Where to Go for a Spring Picnic Around Vancouver
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
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
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
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
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)
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
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
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.