Hastings Park is a 64-hectare (about 160-acre) public park and event grounds at 2901 E Hastings St in Vancouver‘s Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood, home to the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), Playland amusement park, Hastings Racecourse and a mix of gardens, sports fields and a skatepark. The land was set aside for public use in 1889, and the PNE fair has run here since 1910. Travellers come for summer rides, the late-summer Fair and free green space with North Shore mountain views.
What to Expect at Hastings Park
The park mixes event venues with restored open space. On the east side, Playland operates seasonally and is known for its 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster, one of the oldest operating coasters in North America. Nearby stand the Pacific Coliseum, the former home of the Vancouver Canucks and a 2010 Winter Olympics venue, and Hastings Racecourse, where thoroughbred racing dates to the 1890s.
Away from the rides, a restoration program begun in the late 1990s turned asphalt into green space. The Hastings Park Sanctuary has a pond, a creek and native plantings that attract herons and ducks. The Italian Garden has lawns, bocce courts and playful water features. Empire Fields marks the site of Empire Stadium, where Roger Bannister and John Landy ran the 1954 “Miracle Mile.” Interpretive panels also mark the park’s role in 1942, when Japanese Canadians were detained here before being sent to internment camps.
- Playland: Seasonal amusement park with the 1958 Wooden Roller Coaster and family rides.
- The Fair at the PNE: A late-August to Labour Day fair with concerts, food stalls and agricultural barns.
- Hastings Skatepark: Free concrete bowls and street features for skateboarders and BMX riders.
- Sanctuary Pond: Quiet loop path with wildlife viewing and native plants.
- Italian Garden: Bocce courts, lawns and splash features for kids.
Hastings Park at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 2901 E Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V5K 5J1 |
| Neighborhood / Area | Hastings-Sunrise, East Vancouver |
| Operating Hours | Daily 9AM-8PM; Playland and PNE events follow their own seasonal schedules |
| Admission / Price Range | Park grounds free; Playland and Fair require paid tickets ($$) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 1 to 2 hours for the park; 4 to 6 hours for Playland or the Fair |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | R5 Hastings RapidBus and route 14 on E Hastings St; paid on-site lots |
| Official Website & Phone | vancouver.ca, +1 604-873-7000 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
For Playland or the Fair, arrive at opening time and buy tickets online to skip gate lines. Weekday mornings are the calmest. The R5 Hastings RapidBus from downtown stops at Renfrew Street, right at the park’s edge. Parking fills quickly and rates rise on event days, so transit is the better choice during the Fair and Coliseum concerts.
Most of the paths are paved and fairly flat, and the Sanctuary loop works well for wheelchairs and strollers. Expect some gentle slopes near Empire Fields. Restrooms are near the main venues. After your visit, walk about 10 minutes north over the rail overpass to New Brighton Park, which has a seasonal outdoor pool on Burrard Inlet. You can also head west along East Hastings Street for neighbourhood cafes and pho shops.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Hastings Park open and when should I go?
The grounds are listed as open daily from 9AM to 8PM. Summer is the best time to visit, when Playland runs and the PNE Fair takes over from late August to Labour Day.
Does Hastings Park charge admission?
Walking the park, gardens and skatepark is free. Playland, the Fair, races and Coliseum events are ticketed, so check the official website for current prices.
How much time should I budget?
Allow an hour or two for a park stroll. Plan for a half day or more if you are riding at Playland or attending the Fair.
Is Hastings Park good for families and wheelchair users?
Yes. Playgrounds, the Italian Garden splash features and kid-friendly rides suit families. Paved, mostly level paths make the Sanctuary and gardens easy to navigate with wheelchairs or strollers.
When planning your Vancouver travel guide or comparing verified attractions and parks in Vancouver, pair this stop with standout local spots including AnnaLena, Library Square Tower Shops & Food, Comfort Inn & Suites Vancouver Downtown City Center, and John Hendry Park (Trout Lake Park) (3.7 km away).
