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Vanier Park
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Vanier Park

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Vanier Park
4.5
About
Located close to downtown, this park is a popular place to fly a kite.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Kits Point
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,199 within 3 miles
AnnaLena
630
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Rocky Mountain Flatbread Kitsilano
281
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Canadian
Corduroy
59
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Pub • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Siegel's Bagels
154
0.2 mi$ • Bakeries • Cafe • Deli
Trattoria Kitsilano
827
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Tuscan
Go Fish
560
0.4 mi$ • Quick Bites • Seafood • Fast Food
Rain Or Shine
209
0.6 mi$ • Dessert • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
Lee's Donuts
297
0.6 mi$ • Bakeries
Fable Kitchen
566
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Contemporary • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
The Sandbar Seafood Restaurant
2,397
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • Seafood • Canadian • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
535 within 6 miles
The Crab
1
0 ftMonuments & Statues
Gate To The Northwest Passage
1
0 ftMonuments & Statues
Museum of Vancouver
313
388 ftSpeciality Museums • History Museums
Vancouver Maritime Museum
299
0.1 miSpeciality Museums
HR MacMillan Space Centre
211
374 ftSpeciality Museums • Science Museums
Hadden Park
17
0.2 miPoints of Interest & Landmarks • Parks
Granville Island
19,864
0.5 miNeighborhoods • Points of Interest & Landmarks
Kitsilano Beach
802
0.5 miBeaches
Granville Island Public Market
1,983
0.6 miFlea & Street Markets
The Liberty Distillery
214
0.6 miDistilleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
72 reviews
Excellent
32
Very good
35
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
0
PookyCake
Victoria, Canada13,603 contributions
A Park Fit for a Governor General
Jul 2021
Established in 1967, and named after Governor General Georges Vanier, Vanier Park is ideally situated along the waterfront in beautiful Kitsilano. As such, the park, which clocks in at a decent 16.95 hectares, is adorned with unparalleled views of downtown Vancouver and also contains a number of beautiful pathways, tranquil ponds and unique public art to complement the natural green setting. In addition, Vanier Park is also home to the Museum of Vancouver, HR MacMillan Space Centre, Maritime Museum and Vancouver City Archives; thus, unlike most public parks in this city, Vanier becomes a destination in itself rather than a mere appendage to an itinerary.

The history of Vanier Park – or at least the ground on which it sits – is also rather colourful. The site was once home to the Squamish village of Senakw (painted by Emily Carr), which is notable for being the birthplace of Chief Khatsahlano (Kitsilano’s namesake). Come the early 20th century, the Province deemed the Squamish to be a nuisance and displaced them in 1913 – colonialism at its best. The land was subsequently sold to the Federal Government in 1928 and played host to the RCAF. After nearly 40 years, the land was finally turned over to the Vancouver Parks Board and, well, Vanier Park was born!

Now this park, with its colourful history, is enjoyed by tourists and locals alike. And who can blame them? It really is one of the more noteworthy public spaces in the city. While it definitely isn’t “the most famous and biggest of Vancouver’s public parks,” to quote an earlier review, Vanier is certainly one of the more well-known – and for good reason. I mean, it was even mentioned in Lonely Planet and CN Traveler! That’s definite clout right there!

Anyway, if you’re strolling along the Seawall, or visiting one of the museums nearby, do take a few moments to enjoy this park, its greenspace and the interesting public art pieces.
Written August 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
S F
Vancouver, Canada707 contributions
Vanier Park Rooted In First NationsTerritory Houses Important Buildings & Public Art; Offers Green Space On The Ocean.
Jan 2023 • Solo
Vanier Park, rooted in original First Nations territory, brings together elements of culture & nature.
This public green space, located on the ocean, houses the Museum of Vancouver;The Maritime Museum; The Space Centre & The Public Archives, as well as a number of iconic public art pieces.
In addition, it is where the small ferry picks up and drops off passengers traveling from the West End.
That is some heavy lifting.
Thus: People come to Vanier Park for myriad reasons — some to fly a kite.
Posted by S Fuller
Written January 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
S F
Vancouver, Canada707 contributions
Good Views & Surroundings
Feb 2021 • Solo
Vanier Park is the most famous and biggest of Vancouver’s public parks.
It hosts the Shakespearian theatre festival, Bard On The Beach, which has run over the summers since 1990 — but for the last one in 2020,
which was canceled because of the pandemic —; the Children’s Festival, and the building in which the Planetarium is located; has an adjacent BMX park and has easy access to Granville Island.
Lots to be famous for.
With much canceled with Covid 19 it still provides a wonderful place to visit and take in the stunning views across the inlet to downtown and across to the mountains.
These February sunny and crisp days are perfect for view-gazing from this wonderful park.
Posted by S Fuller
Written February 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
on_the_go_98765
Tucson18,308 contributions
Where False Creek (nearly) meets the open sea
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.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TeamWard
Nottingham, UK5,166 contributions
Splendid park
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.
aloha_2005
bc_canada364 contributions
.. 3 attractions...
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!
Written June 17, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jwata T
14 contributions
Close to Granville Island
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.
Steve W
Kidderminster, UK906 contributions
Lovely park, great views, and a superb beach...
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.
Written August 31, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Debra W
Vancouver, Canada19 contributions
Beautiful in all seasons
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.
Hollyrik
Bellevue, WA430 contributions
Don't Get Caught Parking!!
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.
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Vanier Park (Vancouver) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Frequently Asked Questions about Vanier Park
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