Top Rated Parks to Visit in Panorama

"Known as the Central Park of Vancouver (but much larger), Stanley Park stuns visitors with its scenic waterfront, dense woodland and nature trails that sprawl through 400 hectares of coastal forest. Located on the traditional, unceded territories of the Xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱ wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) peoples, Vancouver’s largest city park shines with cultural pride. The rich history of this low-lying headland is revealed by the totem poles that stand tall at the park’s edge, and a guided First Nations-led tour with Talaysay Tours is the perfect starting point for a day out in Stanley Park."

"Stanley Park is a treasure set on almost 1,000 acres in central Vancouver. The city’s first and biggest park is a place to relax with a bike ride on 8.8 kilometers (5.5 miles) of the seawall along English Bay. Meanwhile, 27 kilometers (16.7 miles) of trails through a rainforest beckon visitors who prefer a more leisurely pace as they stop to enjoy wildlife, such as the hundreds of species of birds that call the park home."

"The most iconic of Vancouver’s parks, Stanley Park has no shortage of stunning spots to bring your friends or enjoy in solitude — with hidden gems along the Seawall just waiting to be found and enjoyed. So pack up your picnic and grab your besties, because if you’re currently in Vancouver, there’s no better time than now to head out into the park."

"Built in on a former quarry 500 feet above sea level, the 130-acre Queen Elizabeth Park is the highest vantage point in Vancouver, with extraordinary views that extend to the North Shore Mountains and beyond. But there’s more to Queen E, as locals call it, than just the vistas. With manicured lawns and impeccably groomed flowering plant beds, the gardens are the main draw."

"The highest point in the city, Queen Elizabeth Park serves up panoramic views of Vancouver, framed by the majestic mountains that surround downtown. You've probably seen epic photos of the city skyline backed by forested peaks, and this is the place to snap them. The stunning view is protected by city law, but it's not the only draw to this sprawling park."

"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."

"This highly popular green-thumbed oasis is a 22-hectare, 255,000-plant idyll that offers a strollable web of pathways weaving through specialized garden areas: the Rhododendron Walk blazes with color in spring,... Top ChoiceMuseum in Gastown & Chinatown"

"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."

"This conservatory allows a little bit of the tropics to thrive in the middle of a major Canadian city. See All 31 Things to Do in Vancouver"

"Located near the University of British Columbia, Pacific Spirit Regional Park is an ideal destination for running, cycling, and hiking. Its extensive cycling/hiking trails offer some of a gorgeous Pacific Northwest scenery in the city; you'll marvel at views of the dense forest and rugged beaches. If you have a full day to spare, you can combine a trip to Pacific Spirit Park with an exploration of the top attractions at UBC."

"This natural park of dense forest, set along the water in the University of British Columbia Endowment Lands, is a wonderful opportunity to connect to nature. Pacific Spirit Regional Park has approximately 50 miles of forested trails that allow for walking, running, hiking, biking, and even horseback riding. Pacific Spirit Regional Park hugs the coastline for four miles along which the infamous Wreck Beach is found."

"This gem, tucked behind the PNE/Playland grounds offers plenty to do even as the roller coasters within view remain silent. It’s got four beach volleyball courts, a soccer field with a surrounding track, ping pong tables, a parkour course, a bike skills area, an accessible playground, perimeter biking and walking paths and a skateboard hangout. Something for everyone."

"This one’s a small space, but, hey, it’s an island without the crowds you’d find on Granville Island. Watch the boat traffic navigate the Fraser River, forage on wild blackberries when in season and stroll the path just north of the park where you might encounter horses or, at the very least, um,...evidence of them. A good alternative for the similar views is the dog-friendly Fraser River Park."

"Named after a sign installation that was originally placed in the park as a prank, Dude Chilling Park is just as it sounds: a perfect park for chilling with friends. Formerly known as Guelph Park, the space is simple—a small stretch of trimmed grass that has become the centerpiece of community life in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood of Vancouver. The art installation that inspired the park's name resembles a person reclining on a slope of the park; it's often surrounded by crowds of people picnicking, drumming, singing, and straight chillin’."

"But "Dude Chilling Park," as it's known—yes, really—is without a doubt one of the most talked-about parks in Vancouver. In 1991, "Reclining Figure," a statue by Michael Dennis, was given a home in this East Van park. Though abstract, the figure—a dude—evoked the image of a person laying on his side, relaxing and, well, chilling."

"It’s in the name, and even if you go just to take a picture with the sign, Dude Chilling Park near Main Street is definitely the place to sit back, relax and unwind. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Indish Food Truck (@indishfoodtruck)"

"A post shared by Alana Yee (@yvreats) on Apr 8, 2015 at 4:18pm PDT. If you’ve never been to the Patty Shop, or even if you’ve never had a Jamaican patty before, you’re in for a treat. Prepare for warm, flaky pastry that’s filled with your choice of beef (in varying spiciness, of course), chicken, veggies, or one of their weekly specials."

"Nestled in the heart of Yaletown, independently-owned Sweet Bakeshop believes “the taller the cake, the better”. Peggy Porschen Academy-trained pastry chef Tessa Sam creates jaw-dropping cakes, and with high quality ingredients like Callebaut chocolate, Nielsen Massey vanilla and real butter, they’re quality, too. Ombre icing, sprinkles and tempting “drippy edges” are some of the extra creative touches that put Sweet’s cakes over-the-top."

"It’s out with one pizza chain and in with another: La Ruota will be opening on Cambie Street where make-your-own spot Assembli used to operate. Address: 2325 Cambie Street, Vancouver"

"Andreas Restaurant, which continues to be family owned and operated, has achieved iconic stature as a local authentic neighbourhood place in the North Shore for high quality, savoury flavours, and authentic Greek traditions."

"Unwind at this zen-inspired spa in North Vancouver featuring a steam shower to freshen your pores and nail lounge to brighten up your fingers and toes. Packages designed for couples and teens make it a great spot to visit together, and spa party options let you celebrate with relaxation. Where: 1836 Lonsdale Avenue"

"Sabai Thai Spa in Coal Harbour gives guests a unique and relaxing experience from their downtown location. The calming environment sets the tone for a blissful treatment that will leave you feeling as though you've just come back from vacation. Sabai Thai Spa offers massages, esthetics, hand and foot treatments, body treatments and facials."

"Stepping into Fig feels like stepping into the Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. This beauty stop is beautifully designed and offers top-of-the-line service and treatments, including facials, vitamin and filler injections, and skin analysis sessions. 2050 West 4th Avenue"