Vanier Park
Vanier Park
4.5
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Located close to downtown, this park is a popular place to fly a kite.
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Neighborhood: Kits Point
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2,574 within 3 miles
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700 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
72 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
35
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5
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on_the_go_98765
Tucson20,571 contributions
Aug 2021
False Creek Ferry has a stop here. This was our first visit to Vanier Park and we thoroughly enjoyed the long-view into the open water, where the container ships, etc. sit, waiting for their turn to get into Coal Harbor. The water gets more choppy here, as we left False Creek. That was a sure sign that the body of water was, indeed, heading out to the open waters.
The cross-water views of the West End neighborhood and Sunset Beach offer a distinctly different perspective (only available from this vantage point). There are nice paths to walk through grassy hills; one leg of the path ends at the memorial to Elsje De Ridder Armstrong for her exemplary service to the community at large.
On one side of the path lies Kitsilano Beach & Dog Park. It looks across the open English Bay channel to Second Beach and English Bay Beach. There are a couple of museums on Kitsilano (maritime and Vancouver) and a Space Center. It was far too nice outside to spend time in a museum so we walked the grounds, stopping to look at the submersible diving ship and taking in the sights.
There actually is a large community saltwater heated pool at the opposite end of Kitsilano Beach; it is appropriately called Kitsilano Pool. There is another pool in the Second Beach area called Second Beach Pool. Both are really, really large and both are located on the water so it could be easy to confuse the two.
The cross-water views of the West End neighborhood and Sunset Beach offer a distinctly different perspective (only available from this vantage point). There are nice paths to walk through grassy hills; one leg of the path ends at the memorial to Elsje De Ridder Armstrong for her exemplary service to the community at large.
On one side of the path lies Kitsilano Beach & Dog Park. It looks across the open English Bay channel to Second Beach and English Bay Beach. There are a couple of museums on Kitsilano (maritime and Vancouver) and a Space Center. It was far too nice outside to spend time in a museum so we walked the grounds, stopping to look at the submersible diving ship and taking in the sights.
There actually is a large community saltwater heated pool at the opposite end of Kitsilano Beach; it is appropriately called Kitsilano Pool. There is another pool in the Second Beach area called Second Beach Pool. Both are really, really large and both are located on the water so it could be easy to confuse the two.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TeamWard
Nottingham, UK5,688 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
After a visit to Granville Island, carry on walking around to Vanier park, some stunning views across the bay, acouplw of museums to visit one with a fountain crab, splendid
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
aloha_2005
bc_canada344 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Vanier Park is the site of the H.R. Planetarium, The Museum of Vancouver (MOV) and nearby, the Maritime Museum. just steps from the Maritime Museum is a dock for False Creek Ferries.
False Creek Ferries can transport you to Granville Island, the Aquatic Centre, Stamps Landing, the Plaza of Nations, Yaletown, and Telus Science World.
Vanier Park is also the site of the Children's Festival, in April/May. Also a great spring or summer picnic spot. And at Kits Point, in July/August, you can view the Celebration of Lights Fireworks display without the crowds at English Bay! Just bring a beach blanket, lawn chairs, food and drink and have a picnic while you wait for the Fireworks at 1015pm. Get there earlier to claim your spot! It can get chilly there so bring a light coat or sweater! enjoy!
False Creek Ferries can transport you to Granville Island, the Aquatic Centre, Stamps Landing, the Plaza of Nations, Yaletown, and Telus Science World.
Vanier Park is also the site of the Children's Festival, in April/May. Also a great spring or summer picnic spot. And at Kits Point, in July/August, you can view the Celebration of Lights Fireworks display without the crowds at English Bay! Just bring a beach blanket, lawn chairs, food and drink and have a picnic while you wait for the Fireworks at 1015pm. Get there earlier to claim your spot! It can get chilly there so bring a light coat or sweater! enjoy!
Written June 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jwata T
12 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Vanier Park is less than a mile from Granville Island and is walkable, but we took a taxi cause it was just too cold. The walk would be nice on a nice summer day. The museum was kind of interesting as it was more about the history of Vancouver than the ancient days of Vancouver. Good thing to do while visiting Granville Island
Written February 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve W
Kidderminster, UK826 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
We visited Vanier Park recently on a lovely, sunny day in Vancouver. We took the ferry to the Maritime Museum, then walked along the lovely sea wall path from where there are great views back to the city, framed by the two bridges over False Creek.
There are lovely views all the way as you carry on round to the superb Kitsilano Beach.
Vanier park is a great place to just relax and unwind, and is clearly very poplar with the Vancouver locals. Very highly recommended on any visit to this beautiful city.
There are lovely views all the way as you carry on round to the superb Kitsilano Beach.
Vanier park is a great place to just relax and unwind, and is clearly very poplar with the Vancouver locals. Very highly recommended on any visit to this beautiful city.
Written August 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debra W
Vancouver, Canada18 contributions
May 2016 • Solo
When visiting Vancouver, I highly recommend walking west from Granville Island, along the seawall. Walk past the popular Go Fish restaurant and Fishermen's Wharf, continue under the Burrard Street bridge to Vanier Park. There's an eagle's nest across from the Coast Guard station but the park itself is worth checking out. On a windy day, you'll see lots of kites flying. There are two duck ponds - the upper one is filled with waterlilies in summer and surrounded by ornamental trees which give it a Monet feeling. The view of English Bay, Stanley Park, and the West End is fantastic. Then you can continue along the seawall, past the dog beach, to Kit's Beach. A really nice walk and not as crowded as the English Bay side of the seawall.
Written June 3, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hollyrik
Bellevue, WA442 contributions
Mar 2014 • Couples
I totally missed the sign (maybe was awed too much by the skyline) and we parked, walked around admiring the sculptures, the eagles in the tree, and the iconic Vancouver picture with the mountains in the background. Alas as we were driving away my wife noticed a little ticker for a $37 parking fine for not having bought a voucher. Not sure where the machine was, and I certainly didn't see a sign, but on reflection I recalled wondering when we drove in why the lot was so empty on a beautiful day. Certainly worth a hour, but not worth a $37 mistake! Obviously you can get there on a bus, or walk from Granville Island, but I've put down in the rating "fee for this attraction" as a reminder that there is a parking charge.
Written March 21, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
piercesmom
Vancouver, Canada788 contributions
Apr 2012 • Couples
Fifteen years ago I had one of the darkest half hours of my life in this park, when I lost my five year old at the crowded Kids Theatre Festival, but I otherwise think of it as a happy destination with lots to offer. It's the home to the Planetarium, Vancouver Archives and Maritime Museum, as well as the summer theatre experience, Bard on the Beach. The tiny beach in front is also a great place to watch the fireworks set off in English Bay for the Festival of Light. The large sculpture installations make great photo subjects. It's the perfect place to fly a kite, picnic or just run (you and your dog) for the shear hell of it. The Planetarium courtyard is also one of my favourite places to be in spring.
Written May 5, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
timvan_78
Vancouver, Canada46 contributions
Aug 2018 • Family
I come here with my kids regularly to ride the bicycle skills park (Dirt Jumps) behind the gravel parking lot. Sometimes we ride our bikes along the crushed gravel path along the water, which provides beautiful views.
From Nov-July, look for bald eagles in the big tree at the end of Whyte Ave, or in the trees by the bike park.
From Nov-July, look for bald eagles in the big tree at the end of Whyte Ave, or in the trees by the bike park.
Written August 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sassamatt
Victoria, Canada1,183 contributions
Apr 2017
A sweet little park just west of the Burrard Bridge, it is the home of the MacMillan Space Centre (planetarium), the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum and City of Vancouver Archives. In the sunny weather, it is the home of the Children's Festival and Bard on the Beach (Shakespeare Festival). Parking is limited to the paid parking lot at the Space Centre/MoV and limited parking at the Maritime Museum. Public transit is available with some walking. The beach is also a delightful with a view of the inner harbour and the south slope of the West End. Lots to do on this little museum/festival peninsula.
Written April 15, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
is it free to go into the local parks like this one ?
Written January 23, 2017
Yes, absolutely. Only the parking costs money. If you look around, you can probably find some free parking on the street
Written January 23, 2017
Any place to eat there? Museum cafe or restaurant?
Written May 22, 2016
Head away from the water and you will run directly into the trendy area of Kitsilano. The best restaurants are those located on West 4th & West 8th/Broadway. Tons of local funky restaurants to check up on tripadvisor before you walk in :)
Written May 23, 2016
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