The ultimate list of third spaces in Vancouver
A guide to places where you can exist without needing to spend much (or anything at all).
I decided to put this list together for two reasons.
When I moved to Vancouver five years ago, the third spaces in this city became my escape during very lonely times. With no family or close friends nearby, finding affordable places outside my tiny Downtown apartment and my office building became essential to my mental health. These spaces gave structure to my days and helped me feel part of a new community.
I want to inspire you to seek out and visit the third spaces near you. Cities can feel increasingly expensive and isolating, and I think we all need more spaces where we can just exist without the pressure to spend a lot of money. When communities actively use and advocate for places like libraries, parks, and community centres, they become much harder to remove or defund. Showing up regularly and being involved matters!
I hope this inspires you to make your own list in your city and to share it with your community.
My favorite third spaces in Vancouver ↓
Stanley Park: Top on the list because it is truly one of my favorite places in the world. The park is a preserved acreage of natural forest, with a stunning seawall, walking and biking trails, multiple gardens, and even a local beaver lake (see below). I don’t think locals really understand how special this space is in a busy city like this one.
Beaver Lake: My number one place to go and spot birds, and of course, the family of beavers <3 that lives in a very cute den. It’s one of the most peaceful places, and you forget that you are right in the city!
Queen Elizabeth Park: A quick train South of the city, and you find one of the most charming parks in Vancouver. The viewpoints make it ideal for a sunset walk or a picnic in its gardens.
Burnaby Central Park: A large urban forest in the Burnaby area with a pitch and putt golf course, tennis courts, an outdoor pool, jogging trails, a fitness circuit, and lots of children’s playground. Planning my next picnic here as we speak.
VanDusen Botanical Garden - Paid
Totally worth the modest fee. You can easily make a day of it and explore the entire garden, have a picnic, join one of the guided walks, or check out their library!Bloedel Conservatory - Small fee
Located in the heart of Queen Elizabeth Park, this conservatory is filled with tropical flora and fauna, including a collection of crazy, stunning orchids. It’s quite warm and humid inside, so it's one of my favorite date ideas during the fall and winter.Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden - Free
Another hidden gem in the middle of the city’s chaos. It features a koi pond and plenty of seating areas to relax and admire the Japanese maples.Stanley Park’s Rose Garden - Free
My go-to spot when I want to lie down like a lizard and spend the day sketching and smelling the roses!
Vancouver Public Library (Downtown Branch) - Free
I’ve expressed my love for our city library many times in my newsletter, and I won’t stop until everyone I know has a library card! My go-to place to work outside of my apartment, do research or read a book on the terrace on a sunny day. The Kitsilano and West End branches are also nice if you are looking for a more cozy vibe.Emily Carr University Library - Free
The Emily Carr Library is not only a very inspiring place to work, filled with natural light (and with a Nemesis coffee shop just outside!!!!), but it also houses a massive collection of art books available to the public. As if that weren’t cool enough, the Libby Leshgold Gallery is also located there and regularly features exhibitions by contemporary artists.
Hillcrest Community Centre & West End Community Centre - Small fee
Affordable access to gyms, saunas, lounges, and classes. Also, a super underrated place to meet people of different age groups.Second Beach Pool & Kitsilano Pool - Small fee
Always impressed to see how well-maintained the city pools are. Spots fill up quickly in the summer, so plan your trip!
Vancouver Art Gallery - Free on the first Friday of every month.
Contemporary Art Gallery - By donation
Museum of Vancouver - By donation on the first Sunday of every month.
Belkin Art Gallery - Free
Vancouver Maritime Museum - By donation on the first Sunday of every month.
Marianne and Edward Gibson Art Museum - Free
Vancouver Aquarium - Paid, but free once per year through the Leisure Access Program.
Granville Island Public Market - Free to wander around the market and the seawall.
Robson Square - Free
The Cinematheque - Free admission is always available for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples. They occasionally host free screenings and presentations. Complimentary tickets are provided to various local community groups and organizations for those who cannot afford admission. You can contact them directly to arrange this through their Equity & Accessibility page.
Farmers market - Free to wander around, chat with vendors and have a picnic at the park afterwards!
Neighbourhood plazas - Small outdoor public plazas are great spaces to take part in neighbourhood activities and hangout, read a book or people watch. They have spring and summer arts programming which is also super cool to be part of. One of my favorites is the 21st & Main Plaza.
Community gardens and city orchards - In Vancouver, there are more than 110 community gardens and orchards in City parks, on schoolyards, and on private property. This is a great way to be part of your community and make friends, while learning about taking care of the land and growing your own food!
Are you familiar with the third spaces in your community? How can you show up and be more involved in the programming this year?
Remember: Sharing access to free resources and third spaces is inherently anti-capitalist. Make a list of third spaces in your city and distribute it to your community.
I plan on keeping adding to this list throughout the year. If you are in Vancouver, let me know if you have a spot that you would like to see featured!
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Love,
Florencia
