Portal Park

A cool, shaded oasis in the busy downtown, Portal Park features an elegant pavilion, lacy Japanese maples, and glimpses of Coal Harbour. The park is located above the north entrance to the Canadian Pacific Railway tunnel, which was opened in 1932 to move freight trains across the downtown peninsula; the tunnel is now used by the SkyTrain.

Portal Park was officially opened in June of 1986 and was the result of an interesting agreement. The Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) was about to abandon its False Creek Train Yards. Up to this point their trains ran through the Dunsmuir tunnel from the Creek to Burrard Inlet. At about the same time B.C. Transit approached the CPR as they were interested in the tunnel for their new ALRT line. Vancouver’s City Engineering Department was also interested in the tunnel. After a three way discussion an agreement was made between Marathon (the development arm of the CPR), the City of Vancouver and B.C. Transit. Marathon gave up the Thurlow Street End site in exchange for other properties and higher density rights at their site across the street. They also contributed $100,000 toward the development of the park. B.C. Transit (now TransLink) now owns the tunnel and roll-out structure underneath the park and contributed $400,000 toward the park’s development. The park itself is constructed on a concrete roof and is owned by the City of Vancouver who also contributed $400,000 toward park construction.

Sun Yat-Sen Park

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is right in the heart of Vancouver’s Chinatown and adjacent Sun Yat-Sen Park are the perfect urban oasis.

The stunning Garden is an authentic representation of Ming Dynasty-era tradition and the first of its kind outside China. Be enchanted by the Garden's winding paths, rocks, plants, and beautiful vistas. In the park alongside the Garden, find peace and tranquility in the unique rock forms, water lily-covered pond, pagoda, and lush plants. Entry is free to the Sun Yat-Sen Park, but there is an admission fee to enter the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.

Marina Square Park

This exquisite park is part of an intricate network of green spaces throughout the Coal Harbour neighbourhood. The open lawn, intricate plantings, and views of the harbour make Marina Square a restful and attractive place to visit. Make sure to explore the group of stepping stones that wind through the water feature. The park was officially given it nautically inspired name on September 27, 1993 being square in shape and overlooking beautiful Coal Harbour, the Vancouver Rowing Club and two Marinas.

Helmcken Park

A tiny park in Yaletown. It is more like a plaza with some plants and trees. There is a water fountain that needs to turned on. It would much nicer if it was always on.

Tucked amid the old and new brick buildings of Yaletown, Helmcken Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee on one of the shaded benches. This plaza-style park is overflowing with flowers and foliage; the summer blooms of the exotic Mimosa trees are not to be missed.

Crab Park by Portside

Best place to get a good view of Canada place with the sails and also the mountains. On any day, is good photographic opportunities.

From atop a grassy knoll or the small pier jutting into Burrard Inlet, this is a good place to get a close look at Vancouver’s working port, with views of the colourful containers, cruise ships, heliport, and SeaBuses. Arriving from the Main Street overpass, two Chinese lion statues frame views of the peaks of the Lions; several more beautiful and moving monuments and sculptures can be found throughout the park. This park was opened in 1987, and was named Portside Park as suggested to the Park Board by the Vancouver Port Authority who rendered the land for park purposes through a long term lease. A neighbourhood park committee- Create A Real Available Beach (CRAB) – was active in supporting this greenspace and in 2004 the name was changed to CRAB Park at Portside. There is no free parking. Why is no parking allowed by n waterfront road?

David Lam Park

A large park in Yaletown, Vancouver. The best thing do here is walk on the seawall and enjoy the view or hang out on the grass with a picnic. On the water is a strange looking monument shaped like a rocket with two balls.

This stunning downtown park is an intricate mix of active and passive recreation opportunities, all with views of False Creek and Yaletown. Sports courts and playgrounds are sheltered by lush plantings, and a large open lawn is perfect for kite flying, resting in the sunshine, or hosting an outdoor festival. David Lam Park is also home to several intriguing sculptures nestled along the waterfront. This park was named in 1995 for British Columbia Lt. Governor David Lam.