Archie MontroseWE LOVE urban parks. Every time we discover a new one, our spirits lift, and our stress melts away like ice on a hot day. And before we know it, we’ve explored every trail, corner, and hidden nook!
Today, we’re talking about David Lam Park. This urban oasis is a place to relax and have that much-needed break from the hustle and bustle.
So, for those of you seeking a perfect blend of nature and city life, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about David Lam Park, based on our delightful experiences.
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit David Lam Park is from March to May and from September to November. During this time, the weather is mild, making it perfect for exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
Parking at David Lam Park
Paid parking is available on David Lam Park. However, it does fill up quickly so make sure to come here early.
Alternatively, there’s paid meter parking nearby and some that offer free two-hour parking (limited slots).
Why is it called David Lam Park?
David Lam Park is named after BC Lieutenant Governor David Lam. He was an immigrant from Hong Kong, and moved to Vancouver in 1967.
David Lam is a big deal because of his contributions to the city’s real estate development. He developed properties in the city using Hongkong money as investment capital.
In 1975, he established his own real estate firm and brought Hong Kong investors to Vancouver. Lam strengthened the city’s ties with Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo and other major Asian countries.
Today, David Lam Park in Vancouver offers stunning waterfront views, lush greenery, and ample recreational space.
It’s a cherished urban oasis for locals and tourists alike, providing a serene escape, community events, and outdoor activities, making it a vital part of the city’s cultural and social fabric.
How to Get to David Lam Park
By car: from W Georgia Street, turn right on Cambie and a left on Drake Street to get to the park.
By Skytrain: board any Skytrain station and get off at Yaletown-Roundhouse. From there, the park is a 4-minute walk away.
Where to Stay near David Lam Park
The Parker Hotel
Address: 1379 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2R5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-7678
Pricing: $$
Just minutes from David Lam Park, the Parker Hotel is a lovely four-star, wine-themed hotel conveniently situated in downtown Vancouver on a major transit route, including NightBus service.
The hotel features an elegant restaurant, a fitness center on the 9th floor, a garden and an outdoor Jacuzzi. Free amenities include downtown shuttles, transportation to the cruise ship terminals, and evening wine receptions.
Quality Inn & Suites
Address: 1221 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1B6, Canada
Phone: +1 778-907-2918
Pricing: $$
Tucked in the Granville Entertainment District, Quality Inn & Suites is surrounded by restaurants and entertainment options, making it a bustling area.
The hotel offers safe underground parking for your vehicle, but you won’t need it as everything is within walking distance. There’s a fabulous coffee machine in the lobby and complimentary breakfast.
Hotel Ambassador
Address: 1212 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1M4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-687-8294
Pricing: $$
With an excellent location at the heart of the action, this stylish boutique hotel offers unmatched convenience.
Surrounded by numerous restaurants, Starbucks, nightclubs, beaches, a SkyTrain station, and entertainment venues, it’s in the middle of everything.
The hotel features a bar and grill showing televised sports, a communal kitchen with a microwave, and a living room with a flat-screen TV.
Level
Address: 1333 Howe St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 1R7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-343-3660
Pricing: $$$
Located in central downtown Vancouver’s trendy Yaletown area, Level Vancouver offers contemporary living in its 188 fully furnished suites.
Amenities include a rooftop pool and hot tub, meeting and event spaces, and a professional 24-hour concierge. Additionally, there are grocery stores nearby and plenty of dining options within walking distance.
Best Western Premier
Address: 1100 Granville St, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2B6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-7070
Pricing: $
Best Western Premier is a polished downtown hotel housed in a modern 14-storey building, just a 3-minute walk from David Lam Park.
The rooms are beautifully appointed, featuring spacious balconies. Given the lively downtown location, earplugs are recommended as the area remains active until around 3 am.
Underground parking is available at $32.50 per night, which is comparable to other options in the area.
Where to Eat near David Lam Park
Alchemy Bar and Kitchen
Address: 1269 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-428-3232
Pricing: $$
Alchemy Bar and Kitchen is a lively bar and kitchen located in Yaletown, known for its delicious cuisine and handcrafted cocktails.
Their menu offers a diverse selection of dishes, but one standout recommendation is the Alchemy Burger – it’s absolutely scrumptious, juicy, and incredibly satisfying.
Paratha 2 Pasta (P2P)
Address: 1257 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-2426
Pricing: $$
Located in the heart of Yaletown, Paratha2Pasta combines the flavors of Indian and Italian cuisine seamlessly.
We sampled their club sandwich, which was amazing, as well as their veg Thali, loaded nachos, poori bhaji, aloo burger, and a variety of paranthas with paneer, cheese, and aloo. Their drinks and shakes were also superb.
Zab Zaab Thai Cuisine
Address: 1211 Hamilton St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6K3, Canada
Phone: +1 604-413-6999
Pricing: $
Zab Zaab Thai Cuisine offers authentic Thai dishes with a spectrum of spice levels tailored to your preference. They accommodate substitutions with ease.
The chicken satay is tender and juicy, while the calamari is crispy and generously portioned. Their Penang curry strikes a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess, and the eggplant with beef combines just the right amount of spice and sweetness.
Steve’s Poké Bar
Address: 1199 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6B 5T6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-1146
Pricing: $$
The poke at Steve’s Yaletown is incredibly fresh and delicious! They offer a wide variety of poke bowls, which we love.
Their ‘tasting menu’ style poke includes a generous amount of each protein option and allows you to choose four toppings. It also comes with two drinks. Our favorites are consistently the spicy scallop and spicy salmon options.
Kaide Sushi Bar
Address: 1375 Richards St, Vancouver, BC V6B 6M6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-5886
Pricing: $$
Kaide Sushi on Richard Street is renowned for its extensive selection of fresh and delectable sushi. The quality of the fish is consistently high, and each dish is presented impeccably.
While the menu isn’t overly large, it caters to all tastes. They offer a great selection of imported drinks and feature plenty of specials. The unagi don and scallop maki were particularly delicious options we enjoyed.
What to Do in David Lam Park
Walk along the Seawall
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David Lam Park is a perfect spot to explore the Seawall. It’s right on the False Creek Seawall—perfect for strolling or biking.
You have options here: go North and drop by the famous Stanley Park, go the opposite route and find yourself in Science World, Olympic Village, Granville Island, and many more!
If you’re walking, hiking, or biking the seawall in this part of Vancouver, you’ll probably want to take some breaks. This spot is perfect for that!
Enjoy the Open Space!
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David Lam Park really stands out as a greenspace nestled between the glass and concrete jungle. The large, green lawn is exceptionally maintained, making it perfect for all sorts of activities.
You can have a picnic, play frisbee, or just relax and enjoy the fresh air. The park also offers stunning views of False Creek and the surrounding cityscape, making it a perfect spot for taking photos or simply admiring the scenery.
Attend the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival
One of the events that take place here is the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival, which happens on April 1st. This celebration of light pink blossoms is held in various parts of the city.
It welcomes everyone to join in for a day of music, dancing, and activities like origami and painting workshops, along with sushi catering.
There’s also the “Big Picnic” where people bring their families, friends, picnics, and something to sit on to enjoy an afternoon of live entertainment and cherry blossom viewing.
Vibe at the Vancouver Jazz Festival
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Another festival that takes place here at David Lam Park is the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. This festival holds concerts at various venues each year, and David Lam Park is usually one of them.
It’s got a large outdoor stage set up for musicians to play on, and it features a series of free concerts over the Canada Day long weekend. The free concerts are awesome! If you like jazz, you’ll definitely want to check out the ticketed events, too.
Take in the Views
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This is a wonderful place to enjoy a great 360-degree view of Vancouver. On one side, the glass towers of downtown Yaletown tower over the peaceful greenery and beautiful blossoms of David Lam Park.
On the other side, you can admire the stunning False Creek, where you’ll see energetic rowers on the water and runners and cyclists on the boardwalks.
Have a Drink
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Yes, you read that right. You can enjoy a drink here at David Lam Park! The park was part of the “Alcohol in Parks” program back in 2021, which returned in 2022 because, well, it was successful!
Note that there are designated areas within the park where alcohol consumption is allowed, so make sure to check for signage or ask park staff for guidance.
Remember to drink responsibly and respect the rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Apps to Download for a Trip to David Lam Park
Vancouver Transit Live: real time schedule of Vancouver BC’s TransLink buses.
Uber: book a ride anywhere in Vancouver, lets you track the driver’s location in real-time on the app and provide an estimated time of arrival.
iOs | Android
PayByPhone: pay for parking spots in the city.
GPSmyCity: Self-guided walks over 1,000 cities in Vancouver, with built-in GPS navigation functions. Works both online and offline.
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