5 Picnic Spots in Metro Vancouver
byIt was a gloriously (rare) sunny weekend in April when John and I hopped into the Ford Fusion Energi to go on an adventure. First stop, the farmers market for picnic provisions. Next stop, a local park with trails, streams, and a spot to eat our locally-acquired lunch.
I recently had the opportunity to take the Ford Energi Fusion for a spin. It’s a hybrid you can also plug in to to charge like a full EV and there’s also regenerative braking, which means I love watching the battery power tick up when I brake or coast down hills.
Apple CarPlay engaged when I plugged in my phone, switching from Ford’s SYNC system, which was very handy, and every time you parked the car and turned off the engine the system would thank you for driving a hybrid and tell you how long it would take to return to a full charge. How polite!
We decided that this green machine would lead us to an afternoon in nature and it also inspired me to pick out 5 Picnic Spots in Metro Vancouver:
Belcarra Regional Park
Forested trails, rocky beaches and mountain views. Trails range from easy to challenging for hikers, cyclists and horseback riders. The rocky shores are home to a rich variety of marine life and there are great photo ops and views from the pier. Nearby Sasamat Lake is also popular.
- Stock up at the Poirier Street Market on Sundays.
Campbell Valley Regional Park
Grassland vistas, forest boardwalks, and wetlands make this regional park great habitat for wildlife, from songbirds to salmon to squirrels and more.
- Fuel up at the Langley Farm Market, or the legendary Krause Berry Farms.
Forest, marsh and rocky outcrops make this regional park a gem to explore any time of year. The network of quiet trails are great places to hike and watch for wildlife.
- Hop over to Hopcott Market & Bistro.
Derby Reach Regional Park
Located on the banks of the Fraser River, the day use areas have picnic tables and washrooms. Explore the riverside, historic buildings, and heritage apple trees.
- Shop the Fort Langley Farmers Market on Saturdays.
Set up at Centennial Beach or take to the wide open Dyke Trail with its big views. Within the Pacific Flyway, this regional park is also a mecca for birds (and birders).
- Check out Farmers Market Sundays in Ladner Village or visit Westham Island Herb Farm.
Related Posts: Metro Vancouver Park Series, 5 Staycations Around Metro Vancouver »
