Review: Queen Elizabeth Park

Let’s start big picture. What’s the vibe here? 
When it comes to parks and floral displays, Stanley Park and VanDusen Botanical Garden may be Vancouver’s biggest draws, but Queen Elizabeth Park is a smaller gem in the heart of the city. At more than 400 feet above sea level, it’s also Vancouver’s highest point, and on a clear day offers stunning views of downtown and the North Shore mountains—so picture perfect, in fact, that it’s a top spot for wedding photos. And with manicured lawns and seasonal gardens, winding trails through wooded areas, a tropical conservatory filled with exotic plants and birds, a restaurant with breathtaking views, a lawn bowling club, pitch and putt course, tennis courts, and an off-leash dog park, it offers something for almost everyone.

Any standout features or must-sees? 
When the weather cooperates, nothing beats strolling the winding trails of the Quarry Gardens—which boast artfully arranged trees, shrubs, perennials and annuals—or taking in the big vistas of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains alongside the bronze figures in the Photo Session sculpture. (In 2008 one of the figures went missing, but was later recovered in a vacant field outside of town.) On drearier days, the Bloedel Conservatory—a large geodesic dome that houses hundreds of exotic birds, plants, fish and flowers—provides the perfect tropical respite, while Seasons in the Park Restaurant offers casual fine-dining and cocktails with an exceptional view. Behind the Conservatory is the Dancing Waters fountain which features 70 jets that shoot 85,000 liters of recirculated water high into the air and provides a constantly shifting performance—as well as an ideal spot for quiet reflection, or for picture-perfect romantic moments. Speaking of which, there’s also the sculpture titled Love in the Rain, where sweethearts are encouraged to “lock away their love” by adding a padlock. Art lovers can also check out Knife Edge Two Piece, a striking work by famed sculptor Henry Moore. Queen E Park (as it’s known to locals) isn’t the place for big forest hikes, but the gentle trails that curve between the many tree species are also worth an amble. And those with sportier inclinations can play a few sets on of the park’s many free tennis courts, practice their swings on the compact 18-hole pitch and putt course, or put a fresh spin on their activities at the popular, and beginner-friendly, disc golf course. Dog owners will also appreciate the large grassy off-leash area, where pups can run to their hearts’ content.

Was it easy to get around? 
Queen Elizabeth Park is relatively small, so easy to navigate, although the curved roadways and walkways can get you turned around, so a map can help — and they’re available online. There are plenty of benches and sitting spots where you can soak in the lush gardens, or the city and mountain vistas — and if the rains descend, as they do, the Bloedel Conservatory or Seasons in the Park provide perfect refuge. The park features paved sidewalks, too, although some involve steep hills, so visitors who don’t care for bigger climbs should stick to the lower gardens and walking paths — or get dropped off at the very top. (There’s also parking at the top near the Bloedel Conservatory.) The gardens are also wheelchair accessible using a marked path.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for? If you’re tight for time, check out the Quarry Gardens — especially in spring or summer — as well as the Dancing Waters fountain, the Photo Session statues with their stunning city and mountain vistas, and the Bloedel Conservatory. Most attractions in the park are free or close to it, and the Bloedel Conservatory is well worth the modest price of admission. ($7.05 for adults, $4.80 for seniors and teens, $3.55 for kids 5-12.) Be warned, however, that Seasons in Park is casual fine dining, and appetizers run $14-18, while entrées will set you back $33-52, so it’s not the place for cheap eats. Lunches and brunches are lighter on the wallet, however, or you can pop into their bar area for a cocktail and soak in the views without breaking the bank. Nearby Main and Cambie Streets also offer plenty of fabulous— and more affordable—eating options.