While Stanley Park often claims the top spot as the best park in downtown Vancouver, there are many other outdoor havens that lie around the city.
You’ll never have to walk far to find an urban oasis and a place to picnic, walk the dog, socialize or workout. With summer quickly approaching, here are the 6 best parks you should be checking out in Downtown.
Best Parks in Downtown Vancouver
photo credit: Gus
George Wainborn Park
Location: Yaletown
Best for: Outdoor workouts, picnics
Offering stretches of lawn perfect for workouts and picnics, George Wainborn Park is a lovely outdoor space with stunning views of False Creek and Granville Island. It also features a small kids playground and is a hot spot for dog dates.
photo credit: Peter Graham
Sunset Beach Park
Location: West End
Best for: Running, volleyball, dogs
With ocean views, a scenic seawall path and beautiful sunsets, Sunset Beach Park is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Downtown. With sports sessions taking place in summer, access to the False Creek Ferry pier, washrooms and a dog park, it’s the perfect place to enjoy the outdoors.
photo credit: Rikki / Julius Reque
Crab Park
Location: Gastown
Best for: Views, picnics
This waterfront park offers sweeping views of the Burrard inlet and a number of large benches ideal for picnics and relaxation. It also offers a garden full of lush plants and vegetation as well as a kid’s playground and off-leash dog park. It’s the perfect place to chill out before an evening beverage in Gastown.
photo credit: Vancouver Public Spaces Network
Nelson Park
Location: West End
Best for: Picnics, sunbathing, dogs
Located in the heart of downtown, Nelson Park offers seating areas, lawns, lush greenery and a kid’s playground. It’s also dog friendly, offering an off-leash dog area.
photo credit: Maysa Phares
Emery Barnes Park
Location: Yaletown
Best for: Coffee dates, kids, dogs
Conveniently located next to both Blenz and Starbucks, Emery Barnes Park is a great spot for a coffee-date and catch-up. It’s also kid and dog friendly, offering a huge playground and an off-leash area.
photo credit: Vancouver Public Spaces Network
Harbour Green Park
Location: Coal Harbour
Best for: Stunning views, picnics, summer naps
Offering sweeping waterfront views of Coal Harbour and the north shore, a bistro restaurant, washrooms and a summer spray park, Harbour Green Park is the perfect place to relax on a summer afternoon and enjoy the sea air.
