Top Rated Parks to Visit in Downtown Vancouver

"The tours stop at many of Vancouver’s most popular sites, including Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium and Granville Island, as well as neighbourhoods like Chinatown and Gastown. Continue your orientation of the city with a Sea Vancouver tour of the city’s harbour by Zodiac, or head to FlyOver Canada, a 4D flight simulation that will have you soaring above our country’s astounding natural landscape. Spend the rest of the afternoon on the city’s famous shopping strip, Robson Street, or familiarize yourself with the works of British Columbia’s best known artist, Emily Carr, at the Vancouver Art Gallery. Finish off the day with dinner at a restaurant with a view of Vancouver’s majestic mountains."

"We could write a stand alone article just on the best spots to take photographs in Stanley Park, Canada’s first, largest, and most iconic urban park. It’s size rivals that of the Vancouver downtown core and offers a much needed path into nature in the bustling city. Whether you have a quick moment to drive around the perimeter, or if you get a half day to wander the trails in the interior, you’ll soon realize why they don’t call it the jewel of Vancouver for nothing."

"Stanley Park is a glorious 1,000 acre (400ha) public park at the northernmost tip of downtown Vancouver. As well as views of the beautiful Burrard Inlet and English Bay, you can find beaches, walking trails, local wildlife, and Canada’s largest aquarium. Walk or cycle the 3.4mi (8.8km) sea wall that loops around the coastline, soaking up incredible views of the northern mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge."

"Situated in the heart of Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park is also the highest point in the city, boasting spectacular views of the downtown skyline. It's one of the best parks in Vancouver for gardens, and the free quarry gardens are in bloom virtually year-round and are truly spectacular. The park is also home to the "dancing fountains" (at its top), the Queen Elizabeth Pitch & Putt, and lots of open, green spaces for playing ball or just laying on the soft grass."

"Having the highest point in the city, it is worth the trip to enjoy the view of both the mountains and the Vancouver skyline. Queen Elizabeth Park, a former quarry, has dancing fountains that delight spectators both day and night, plenty of green spaces, tennis courts, the Queen Elizabeth Pitch and Putt , and an off-leash dog area. Queen Elizabeth Park is also home to The Bloedel Conservatory, which has 500 tropical plants and over one hundred exotic birds."

"Queen Elizabeth Park is Vancouver’s highest point, clocking in at 410ft (125m) above sea level. Thanks to its central location, the park has some of the best views of the city’s impressive skyline, with a stunning backdrop of the North Vancouver mountains. The park is a popular picnic spot, with plenty of green space to relax with family or friends."

"Built in 1975 on a former golf course, VanDusen Botanical Garden is spread over 55 acres in Vancouver’s exclusive Shaughnessy neighborhood, about a ten-minute drive from the city’s downtown core. The sheer variety of plant life on display is incredible, and as you meander the garden’s paths you’ll encounter over 7,500 plants and trees from seven separate geographic regions. But it’s more than just another “plant museum,” so to speak: from the meditation garden and Elizabethan maze to the bubbling streams that cascade from the park’s waterfall, this is one of the more stunning and serene spots in Vancouver."

"The vast and verdant VanDusen Botanical Garden is just ten minutes’ drive to the south of the center. It has lots of pretty paths and ponds and stunning scenery wherever you look. First opened to the public in 1975, the gorgeous garden now has countless different sections, including a maze, meditation garden, Rhododendron Walk, Korean Pavilion and sino-Himalayan area."

"Perched atop the city’s highest point are the lovely lush gardens and aviary of the Bloedel Conservatory. Located within Queen Elizabeth Park, its huge historic dome is a treat to explore with beautiful exotic plants, trees, and birds. Looking out over the city and its surroundings, the colossal conservatory was founded in 1969 and now contains three separate climatic zones and habitats."

"Roam around the Bloedal Conservatory, a temperature-controlled domed paradise that's home to more than 120 free-flying exotic birds, 500 exotic plants and thousands of flowers Shop at Nordstrom, North America's best-loved department store"

"It’s a giant greenhouse filled with tropical birds and plants. Come on, this one is just as beautiful inside as it is outside. Perfect for the rare triptych Instagram post- exterior/bird/plant."

"This massive 874 hectares park is located in the University Endowment Lands, on Point Grey to the west of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. It surrounds the endowment lands of the University of British Columbia on the shores of Georgia Strait in the Pacific Ocean. Located on the west side of the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers a network of trails popular with locals and tourists alike and accessible year-round."

"This 750-hectare haven, the only GVRD park in city limits, is well-known to many and is a wonderful alternative to the trails of Stanley Park. It only takes a few steps in to feel far away from urban existence. The forested trails pass through land blanketed by ferns and shaded by towering cedars."

"Situated off Commercial Drive in the heart of East Van, this park has long had a permanent pot cloud over it. Accept it or head to nearby Victoria Park where you can watch Italian old-timers play bocce. Don’t limit yourself to the park itself."

"Home to the HR MacMillan Space Centre, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the Museum of Vancouver, and a lively program of festivals and cultural events such as Bard on the Beach – Western Canada’s largest Shakespeare festival – Vanier Park is a beacon for arts and culture enthusiasts. But museums and festivals aren’t the only draws for this popular city park. Wide-open fields make this a great spot for kite flying, and the public boat-launching ramp is a great kickoff spot for water activities."

"Vanier Park is another underrated favourite, with lots of space to lay and get lost in the clouds, or to sit and chat with friends while watching the sun go down behind the artwork."

"Home to one of the best BLT’s in Vancouver, Save on Meats will give you that hometown feel with tons of options and of course, “Adult Milkshakes” – who wouldn’t want that?. Address: 43 W Hastings Street, VancouverPhone: 604-569-3568. Facebook | Twitter | Instagram"

"A Gastown staple, Save On Meats prides itself on some of the best burgers in the city. Build your own, and then get a boozy milkshake alongside it to complete the experience. Heck maybe, even pick up some ground chuck at the adjacent butcher shop."

"A post shared by Argo Cafe (@argocafe) on Feb 8, 2017 at 10:46pm PST. Another one of Vancouver’s oldest diners, the Argo Cafe used to be a greasy spoon-type until 2004 when it was turned something like no other. The team here creates between seven to ten specials per day so be sure to stop by for a bowl of hot soup and a sandwich."

"Sitting just off Main Street and 2nd Ave, Argo Cafe came under new ownership in 2004 and has been shining ever since. A classic diner with a wide variety of fusion dishes, Argo definitely has something for everyone. Keep it simple with a burger and a side of soup, or go for broke with one of their daily specials."

"With two locations in Vancouver, Deacon’s Corner started in Gastown in 2009 and hasn’t looked back since. The food is a little more classy here, but the menu items are just as blue collar as anywhere else. Case in point is the Big Mountie, which uses three slices of brioche, pulled pork, swiss cheese and fried chicken."

"A post shared by Caroline (@c4roline.eats) on Jan 31, 2017 at 4:52pm PST. A classic diner serving up some great grub to curb those hunger pangs. They have two locations, one in Gastown and one in Kits."

"One of the most popular places for a cold treat in Downtown Vancouver, Bella Gelateria specialises in low-fat gelato and flavours that differ every time you go there. Pro tip: lineups can get long so it’s either better to go right when they open or right before they close."

"A post shared by linnea carmen (@linneacarmen) on Jun 21, 2018 at 9:32am PDT. This popular joint often has a line up out the door, but it’s well worth the wait. They have a unique menu of gelato, including Black Sesame, Banana Bread, Earl Grey Tea and Matcha."

"Vancouver is home to a certified gelato master, and Bella Gelateria is scooping up the sweet goodness at their locations. Look for exciting seasonal offerings, or staples like Salted Caramel. Address: 1001 West Cordova Street, Vancouver"

"The Say Hello Sweets truck hit the streets of Vancouver in the summer of 2016, scooping dairy-free flavours like the popular Cafe No-Lait. There's a unique backstory to this creative culinary venture, too: Owner Naomi Arnaut launched her ice cream biz as a way to fund medical care for her dog, Babycakes."

"A post shared by Say Hello Sweets (@sayhellosweets) on Jun 24, 2020 at 12:49am PDT. Say Hello to this charming ice cream joint. Made with all-natural ingredients, this is the ice cream treat you didn’t know you were missing in your life as each flavour is handcrafted for your pleasure."

"Take a trip to an excellent Parisian bistro by way of the city’s beachside Kitsilano neighborhood, where up-and-comer chef Dan McGee and team are whipping up French standards with B.C.’s finest produce. The stunning custom-made bar comes from France, and even the serving staff are mostly French, although with the happy addition of Canadian manners. With buttery croissants in the morning, gooey croque-monsieur at lunch, and juicy entrecôte-frites with a mouthwatering crisp char at dinner, anytime is a good time for Au Comptoir."

"Whenever I look for someplace to eat, and that place prides itself on serving a particular cuisine, there’s one aspect that I always look for authenticity. So, here’s an excellent piece of news: Au Comptoir is that restaurant that really deserves infinite stamps of approval for maintaining a level of authenticity and fidelity to French cuisine. From Au Comptoir, I tried out the EntrecÔte Frites, which is a dish consisting of the grilled ribeye steak topped with rich peppercorn sauce, and potato fries on the side."

"A post shared by Au Comptoir (@au_comptoir) on Nov 19, 2017 at 11:02am PST. Reserve a table for two at this Parisian spot for a night of romance. This is the place to savour a glass of fine wine as you tuck into French classics like cassoulet before sharing one of their house-made desserts."

"A favorite among Vancouverites for sublime cuisine, fine wines and impeccable service, Les Faux Bourgeois is a popular restaurant with couples looking for an intimate, romantic spot for dinner. The French-inspired menu features signature starters of escargots de Bourgogne, country-style pork paté with homemade bread, and a variety of sweetbreads, along with entrées of mussels in white wine, canard confit, and coq au vin. The cuisine is accompanied by a range of fine wines from around the world, craft beers and local microbrews, high-end spirits, and classic cocktails."

"Les Faux Bourgeois is a quintessential French bistro where you’ll find steak frites, escargot, and servers with French accents who might silently judge you for eating your food so fast. Come here when you want some reliable and reasonably-priced classic French food and don’t want to spend forever trying to get a table. Though if you encounter a short wait, you can kill some time over a few beers at Bells and Whistles a block over before consuming a whole bunch of red wine and creme brulee."

"Head to the adored Les Faux Bourgeois, tucked-away near Fraser and Kingsway, for fine comfort food like their Alsacienne tarte flambée with caramelized onions, smoked bacon and crème fraîche ricotta, and a wine list focused on France and western North America. Location: 663 East 15th Ave."

"At The French Table, you'll find traditional French food prepared by master chef Hervé Martin, the former chef and owner at The Hermitage on Robson St, which had a run of 24-years-strong. The restaurant’s “uncomplicated but innovative French cuisine” features items like the marinated salmon with baby dill, creme fraiche and crostini, and sweet breads grenobloise with capers, parsley, lemon butter and celeriac remoulade. Location: 3916 Main St."

"Here’s a restaurant whose charm is held intact by the fact that the founder and owner of the restaurant comes from a tradition of excellence in French cuisine. Chef Herve Martin is mighty proud to share with Vancouver (and the rest of the world) all of his creations, through The French Table. What that means, then, is a food experience that is not just charming, but also delicious."