The sun is shining, the weather is sweet and this Wednesday it’s national Take a Walk in the Park Day – the perfect excuse to take a break and head out to enjoy some time outdoors
Luckily, here in Vancouver we are spoiled for choice when it comes to open spaces, with more than 230 parks covering 11% of our beautiful city.
To get you started, here are five of our city’s best parks to take a walk in this Wednesday.
1. Stanley Park
What: Take a stroll around Stanley Park’s 8km of seawall and beaches or weave your way through 27km of wild forest trails. Bigger than Central Park – and better!
Favourite spot: Beaver Lake, Lost Lagoon – and that small bridge nearby where hungry raccoons lie in wait, just waiting to pounce on tourists and locals with tasty sandwiches.
Where: Park entrances can be found on Georgia Street, Beach Avenue or on the downtown side of Lions Gate Bridge.
More: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park
2. Sunset Beach Park
What: Not just for sunset! Vancouver’s best downtown beach is a great spot for a gorgeous walk and picnic. Plus your dog can be off leash here from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Favourite spot: The False Creek Ferry pier – there’s nothing quite like arriving at a beautiful beach by boat.
Where: On Beach Avenue between Bute Street and Thurlow Street.
More: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/sunset-beach
3. Kitsilano Beach Park
What: Feel the sand between your toes on Kitsilano’s laid back beach, watch volleyball players compete for best beach bod, then enjoy a drink on The Local’s patio with a view.
Favourite spot: Sitting on a washed-up log, watching the waves crash onto the shore while your dog runs round Hadden Dog Park – and maybe even spotting a whale.
Where: On Cornwall Avenue at the north end of Yew Street.
More: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/kitsilano-beach
4. Queen Elizabeth Park
Monkey Puzzle tree in Queen Elizabeth Park (Jenni Sheppard)
What: Take in the cityscape from the highest point in Vancouver, explore the landscaped floral quarry garden or behold exotic birds and blooms in the Bloedel Conservatory.
Favourite spot: The patio at Seasons In The Park. The perfect place for some refined lunch in the sunshine – or maybe just a cheeky cocktail and delicious dessert.
Where: At the junction of Cambie Street and West 33rd Avenue.
More: vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park
5. Pacific Spirit Regional Park
What: Prefer your walks on the wild side? Pacific Spirit Park is for you. Take a hike through green forests, past trickling creeks, over muddy bogs and along rocky beaches.
Favourite spot: Wreck Beach – clothing is optional, but everyone is welcome. And if you can tackle the 400 stairs down to it, you might see some eagles soaring above you too.
Where: Main entrances on 16th Avenue between Blanca Street and Wesbrook Mall, at 16th and Sasamat Steet, at Imperial Drive and 29th Avenue, at 33rd and Camosun, on Chancellor Boulevard between Blanca and Acadia Road. Reach the foreshore along Marine Drive.
More: pacificspiritparksociety.org
Take a walk in all the parks!
Fancy stretching your legs a little further? Here’s the city’s map of all the parks in Vancouver.