10 secluded places to park your picnic basket in Vancouver
There’s just something special about eating outside. The sun shines brightest, the birds’ songs are loveliest, and the grass is greenest when you’re lounging on a red and white checkered picnic blanket.
Of course, you may not be the only one in the city to have that idea.
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If fighting tooth and nail for prime park real estate is not your idea of a relaxing summer afternoon, we’ve got you covered.
Here’s a few picnicking spots in Vancouver a little more on the secluded side.
New Brighton Park
Where: 3201 New Brighton Road, Vancouver
New Brighton Park has it all, with a beach, a pool, and green fields galore, though not many people seen to know this forth facing spot is around. A great place to spend the day in the sun.
Habitat Island
Where: 1616 Columbia Street, Vancouver
Also known as “Beer Island” (that’s Beer, not Bear) this little sanctuary juts out from Hinge Park near Olympic Village. Take a break from the snackage and make a quick stroll around the island—it won’t take long—to see what you discover.
Brockton Point Lighthouse
Where: Brockton Point, Stanley Park, Vancouver
While it is a favourite resting spot for those who bit off more than they can chew thinking they were going to run the entire seawall (we’ve all been there). Usually people will move along their merry way, leaving the grassy area relatively uncrowded. A perfect spot to people watch, and for a view of North Vancouver.
Larry Berg Flight Path Park
Where: Russ Baker Way, Richmond
Who would have guessed that there’s more to Sea Island than the Vancouver International Airport? If you want a picnic with a view, this is definitely it. Sitting under the direct flight path from YVR—as the name so subtly suggests—Larry Berg Flight Path Park is not one to disappoint.
Burnaby Mountain Park
Where: 7600 Halifax St, Burnaby
Okay, fine, obviously Burnaby Mountain is not the most secluded place to go, but if it’s quiet and serenity you’re looking for, this place has it in abundance. There’s just something so peaceful about being at the top of a mountain.
McDonald Beach Park
Where: 3500 McDonald Rd, Richmond
Another great spot on Sea Island, McDonald Beach Park is famous for its off leash area. You may get a few furry visitors during your meal, but the more the merrier—in this case, at least!
Burrard View Park
Where: 650 N Penticton St, Vancouver
Another park along the inlet, and another great place for dog-spotting. This little park is just small enough to escape the notice of most Vancouverites, though with green fields, climbable trees, and some great fetching sticks, it’ll become a favourite of yours in no time.
Riverfront Park
Where: 2750 E Kent Street S, Vancouver
If you’re looking to pack a bit more into your picnic than just a single blanket, this is the place to go. It comes fully equipped with a gazebo, picnic tables, and a view of the Fraser River. It is a bit south of downtown, so you’ll be able to escape most of the city’s usual bustle.
Spanish Banks Beach Park
Where: 4801 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver
We’re not even going to pretend that this one is secluded, but if we’re going to have a list of prime picnicking spots in the city, it would be a sin not to included Spanish Banks. The ideal picnic spot to work off those sandwiches by tossing around the frisbee, walking along the beaches, or taking one of those kite-surf boards for a spin.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Where: 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
At 130 acres, Queen E Park is one of Vancouver’s most recognizable sunny day destinations—there’s no denying that. What that immense size also means, however, is that there is ample space to find your own secret little picnic spot within the expansive greenery of the area. What better pre-picnic activity than searching out that perfect spot you can call all your own?
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