Pick a perfect picnic place
From Stanley Park to Granville Island, there are plenty of perfect picnic spots in the Lower Mainland.Photograph by: Submitted photo, MorguefileWhy eat indoors when you could enjoy a meal while taking in some of Vancouver’s spectacular views?
Tourism Vancouver has a host of top picnic spots in the city for scenic outdoor dining. Some are old favourites while others are a little less conventional.
Enjoying a meal outside has become popular in Vancouver recently due to the influx of food carts, Vancouver Tourism’s Sonu Purhar said.
“People like getting great food outside and sitting in the sun with friends,” she said.
Here are some of Tourism Vancouver’s picks for picnic spots:
■ Stanley Park: This is the most obvious suggestion on the list.
Arguably Vancouver’s most famous beachside park, this spot has a whole host of picnic-worthy locations. Ferguson Point offers a view of English Bay with places to sit right on the water. There’s a large grassy area for the traditional basket and a blanket-style picnic or benches for a quick bite.
■ Vancouver Art Gallery steps: This is top pick for Purhar.
“I think it’s a really great location because you’re in the core of downtown,” she said.
“It’s such a great people-watching spot. It’s always full of shoppers and people eating their lunches. It kind of becomes a community. It’s a good way to meet people and get outside.” As a bonus, if you didn’t pack a picnic, you can grab something from the art gallery’s café — including wine — and enjoy a scenic lunch.
■ Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Park: This park offers picnickers a chance to enjoy a traditional Chinese garden for free. The park is adjacent to the Dr. Sun-Yat Sen Classical Chinese Garden, with pieces imported from China. Tourism Vancouver suggests setting up your spread underneath a weeping willow tree or on a trail of rocks. This spot also offers a chance for a complimentary tour and a cup of Chinese tea.
■ Granville Island: This is a great picnic pick if you haven’t packed a lunch at home. Not only is there a wide variety of takeout food, but, as Purhar points out, there’s also the nearby Lobster Man.
“It’s a fish market,” Purhar said.
“Not many people know this, but you can select a crab or lobster and get the staff to steam it for you at no extra charge.”
The Lobster Man is one of Granville Island’s original tenants and serves several restaurants and supermarkets in the city.
■ Lonsdale Quay: Looking for a spot that’s more low key than Granville Island? Hop on the SeaBus for a short ride to the North Shore’s waterfront market. Gourmet shops offer to add to your picnic while the seaside atmosphere creates a unique experience.