Our Favourite Picnic Spots in the Greater Vancouver Area
Summertime has arrived, and that means the weather is finally sunny enough to go on picnics! Here are a few of our favourite picnics spots located in the Greater Vancouver Area 🧺
If you haven’t seen our summer picnic outfit guide, you can check it out here!
Garry Point Park
Garry Point Park is honestly so underrated. The times I’ve been there, it seems to be quieter and less busy than other popular picnic spots I’ve been to (but at the same time, I typically try to plan my picnics for weekdays). There’s a big open area perfect for playing frisbee and kite-flying, and there’s parking and washrooms conveniently located nearby. Also, fish & chips and Screamers nearby? Yes please!
(Unpopular opinion, but I think Dave’s Fish & Chips beats Pajo’s… 👀)
Alternatively, you could have your picnic in the grassy area outside the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The Screamers stall is located just outside, as well as many other food options if you’re still hungry after your picnic. Lobster pizza, anyone?
Queen Elizabeth Park
Stuck on date ideas? QE Park is the place. Whether it is the expansive garden or the gorgeous views of the Vancouver skyline, QE Park is the perfect spot to take photos! I like laying my blanket out in the grassy area under the trees near the duck pond.
After your picnic, you could drop by the Bloedel Conservatory which is home to over 120 free-flying birds and 500 species of plants and flowers 🌺 (note, it does have a small admission fee, but it’s totally worth it to see all the cute birdies!) If you’re not in the mood for a picnic, you and your boo can enjoy a lovely meal at Seasons in the Park 🍽️
Stanley Park
Located in Downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is home to several picnic spots that offer picturesque views, such as Lighthouse Park, Second Beach, and Third Beach. The diversity in views such as the sea, cliffs, totem poles, and expanses of BC’s forestry make this enormous park another great place to take gram-worthy photos 📷 I’m so thankful I live in such a beautiful city! After a bike ride around the Seawall, Stanley Park is a great option to enjoy a meal outdoors and appreciate Vancouver’s nature with your loved ones. I went on my first tandem bike ride around the Seawall last year and it was really fun!
It does get quite busy on the weekend (like most other places during the summer I assume), so I suggest going on a weekday or come early!
Kitsilano Beach
With plenty of restaurants conveniently located nearby, Kitsilano Beach is a great spot to enjoy takeout at your picnic if you’re not in the mood to bring your own food.
After a hot day, you can cool down with a dip in the water, but if the ocean isn’t your thing, Kits Beach is also home to Canada’s longest swimming pool! (Note: due to COVID-19, I believe you now need to book a reservation to go to the pool)
I personally haven’t been to Kits Beach within the past year so I can’t really gauge how busy it gets, but I would assume this is another popular spot for picnic-goers!
Aberdeen Neighbourhood Park
This place is a not-so-hidden gem that I think many people overlook as a great picnic spot! Located across Aberdeen Centre and Yaohan Centre (making it easily accessible via public transit), there are picnic benches, a big grassy area, a basketball court, and it’s always quiet. Just a heads up, it’s a lovely place to soak up the sun but there’s no shade, so be sure to bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses! Also, BUBBLE TEA NEARBY. Need I say more?