Top Rated Parks to Visit in Vancouver

"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."

"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."

"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."

"One of the last relatively unchanged areas of dune and wetland along the Kapiti Coast, this undulating 650-hectare beachside park offers swimming, walking, cycling and picnicking opportunities, as well as a tram museum and horse riding outfit. There are three entrances: off Wellington Rd in Paekakariki, at MacKay's Crossing on SH1, and off the Esplanade in Raumati to the north."

"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."

"Get down on one knee surrounded by the beautiful blossoming flowers in the VanDusen Botanical Garden. This is the perfect option for a nature lover as the garden covers an impressive 55 acres of land and is outfitted with flowers from all over the world. If you’d prefer an indoor venue, the Bloedel Conservatory (4600 Cambie Street) is just a hop, skip and a jump away and is equally gorgeous."

"Cresting the hill in Queen Elizabeth Park, this domed conservatory is a delightful rainy-day warm-up. At Vancouver's best-value paid attraction, you'll find tropical trees and plants bristling with hundreds of... Top ChoiceGallery in Downtown & West End"

"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 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."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"

"With just a block separating the two, they can be viewed as one wonderful space that creates a thriving neighbourhood feel between Oak and Cambie. This is another place to work your endorfins, accessing the Heather Park’s tennis courts, or playing soccer or baseball or jogging the perimeter path at Douglas Park. A new wood-feature playground including a playhouse and tree platform at Douglas Park only adds to the appeal of this area."

"MeeT is the ultimate spot for vegan comfort food in Vancouver, with several locations around the city. This is the sort of food that your die-hard carnivore friends can hardly believe contains no animal products. Dishes to chow down on include a spicy buffalo burger or poutine topped with their savory cashew miso gravy, house feta, and mozzarella, finished with scallions."

"Their motto says it all…”Eat Good Food.” For the vegan in Vancouver, MeeT, is another non-negotiable. The burgers and fries will keep you returning (umm.. yes I have been to all 3 locations several times each). Dips, veggie bowls and sweet-chili cauliflower will have your taste buds humming."

"I love the cheeky name of these vegan Vancouver restaurants. Order the poutine and one of their bowls or salads. I love the butter “chicken” poutine, the burgers and any of the thai style dishes."

"You'll be jostling for space with chatty locals at this breakfast and lunch joint near the south side of Granville Bridge. But it's worth it: the cozy, super-friendly place is superior to most bacon-and-eggs... Top ChoiceVegan in Downtown & West End"

"Located in Kitsilano, Aphrodite’s offers vegan and gluten-free pies alongside their regular offerings. Nice to see a local spot that cares about dietary restrictions, plus, they only use organic ingredients!. Where: 3598 W 4th Avenue"

"If I had to come up with their slogan, it would honestly just be "right out of grandma's kitchen." There isn't a pie here that will disappoint you, not one."

"A post shared by Hanna McLean (@hannamclean_) on Aug 19, 2018 at 10:14am PDT. Bagels are life, and if you agree, head to one of Rosemary Rocksalt’s locations in Vancouver. While they offer several varieties of our favourite round carb (other than doughnuts) the signature Rosemary Rocksalt variety is a winner if you’re opting for a truly tasty breakfast bagel sandwich or just simply cream cheese filling."

"Ladurée is a famous French bakery that’s all about their macarons. Their Vancouver shop was the first location in Canada, and you can find all kinds of delicious treats and drinks. The macarons are the perfect mix of slightly crunchy on the outside and decadently soft on the inside, and they’re so good."

"Vancouver was lucky enough to be the first Canadian home of Ladurée back in 2016. While the French sweet shop was best known for their macarons, they have since introduced a line of perfectly Parisian cakes and pastries that are so dainty and so cute that you’ll almost question devouring them (almost)."

"Ganache, as the name suggests, offers a little bit of Parisian elegance in the heart of Yaletown. Visit this talented team of artisans to enjoy eye-catching desserts that are pretty enough to provide a wow factor, and delicious enough to keep you coming back. Individual strawberry and rhubarb cheesecakes taste like a fresh summer’s day; these enchanting edibles feature an almond biscotti base, a tart strawberry balsamic glaze and a white chocolate garnish."

"Uniquely designed and handcrafted by a team of pastry chefs, the menu at Ganache is inspired by the seasons and changes regularly. The one consistent theme at Ganache is French technique with subtle Asian influences running throughout each of their incredible delicious pastries."

"Similar to my complaints about JJ Bean's croissant being too buttery, the almond croissant at Ganache was too sweet for me. The almond paste was extra moist and each bite felt more doughy than flaky. Almost no rise to speak of here, either, which is too many red flags for $5."