Looking to enjoy the great outdoors in Metro Vancouver? You are not alone. With the region's population exceeding three million, popular parks can become crowded, and finding a parking spot can be a challenge. Planning ahead is essential to make the most of your visit.
Top Parks by Visitor Numbers
According to the latest data from Metro Vancouver, three of the top five most popular regional parks each attracted over a million visitors in 2025. Pacific Spirit Regional Park led with nearly 3.9 million visits. The list includes:
- Pacific Spirit Regional Park: 3,888,800 visits
- Boundary Bay Regional Park: 1,148,200 visits
- Capilano River Regional Park: 1,097,000 visits
- tәmtәmíxʷtәn/Belcarra Regional Park: 927,500 visits
- Campbell Valley Regional Park: 887,600 visits
To manage crowds and parking demand, Metro Vancouver has introduced paid parking or seasonal fees at several of its top destinations. Here is what you need to know before heading out.
Pacific Spirit Regional Park
This park is located on Vancouver's west side, near the University of British Columbia's Point Grey campus. It is accessible by car, bike, and public transit. If taking the bus, routes 84 and 44 serve the UBC campus, with trailheads nearby.
Parking options: Several paid parking lots and garages are available on the UBC campus, payable via the Honk Mobile app. Options include:
- Stadium Lot (East Mall and 16th Avenue): $4.50 per hour, daily max $11, open daily.
- Botanical Gardens (near UBC Botanical Gardens): $2.25 per hour, daily max $7, open Wednesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A small, free parking lot is located on 16th Avenue, about 400 metres west of Blanca Street, with a two-hour limit and electric vehicle chargers. Note that the park has new trail designations to manage conflicts between dog walkers and other users, with some trails allowing off-leash dogs and others requiring leashes or prohibiting dogs entirely.
Boundary Bay Regional Park
Known for its expansive shoreline and birdwatching, this park in Delta offers paid parking during peak seasons. Visitors should arrive early to secure a spot, especially on weekends.
Capilano River Regional Park
Located in North Vancouver, this park features salmon runs and hiking trails. Parking is limited, and paid lots are available near the hatchery. Consider using transit or cycling to avoid congestion.
By researching parking options and visitor guidelines ahead of time, you can enjoy Metro Vancouver's beautiful parks with less stress and more time in nature.
