David Lam Park is a free waterfront park at 1300 Pacific Boulevard, at the foot of Drake Street in Vancouver‘s Yaletown neighbourhood on the north shore of False Creek. It opened in the 1990s as part of the redevelopment of the former Expo 86 and rail lands. The park is named for David See-Chai Lam, British Columbia’s 25th Lieutenant Governor, who served from 1988 to 1995. Visitors come for the seawall, the open lawns, the sport courts and the wide views of False Creek and the downtown towers.
What to Expect at David Lam Park
The park covers roughly 4.4 hectares. Its large central lawn slopes gently toward the Seaside Greenway, the seawall path that runs along False Creek. Walkers and joggers use the shoreline lane, and cyclists ride a separated lane. A quieter garden area with ponds, rock work and mature plantings sits on the eastern side. Benches face the water toward Granville Island, the Cambie Bridge and the Olympic Village across the creek.
Locals rely on the park’s active spaces, which include tennis courts, a basketball court and a fenced children’s playground. In summer, the lawn hosts free outdoor concerts and community events, including stages during the Vancouver International Jazz Festival. In spring, cherry trees and fresh green turf take over, and autumn brings golden foliage along the paths.
- Seaside Greenway: Flat, paved seawall with separate walking and cycling lanes that link to Stanley Park and Science World.
- Sport Courts: Free public tennis and basketball courts, available first come, first served.
- Playground: Climbing structures for young children, close to washrooms and shaded benches.
- Great Lawn: Wide open grass for picnics, frisbee and summer festival stages.
- Skyline Views: Sunset vantage points over False Creek, its ferries and the downtown towers.
David Lam Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1300 Pacific Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2Y1, Canada |
| Neighborhood / Area | Yaletown, Downtown Vancouver (north shore of False Creek) |
| Operating Hours | Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday |
| Admission / Price Range | Free |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Yaletown–Roundhouse Canada Line station (about 7 minutes on foot); False Creek ferry docks nearby; metered street parking on Pacific Blvd |
| Official Website & Phone | City of Vancouver Park Finder, +1 604-873-7000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Weekday mornings are calm and suit seawall walks. Clear evenings draw crowds for sunset, so arrive early to claim lawn space. On summer festival weekends, check the city’s event listings before you go. Take SkyTrain’s Canada Line to Yaletown–Roundhouse, then walk south along Davie Street to the water. Street parking is limited and metered, so transit or the small False Creek ferries are easier options.
The seawall and main paths are paved and level, which makes them easy for wheelchairs and strollers. Lawn areas can be soft after rain. Dogs must be leashed. A few minutes away, the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre displays the historic Engine 374. The patios of Hamilton and Mainland Streets are about a 10-minute walk, and a short ferry hop reaches Granville Island Public Market.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is David Lam Park open, and when should I go?
The park is open 24 hours a day. Golden hour and sunset give the best skyline light, and weekday mornings are the quietest.
Does David Lam Park cost anything?
No. Entry, the sport courts and most summer concerts are free. Court booking is not required.
How long should I spend there?
Plan on 1 to 2 hours for a picnic, playground time or a seawall stroll. Allow longer if you plan to walk or cycle the seawall onward to Science World or English Bay.
Is the park good for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. The playground, washrooms and flat paved paths suit children, strollers and wheelchairs. Grass areas may be uneven when wet.
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