Everything to know about drinking booze in Vancouver’s public plazas

The sun’s out, spring has sprung, and that means we’re one step closer to Vancouver’s patio season returning. The even better news? You don’t have to wait for the summer months to start drinking a boozy beverage at one of these Vancouver plazas.

As of Wednesday, April 10th, the City is expanding its Drinking in Public Plazas Program to May 14th, 2025, allowing residents to enjoy alcoholic beverages at designated plazas around the city.

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Here are the six designated public plazas where drinking is permitted year-round (until May 14th, 2025):

• Cambie Street and West 17th Avenue (Cambie Village Business Association)
• Cambie Street and West 18th Avenue (Cambie Village Business Association)
• Granville Street and West 13th Avenue (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
• Granville Street and West 14th Avenue (South Granville Business Improvement Association)
• Lot 19, 855 West Hastings Street (Downtown Vancouver Business Improvement Association)
• Main Street and East 21st Avenue (Coco et Olive, Little Mountain Neighbourhood House, residents)

As for the summer months, visitors of the plaza at Maple Street and West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano will once again permit public drinking from May 15th to October 31st.

Hours & info

Drinking in the designated plazas above will be permitted from 11 am to 9 pm every day from May 15th to October 16th.

Once the season shifts to winter, visitors can drink in public plazas between 11 am and 5 pm from October 17th to May 14th.

Note that participating plazas were selected to be within walking distance of washrooms, though temporary portable washrooms have been installed in those without access.

So there you have it, Vancouver! Stay tuned for more info about Vancouver’s Alcohol in Parks program, which may be extended soon.