Vanier Park

Vanier Park is an open space of rolling hills across from the downtown core. It sits at the western tip of False Creek and is a popular area for a multitude of recreational activities.

The best parking is at a nearly hidden road just east of the Planetarium that runs parallel with the Burrard Street Bridge. There is generally plenty of parking here until the summer. This is the same spot as the boat ramp, and adjacent to the Burrard Marina.

The park itself has a good trail along the water's edge. The rest is rolling grass hills. Due to the lack of trees and high winds, it is a very popular kite-flying spot. Walking through the park you pass two small lakes and several treed areas on the southern edges of the park. These are the best spots to avoid crowds and enjoy a picnic. 

In the summer, Bard on the Beach, a tented Shakespeare Festival lasting many months, is located here. It is a superb event and well worth a visit. Luckily, it hardly disrupts that rather large park and takes up only a portion.