Flight Path Park Vancouver
A unique park adjacent to YVR, offering thrilling plane spotting and interactive aviation exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Flight Path Park Vancouver
Best Time
Blossoms and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique park adjacent to YVR, offering thrilling plane spotting and interactive aviation exhibits.
"Probably the coolest park in the area. Overall a great place to hang out when the weather is nice."
✈️ Check Wind Direction
Wind dictates runway usage. Use Flight Radar 24 to predict plane activity .
🌸 Spring Blossom Beauty
Visit in spring for stunning cherry blossoms alongside plane spotting .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Plane Takeoffs and Landings
Adjacent to Vancouver International Airport
Witness the thrilling spectacle of aircraft ascending and descending, a true aviation enthusiast's dream.
Interactive Aviation Exhibits
Throughout the park
Discover unique installations like paper airplane benches, miniature runways, and an educational globe.
Cherry Blossom Season Magic
Park grounds
During spring, the park transforms with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque backdrop for plane spotting.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Plane Spotting
Pack for Comfort and Convenience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
✈️ Check Wind Direction
Wind dictates runway usage. Use Flight Radar 24 to predict plane activity.
🌸 Spring Blossom Beauty
Visit in spring for stunning cherry blossoms alongside plane spotting.
🧺 Pack Picnic Essentials
No restrooms here! Bring snacks, drinks, and blankets for a comfy visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the park's paths and unique features with ease.
Tips
from all over the internet
✈️ Check Wind Direction
Wind dictates runway usage. Use Flight Radar 24 to predict plane activity.
🌸 Spring Blossom Beauty
Visit in spring for stunning cherry blossoms alongside plane spotting.
🧺 Pack Picnic Essentials
No restrooms here! Bring snacks, drinks, and blankets for a comfy visit.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Explore the park's paths and unique features with ease.
🎶 Be Prepared for Noise
Jet engines are loud! It's part of the immersive experience.
🗺️ Use Flight Tracker Apps
Enhance your experience by identifying planes and their destinations.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Flight Path Park is a unique and highly recommended spot for plane enthusiasts and families, offering close-up views of aircraft taking off and landing. Visitors praise its interactive aviation-themed installations and the exciting atmosphere. However, some note the lack of amenities like restrooms and the significant noise level.
"Found this little carve-out from the Vancouver International Airport on the Richmond-side of the airport grounds. My son is into planes and he loves seeing them in procedures for take-off and landing. This area has a dedicated parking area on the south and north sides of the park, some decorative park features with explanations of the airport, and sights that one can see from a rising. Several park benches if you want to sit down and have a picnic under planes taking off from their run down the runway. There's even a pair of intersecting "mini" runways for the little ones to run along and pretend themselves as planes. Be advised that the noise level can be quite high - not only is there the buzzing from the traffic heading to/away from Richmond, but there are jet planes taking off right above your head. Recommended, esp. if you have a family member who is into planes!"
Shingo S. Ishida
"Small yet interesting park directly under most flight paths. It’s an excellent place to view outbound flights from YVR and if you use the website “Flight Radar 24” (it is very trusted and safe) you can actually see the information of the flights such as their destination and airplane model and airline. The partial globe at the center of the park makes a unique sight. There are plenty of informational posters throughout the park talking about certain cities and Larry Berg."
Justin Stauffer
"Probably the coolest park in the area. Overall a great place to hang out when the weather is nice.
This park has:
- a cool globe for you to travel around the world locally
- large grassy space for kids or doggos to run around
- cool paper airplane benches
- a human sized runway
- great view of the airport to see landings and take offs
- parking on Russ Baker Way and around at the back as well
- a couple picnic tables
- pretty cherry blossom trees during spring time
- no restrooms and water fountain though (or not that I could see)"
Bianca Lok
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can take the Canada Line Skytrain to Lansdowne Station and then rent a Lime scooter to reach the park. Alternatively, some suggest taking the #10 bus to Marpole and walking, or heading to Templeton Station and walking towards the airport.
Check local transit schedules for the most up-to-date routes and times.
Yes, there is dedicated parking available on both the south and north sides of the park, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
While you can see seaplanes and helicopters from downtown waterfront, Flight Path Park offers a much closer and more immersive plane-spotting experience near the airport.
From downtown, you can take the Canada Line to Lansdowne Station and then use a scooter, or consider bus routes that get you closer to the airport area.
Besides Flight Path Park, other popular spots include the McArthurGlen outlet mall parking lot, the South Terminal viewing platform, and even some parking lots under flight paths like Parker Place or Empire Centre.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Flight Path Park is a public park and is free to visit. You can enjoy the planes and the park's features without any admission cost.
As a public park, Flight Path Park is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's recommended to visit during daylight for the best viewing and safety.
No, tickets are not required as it's a free public park. You can visit anytime during park hours.
It can be both! A quick visit can be rewarding for plane spotting, but you can easily spend a few hours picnicking and enjoying the unique park features.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, always be mindful of airport security regulations if you are very close to the airport perimeter.
🎫 ✈️ Onsite Experience
The park features unique installations like paper airplane benches, miniature runways for kids, a globe representing travel destinations, and educational posters about aviation and Larry Berg.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Kids often love the miniature runways and the excitement of seeing planes up close. Just be mindful of the noise and ensure supervision.
Takeoffs are often best viewed when planes use the south runway. Checking wind direction and using a flight tracker app can help you time your visit for optimal takeoff viewing.
Absolutely! There are picnic tables available, and the large grassy areas are perfect for spreading out a blanket. Just remember to bring your own food and drinks.
You'll see a variety of commercial aircraft, including large passenger jets, cargo planes, and smaller domestic flights, as YVR is a major international airport.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
The park offers direct views of planes on the runway and during takeoff. For specific angles, consider the areas near the runway ends or where planes are taxiing.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, offers beautiful lighting for photography. Weekday afternoons can also provide good activity and lighting.
The unique park installations like the globe, paper airplane benches, and miniature runways can add interesting elements to your photos, especially when combined with the planes in the background.
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion, a moderate aperture for sharpness, and a higher ISO if needed in lower light. A telephoto lens is highly recommended for capturing details of distant aircraft.
Yes, modern smartphones can capture great shots, especially in good lighting. Using burst mode and zooming in can help get clearer images of the planes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the most of your family visit, consider checking a flight tracker app beforehand to see what types of planes might be flying. This can add an exciting element of anticipation for the kids. While the noise can be considerable, it's generally a thrilling experience for children who are fascinated by aviation. The park's open spaces also provide plenty of room for kids to run around safely.
✈️ Aviation Enthusiasts & Photographers
Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for the most dramatic lighting. While the south runway is often used for takeoffs, the north runway is frequently used for landings, so positioning yourself strategically is important. Be prepared for the noise, and bring your telephoto lenses to capture detailed shots of the aircraft. The park provides a raw, immersive experience for anyone passionate about aviation.
🌸 Spring Visitors
+1 This creates a stunning visual contrast with the powerful aircraft taking off and landing, offering unique photographic opportunities. It's a chance to enjoy both natural beauty and the marvels of aviation in one location.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Plane Spotting
To maximize your plane-spotting adventure, understanding wind direction is crucial. Planes typically land on the north runway and depart from the south. By checking weather forecasts or using real-time flight data, you can anticipate which runway will be active, ensuring you're positioned for the best views. This knowledge transforms a casual visit into a more informed and rewarding plane-spotting expedition.
Beyond the planes themselves, the park offers unique features that enhance the visitor experience. Interactive installations, such as paper airplane-shaped benches and miniature runways, add a playful element, especially for families. The educational posters detailing cities and the park's namesake, Larry Berg, provide context and a deeper appreciation for aviation. During spring, the park is also adorned with beautiful cherry blossoms, creating a stunning visual contrast with the aircraft.
+1A Unique Park Design
Educational components are woven throughout the park. Informational posters highlight various cities and share insights about Larry Berg, the former CEO of the Vancouver Airport Authority, after whom the park is named. These elements offer a glimpse into the history and significance of YVR. The park also features a large grassy area, perfect for picnics and relaxation, making it a comfortable spot to spend an afternoon.
While the park offers a unique experience, it's worth noting that it lacks public restrooms and water fountains. Visitors are advised to come prepared with their own refreshments and essentials for a comfortable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit