Drinking in Vancouver Parks – Alcohol in Parks Pilot

This summer, Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation has given the green light to enjoying a drink with friends or family in select parks across the city, with the new Alcohol in Parks Pilot.

Drinking in Vancouver Parks

From July 12 to October 11, 2021, drinking alcohol will be permitted between the hours of 11:00am and 9:00pm, within designated sites at the following 22 Vancouver parks:

Until the pilot ends, alcohol can only be legally consumed in these parks, within the permitted sites and times, as indicated on on-site signage. Each site was selected based on the following set of criteria:

• Equitable city-wide access
• Proximity to public washrooms and waste disposal facilities
• To eliminate overlap with essential park spaces

The Stanley Park location, for one, is conveniently located near the Stanley Park Brewery (which has a great take-out window with food and beer options).

The pilot also marks an opportunity for staff to test and monitor the impacts of permitting alcohol consumption in parks, seek feedback from users, and provide continued support to local businesses and communities, following lengthy COVID-19 restrictions. While the pilot is in effect, the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation will work with Park Rangers, Park Operations teams, local police, and the regional health authority to ensure each site is safe, properly managed, and well-maintained.

Alcohol can also be consumed at select public plazas across the city including Cambie St and 17th Ave; 800 Robson St (Robson Square); Fraser St and 27th Ave; Granville St and 13th Ave; Granville St and 14th Ave; Maple St and 4th Ave.

The city urges all those who imbibe to do so responsibly, be respectful of other park users, and dispose of waste correctly.