Ron Basford Park, Vancouver
Tucked away from the hoards of tourists in the southeastern corner of Granville Island, between Performance Works and the Granville Island Hotel, Ron Basford Park is a tiny little hill with a flag pole at the top, proudly bearing the Canadian flag. It is also the largest green space on the island, yet somewhat under-appreciated. The park is named after the prominent Canadian politician, Ron Basford, who initiated a transition of Granville Island from an industrial to a more people-friendly area, and thus earned himself the nickname "Mr. Granville Island" for his support of the island redevelopment project.
Today, when it is increasingly hard to find a quiet spot on Granville Island, this grassy area overlooking the water draws attention of those who seek to hold outdoor events, such as wedding ceremonies, etc. The park is particularly famous for its inviting amphitheater, which in the summer hosts Carousel Theatre's Teen Shakespeare performances. And if you really want to have fun, you may do some human log rolling down the hill – should watch out for the bird poop, though! During winter, the park is just as much fun for those keen on using their crazy carpet sleds and toboggans – a care should be taken not to slide down the hill which faces False Creek, though!
On a beautiful sunny day, having a picnic in this super chill area with the yummies brought over from the Granville Island Public Market may be a good idea. Otherwise, you can simply relax/de-stress and get fresh air/sunshine on one of the few benches at the foot hill, or bring yourself some coffee from Agro Cafe and gaze out at the wonderful view of the harbour, Yaletown, False Creek or the Granville Bridge nearby. This park is never crowded with tourists and the photo-opps from the man-made hill are always good.
Today, when it is increasingly hard to find a quiet spot on Granville Island, this grassy area overlooking the water draws attention of those who seek to hold outdoor events, such as wedding ceremonies, etc. The park is particularly famous for its inviting amphitheater, which in the summer hosts Carousel Theatre's Teen Shakespeare performances. And if you really want to have fun, you may do some human log rolling down the hill – should watch out for the bird poop, though! During winter, the park is just as much fun for those keen on using their crazy carpet sleds and toboggans – a care should be taken not to slide down the hill which faces False Creek, though!
On a beautiful sunny day, having a picnic in this super chill area with the yummies brought over from the Granville Island Public Market may be a good idea. Otherwise, you can simply relax/de-stress and get fresh air/sunshine on one of the few benches at the foot hill, or bring yourself some coffee from Agro Cafe and gaze out at the wonderful view of the harbour, Yaletown, False Creek or the Granville Bridge nearby. This park is never crowded with tourists and the photo-opps from the man-made hill are always good.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Vancouver. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Ron Basford Park on Map
Sight Name: Ron Basford Park
Sight Location: Vancouver, Canada (See walking tours in Vancouver)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Vancouver, Canada (See walking tours in Vancouver)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Vancouver, Canada
Create Your Own Walk in Vancouver
Creating your own self-guided walk in Vancouver is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Gastown Walking Tour
To get the feel of authentic Vancouver, head for the Gastown district. This is where the city was born: an ex-sailor turned gold prospector built an inn here in the late 19th century and a small settlement, mostly of mill workers, dockhands and merchants, sprang up around it. Many of the streets in Gastown are still cobblestoned and you will find lovely examples of Victorian buildings that have... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Granville Island Walking Tour
Successfully transformed, back in the 1970s, from an industrial wasteland into one of the most beloved public spaces in Vancouver, Granville Island is now viewed as a premier artistic and cultural hub famous for its balance of functionality and flare. It is equally popular as a shopping destination, too, with a plethora of other attractions like art galleries, markets, and a brewery to boot.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Vancouver Chinatown Walking Tour
Vancouver's Chinatown is the second-largest Chinese-centered area in North America. As such, it has long attracted hordes of tourists with its expressive culture, inexpensive but delicious food, and fabulous traditional architecture.
The very first landmark that welcomes visitors entering Chinatown is the grand, ornate structure called the Millennium Gate. With its intricate architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The very first landmark that welcomes visitors entering Chinatown is the grand, ornate structure called the Millennium Gate. With its intricate architectural... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Vancouver Downtown Walking Tour
Numerous historic and otherwise notable landmarks scattered throughout Downtown Vancouver make it a hot traveler's destination. Each such landmark is unique in itself and has a great deal of story to tell visitors, be it cultural history or simple amusement.
While in Downtown you can't miss the Vancouver Lookout. This observation deck lures you with its breathtaking scenery – the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
While in Downtown you can't miss the Vancouver Lookout. This observation deck lures you with its breathtaking scenery – the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Vancouver Introduction Walking Tour
A bustling seaport on the west coast of Canada, Vancouver is among the country's densest and most ethnically diverse cities. It is also one of British Columbia's youngest cities. Prior to the Europeans, the Vancouver area had been inhabited – for almost 10,000 years – by Aboriginal tribes: Squamish, Musqueam, and Tsleil-Waututh (Burrard). The explorer Simon Fraser and his crew were... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Vancouver Yaletown Walking Tour
For many years, Yaletown was the thriving industrial heart of Vancouver. Today, this historic neighborhood looks unlike any other part of the city and is considered to be the home of Vancouver's "elite" society.
The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is a prominent landmark here, serving as a hub for art exhibitions and recreational activities. Its historic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre is a prominent landmark here, serving as a hub for art exhibitions and recreational activities. Its historic... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Distinctively Canadian Things to Buy in Vancouver
British Columbia, in general, and Vancouver, in particular, are among the top Canadian destinations worth being explored. The amalgam of aboriginal and western cultures, Vancouver is a treasure trove of distinctively Canadian delights that are not found anywhere else. Most of these items make for an...