Summer is here. Picnics are one of the most entertaining and heart-warming activities that you can enjoy with your friends and family. Nothing compares with the blissful joy that comes from sitting on lush green grass, breathing in fresh air, eating homemade sandwiches, and appreciating the company of your loved ones. This summertime, indulge in a tranquil picnic experience in the best parks in Canada.
In this article, we have short-listed the best picnic spots for you that offer gorgeous scenery, endless recreational diversions such as walking, cycling, etc., and a serene atmosphere. Therefore, pack your picnic essentials right away and check out the best parks in Canada to have a picnic.
Table Of Contents
- 1. Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
- 2. High Park, Toronto, Ontario
- 3. Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Alberta
- 4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
- 5. Parc Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, Quebec
- 6. Fitzroy Provincial Park, Ontario
- 7. Riverside Park, Canmore, Alberta
- 8. Trinity Bellwoods Park Toronto, Ontario
- 9. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
- 10. Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Pointe-du-Chene, New Brunswick
- Conclusion:
1. Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC
First on the list, we have Stanley Park in Vancouver, BC, Canada. Also termed the ”crown jewel” of Vancouver, it is the largest and most beloved destination for locals and tourists who visit Canada. This urban park extends over 1000+ acres of land and is surrounded by the scenic views of Burrard Inlet and English Bay.
The Stanley Park is open to the public from 6 am to 10 pm. Besides visiting the attractions, you can also enjoy delicious food in the three full-service restaurants situated in the park.
Stanley Park offers a lot to visitors. Here is a list of things you can do on your visit to the Stanley Park:
- Cycle, jog, or walk along the seawall, offering breathtaking ocean views
- Visit the Vancouver Aquarium, which is Canada’s largest aquarium and home to over 50,000 marine animals.
- Take a tour of the First Nations Totem Poles, offering insight into native art and culture. It is the most visited attraction in the entirety of Canada!
- Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at The Stanley Park Rose Garden.
- You can observe various bird species at Lost Lagoon, making it a popular spot for bird-watching.
- Take a stroll around the Brockton Point Lighthouse, which has been standing since 1914 and offers a glance into the Park’s Maritime Heritage.
- Take the 15-minute ride on the miniature train to appreciate the wilderness fully.
Location: Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Contact: +1 604-681-6782
Website: Visit here to learn more about the Stanley Park
2. High Park, Toronto, Ontario
High Park is Toronto’s second-largest municipal park, and it spans over 400 acres of land. Located in the west of downtown Toronto, this park is easily accessible by public transport. It has been the go-to picnic destination for the locals since 1876.
It offers visitors more than just natural beauty; it offers recreational amenities such as a zoo, educational facilities, a sports complex, and playgrounds for youngsters. High Park Toronto is the best one-stop picnic spot featuring outdoor pools, eateries, enchanting lakefront views, a dog park, and gardens for family picnics.
After a picnic, here are some enjoyable activities you can try out at High Park:
- Take your little ones to the High Park Zoo.
- With a permit from park authorities, you can fish in the Grenadier Pond while enjoying the mesmerizing views of the waterfront.
- Admire the cherry blossoms if you visit during the blooming season.
- Visit the Jamie Bell Adventure Park, the biggest outdoor play area in Ontario.
High Park is the perfect summer getaway destination. The park is packed with endless activities that entertain people of all age groups. When you are putting together a family picnic, be sure to include a visit to High Park on your itinerary!
Location: 1873 Bloor St W Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Contact: parks@toronto.ca
Website: Visit here for more information on High Park, Toronto.
3. Prince’s Island Park, Calgary, Alberta
Number three on our list of the best parks to have a picnic in Canada is Prince Prince’s Island Park. Located in the north of downtown Calgary on an Island on the Bow River, it has been a highly used public park in Calgary since its opening in the 1950s. Classified as an urban oasis, Prince Prince’s Island Park holds many significant festivals throughout the year, such as the Canada Day celebration and the Calgary Folk Festival.
Thanks to its prime location, the park offers many picnic spots in well-manicured gardens with natural shade and waterfront views. You can also take pleasure in biking and strolling through the gardens.
Location: Prince’s Island Park
Contact: 403-268-CITY (2489)
Website: Visit here for more details about the park
4. Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Gros Morne National Park, located on the west coast of Newfoundland, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park showcases a variety of breathtaking landscapes of beaches, glacial-carved rivers, tablelands, coves, barren cliffs, freshwater fjord, and forests. It features a distinctive geological phenomenon that took place almost a million years ago.
When visiting the Gros Morne National Park for a picnic, make sure to plan a hike and discover the never-ending trails that unfold throughout the region, and walk around the dense forests to explore rare plant, animal, and bird species.
Embarking on a picnic in the Gros Morne National Park, along with a hike and a unique piece of exposed earth mantle, is the ideal adventure to enjoy this season with your friends.
Location: Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland
Contact: Telephone: (709) 458-2417
Website: Visit the official website for more details
5. Parc Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, Quebec
Situated in one of Canada’s most ancient cities, Montreal, Parc Jeanne-Mance is one of the best parks that offer great picnic spots. This urban park is the third-largest Park in Montreal, Quebec, and is highly visited by people during the summertime as all the landmarks are open to the public. The tranquil and peaceful ambiance and diverse cultural and sporting activities make it the ideal summer getaway destination. Only minutes away from downtown Montreal, it is a must-visit park because it caters to all sorts of interests.
Here are some fun things to do during your visit to Parc Jeanne-Mance:
- Savor homemade egg sandwiches, fresh fruit, and refreshing lemonade with your friends or family in the beautiful park
- Take a stroll along the walking trails
- Play exciting and rejuvenating sports such as frisbee, tennis, volleyball, or soccer.
- Enjoy a quick swim in the aquatic complex
- Enjoy water activities such as canoeing and kayaking
Location: Parc Jeanne-Mance, Montreal, Quebec
Contact: 514-872-0311
Website: Visit here for more information about the park
6. Fitzroy Provincial Park, Ontario
Fitzroy Provincial Park, situated at the junction of the Carp River and Ottawa River, is a hidden gem. It is an hour’s drive away from the country’s capital, Ottawa. The scenic beauty of the park makes it one of the best picnic destinations. The major area of the park is covered with majestic white pine trees because it is home to a century-old white pine forest.
Fitzroy Provincial Park, located by Fitzroy Harbor in Ontario, is a great family park where you can enjoy a relaxing summer picnic along with other recreational activities such as camping, swimming, hiking, and visiting the beach. Furthermore, the park also offers excellent fishing opportunities in the mighty Ottawa River. A visit to the Fitzroy Provincial Park is the ideal summer escape as it offers a plethora of activities to enjoy.
Location: Fitzroy Provincial Park
Contact: 613-623-5159
Website: Visit here for more information
7. Riverside Park, Canmore, Alberta
Riverside Park in Canmore, Alberta, is located alongside the banks of the infamous Bow River, offering outstanding views of pristine waters. It is a famous outdoor picnic destination for families as it provides stunning natural scenery and quiet surroundings. Furthermore, it is a hotspot for proposals and getting married. It gets even better because the park also boasts views of the Rundle Range, Ha Ling Peak, and the Three Sisters. In addition to everything, the park offers basic amenities such as parking spaces, benches, and restrooms.
Fun things to do in the Riverside Park:
- Take a swim in the river
- Walk your dog
- People watch
- Take a stroll along the water
- Soak up the sun while relaxing on the green meadows as the water flows gently.
The next time you look for the best park to have a picnic in Canada, you know where to go. Pack your picnic basket and a camera along with you to enjoy the spectacular views of Riverside Park, creating memories that will last forever.
Location: Riverside Park, Canmore, Alberta
Contact: +1 403-410-1400
Website: Visit here for more information
8. Trinity Bellwoods Park Toronto, Ontario
Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Trinity Bellwoods Park is a vibrant urban park equipped with both natural beauty and fun recreational facilities. It covers 38 acres of land in the Queen Street West neighborhood of Toronto, making it easily accessible by public transportation.
The park has so much to offer to visitors, such as volleyball courts, a leash-free area for dogs, tennis courts, softball fields, playgrounds, and designated picnic sites. The Trinity Bellwoods Park is a hotspot for the Torontonians when the weather gets warmer, presenting the best sort of social gathering. Be sure to keep watch for rare white squirrels, as the park is home to them!
Here is a list of things you should do when you visit Trinity Bellwoods Park for a picnic:
- Dog Walking
- Play a sport
- Visit a cultural event, festival, or a market
- Relax under a tree, away from the hustle and bustle of the city
- Take your children to the playgrounds, which are equipped with swings and slides
Location: Trinity Bellwoods Park, Toronto, Ontario
Contact: 416-392-2489
Website: Visit here for more information
9. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a park situated in Nova Scotia and is the true manifestation of natural scenic beauty. Located on Cape Breton Island, this park is renowned for its enchanting landscapes featuring the worldwide Cabot trail, dramatic coastal cliffs, dense and lush green forests, and a variety of fauna and flora. Its captivating beauty and picturesque surroundings make it the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Cape Breton Highlands National Park offers a wide range of activities such as:
- Hiking: The Park has 26 different trails to offer, ranging from easy strolls to intense climbing. However, each of them ends with an enchanting view.
- Swimming: The Cape Breton Highlands National Park has several beaches. So make sure to take a plunge into the fresh waters!
- Camping: There are more than eight designated camping grounds in the park.
- Red chairs: The red chairs at the Cape Breton Highlands National Park are the infamous spot for pictures. So make sure to snap yourself at the red chairs!
- Sightseeing along the Cabot trail: This trail offers excellent views of Atlantic Canada.
Location: Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Contact: 902-224-2306
Website: Visit here for more information
10. Parlee Beach Provincial Park, Pointe-du-Chene, New Brunswick
Parlee Beach Provincial Park, located in Pointe-du-Chene, New Brunswick, Canada, is one of the finest parks in Canada that offers the best of the two worlds: luscious green grass and a beach with warm salt water. The Parlee Beach Provincial is one of the best picnic spots in Canada as it offers multiple activities ranging from sports to swimming in salt water to fun contests.
The park is open from 8 am to 10 pm during the summer months. The Parlee Beach Provincial Park is a wonderful picnic spot for families, friends, couples, and tourists, as it offers so much to do.
The park includes the following facilities:
- Designated campsites
- Full-service restaurants
- Restrooms
- A playground with swings and slides
- A canteen
Furthermore, the park also hosts various vibrant festivals and programs throughout the summertime, so be sure to plan a recreational picnic with your loved ones at Parlee Beach Provincial Park.
Location: Parlee Beach Provincial Park
Contact: parlee.beach@gnb.ca
Website: Visit here for more information
Conclusion:
From the above discussion, it is evident that Canada has an abundance of natural beauty and recreational activities that align with everyone’s preferences. The spectacular scenery of Canada, along with its diverse wildlife, extends even into urban centers, making every park an ideal picnic spot! The parks, as mentioned earlier, cater to all sorts of individuals. Hence, if you are a local or a tourist intending to visit Canada soon, be sure to include a leisurely picnic in one of the parks mentioned above.
