water with boats and a rowing team.

Harbour Green Park and the Seawall. Photo: Destination Vancouver

Harbour Green Park is tucked away in Coal Harbour adjacent to the Seawall. Spread out your picnic blanket on the grassy lawn and sit back to enjoy the scenery as joggers and cyclists cruise past and float planes buzz back and forth in the harbour.

If you want to treat yourself, order a gourmet picnic basket from Arc at the nearby Fairmont Waterfront Hotel.

David Lam Park

Aerial view of a coastal city with high-rise buildings, a green park, boats on the water, and mountains in the background under a clear blue sky.

David Lam Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver

The grassy lawns of David Lam Park in Yaletown are a great place for a picturesque picnic. The park has great views of False Creek and several pieces of large public art that make for great photo ops.

You can pick up takeout from one of the nearby restaurants, but you can start your day with an adventure by picking out ingredients for a DIY charcuterie board from the butchers, bakeries, and cheesemongers at the Granville Island Public Market. After you're done shopping, take a scenic ride on the Aquabus or False Creek Ferries from Granville Island to David Lam Park.

Queen Elizabeth Park

Three people walking on a path in a lush garden with a large geodesic dome and a wooden bridge in the background.

Quarry Gardens at Queen Elizabeth Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver

Located on the highest point in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park has great views of the city and the North Shore Mountains. It also has great options for picnics. There is a designated picnic area on the north side of the park with picnic tables and seasonal toilets. It's an easy walk up the hill to explore the flowers in the sunken Quarry Gardens.

Stroll along nearby Main Street in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood before your picnic. You can browse the boutiques or pick up a takeout picnic lunch from one of the cafes.

John Hendry Park (Trout Lake)

People and dogs gathered near a lake with autumn trees and colorful leaves overhead.

Trout Lake. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Nelson Mouellic

The centrepiece of John Hendry Park in the Commercial Drive neighbourhood is Trout Lake. It's a great place to picnic on the grass, toss a ball around, or let your dog run free in the off-leash section at the north end of the lake.

The eclectic shops on nearby Commercial Drive are an ideal place to shop for picnic ingredients. This is Vancouver's historic Little Italy, so you can pick up house-made sausage or imported cheese for your picnic spread at several family-run delis. But a variety of food options including lots of vegan and vegetarian food are also on offer since Commercial Drive is also a bustling multicultural and LGBTQ-friendly neighbourhood.

Kitsilano Beach

Silhouettes of people near a volleyball net and a large tree at sunset by the water.

Sunset at Kitsilano Beach. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kitsilano Chamber of Commerce

Sunny Kitsilano Beach has lots of grass for picnicking and sand for lounging or playing beach volleyball. It also has great sunset views so it makes a romantic date spot.

There are lots of takeout options in the Kitsilano neighbourhood on nearby York Avenue and up the hill on West 4th Avenue. But if you're looking to impress, order a picnic box from Charcuterie Vancouver on West 4th. They have charcuterie platters, sandwich boxes, brunch boxes, and more.

Ambleside Park

Two people walking on a sandy path near tall grass, one pushing a bicycle with a basket, with a bridge and forest in the background.

Picnicking at Ambleside Park. Photo: Destination Vancouver/Kindred & Scout

Located just over the Lions Gate Bridge in West Vancouver, Ambleside Park has great views of Stanley Park and Burrard Inlet from its sandy beach and grassy lawns.

You can grab takeout from The Boat Shed in the park. They serve up coffee, burgers, fish and chips, and more. There are more food options just outside the park on Bellevue Avenue and Marine Drive.

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