Top Rated Parks to Visit in Killarney

"Bordered by the English Bay and the Vancouver Harbor, Stanley Park is completely surrounded by water and has some of the city’s most beautiful views. This lush green forest is full of plants found only in the area and can be viewed from the many paths and trails that run through the park, including the Seawall, a stone wall that surrounds the park and runs along the water’s edge. The park is also home to Vancouver’s Aquarium and several restaurants and snack bars to make spending the day in the woods easy."

"Summer through winter, Stanley Park is gorgeous to wander around. If you’re visiting during summer through fall, rent a bicycle from Spokes or Yes Cycle and stop wherever you feel like while biking along the Seawall. You can also do a guided 5-hour bicycle tour if you’d rather have a guide with you!"

"The center of Queen Elizabeth Park, Little Mountain, marks the highest point in Vancouver, and its elevated position affords excellent views of the city center and the mountains to the north. Things to do in the park include pitch-and-putt golf, tennis, disc golf, and visiting the extensive outdoor arboretum. If the day is grey and cool, escape to the tropical environment of the Bloedel Conservatory."

"This 53ha (130-acre) park in suburban Vancouver offers fabulous views of the city and its surrounding mountains. It’s perfect to visit in every season, thanks to the ever-changing vista. People can wander the grounds outside, or head inside to Bloedel Conservatory and its indoor tropical garden."

"Pack up a picnic and be sure to smell and see the beautiful flowers at Queen Elizabeth Park. With gorgeous views and lots of space, it’ll be your own piece of park paradise. View this post on Instagram"

"This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. There are over 7,500 different kinds of plants assembled from six continents."

"Wandering away from the city core and South into Vancouver, you’ll find Queen Elizabeth Park, a 130 acre park located on the city’s highest point. From the top of the park, you get a distant panoramic view of Vancouver against the mountains. Beyond the park’s highest peak are a variety of flower gardens and a gorgeous walk for any weather."

"With trails that loop through the rainforest, along the seafront, and around the boardwalk that circles bird-filled Camosun Bog, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is a favorite spot for joggers, hikers and cyclists. Covering more than 750 hectares, this green expanse of unspoiled nature connects the University of British Columbia (UBC) with the city. Whether you’re looking for a short, leg-stretching stroll through the trees, or a three-hour trek to explore hidden corners, the park is a hiker’s paradise."

"Located in the western part of Vancouver, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park separates the city from the University of British Columbia. The park is full of various trails, perfect for spending the mornings running or cycling through the forest or having afternoon picnics on the beaches. Pacific Spirit Regional Park, 5495 Chancellor Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1E4, Canada"

"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."

"A great stopping point in False Creek between Olympic Village and Granville Island, this is a place to take in the marine and mountain views while dodging dogs. Although the playground spaces are undergoing a renovation, the sea wall here is much improved with separate bike and pedestrian paths. Few people walk the small forested trail area farther away from the water and an oft-overlooked highlight is the lagoon, a great locale for watching and photographing herons, Canada geese and ducks."

"Located on the False Creek waterfront with views to downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains, the 17.6-acre Charleson Park bridges the gap between an urban environment (you’re looking north at a forest of high-rise towers) and a calculatedly placid setting. The meandering paths next to the lagoon are a stress-reducing stroll. Take the upper pathway toward a grove and you’ll eventually come across a waterfall; a small treasure, but worth it."

"Charleson Park in False Creek has stunning views of the downtown Vancouver skyline as a background to its family-friendly park (and nearby off-leash dog park) — which will certainly put a smile on any face. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Susana BC (@starsandink)"

"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."

"We didn’t really consider Dockside Brewing the first few times we were on Granville Island, because it’s located alongside the Dockside Restaurant that is usually swarming with tourists, but that doesn’t take away from the tasty beer, so it’s worth a stop, especially after a long day of walking around the island. Location: 1253 Johnston St. Website: http://docksidevancouver.com/about/. Other tours you may enjoy:"

"Many may not realize that Granville Island is home to two breweries, with the Granville Island Hotel housing its own onsite brewing facility. Dockside earns some good brownie points for having an excellent waterfront patio, but loses some for being fairly pricey."

"This Kitsilano spa has swept up a variety of awards over the years for its skin-specialized treatments. Try one of their body scrub and showers or a massage for full-on relaxation, or opt for a facial or microdermabrasion to freshen up your face. You can also get a spray tan or sunless tan here for a little bronze glow during greyer months."

"If you’re craving a bit of pampering, but are trying to watch your budget, the John Casablancas School can be an ideal option. Because this is a school and students are performing the services, prices are much more affordable, and the spa options include a variety of facial services, manicures, pedicures and massage. Where: Suite #150 – 220 Cambie St."

"A great spot if you’re wanting a little pampering but not wanting to pay the price. The John Casablancas Institute in Gastown has been training up some of the city’s best stylists, estheticians and masseuses since 1978. The treatments are completed by students and the spa is a little less zen but the price gives you peace of mind."

"No list of Vancouver's best beaches would be complete without the legendary Kitsilano Beach, better known as "Kits Beach." Located just across from downtown Vancouver via the Burrard Street Bridge, Kits Beach embodies everything that the neighborhood of Kitsilano has to offer: an outdoorsy hub of activity that is equal parts trendy and unpretentious. During the dog days of summer, Kitsilano Beach is the place to see and be seen. There's lots to do, from swimming laps in the outdoor saltwater pool to playing tennis, basketball, or beach volleyball."

"More popular by the name “Kits” this is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, Canada and the people in Vancouver often refer to it as their version of the famous ‘Venice Beach’. Known to be as one of the most glamorous beaches in Vancouver the Kitsilano Beach is home to the longest and the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and the ocean. Not just that but you will find a grassy area and can be a part of some really exciting outdoor activities."

"Surrounded on three sides by water, Vancouver is not lacking in beaches. But if we had to recommend one, it would be Kitsilano. Situated on the northern edge of its namesake neighborhood, this quiet beach offers views across the Burrard Inlet of the downtown peninsula with the mountains of North Vancouver looming overhead."

"Jericho Beach is a lovely stretch of sandy oceanfront between the Kitsilano and West Point Grey neighborhoods—but it's so much more than that. It's home to some of Vancouver's posher facilities, like the members-only Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Jericho Tennis Club, as well as tennis courts that are open to the public. While Vancouver's beaches can be enjoyed from shore or by taking a dip in the ocean, one of the most exciting ways to experience them is to get way out in the water."

"My all-time favourite place to photograph families in Vancouver. Jericho Beach gets truly beautiful light and has multiple places we can photograph until the sun is almost down, at which point we can move to the beach. Jericho is located on Vancouver’s west side, just west of Kitsilano and a short drive from downtown."

"An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's popular with locals on summer evenings, so expect impromptu but civilized beach gatherings where discreet coolers of beer may appear."