12 Best Picnic Spots for Outdoor BBQ in Vancouver

Barbeque (BBQ) season is upon us, and what better way to enjoy it than with a fun and relaxing picnic in one of Vancouver's beautiful outdoor spaces?

Vancouver is known for its stunning scenery and vibrant parks, making it the perfect location for a BBQ picnic. However, with so many amazing spots to choose from, it can be challenging to decide where to go. In this article, we've put together a comprehensive guide to help you find the best picnic spots for BBQ in Vancouver. 

But before we get to our list of the best picnic spots in Vancouver, we would like to go through some rules to follow while enjoying your time outdoors.

There are a few things to keep in mind when it comes time for your next outdoor cooking adventure. The first thing you'll want is an appropriate location.

There are plenty of designated picnic sites available at parks across Vancouver. All these open-air spaces can be used by you on a first-come, first-serve basis but if would like to reserve one for your event or just need to have space for a large group (more than 50 people), it's easy! You simply go ahead and apply online before coming with all necessary paperwork in hand (reservation fees).

Next, you are welcome to bring a barbecue and enjoy some tasty food. Make sure you follow these simple rules:

There are usually many tables available at Vancouver’s parks that you can use for your picnic, but don't forget - if none are free then you can always bring one with you.

Bring blankets if desired, remember this is an outdoor event and the weather can become cool sometimes at the coastal areas.

If you're looking for a scenic spot for an outdoor BBQ in Vancouver, Jericho Beach is definitely worth considering. Located on the west side of Vancouver, Jericho Beach boasts stunning views of English Bay and several designated BBQ areas for visitors to enjoy.

What makes Jericho Beach unique is that it's not just a beach - there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the surrounding park as well. From sailing and tennis to various other water sports, Jericho Beach is a hub of activity for outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the best things about Jericho Beach is the proximity of the beach to the surrounding park. With many trails, ponds, and benches throughout the park, it's easy to set up your BBQ and enjoy a picnic in the great outdoors.

John Hendry Park, also known as Trout Lake, is one of the best places for an outdoor BBQ in Vancouver. This park offers a large picnic area with designated BBQ spots and a beautiful lake, providing the perfect backdrop for a fun and relaxing day out with family and friends.

With two playgrounds, two beaches, picnic tables, baseball fields, basketball and tennis courts, concessions stands, an off-leash dog park, and a gazebo area for BBQ-ing, there are plenty of options for outdoor activities!

The lake in the park is a highlight for many visitors, with its serene beauty and numerous ducks and swans swimming around. The park also offers stunning views of both the lake and the nearby mountains, making it a great place to visit in any season.

Another scenic spot for an outdoor BBQ in Vancouver, that is worth checking out! One of the best things about this area is the large sandy beach and BBQ tables that are located right next to it. You can watch kids play in the sand while you grill up some tasty food, making it a great spot for families to enjoy together.

During the summer months, Locarno Beach is a hub of activity with people playing volleyball, swimming, and enjoying the sun. The beach is also located very close to the Jericho Sailing Centre, where many people enjoy kayaking and paddle boarding on the water. And for those who love wildlife, if you are lucky there are some rabbits in the nearby bushes that kids love to follow and observe.

Spanish Banks is one of Vancouver's most beloved beaches, and for good reason. With its soft sand and expansive views of the water and mountains, it's a beautiful spot to spend a sunny day.

One of the highlights of Spanish Banks is the designated BBQ area in the extension section of the beach. This area is perfect for setting up your grill and cooking up some delicious food for your friends and family. And with plenty of space and few picnic tables available, it's easy to enjoy your meal in comfort and style.

But Spanish Banks has much more to offer than just BBQs. This beach section is also home to an off-leash dog area, making it a great spot for pet owners to bring their furry friends for some exercise and fun.

Barnet Marine Park is a hidden gem tucked away off the highway, and it's a great spot to enjoy a summer barbecue with friends and family. While the parking lot is small, the park itself is quite large and offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities.

One of the highlights of the park is the beach area, which is perfect for kids to play in while adults enjoy a barbecue. The beach is clean and well-maintained, and there are plenty of picnic tables and shelters available for use. There is also a nice cement walkway along Burrard Inlet, which is great for taking a leisurely stroll or going for a jog.

For dog owners, there is an off-leash area where dogs can run and play freely. This is a great feature for those who want to bring their furry friends along for a day out in the sun. Additionally, many people enjoy crabbing in the waters surrounding the park, which adds a fun and unique element to the experience.

Do you enjoy having picnics with your doggo? If you answered yes, you should check out Fraser River Park! This park gives a raw nature feel, and not too many people know about it, so there is always plenty of space.

Perfect place for a picnic if you own a dog. Most of the park is an off-leash area and there are plenty of dog owners enjoying the company of their happy pups along the trails and at the sandy beach. You can bring your whole family for a picnic as there are few tables and benches to lounge at.

The pier is a great spot to take in the sights and sounds of the waterfront. From it, you can see the entire beach and all of the activity happening on the shore. Also, if you're lucky, you might even see a boat or two.

The parking lot is not large but there are plenty of roadside spaces to accommodate all visitors.

One of the best features of Maple Grove Park is the picnic/BBQ area. It's the perfect spot to gather with family and friends and enjoy some delicious food in the great outdoors. The picnic tables are conveniently situated near standing barbecue grills, which are ideal for charcoal cooking.

And, of course, there's the outdoor swimming pool. It's a highlight of the park and a popular destination for visitors of all ages. The pool is clean, well-maintained, and just the right temperature, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day. The shallow banks ensure that even young children can safely enjoy the water, while the deeper center provides plenty of space for more advanced swimmers.

But what really sets Maple Grove Park apart are the ancient stumps that serve as a reminder of the area's rich history. These old-growth stumps are a unique sight that you won't find anywhere else. They add character and charm to the park, making it a truly special place to visit.

Memorial South Park is a massive park that has something for everyone. Whether you're looking to walk, run, jog, or simply relax in nature, this park has got you covered. The park is blessed with tall, beautiful trees that provide ample shade and create a serene atmosphere.

One of the best features of Memorial South Park is its BBQ area. With multiple BBQ pits, you can bring your own charcoal and grill up some delicious food. The picnic tables in the area make it the perfect spot to gather with family and friends and enjoy a tasty meal in the great outdoors. The trees surrounding the area provide plenty of shade, so you can relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery while cooking up a storm.

The park also has a variety of activities to keep you busy. Kids will love the slides and swings, while adults can take advantage of the jogging track, tennis courts or the different pitches available for various sports. There's even a little pond for you to sit by and enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature.

New Brighton Park is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the beautiful views of Burrard Inlet, the port activities, and the bridges. This park is a large and inviting space, perfect for taking a walk and enjoying a barbecue with friends and family. The park features newer picnic tables designed specifically for BBQs, making it easy to cook up some delicious food while taking in the stunning views.

For families with children, New Brighton Park also boasts a playground and swimming pool. Kids can run around and play while parents can relax and soak up the sun. The fenced-off dog area is a popular spot for pet owners to take their furry friends for a walk or run.

New Brighton Park is a fairly quiet and peaceful park, making it a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. The park is popular with dog walkers, beach picnickers, and those looking for a quiet spot to relax. There are a few benches and BBQ stations throughout the park, making it a great spot to enjoy a summer BBQ.

Riverfront Park is a fantastic destination for anyone looking for a great spot to have a barbecue or picnic. The park is a spacious and open area that offers plenty of room for families and groups to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. 

The park boasts numerous amenities, including playgrounds, tennis courts, and picnic tables. The BBQ grills and coal disposal areas make it easy to cook up some delicious food while enjoying the beautiful scenery.

Stanley Park is one of the most popular destinations in Vancouver, and for good reason. The park is a massive, sprawling green space that offers plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the natural beauty of the area. For those looking to have a barbecue in the park, there are several options available.

 Stanley Park is a world-famous park located in downtown Vancouver. It's a great place to picnic, with plenty of green space, beautiful views, and plenty of activities nearby.

two reservable picnic sites located next to the Stanley Park Junction. These sites are equipped with shelters and cooking facilities, making them the perfect spot for a barbecue with family and friends. To use these sites, you will need to obtain a permit from the city.

To reserve a picnic site in Stanley Park, you need to obtain a permit from the city. This can be easily done through the City of Vancouver website, where you can select the site you want, choose the date and time, and pay for your reservation. The process is straightforward and easy to complete.

In addition to the reservable picnic sites, there are numerous other areas throughout the park that are perfect for a barbecue or picnic. Whether you're looking for a spot with a view of the water or a more secluded area surrounded by trees, you'll find plenty of options in Stanley Park. Just be sure to follow park rules and regulations, such as disposing of coals properly and leaving the area clean and tidy.