Queen Elizabeth Park Quick Info
GardensViewsFamily FriendlyDog Friendly Areas
Queen Elizabeth Park Map and Location
Queen Elizabeth Park sits on top of Little Mountain in the middle of Vancouver, roughly 20 minutes from Downtown by transit. The main address is 4600 Cambie Street. You can enter from Cambie Street at West 29th or West 33rd Avenue, or from Main Street at East 33rd Avenue.
Why Visit Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver
Queen Elizabeth Park is a 130 acre city park and the highest point within the City of Vancouver. It packs sunken gardens, an arboretum, a glass dome full of tropical birds, sports courts and wide views of the skyline and North Shore mountains into one hilltop. It is also free to enter, which makes it one of the easiest half day outings in the city.
A Short History of Little Mountain
Early in the twentieth century this hill was quarried for basalt used to build some of Vancouver’s first roads. The scarred quarries were later turned into gardens. King George VI and Queen Elizabeth dedicated the park during their royal visit to Vancouver in 1939, which gave Queen Elizabeth Park its name. Bloedel Conservatory opened on the summit in 1969, funded by a major gift from Prentice Bloedel.
The Quarry Gardens
The main Quarry Garden lies just west of Bloedel Conservatory. The view from the rim is the moment most visitors remember: streams, bridges, flowering trees and layered beds all sit inside the old rock walls. A smaller North Quarry Garden sits below Seasons in the Park restaurant. It is a drier garden with an Asian garden influence and an arched bridge over a stony streambed.
Bloedel Conservatory
The domed Bloedel Conservatory is the park’s signature building, with tropical plants and free-flying birds inside, and it works well on a rainy day. Admission, hours and any closures change, so check the official page before you go. We have a full guide on our Bloedel Conservatory page.
Views of Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore
From the top of the hill you look across the city to the North Shore mountains. The lookout above the Quarry Garden and the plaza near the conservatory are the easiest places to stop. Clear evenings are popular for sunset and city lights, and you can compare other viewpoints in our guide to the best sunsets in Vancouver.
Things to Do at Queen Elizabeth Park
Pitch and Putt
An 18 hole course of short par 3s, none over 110 yards, with no hazards in play. Good for beginners and kids.
Tennis and Pickleball
Seventeen public courts at the southern edge, available first come, first served.
Disc Golf
A casual disc golf area sits near the pitch and putt on the east side of the park.
Basketball and Roller Hockey
Outdoor courts sit beside the tennis courts and are free to use.
Arboretum and Sculpture
Walk among native and exotic trees and look for public art, including a work by Henry Moore.
Picnics and Dancing Waters
Wide lawns suit picnics, and the Dancing Waters fountain by the conservatory is a summer favourite with kids.
Off Leash Dog Area
There is a designated off leash area in the park. Dogs elsewhere should stay on leash.
Lawn Bowling
A lawn bowling green offers a relaxed activity for all ages.
Dining and Photos: Seasons in the Park
Seasons in the Park is the sit-down restaurant at the top of the hill, known for its skyline views. The gardens and the Celebration Pavilion are also a popular backdrop for wedding and graduation photos, so expect photographers on weekends in spring and summer.
Best Time to Visit Queen Elizabeth Park
Spring brings cherry blossoms and fresh beds in the quarry. Summer suits picnics, sports and the fountain. Fall colour is strong across the arboretum, and the conservatory is a warm stop in winter. For seasonal ideas see things to do in fall in Vancouver and our best time to visit Vancouver guide.
Getting to Queen Elizabeth Park and Parking
The park is reachable by the Canada Line. King Edward and Oakridge-41st stations are the closest, followed by a walk uphill or a short bus ride. Pay parking lots are located near the top of the park by the conservatory, with more lots around the sports areas. Lots fill up quickly on sunny weekends, so transit is easier.
Visitor Tips
- Arrive early on summer weekends for parking and quieter garden photos.
- Wear walking shoes, as the paths are hilly.
- Bring a layer, since the hilltop can be breezy.
- Pair a visit with VanDusen Botanical Garden for a full garden day.
Prices, hours, closures and booking details change. Check the official City of Vancouver Queen Elizabeth Park page before you go.
Nearby Places to Visit
Continue with VanDusen Botanical Garden, browse Stanley Park, or head to Granville Island. More ideas are in our free Metro Vancouver hidden gems list.
Queen Elizabeth Park FAQ
Is Queen Elizabeth Park free?
Yes, you can walk the grounds and gardens for free. Bloedel Conservatory, pitch and putt and parking may have separate fees.
Where is Queen Elizabeth Park?
It is at 4600 Cambie Street in Vancouver, on Little Mountain in the Riley Park and South Cambie area.
What is Queen Elizabeth Park known for?
It is known for the Quarry Gardens, Bloedel Conservatory, city and mountain views and its sports facilities.
How do I get to Queen Elizabeth Park by transit?
Take the Canada Line to King Edward or Oakridge-41st station, then walk or take a short bus ride to the park.
Is there parking at Queen Elizabeth Park?
Yes, there are several parking lots, including pay lots near the conservatory. They can fill up on sunny weekends.
Can I bring my dog to Queen Elizabeth Park?
Dogs are welcome on leash in most of the park, and there is a designated off leash area. Check the official page for current rules.