Picnic Bookings Frequently Asked Questions

Permitted Use

1. Which sites can be reserved?

There are 12 picnic sites which can be reserved, using our easy online reservation service. You will receive a permit which will match up with a reservation sign or a picnic shelter at the designated site. Your group must be 150 people or less. If your group is larger, or your desired location is not on the list, you can fill out a special events application form (2 months notice required).

2. If someone is at my picnic site when I arrive, what should I do?

Your permit is evidence of your confirmed booking. Usually simply showing this to the individual/group will be sufficient. If they do not move, please call a Park Ranger for assistance at 604-861-0450

3. Which picnic locations have BBQs? Baseball Diamonds?

Re: BBQ's - The following reservable sites have BBQs: Memorial South Park, Riverfront Park, Maple Grove Park. At all other locations, you must bring your own BBQ. It must be 30" from the ground and full clean up is required. Coals must be doused with cold water and removed. If there is an extreme fire warning you cannot use charcoal (propane only). No BBQs on the sandy beach areas, and no fires allowed at any time.

Re: Baseball diamonds -there are 2 locations: Prospect Point in Stanley Park (diamond is automatically included) and Maple Grove.  You need to book the picnic site at Maple Grove first, then email pbpicnic@vancouver.ca to secure the diamond. You will need insurance if you book it more than 4 hours.

4. Can I have a caterer?

Yes, if you have a picnic permit, you may have a caterer. Caterers must wheel their supplies in from the parking lot as they are not allowed to drive on the grass or service roads. A maximum of two 10 x 10 pop-up canopies and two extra tables are acceptable for catering use.

5. Can I have music or a volleyball net at my picnic site?

Low Level Speakers only at Prospect Point Picnic Site (speakers facing toward the baseball diamond). At other sites, you may use an audio player at a low level. Please respect other park users at all times.

You can bring your own volleyball net (one) and place it near your picnic site – no large stakes can be driven into the ground and you cannot ask others to leave. At Jericho and Locarno, the lifeguards have nets that can be used first come first serve for beach volleyball.

6. Is alcohol permitted at picnic sites?

Alcohol is not allowed at any picnic site (Park Board Bylaws). There is one site close to an establishment that serves beer: Locarno beach picnic site and the Jericho Sailing Centre.

7. Can I pay with a company credit card or someone else's credit card? What should I do, if the booking is not in the company name or the other person's name?

Our system will accept any valid credit card payment online (Visa, Mastercard).

8. Cancellations/Refunds/Switching Dates

Refunds are not provided in the event of inclement weather. Please email pbpicnic@vancouver.ca  on the morning of your rainy picnic and you may have a rebook during the same season free of charge. A site without a shelter allows for up to two 10 x 10 pop-up canopies to place over the tables. No tarps. Picnic sites that have shelters cannot apply for a re-book if it rains.

A minimum of two weeks notice of cancellation is required for a refund, minus adminstration fee ($25.00).

If you want to switch a date, please email your cancellation to pbpicnic@vancouver.ca (with at least 2 weeks notice) and re-book your new request online. There will be a $25.00 administration fee for the cancellation.

9. Is it possible to have a dunk-tank or bouncy castle at my picnic?

Dunk-tanks are not allowed at any park location. We do allow bouncy castles at Prospect Point and Fraser River Park sites. After completing the online booking, email pbpicnic@vancouver.ca to confirm other requirements (ie. insurance, additional charges). PLEASE NOTE – WE NOW REQUIRE THE PERMIT USER TO HAVE 2 MILLION DOLLAR 3RD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE AND THE BOUNCY CASTLE COMPANY TO HAVE 3 MILLION DOLLAR INSURANCE COVERAGE. Each insurance policy must have the following: Where required by the governing license, permit or letter of permission, it is understood and agreed that The City of Vancouver, its Board of Parks & Recreation, Vancouver Police Board, their officials, officers, employees,servants, agents, and volunteers have been added as Additional Insureds with respect to liability arising out of anyactivities conducted by or in connection with the operation of the Named Insured.

10. I need to get some picnic table sizes?

Miniature Train site #1	2 tables are 214" x 34" and 4 table are 166 x 34"
Miniature Train site #2	2 tables are 166" x 34" and 1 table is 214"x 34"
Prospect Point picnic site	14 tables are 122" x 34"
Ceperley site	4 rectangle tables are 144" x 35" and 4 v-shaped tables: 152" x 34"
All other sites	the standard size picnic tables with seating for 6 people