Ravine Park — Attraction in Vancouver

This shaded and lush park winds through the lowest points of the Arbutus Ridge area. Embraced by a canopy of trees that climb the slopes of the ravine, this quiet walkway is an interesting and serene addition to a stroll through the neighbourhood.

Though everyone is appreciative and impressed with larger parcels of land that have been dedicated to park space, there are a multitude of diminutive parks whose unadorned realms are equally prized. Ravine Park, running practically parallel to Arbutus Street from West 33rd to 36th Avenues, is classified as undeveloped but this natural walkway is a lovely spot for a stroll or short-cut. Its small size feels larger with its banking shoulders swathed in native ferns and other ground covers. The paved pathway, formed at the convergence of the slopes, has long been the haunt of neighbourhood children during Vancouver’s infrequent snowstorms.

By far the best time to explore this leafy and evergreen glade is in the spring, when native flowering cherry trees arch over the ravine in search of more sun, making a pink arbor of petals in light breezes. At the 33rd Avenue entrance to Ravine Park, skunk cabbages, thriving in late spring in their boggy conditions, expose the fact that this site is one of Vancouver’s original streams.

Long culverted, the sharp-of-hearing can detect the sound of water rushing beneath the pathway’s surface. At the turn of the 20th Century Vancouver’s many natural streams bore a wealth of salmon and trout. The waterway running down Ravine Park was called MacDonald Stream with its headwaters originating in the swampy area where Kerrisdale Arena now sits at West 40th Avenue and East Boulevard. MacDonald Stream met the salty sea at English Bay just west of Bayswater Street.

“What is now the asphalt grid of the City of Vancouver was mainly hemlock forest a century ago. And it is hard to imagine the acres of marsh that fed the steadily flowing streams. It’s hard to imagine the streams- overhung with ferns, salmonberry, vine maple and littered windfalls- that rewarded the bushwhacking pioneer fisherman.”*

A favourite park when Seth Rogan went to school at nearby Point grey secondary school. He used to come to this park to...

One highlight is the scenic overlook, where you can take in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Whether you're visiting in the spring when the flowers are in bloom or during the vibrant colors of fall, the park never fails to charm with its seasonal beauty.My only minor quibble is the limited parking space, especially on weekends when it can get crowded. However, this is a testament to the park's popularity and the community's appreciation for this...

Ravine Park is a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the city, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle. The park is beautifully maintained, with well-marked trails that meander through lush greenery and over small, charming bridges. The sound of a gently flowing stream adds to the tranquil atmosphere. It's a great spot for a leisurely walk, a picnic, or even bird watching, as the park is home to a variety of...