Good morning, Vancouver! The sun’s (sorta) out, and we’ve got some pretty exciting news. You can now officially drink alcohol legally in several Vancouver parks and public spaces starting June 1, 2022. Time to get the BBQ plans in order!
On Monday, May 16th, the Vancouver Park Board voted in favour of expanding the ‘Alcohol in Parks Pilot’ program, which made it legal to consume alcohol in 22 designated parks and beaches in Vancouver last summer.
The 2021 pilot was such a success, that they’ve decided to keep the same parks–with a few minor adjustments.
Vancouverites will be able to enjoy an alcoholic beverage with family and friends in 22 of our city’s parks, as Park Board approves the Alcohol in Parks program for summer 2022, with expanded and simplified areas for drinking. https://t.co/Aei5gOk4DI pic.twitter.com/598uD7Kehh
— Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation (@ParkBoard) May 17, 2022
At Monday’s meeting, the Park Board proposed that “alcohol allowed” zones generally follow the overall park boundary, excluding Queen Elizabeth and Stanley Park. As always, there are certain areas to avoid if you’re planning on cracking one open (with the boys or solo):
NOT alcohol-friendly:
- Within 20 metres of a playground, school, or natural area
- Within 5 metres of a pool or water park
- In, on, or within a:
- beach, pond, lake, or dock
- seawall, roadway, parking lot, or building entrance
- garden or horticultural display
- sports field, court, skate park, fitness amenity, or pitch & putt
- community centre, fieldhouse, or washroom
- designated off-leash dog area
Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s get to the good stuff. Here are the 22 parks and beaches where it is now legal to consume alcohol in Vancouver.
Alcohol-friendly:
- Collingwood Park, 5275 McKinnon Street
- David Lam Park, 1300 Pacific Boulevard
- Fraser River Park, 8705 Angus Drive
- Granville Park, 3001 Fir Street
- Harbour Green Park, 1199 W Cordova Street
- John Hendry (Trout Lake), 3300 Victoria Drive
- Kitsilano Beach, 1499 Arbutus Street
- Langara Park, 200 West 49th Avenue
- Locarno Beach, 4445 Nw Marine Drive
- Maple Grove, 6875 Yew Street
- Memorial South, 5955 Ross Street
- Memorial West, 4701 Dunbar Street
- New Brighton, 3201 New Brighton Road
- Pandora Park, 2325 Franklin Street
- Queen Elizabeth Park, 4600 Cambie Street
- Quilchena Park, 4590 Magnolia Street
- Riverfront Park, 2750 East Kent Ave South
- Robson Park, 599 Kingsway
- Rupert Park, 1600 Rupert Street
- Stanley (southwest corner)
- Vanier Park, 1000 Chestnut Street
- Volunteer Park, 2855 Point Grey Road
If you’re keen on reading the fine print or want to see how data collected from park staff, Vancouver Coastal Health, and the VPD all factored into this year’s program, check out the report for Monday’s meeting.
When searching for the perfect place for a boozy picnic this summer, remember there are an additional 25 parks on the North Shore to consider.
Drink responsibly, Vancouver! Catch you at the beach.
