Sampling some of Vancouver’s many parks

by Keith and Heather Nicol

       Over the last week of March the weather in Vancouver was stellar for taking in the city’s great parks. With temperatures into the mid teens with sunny skies, it was an ideal time to explore “nature in the city”. We had time to sample just a few locations but recommend the Lost Lagoon area of Stanley Park for anyone interested in viewing waterfowl and other bird life. We have walked the short loop around the Lagoon on two other occasions over the past 3 months and have seen a great variety of ducks near shore. On our most recent visit on March 29th we saw 2 mute swans on a nest that seemed to have 3 eggs in it. We also saw several colourful wood ducks near the foot bridge on the western end of the lagoon. If you like birds check out this area on your next visit to Stanley Park. For more information see: http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx

Mute Swans on a nest with 3 eggs

    We also liked exploring Maplewood Conservation Area in North Vancouver. They have a few kilometers of trails on Burrard Inlet and we saw several species of ducks, a blue heron and some cormorants on our visit on March 30th. This area has a mix of habitats and they have a list of recently sited birds on one of buildings near the entry to the park. For more information see: http://vancouversnorthshore.com/things-to-do/parks/maplewood-conservation-area/.

Heather along the waterfront at Maplewood Conservation Area

  Another favorite park to visit is Queen Elizabeth Park where we were treated to lots of trees and spring flowers in bloom.  There are 2 sunken gardens with many of flower beds and the park provides splendid vistas of Vancouver with the snow capped North Shore Mountains in background. And like the previous 2 parks it is all free. There is also a restaurant and the Bloedel Floral Conservatory on site. For more information on this gem of a park see:  http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/queen-elizabeth-park.aspx  

The view from QE park with Vancouver and the snowy mountains behind