For the second installment of The Urbanist’s Guide to Vancouver, we present a list of some of the great and interesting public spaces in and around Vancouver.
By the re:place team and re:place readers
Given that all the wonderful places to eat we covered last week are connected by a network of open spaces, we wanted the second installment of The Urbanist’s Guide to Vancouver to focus on outdoor and public spaces. We’ve also included what we call “meanders” – highly personal suggestions for routes through different neighbourhoods.
As with the first installment, the following recommendations are a combination of some of our own favourites, mixed with dozens of suggestions from readers who took the time to e-mail us or comment on our original post. We haven’t created any ranking or ordering system beyond grouping them according to their respective municipality. The text below in quotations are direct quotes from our readers.
Lastly, please feel free to add your suggestions to the comments section below to suggest places we have forgotten that you love, or add your opinion to the choices made. Given how big the Vancouver area is, there are definitely some big gaps in the information we’ve collected. Responses tended to favour Vancouver, but we’re sure there are a lot of outdoor “third places” and unique public gathering spots around Metro Vancouver, so please share them with us.
For now, however, this should be enough to get you on your feet and want to explore. After all, in the words of John Stilgoe….outside lies magic.
VANCOUVER
Main Street
One of our most significant and diverse streets. From north to south, it passes through the Downtown Eastside and Chinatown, prior to becoming the welcome mat for those coming to Vancouver through Pacific Central Station. South of the False Creek Flats, it becomes the spine of the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood filled with all types of commerce – from antique furniture shops to funky cafes and restaurants. After a short residential break between 33rd and 49th, it transforms into Little India.
Commercial Drive
“…..home of the Parade of Lost Souls, World Cup Soccer mania, Illuminares Lantern Festival, great coffee, a smorgasbord of ethnicities and the street where Car-Free Vancouver Day began…..”
John Hendry (Trout Lake) Park (info)
Vancouver’s biggest natural inland lake. Heavily used by the community, it’s home to a wonderful beach with spectacular views of the North Shore mountains.
Strathcona Community Gardens (info)
Although there are a number of wonderful community gardens in and around the city, this one is locally renowned for its history, size, beauty, and community engagement.
The Arbutus Corridor
The 11km Canadian Pacific Railroad corridor that runs from False Creek (near Granville Island) to the Fraser River saw its last train in 2001. It has since become an important site for pedestrian and bike transportation across the city as well as a number of guerilla public space initiatives – one of the most well-known being the Cypress Community Garden.
“If your gang are real walkers, get them to do the old rail line from Shaughnessy through to 41st and Arbutus – can’t miss by ending up at the Red Onion for a double dog!”
Central Valley Greenway (info)
“Take a ride on the bike paths, on the greenway that connects all the way to New Westminster or just whiz through the tree-covered side streets of the city’s bike network. A great way to see the city and get where you’re going.”
Kerrisdale
“…a wonderful example of how to put a micro-West End in a largely suburban location.”
West End
“…who knew that high density could be so leafy, quiet and safe.”
West Broadway between Larch and Alma
“walking and shopping along … with a good long stop at the International Wine Shop near Safeway.”
English Bay near Denman and Davie
“hanging out there on a summer evening – Vancouver’s true public square.”
The Vancouver Seawall
“The entire footpath all the way out to Towers Beach – is there anything else like it on the planet?”
“Another interesting thing to me is not just the seawall itself, but how the seawall changes from neighbourhood to neighbourhood, reinforcing the sense of place as one moves through it – the separated bike/pedestrian lanes through false creek, winding around cafes and benches to a complete separation of bikes and pedestrians along English Bay to Stanley Park, and on to coal harbour nothing beats a great edge, and nothing beats a nice bike ride. So what could be better than biking along the edge?”
Tatlow Court, 1803 MacDonald Street (near 2nd Ave)
“Why don’t we make more of these wonderful residential courtyard projects?”
View of the city and English Bay from West 9th near Jericho Hill
“…superb.”
Chinatown on Saturday morning
“…when the fish are fresh and the streets packed.”
Harbour Green Park (info)
“…great new things can be added to cities.”
Queen Elizabeth Park (info)
“…is no longer hard to get to! Just take the Canada Line to King Edward Station, and walk a few blocks…(trivia: they couldn’t put a station at QE Park because of the volcanic rock under the park!)
Victory Square (info)
“…the original heart of the city. Take in the architecture that is the Dominion Building. Walk into the building during the day and check out this early skyscraper’s majestic staircase. Across the street, the freshly restored Flack block also has a magnificent staircase, and a neat basement too!”
Tea Marsh/ Brewery Creek
“The marshy area between Fraser St., 12th, King Edward, and Main Street.”
Wall Street
“Part Crescent beach style beach house haven, half low-income apartments, half heritage district on a bluff above the port. Figs grow here.”
New Brighton Park (info)
Tucked snugly between the PNE and the ocean, this is one of the best kept secrets in the Vancouver – combining park, industry and mountain views.
The Grandview Cut (info)
Over a kilometer and a half long, this ravine runs from Clark Drive to Slocan St. and was known as an important urban wildlife corridor prior to becoming the home of the Commercial Drive Station.
“Walk through there on a spring day. It was made to fill in False Creek.”
Hogan’s Alley (info)
Located in the south-west corner of Strathcona – facing an empty lot adjacent to the busy Main Street on-ramps to the viaduct – this block or so is what is left of the what used to be Vancouver’s first and last black neighbourhood. It was effectively destroyed by the creation of the Georgia Viaduct.
Leeside Skatepark
Located under a viaduct at Cassiar St and East Hastings St. (east of Hwy#1), it’s an abandoned Vancouver transit tunnel and is a well-known skateboard hangout.
Crab Park at Portside (info)
Opened in 1986, it’s a great place to see the Vancouver’s working Port.
10th between Main and Cambie
“The nicest street to walk or bike…”
Seabus (info)
“…is the famous $3 cruiseship! Take it to Lonsdale Quay for a coffee, and then take it right back to Vancouver (on the same ticket!) Now that there’s a new Seabus in the fleet, there’s even more reason to jump on board!”
WEST VANCOUVER
Ambleside Village, West Vancouver
Located just west of the Lions Gate Bridge’s north entrance, its beautiful beach was ranked as one of the top ten in Canada. Not unlike Miami’s South Beach area, the small retail strip running along Marine Drive is filled with people outfitted in swimming gear on those hot summer days.
Lighthouse Park, West Vancouver (info)
“The lighthouse is great, but if you go there, you have to go to Juniper Point on the west side of the park. Stand on the rocks high above the water and see a beautiful view from UBC to Howe Sound.”
NORTH VANCOUVER
Deep Cove
Historically the clamming and fishing site of the Squamish Salish native naton who lived (and still live) in the area for thousands of years, it has grown to be a quaint community at the base of Mount Seymour and well known among outdoor recreation enthusiasts – local and abroad.
Quarry Rock, North Vancouver
“The large granite slab east of Deep Cove. Take the Baden Powell trail to get there. Another spectacular view.”
SOUTH SURREY/WHITE ROCK
Holland Park, Surrey (info)
“Surrey is the “City of Parks” and with hundreds of greenspaces it’s for good reason. Located at the end of the SkyTrain line between Central City and King George stations, Holland Park is tucked behind the award-winning Central City shopping centre and tower. It hosts festivals and concerts in the summer, while being the ideal urban oasis for a stroll any time of day.”
Crescent Beach
“…the beach meets commercial street.”
Lynn Canyon Park and Suspension Bridge, North Vancouver (info)
“..it’s free and you can swim in the river there or go hiking afterwards, and hey, locals go there. It’s much more true Vancouver than the Capilano Suspension Bridge, even if that one is higher up and a little more awe-inspiring. Twin Falls – down river from the bridge. You can walk down below the falls and stand at the edge of the river, watching the crystal turquoise water rush past.” If you’re the more adventurous type, check this out to see more.
RICHMOND
No. 5 Rd.
“…has a Buddhist temple, Sikh Temple and I believe a mosque all in close proximity to one another, and are great for pictures.”
Richmond Dikes
“…after getting fish & chips in Steveston.”
Iona Beach Regional Park (info)
“…by the airport. Take the 1km walk out into the bay on the walking path on top of the waste removal pipe. An amazing walk in the fog – you can’t see in front of you or behind you.”
Aberdeen Centre (info)
“Daiso….nuff said.”
DELTA
George C. Reifel Migratory Bird Sanctuary (info)
Situated on Westham Island, west of the community of Ladner in the Municipality of Delta, this sanctuary is an important spot for local bird-watchers. It has nearly 300 hectares (850 acres) of managed wetlands, natural marshes and low dikes and although the largest flocks gather there between October and December, it has all types of avian visitor year-round.
Boundary Bay
“…a beautiful beach right on the border. When the tide is out, it seems like you walk right across to White Rock.”
OUTSIDE VANCOUVER
Bowen Island (info)
“Small and quick ferry ride. Take your bike over for a bit of exploration in a beautiful setting”
MEANDERS
“A walk from Chinatown, say Pender & Gore, through Strathcona – the neighbourhood that saved itself from becoming a freeway. Check out the numerous restored Victorian and Edwardian homes. Stop by Union Market for a snack and then continue on to the 208 Flavours of Ice Cream place. Sugar rush should be enough to get you to Commercial Drive 5 blocks to the East. Meander south along “The Drive” checking out the wide range of independent shops and characters, stop for lunch or dinner.
“If visitors are missing their European beer, a stop at Stella’s might be welcome with its Fresh Beer Sheet from Belgium. For more local brews try Wazubeez or The Charleton.
“Commercial Drive is most famous for it’s coffee. Although you’ll find one Starbucks here, be bold and try one of the dozen or so family-run, independent places. My favourites are Turks at Charles & Commercial and Continental at 2nd and Commercial (across from Starbucks). Abruzzo, Napoli and Calabria are three additional popular and tasty coffee places named after the Italian homes of the founders.
“If you continue walking South on Commercial Drive you’ll eventually hit the sky train station at Broadway, which will take you back to Olympic celebration spaces.
“Note: Both Italian and Canadian sports victories are typically celebrated with an impromptu parade down Commercial Drive.”
“I’ll build on the suggestion of a walk through Chinatown, Strathcona, and on to Commercial. But with an insertion: after you hit La Casa Gelato back up a block and wander through Cottonwood and Strathcona Community gardens. Cottonwood is at the back of Strathcona park, Strathcona is across the street. Together it’s over seven acres of community gardens, common gardens, and wild spaces. Amazing. Even in the winter it’s worth a look just for the scale, though obviously spring through fall are better.”
“Get out of town and head south to Steveston – walk Garry Point Park and the dyke in Richmond north to the airport. End up at Pajo’s for fish and chips. Yes, even when it’s raining.”
“Stroll in Shaughnessy – check out Hycroft and the Crescent to see some of Vancouver’s most elegant homes, then walk either to South Granville for some pocket-emptying shopping or up to Oak Street for a little quieter coffee.”
“Gastown!! Check out all the unique independently owned boutiques like Planet Claire, Obbaki, and Nouvelle Nouvelle! Dine in many of the amazing restaurants (Revel Room is my favourite!), or just grab a coffee and chat with the locals. And finally the Canamade Market, featuring the best of Vancouver’s fashion and accessories designers, and artists – everything at the Canamade Market is made in Canada, the perfect place to shop for Canadian souvenirs!!”
“I particularly like walking down Homer from Library Square all the way to Gastown. Note the Vancouver street art supply store and gallery THIRD easy to miss if you aren’t looking for it! Also look for the near-famous graffiti alley between Hastings and Cordova nearby.”
“Start with the Granville Street Bridge, a great bridge to walk over WHILE HOLDING HANDS! The handrail is a little low, and there’s a bit of a gap at the bottom of the railing offering just enough sense of unease when crossing. It’s a poor man’s Ferris wheel; take a souvenir photo when you reach the middle of the bridge! South Granville between 5th Ave and Broadway is known as Gallery Row; it’s where most of the high end art galleries are located. Unlike the Art Gallery (Tuesday eve excluded), you can visit them all for free in the middle of the day! Walk up and down this stretch as there are notable galleries and shops on both sides of the street. When finished, have a steak frites lunch at the Salade de Fruits Cafe, part of Le Centre Culturel.”
‘There is a unique park in Surrey, a suburb about 20 km southeast of Vancouver, that will interest naturalists. In 1958 a treehouse, built by gently eccentric deaf twins Peter (1872-1949) and David Brown (1872-1958) on their heavily-treed property in Surrey, was demolished. They had lived in the treehouse for many years. The twins planted many different kinds of trees on their property . . . more different trees, in fact, than anywhere else in BC! They left 59 acres to Surrey, which turned the property into the charming Redwood Park. (The treehouse there today is not the original, which was funkier.) Here’s an attractive website about the twins and the park.”
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Next week The Urbanist’s Guide to Vancouver gets out of the cold and looks at some of the best indoor spaces to visit.
And, in case you missed it, take a look at Part 1 of The Urbanist’s Guide to Vancouver, which takes a look at the best places for a bite and a drink in the city.