Vancouver parks are gorgeous, but it’s a beauty like no other when the sunshine gets to stay, and to prove this, I’ve written the unofficial guide to the most aesthetic picnic spots for you to enjoy in Vancouver and Burnaby.

Whether your goal is to host a party, have a cottage core photoshoot, or both, these tried and true Vancouver parks favourites will help you determine the best place for your next picnic.

I have many wonderful memories sprawled out on a blanket with my nose stuck in a book, or hosting parties with my friends in each of these parks.

New Brighton Park

Vibe: Cottagecore AF | Features: Field + Hills + River | Transit: No | Parking: Yes 

I could write a hundred letters about how much I love this park. It is an absolute dream, with a large open field and rolling green hills overlooking the water. 

It looks gorgeous during golden hour, and if you want photos that look like you’ve stepped into a fairytale- this is the perfect place to do it. 

Believe it or not, my best friends and I took these pics during forest fire szn- so I bet yours would look even better when theres no smog.

It boasts a wide field suitable for larger picnics, barbeques, and spikeball. There’s also a little beach and pier, perfect for walking along and catching up with a friend.

The parking lot is tiny, and there’s no reliable transit route. But once you arrive, you won’t need much convincing to stay long.

Rose Garden @ Queen Elizabeth Park 

Vibe: Romantic + Quaint | Features: Gardens + Hills | Transit: Yes | Parking: Yes

This spot is well known for the Bloedel Conservatory and Aviary. But the most charming place of all is the garden south of it- especially in June, when the roses are in bloom.

Here you’ll find a small grassy area next to the flowers, and low trees that provide the perfect amount of shade to rest underneath and host (very aesthetic) tea parties. 

QE is a huge park (actually, it’s the second largest in the city), so you can find a spot basically anywhere here to picnic. It’s breathtaking in the evening, when you can watch the sun set on the city at the top of the hill. 

I’d recommend ordering takeout from one of the many amazing restaurants nearby on Main Street- my favourite is a pad thai and milk tea from Bob Likes Thai Food.

Deer Lake Park

Vibe: Enchanting + Sweet| Features: Lake, Meadow, Trail | Transit: Yes | Parking: Yes 

This is where I first fell in love with picnics, and it’s easy to see why. 

In the springtime, you can paddle along the white lotus in the lake, or set a blanket down in a field of thousands of little wild daisies.

The grass feels cool and sweet in the summer here, and I especially love how the light peeks between the branches in the late afternoon.

It also boasts an open meadow and many picnic tables, making an excellent spot for hosting parties and barbeques.

Barnett Marine Park

Vibe: Serene | Features: Beach + Forest | Transit: No | Parking: Yes 

Tucked away from the city, down a long quiet road, is a little gem called Barnett Marine. This park is a lovely twist of beach and forest, and the pine trees provide comfortable shade for all-day relaxation. 

This place is very dear to me as it is where one of my best friends and I celebrated five years of friendship. We got matching butterfly tattoos <3 super cute

It’s also the ideal location for a photo shoot if you’re shy in front of the camera since it’s pretty remote and there’s a lot of foliage. You won’t have to go to one of the busier beaches downtown or venture far out into the wilderness for a perfect nature/beach shot.

The only downside is a fair bit of walking from the parking lot to the park. It’s also along the same route as Burnaby Mountain, also a classic picnic spot to check out. 

David Lam Park

Vibe: Urban + Lively | Features: Downtown + Waterfront | Transit: Yes | Parking: Yes 

Few places offer a view as gorgeous as this Yaletown park. The grass is well tended to, and there are plenty of spots to set down a blanket and enjoy the stunning Vancouver skyline. 

I’m in awe of how gorgeous Vancouver is every time I come here. It’s one of the best locations to see the cherry blossoms, and my favourite part of all is that you can walk and sit right next to the edge of the water. 

Concord Park 

Feel: Vibrant + Playful | Features: Outdoor Activities + Waterfront | Transit: Yes | Parking: Yes

This area used to be an empty concrete lot, and it was such an eyesore whenever I’d pass by it on the skytrain. But thankfully, the city did a 180 and transformed it into Concord Park- a colorful respite in the heart of downtown Vancouver.

It’s a very comfortable park. Like, really comfortable. I come here year-round just cause I like admiring False Creek in the big lawn chairs. They also have these flat logs that you can rest your back on or use as a low table for activities. The grass is soft to lie down on, making it a 10/10 spot for cloud gazing. 

You can also play volleyball, table tennis, and bike along the seawall. I like to pick up some salted caramel from Earnest or mini mousse cakes from Yandoux Patisserie.

While it is an aesthetic place to spend a day outside in the sun, it isn’t the best for photos or large groups as it’s a very popular (and sometimes crowded) location. 

I hope this inspires you to get some fresh air and spend time with your loved ones. It’s a beautiful city, so really take advantage of it! 

Till next time my darlings

Sweeter Than