The top 7 parks for a secret picnic in Vancouver this summer
Eating at a Vancouver restaurant has grown old because you’re tired of spending a fortune and you want to get outside.
So this summer, try thinking outside of the box. Vancouver offers a slew of awesome eateries but with the sun beaming in the sky, you’re ready to swap all those patios for some good old fashioned nature. And what better way to do that than opting for a picnic off the beaten track? For starters, it’s totally free – you can even play soccer afterwards, all at the same location.
Your only problem is that most picnic areas give you little to zero room for placing your picnic blanket and basket on the ground. So to help you find a solution, we’ve compiled a list of seven parks that you need to visit for a secret picnic this summer.
Deer Lake Park
Deer Lake Park/Shutterstock
It’s located in Burnaby and certainly worth the trip from Vancouver to dine al fresco in an ultimately serene setting. Chill out on the grass with your blanket and picnic basket in tow and feel like you’re on the set of a Parisian movie with views of the lake and skyline as your backdrop.
Coopers Park
Cooper Park/Shutterstock
Even if you live in the downtown core, you’ll be blissfully unaware of Coopers Park – and that’s what makes it the idyllic place for a secret outdoor picnic. Located off Marinaside Crescent in Yaletown, you can take your dog with you for a picnic because it’s pet-friendly with an off-leash area. Prepare your own charcuterie before you leave the house and love life dining outdoors.
Iona Beach Regional Park
If you’re looking to dine somewhere totally different, head out to Iona Beach in Richmond and you’ll feel like you’re a million miles away from the city. Take a stroll along the long stretch of land that juts out into the ocean and enjoy the breathtaking views that surround you. You can set up your picnic here or back on the main beach, and you won’t be disturbed since the area is super quiet.
Lighthouse Park
Lighthouse Park/Shutterstock
The beauty of this West Vancouver park is that it’s relatively quiet and absolutely stunning. And this makes it a great spot for a picnic where you can chill out and enjoy your pre-prepared lunch. You can even go for a hike afterwards on one of the many hiking trails in the park.
Crab Park
Located at Portside of Waterfront Road, Crab Park is somewhere you need to go for a picnic at least once in Vancouver. You can easily enjoy the stunning city vistas of downtown and Canada Place without being stuck in massive crowds. It’s a beautiful place to dine in the summer and it’s accessible via your bike or walking. Once you’re there, watch as cruise liners carry passengers in and out of the city.
Queen Elizabeth Park
Queen Elizabeth Park/Shutterstock
This park is one of the best places to enjoy a picnic while experiencing outstanding vistas at the same time. It’s the highest point in Vancouver which means you’ll have the best perspective for viewing the city as you bite into your delicious food.
Ruth Johnson Park
Another tranquil setting for an intimate picnic is Ruth Johnson Park in White Rock. It takes just over one hour of driving from downtown Vancouver. However, it’s worth every minute when you set up your picnic and fall in love with the stunning oceanfront views before your eyes. Take a stroll through the park when you’re done and explore the vast grasslands.