Sunshine, snacks, and the great outdoors – the perfect combination for a picnic! Metro Vancouver is filled with gorgeous parks and outdoor spaces, just waiting for you to visit. But battling traffic and parking can put a damper on your picnic experience. Luckily, TransLink connects you to a vast network of public transit options making it easier than ever to enjoy a stress-free picnic in the park.

So, ditch the car keys, grab your friends and family, and add these epic picnic spots to your summer bucket list:

Town Centre Park

📍 1299 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
🚆 Lafarge-Lake Douglas
🚶‍♂️ 14-minute walk from the station
🚌 188 Coquitlam Central Station/Port Coquitlam Station
🚶‍♂️6-minute walk from the bus stop

There is no shortage of things to do and great places to sit at Town Centre Park. It features numerous fields, courts and ball diamonds for outdoor sports, and an easy-to-walk trail around Lafarge Lake. Pick a great spot on the grass, find a picnic bench, or sit at the Town Centre Park Community Plaza for great views of the park. Settle in for some people watching, eat some lunch and head over to Rocky Point Ice Cream in the park for dessert.

Deer Lake Park

📍 5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby
🚌 144 SFU/Metrotown Station
🚶‍♂️ 8-minute walk from the bus stop

Deer Lake Park is a sprawling place with so many different things to see and do, before or after your picnic. Explore the Century Garden, view historical facilities and stop into the nearby Burnaby Village Museum if you’ve got a few hours to spare. With picnic tables and a large lawn, finding a spacious picnic spot is usually easy.

Kitsilano Beach Park

📍 1499 Arbutus St, Vancouver
🚌 84 UBC/VCC-Clark Station
🚶‍♂️ 8-minute walk from the bus stop

If you prefer a beachy vibe, head to Kitsilano Beach Park. It’s a great sunset spot if you can time your picnic just right and snag a log to get some shade while you wait. The park boasts a playground that’s perfect for climbing, swinging, and letting loose for both kids and the young-at-heart. There’s also a grassy area if you prefer to picnic without the sand, and a concession stand should you need something extra for your outing.

Ambleside Park

📍 1150 Marine Dr, West Vancouver
🚌 250 Horseshoe Bay/Dundarave
🚶‍♂️ 5-minute walk from the bus stop

Ambleside Park is a fantastic location to spend the entire day, so you may have to pack more than just lunch! Inside the park, you’ll find tennis courts, picnic tables, and even a little Pitch and Putt area. The park is attached to a gorgeous, swimmable beach, so try to get in a swim, and dry off in the sun. Ambleside Park also serves as a great sunset spot, but you may have such a fun, relaxing time that it’ll show up before you know it.

Rocky Point Park

📍 2800 Murray St, Port Moody
🚆 Moody Centre Station
🚶‍♂️ 10-minute walk from the station

Rocky Point Park is another special place that may keep you there all day with so much to see and do. Spend your picnic overlooking the water or catch some live music at the gondola. Walk along the pier for gorgeous views and explore the easy walking trails of the park. If you’ve worked up an appetite after spending the day here and are all out of picnic snacks, grab a bite at one of the many breweries nearby.

Queen Elizabeth Park

📍 4600 Cambie St, Vancouver
🚆 Langara–49th Avenue Station, King Edward Station

This crown jewel of Vancouver parks offers breathtaking cityscapes and mountain vistas, for one of the most epic picnic spots. This park is home to some of the most beautiful and well maintained gardens in the world. Take the Canada Line to Langara–49th Avenue Station or King Edward Station and wander through the park’s sculpted gardens, explore the quarry, or let the kids loose on the playgrounds before settling down for your feast. Looking to add something special to your picnic? Make sure to explore the Bloedel Conservatory, A domed lush paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park atop the City of Vancouver’s highest point. More than 100 exotic birds, koi fish, and 500 exotic plants and flowers thrive within its temperature-controlled environment.

Note: Queen Elizabeth Park is free to explore, but the Bloedel Conservatory has a small admission price which helps offset its costs to operate. 

Lonsdale Quay

📍 123 Carrie Cates Crt, North Vancouver
🚢 SeaBus
🚌 Various routes

For a waterfront picnic with a gourmet twist, hop on the SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay Market. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere and explore a haven of fresh produce, international flavors, and local treats. Pick up picnic supplies that tantalize your taste buds and head to the waterfront plaza for stunning harbor views and a relaxing escape.

Stanley Park

📍 7965 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver
🚌  19 Stanley Park/Metrotown, 240 Lynn Valley/Downtown, 246 Highland/Downtown, 250 Horseshoe Bay/Vancouver, 257 Horseshoe Bay/Vancouver

Iconic Stanley Park is a world renowned must-do while in Vancouver. It offers endless possibilities for your epic picnic experience including kilometres of trails, beautiful beaches, local wildlife, great eats, natural, cultural and historical landmarks, along with many other adventures. Catch the bus to Stanley Park Loop and choose your adventure – spread out your blanket on the sandy shores of Second Beach, soak up the ocean views at Brockton Point, or find a serene escape by the tranquil Lost Lagoon.

John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park

📍 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver
🚆 Joyce Station

This vibrant 27-hectare park located in East Vancouver offers a variety of activities to fuel your epic picnic. Take the SkyTrain to Joyce Station and enjoy a pre-picnic paddle around the lake (rentals available!), unleash your inner athlete with a game of frisbee on the grassy fields, or perfect your backhand on the on-site tennis courts. Relax on the sandy beach and enjoy tranquil Trout Lake.

VanDusen Botanical Garden

📍 5255 Oak Street, Vancouver
🚌 17 Downtown / Oak, 41 Joyce Station / Crown, R4 41st Ave RapidBus

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourselves in a world of floral beauty at VanDusen Botanical Garden. Catch the bus to 41st Avenue and Marguerite and wander through themed gardens, explore tranquil ponds, and vibrant seasonal displays. Bring a blanket and find a quiet corner amidst the lush greenery for a truly unforgettable picnic experience. Lawn chairs and coolers are permitted on the Great Lawn only. The Garden Café is open daily during Garden hours.

Harbour Green Park

📍 1199 W Cordova St, Vancouver
🚆 Waterfront Station

Harbour Green Park is part of the Coal Harbour Walkway/Bike Path offering the longest continuous waterfront park in the downtown area. With plenty of rolling lawns, benches, and even a seasonal splash pad this is a great spot to unroll your blanket and enjoy the sights of the bustling harbour.

Queens Park

📍 3rd Ave, New Westminster
🚌 105 Uptown/New Westminster Station, 155 Braid Station/22nd Street Station

Queens Park offers a delightful picnic experience that caters to a variety of interests. Spread out a blanket under the shade of mature trees and soak in the beauty of the meticulously maintained gardens. Families will appreciate the expansive green space where children can run free, while the on-site playground keeps them entertained for hours. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy a pre-picnic game on the tennis courts, soccer fields, or basketball court. For those seeking a scenic backdrop, Queen’s Park boasts stunning views of the Fraser River, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon with delicious food and breathtaking scenery.

So, pack up your picnic basket, your reusable water bottle, and your Compass Card and hop on board your favourite TransLink mode! With these convenient transit connections, exploring Metro Vancouver’s best picnic spots is a breeze.

Don’t forget to plan your route before you head out and sign up for Transit Alerts for real-time transit information.

Did your favourite epic picnic spots make the list? If not, drop it in the comments below and tell us what you love about it.