The Vancouver Park Board is officially adding a variety of nature-based attractions to Queen Elizabeth Park, including a zipline and tree canopy walkways.
Proposed by Greenheart, the Nature Agency, the park board has approved the proposal and will be moving forward with its implementation.
RELATED: The Coolest Playgrounds In Metro Vancouver Always Worth The Drive
A Proposal
According to a report presented to the Park Board, “tree canopy walks and ziplines are rapidly growing in popularity as sought-after nature-based or eco-tourism attractions, offering unique, high-elevation, aerial views and appreciation of forest ecosystems and natural environments.” Moreover, they’re family-friendly and provide educational and immersive experiences.
The proposal for such attractions was first brought to the Park Board’s attention in April 2023, introducing the concept of a nature-based attractions program at Queen Elizabeth Park. Aside from adding ziplines and walkways, supporting services like a visitor centre and food & beverage services were also suggested.
Additionally, the proposal included a tour bus service. This would connect Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden with Granville Island. By June 2023, the Park Board “supported the release of a Request for Expression of Interest.” Following the completion of the RFEOI process in March 2024, staff engaged in feasibility assessments, with the proposal now being presented to the Park Board for review and consideration.
New Attractions At Queen Elizabeth Park
The proposal lists four primary new attractions to be added to Queen Elizabeth Park:
- A zipline, which would span 120 metres in length and located almost due north of the Bloedel Conservatory
- A tree canopy walk, located in the arboretum in the northwest section of Queen Elizabeth Park
- Visitor centre and mobile food & beverage service(s)
- Seasonal tour bus service, connecting Queen Elizabeth Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden with Granville Island
As for guest costs, riding the zipline would be $16/ride and the canopy walk would be $20/person.
At Monday night’s Park Board meeting, Commissioners approved the installation of the attractions with “the goals of sustainability, education, conservation, and revenue generation all in mind,” according to a press release.
“These experiences will not only add to the thrill of visiting the park, but they will also offer new viewpoints for us to enjoy nature,” said Park Board Chair Tom Digby. “We are continuing to deliver on our commitment to enhancing our parks with these additions.”
You might also like
