One of my favourite things to do when the weather is nice is pack up a cooler of good food and drinks, load up my kids and find somewhere to head for a day full of sunshine & exploring. I’ve put together a list of ten amazing picnic spots for you to check out this summer.
1. Bridal Falls Provincial Park – Chilliwack
Just a short trek up the freeway, Bridal Veil Falls is an awesome day trip. There’s a couple of short hikes and a breathtaking waterfall, and a day-use area with picnic tables and bathrooms. Perfect for a picnic on a hot summer day.
2. Fraser River Heritage Park – Mission
Walking trails, beautiful scenic views and all sorts of fun events throughout the year, Heritage Park in Mission is a great place to have some lunch and kick a ball around, lay on a blanket and soak up some sun, or even check out the restaurant on the park grounds – Blackberry Kitchen.
3. Fort Langley/Derby Reach
My favourite place to ride my bike! I can’t wait to load my kids into the bike-trailer this summer to hit the trail that runs along the river. We like to stop at the playground, check out the shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and even ice-cream shops around Fort Langley. Then we cruise along the trail to Derby Reach to throw some rocks in the water and refuel with some snacks before we head back to Fort Langley for the rest of the day.
4. White Rock Beach
The best picnic is always a beach picnic. You don’t even have to pack anything for a picnic at White Rock beach because of the endless fish & chips stands on the strip. There are few things as satisfying as fish and chips on the ocean front! When the tide is out, you can spend the rest of the day playing in the sand, and come back in for ice-cream at the end of the day.
5. Golden Ears Provincial Park
Picnic tables, lake views, lush trees, camping, boating; you can do it all at Golden Ears Park. This park is amazing and beautiful; and since it’s located in Maple Ridge, it’s super accessible for a short day trip picnic.
6. Mill Lake Park – Abbotsford
This little gem is right in the middle of Abbotsford and provides the perfect setting for a picnic – especially if you have kids. Three playgrounds, a waterpark, bathrooms, centrally located to amenities, it will keep you happily entertained all afternoon. Pack a sun shade though – it gets super hot in the summer and although there are some trees in the park, I find the shady spots get taken really early!
7. Aldergrove Regional Park
Walking trails and horseback riding trails, and a picnic gazebo, this park is great for a picnic. The trails are beautiful and the marsh area is a special home for frogs, fish and even a couple of beavers. There’s a beautiful picnic area to kick back and relax after a stroll through the trails.
8. Harrison Hot Springs
The lake front at Harrison is perfect in the summertime. Restaurants, coffee shops, and ice-cream are waiting for you while you stroll the strip or set up a blanket on the beach and enjoy the views. It’s a popular destination in the summer and gets a little busy; but make it a day trip and even rent a pedal-boat. We’re lucky to have this little resort town so close to home.
9. Bear Creek Park – Surrey
Another centrally located park, Bear Creek Park in Surrey offers playgrounds, a waterpark, bathrooms, a running track and there’s even a miniature train. There are some covered picnic tables and tons of room to lay out a blanket in the sun.
10. Cultus Lake Main Beach – Chilliwack
Picnic gazebos, paddle board rentals, ice-cream and pizza, Main Beach at Cultus has you covered for a fun-filled picnic day. Perfect for swimming, too!
It’s April now but I’m dreaming of summer days. Why not make a summer-time bucket list and check out every park I’ve mentioned? There’s something unique about each and every park – and we’re so lucky to live in such an amazing place. Get out there and experience it.
