The Ultimate BC Summer Picnic Guide
Because the best summer memories rarely happen indoors.
British Columbia has a way of making ordinary afternoons feel extraordinary.
One moment you're driving through towering cedar forests, and the next you're watching the sun dip behind the mountains with a picnic blanket spread across the grass. Whether you're surrounded by ocean views, alpine lakes, vineyards, or quiet city parks, summer in BC invites us to slow down and reconnect with nature, the people we love, and ourselves.
In a world that moves quickly, a picnic is a gentle reminder that some of life's best moments don't need elaborate plans. A simple meal, good conversation, and a little chocolate shared outdoors can become a memory that lasts much longer than the afternoon itself.
If you're looking for inspiration for your next summer adventure, here's your guide to some of British Columbia's most beautiful picnic destinations; and how to make the most of every little chocolate moment.
Why Picnics Are the Perfect Summer Tradition
Picnics aren't just about food.
They're about creating space.
Space to laugh without checking your phone.
Space to notice how the wind moves through the trees.
Space to spend uninterrupted time with family, friends, or even yourself.
Research has consistently shown that spending time in natural environments can help reduce stress, improve mood, and support overall well-being. Even relatively short visits to parks and green spaces have been associated with positive mental and physical health outcomes. (Twohig-Bennett & Jones, 2018).
British Columbia offers an incredible variety of outdoor spaces (from beaches and forests to lakes and mountain viewpoints)making it one of the best places in Canada to embrace this simple tradition.
What Makes the Perfect Picnic?
Forget trying to make it Instagram-perfect.
The best picnics are comfortable, relaxed, and easy.
Here's our favorite checklist:
- A comfortable blanket
- Plenty of water
- Fresh seasonal fruit
- Local cheeses
- Crackers or fresh bread
- A reusable cooler bag
- Sunscreen
- A portable speaker (optional)
- A deck of cards or your favorite book
- Your favorite chocolate bar
Sometimes that's all you need.
12 Beautiful Picnic Spots Across British Columbia
1. Stanley Park: Vancouver
One of Vancouver's most iconic green spaces, Stanley Park offers more than 400 hectares of forests, beaches, gardens, and scenic waterfront views.
Whether you settle near Prospect Point, along the seawall, or find a quiet patch of grass beneath the trees, it's difficult to find a bad picnic location here.
Perfect for:
- Sunset picnics
- Cycling adventures
- Families
- Visitors exploring Vancouver
Local Tip: Visit early in the morning or later in the evening during summer weekends to avoid peak crowds.
Official information: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
2. Queen Elizabeth Park: Vancouver
Perched at the highest natural point in Vancouver, Queen Elizabeth Park combines beautifully maintained gardens with panoramic city views.
Bring a blanket and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by flowers while watching the mountains in the distance.
Ideal for:
- Date picnics
- Photography
- Quiet afternoons
3. Whytecliff Park: West Vancouver
Known for dramatic coastal scenery and marine wildlife, Whytecliff Park feels like a hidden escape only minutes from the city.
If you're lucky, you might even spot seals or seabirds while enjoying lunch by the ocean.
Perfect for:
- Ocean lovers
- Couples
- Sunset views
4. Golden Ears Provincial Park
Located just over an hour from Vancouver, Golden Ears Provincial Park offers forests, lakes, beaches, hiking trails, and plenty of picnic areas.
It's an ideal destination if you're looking to combine outdoor adventure with a relaxing afternoon by the water.
Whether you spend the morning hiking or simply enjoying the scenery, it's the kind of place where slowing down comes naturally.
Official BC Parks page:
https://bcparks.ca/golden-ears-park/
5. Alice Lake Provincial Park
Near Squamish, Alice Lake is surrounded by lush forests and mountain views that feel straight out of a postcard.
With swimming areas, walking trails, and shaded picnic tables, it's an easy day trip for families or anyone wanting to escape the city.
Official BC Parks page:
https://bcparks.ca/alice-lake-park/
6. Third Beach: Vancouver
Tucked away on the western side of Stanley Park, Third Beach feels surprisingly peaceful for a spot so close to downtown Vancouver. Surrounded by trees and facing English Bay, it's especially beautiful as the afternoon turns into evening.
Bring dinner, spread out a blanket, and stay for the sunset; the City of Vancouver even highlights sunset watching as one of the beach's attractions.
Perfect for:
- Sunset picnics
- Date nights
- After-work hangs
- Slow summer evenings
🍫 Chocolate Tip: Keep your Zazubean bar in your cooler during the day and bring it out when the sun starts going down.
Official Third Beach information
7. Kitsilano Beach: Vancouver
If there's one place that captures a classic Vancouver summer afternoon, Kits Beach might be it.
With views across English Bay, green spaces for spreading out a blanket, and plenty happening around you, it's an easy choice for a casual picnic with friends. The park also offers amenities including washrooms, a concession, playground, basketball courts and tennis courts.
Perfect for:
- Picnics with friends
- Beach days
- People watching
- An easy after-work escape
Official Kitsilano Beach information
8. Locarno Beach: Vancouver
For something a little quieter, head west to Locarno Beach.
It's designated as a quiet beach, meaning amplified sound isn't permitted, making it a lovely spot for reading, talking, or simply listening to the water. There are picnic tables, sandy shoreline, washrooms and plenty of trees nearby.
Perfect for:
- Quiet dates
- Reading in the sunshine
- Solo picnics
- Slow afternoons
🍫 Chocolate Tip: A book, something cold to drink, and a chocolate bar you don't have to share. That's the picnic.
Official Locarno Beach information
9. Spanish Banks: Vancouver
Spanish Banks is made for those summer afternoons when nobody is in a hurry to go home.
With a long stretch of shoreline and incredible views across English Bay toward downtown and the mountains, there's plenty of room for bigger groups, games, and long picnic-table conversations. At low tide, the shoreline stretches dramatically outward, creating one of Vancouver's most recognizable beach landscapes.
Perfect for:
- Groups of friends
- Long beach days
- Beach volleyball
- Sunset picnics
🍫 Chocolate Tip: Bring a few different bars, break them into pieces, and turn dessert into an unofficial chocolate tasting.
Official Spanish Banks information
10. Ambleside Park: West Vancouver
Ambleside gives you a little bit of everything: beach, waterfront paths, views toward Vancouver, and the mountains behind you.
The park includes a sandy beach and swimming area alongside playgrounds, sports facilities and waterfront recreation, making it particularly easy for families or groups who want to do more than just sit on a blanket.
Perfect for:
- Families
- North Shore adventures
- Beach walks
- Active afternoons
🍫 Chocolate Tip: Save a few squares for a waterfront walk after your picnic.
Official Ambleside Park information
11. Buntzen Lake: Anmore
For those days when you want your picnic to feel like a mini getaway, Buntzen Lake is a beautiful option.
Surrounded by forest and mountain scenery, the recreation area offers picnic areas, beaches, trails and swimming opportunities. It's a great place to turn lunch into an entire summer day outdoors.
Perfect for:
- Day trips
- Swimming
- Hiking + picnics
- Groups of friends
Local Tip: Buntzen Lake can have seasonal access and parking requirements, so always check current visitor information before leaving home.
12. Rocky Point Park: Port Moody
Rocky Point is an easy choice when you want beautiful waterfront scenery without planning a full-day road trip.
Located at the eastern end of Burrard Inlet, the park offers waterfront views, trails, picnic areas and plenty of space to spend a relaxed summer afternoon.
It's also a fun option when your ideal picnic involves a walk before or after eating.
Perfect for:
- Casual weekend picnics
- Families
- Waterfront walks
- Meeting friends
🍫 Chocolate Tip: Grab your favourite Zazubean bar before you arrive and save it for that post-walk chocolate moment.
Forgot the Chocolate?
We've all been there: blanket packed, sunscreen packed, snacks packed... chocolate sitting at home.
Luckily, you can find Zazubean at retailers across BC. Pick up your favourite bar on the way to your picnic spot; or plan ahead and order online before your next summer adventure. 🍫
Because no picnic should suffer from a chocolate emergency.
A Simple Reminder: Leave Nature Better Than You Found It
One of the best ways we can show appreciation for British Columbia's incredible landscapes is by helping protect them.
A few easy habits make a big difference:
- Pack reusable containers and water bottles.
- Take all garbage home if bins are full.
- Stay on designated trails.
- Respect wildlife by keeping a safe distance.
- Avoid feeding animals.
- Leave flowers, rocks, and plants where you found them.
These simple practices align with the internationally recognized Leave No Trace principles that help preserve outdoor spaces for future generations.
Little Chocolate Moment
Some memories are built around grand adventures.
Others begin with a blanket, fresh fruit, and a piece of really good chocolate shared with someone you love.
At Zazubean, we believe chocolate isn't just dessert; it has a way of becoming part of life's smallest, happiest moments.
Whether you're celebrating a birthday, a road trip, or simply a sunny afternoon, bringing along a thoughtfully made chocolate bar is one small way to make the moment feel a little more special.
References (APA 7)
Twohig-Bennett, C., & Jones, A. (2018). The health benefits of the great outdoors: A systematic review and meta-analysis of greenspace exposure and health outcomes. Environmental Research, 166, 628–637. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.030
BC Parks. (n.d.). Golden Ears Park. https://bcparks.ca/golden-ears-park/
BC Parks. (n.d.). Alice Lake Park. https://bcparks.ca/alice-lake-park/
City of Vancouver. (n.d.). Stanley Park. https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
City of Vancouver. (n.d.). Queen Elizabeth Park. https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx
District of West Vancouver. (n.d.). Whytecliff Park. https://westvancouver.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/whytecliff-park
