Best places to cry your eyes out in Metro Vancouver

There are plenty of reasons to cry today, whether it relates to personal finances, the state of the climate (i.e. wildfires and extreme weather), grief, someone broke your heart, the Richmond Night Market is ending this year, or you’re just sad and depressed.

Sometimes it’s hard to know when emotions will get the best of us, or something might trigger us into a breakdown.

So, we thought we’d put together a little guide of some places to cry around Metro Vancouver, places that are secluded and maybe even somewhat peaceful.

Before breaking down some of the spots, let’s talk a little bit about crying.

Crying facts

Is crying good for you?

Believe it or not, if you haven’t looked into emotional health before, crying is, in fact, good for you.

According to Harvard Health, crying brings about plenty of health benefits, primarily releasing stress and emotional pain.

“Crying is an important safety valve, largely because keeping difficult feelings inside — what psychologists call repressive coping — can be bad for our health. Studies have linked repressive coping with a less resilient immune system, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension, as well as with mental health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and depression,” Harvard Health says.

Men and crying

Regarding men, crying is another conversation entirely, due to the dated myth that crying isn’t masculine.

“When these boys grow up, they may stuff their feelings deep inside and withdraw emotionally from their loved ones, or self-medicate with alcohol or drugs, or even become suicidal,” Harvard Health says.

It adds that many men need to learn the skills of how to reconnect with their emotions.

Can crying be bad for you?

While Harvard Health shares that crying has many benefits, it’s not always good. Particularly if it happens too frequently and for no apparent reason, or when it impacts your daily life or becomes uncontrollable.

“Conversely, people suffering from certain kinds of clinical depression may actually not be able to cry, even when they feel like it. In any of these situations, it would be best to see a medical professional who can help diagnose the problem and suggest appropriate treatment.”

Best places to cry in Metro Vancouver

This isn’t just us wanting to make a fun/sad post, as there actually is demand for this.

Vancouver

Vancouver is partly known for its natural beauty, and nature has many healing benefits even if you don’t realize it. A somewhat recent study suggests that exposure to nature is linked to improved cognitive function, brain activity, blood pressure and general mental well-being.

Queen Elizabeth Park

For some of those amazing natural benefits, you can be completely surrounded by and immersed in nature at Queen Elizabeth Park. Like other spots on this list, what makes Queen Elizabeth Park a particularly good spot is that there are plenty of hiding spaces, so you won’t have to worry about others seeing your breakdown.

Mountain View Cemetery

It might feel a bit morbid to head to a cemetery just to cry, but it’s a spot where no one would find it weird to find someone crying.

Mountain View is Vancouver’s only cemetery and is located just west of Fraser Street, across from John Oliver Secondary School.

There’s plenty of history to discover at the cemetery too, once you get your emotions out, like the grave of Seraphim “Joe” Fortes (who the restaurant is named after).

English Bay

Another place with plenty of hiding spots and noise to hide your cry is English Bay. If you stroll along the beach, there are plenty of places that are out of view of the general public, particularly the rocks near the water.

As an added bonus for your privacy, the crashing waves are the perfect disguise.

Kerr Street Pier

There’s something magical about Kerr Street Pier. The area looks like the perfect cinematic movie scene on a night with a beautiful sunset. It’s a very reflective spot and would make for a great backdrop to some emotional cleansing.

Kerr Street Pier is located at Riverfront Park in South Vancouver.

Central Library rooftop

If you haven’t been up to the rooftop at the Central Library in downtown Vancouver yet, you should check it out, even if you’re not going up there to cry. If you are going up there to cry, though, it’s easy to find privacy as it’s not generally too busy.

Richmond

There’s a lot to cry about in Richmond lately, particularly the announcement that this would be the night market’s final year. Although people actually weren’t too fussed about it, with some celebrating the move.

Nonetheless, there are some great spots to let it all out in Richmond and bask in the nature you may not have yet experienced in the island city.

Iona Beach

Iona Beach is the perfect place for reflection and release of emotions. Another area situated close to the water, Iona Beach is also really close to the airport, with the loud planes adding another layer of noise to hide your tears.

Richmond Nature Park

Richmond Nature Park is a no-dogs-allowed park in east Richmond.

The City calls it a network of walking trails that offer opportunities to encounter animals and plants in bog, forest, and pond habitats. Areas outside of the main walking trails offer solitude.

YVR

Another place it doesn’t look strange to find someone crying is YVR. People come and go, and loved ones are crying all the time. You can easily find some space for privacy, reflection and tears in this urban environment.

Burnaby

Burnaby is huge, and so there’s plenty of area to cover.

Deer Lake Park

One of the best places to cry in all of Metro Vancouver is the Deer Lake Park area.

Not only are there plenty of areas to find solitude, but the whole of the park is absolutely stunning.

Central Park

Easily accessible via transit, Central Park near Metrotown SkyTrain Station is a great place for some alone time. It’s also right across the street from another cemetery, Ocean View Burial Park.

Surrey

Holland Park

The most easily transit accessible park in Surrey is Holland Park. While it gets quite busy, there are areas of the park where you can maintain some privacy.

Guildford Public Library

If parks aren’t your vibe, the Guildford Public Library offers pods you can book for free. Ideally, you have some actual work or studying to do so you’re not just taking up a pod to cry.

Quayside in New Westminster

The recently completed Quayside and Pier in New West is stunning. Best of all, there are so many places to just sit and reflect while looking out at the water.

Online suggestions

In a Reddit thread from 2022, there were lots of good suggestions for places to cry.

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One person suggested churches in downtown Vancouver, saying they’ve cried “full out sobbing.”

Another response suggested any street in New West when the sun goes down, “but I like to go to the cemetery.”

“Especially the one by 22nd SkyTrain,” they added.

Another user suggested Tipperary Park in New West at the duck pond.

“Walking the waterfront, with a pair of shades ;),” one Redditor said.

If you need more inspiration, visit Van.BooHoo.Ver.

Are there any spots you’d recommend for shedding some tears?

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If you or someone you know is in crisis, here are some of the hotlines you can access:

• Anywhere in BC: 1-800-784-2433
• Mental Health Support Line: 310-6789
• Vancouver Coastal Regional Distress Line: 604-872-3311
• Sunshine Coast/Sea to Sky: 1-866-661-3311
• Seniors Distress Line: 604-872-1234
• Online Chat Service for Youth: www.YouthInBC.com (noon to 1 am)
• Online Chat Service for Adults: www.CrisisCentreChat.ca (noon to 1 am)
• Call 911 for help