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Vancouver has no shortage of city parks, beaches, and beautiful green spaces to enjoy this time of year, but there’s nothing like hanging out with friends on a patio or in your backyard for a more intimate gathering.
The downside for most city dwellers is that sizeable backyards are few and far between — if you’re lucky to have any outdoor space at all. The good news is that President’s Choice has a cool new summer initiative that lets you book a backyard for a day, and it’s completely free!
According to PC, the new initiative celebrates the launch of their 2025 Summer Insiders Report, aiming to make it “easier than ever to enjoy a summer outside.”
For safety reasons, bookable backyards will not include ones with pools. But those who book a yard can still play outdoor games and lounge in the sun all afternoon.
In Vancouver, groups of up to six people can enjoy a bookable yard between 1 and 5 p.m. on the date of your choosing. You must be 18+ to book, and select an afternoon over three weekends in June and July (June 21, 22, 28, and 29, and July 5 and 6).
Backyards are available in both Toronto and Vancouver, and to secure your spot, just go to swimply.com or the Swimply app to explore the yards and select which you’d like to book. Time slots are released on Mondays at noon.
Each backyard will come with a table, chairs, and a patio umbrella, as well as washroom access. However, pets are not permitted.
PC notes that in some cases, the homeowners may be home during the time of your backyard party, but that you’ll have privacy in the backyard regardless.
Spots are first-come, first-served, so be sure to be ready to snag your spot as soon as time slots become available.
Whether you’re planning a birthday, anniversary, or going away party, this is a great option if you’re tired of the traffic rush to the beach and paid parking. No need to wake up hours earlier than normal to haul your BBQ and cooler to Jericho or Ambleside before the beaches fill up, you’ve got an entire backyard at your disposal!
And best of all, you don’t have to pay for it.
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