Queen Elizabeth Park
Price
Free
Duration
1-2 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Queen Elizabeth Park is Vancouver's elevated gem — sitting at 125 metres above sea level, it's the highest point in the city, and the panoramic views from the top are breathtaking. On a clear day, you can see the North Shore mountains, downtown Vancouver, the ocean, and all the way to Vancouver Island.
The park occupies the site of former basalt rock quarries, and the transformation is remarkable. The main attraction for kids is probably the simplest: the dancing fountain jets at the plaza near the Bloedel Conservatory. These ground-level water jets shoot up at random intervals, and kids cannot resist running through them, trying to predict the patterns and dodge the spray.
In summer, it's free entertainment that keeps children happy for 20-30 minutes.
The sunken quarry garden is the park's artistic masterpiece — a lush garden built into the old quarry with waterfalls, stone bridges, and exotic plantings. It feels like a hidden valley, and the winding paths are fun for kids to explore. The lower pond area has resident ducks and turtles that kids love to watch.
The park's Pitch & Putt course is an 18-hole par-3 golf course that's perfect for families. It's casual enough that beginners and kids can have fun without the pressure of a real golf course. Clubs and balls are available for rent.
The Bloedel Conservatory sits at the park's summit — a domed tropical garden with free-flying birds. It's a separate paid attraction well worth combining with your park visit (see our separate listing).
Queen Elizabeth Park is free and open year-round. In spring, the cherry blossoms are spectacular — rows of pink blooming trees that draw photographers from across the city. Summer is prime picnic season on the expansive lawns. Fall brings dramatic foliage colors. Winter is quieter but the views are still stunning.
Seasons in the Park, the restaurant inside the park, has one of the best views in Vancouver and serves a family-friendly menu. It's a popular spot, so reservations are recommended.
The park is accessible by car (free parking in the lots) or bus (#15 from downtown stops nearby). It pairs naturally with the Bloedel Conservatory and is about a 10-minute drive from VanDusen Botanical Garden.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
partial
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Spring for cherry blossoms and gardens in bloom. Summer mornings for clear mountain views. Combine with a Bloedel Conservatory visit for a full outing.
Wait Times
No waits — free public park
Nearby Food
Seasons in the Park restaurant is inside the park with panoramic views and a family-friendly menu. The Cambie Street corridor nearby has dozens of restaurants. Nat's New York Pizza on West Broadway is a family favorite.
Why Kids Love It
Queen Elizabeth Park sits at the highest point in Vancouver, and kids feel like they're on top of the world. The dancing fountain jets at the plaza near the Bloedel Conservatory are irresistible — kids run through them, try to dodge them, and inevitably get soaked. The sunken quarry garden is surprisingly dramatic — a former rock quarry transformed into a lush garden with waterfalls, bridges, and winding paths that feel like a secret world.
The duck pond at the lower level draws kids with its resident ducks and turtles. The Pitch & Putt course is an 18-hole mini golf-style experience that older kids love. And the views — mountains in every direction, the downtown skyline, the ocean — are spectacular.
The bronze 'Photo Session' statues near the conservatory are a must-stop for family photos. It's a park that feels grand and special without costing anything.
Pro Tips from Parents
- The fountain jets are the highlight for kids under 8 — bring a change of clothes in summer
- Start at the top (Bloedel Conservatory) and walk downhill through the quarry garden
- The Pitch & Putt golf course is a fun family activity for kids 6+
- Cherry blossom season (late March/April) draws crowds but is absolutely stunning
- The 'Photo Session' bronze statues outside the conservatory are a fun photo op for kids
What to Bring
- Extra clothes if kids will play in the fountains
- A picnic — the upper and lower lawns are perfect for it
- Camera — the panoramic views are some of the best in the city
- Sunscreen and water on sunny days
- Bread for the ducks (or seeds — bread isn't great for them)
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free (Bloedel Conservatory and Pitch & Putt extra)
Tips to Save
- The park and gardens are completely free.
- The Bloedel Conservatory at the summit has a small admission fee.
- Pitch & Putt golf is affordable family fun.
- Pack a picnic — the lawns are perfect for it.