Yoga on the beach

Private recreation activities in parks

Private recreation permits

We will be accepting new private recreation applications for 2024 on January 8, 2024, at 9am.

Applications are reviewed in accordance with the Provincial Health Order.

Vancouver parks are public spaces and available for all to enjoy. Groups and individuals planning to access public land for informal and casual use do not require a permit. 

If you want to use park space for organized recreation activities, whether you charge a fee or not, you must have a permit. These activities could include: 

  • Fitness classes
  • Bootcamps
  • Open water swimming practices
  • Yoga classes
  • Dog obedience lessons
  • And more 

We do not issue permits for sporting activities. Learn more about using fields, courts, and diamonds

A permit for private recreation activities on public parks ensures your exclusive use of a designated space during the time permitted.

 Permits are not possible at all parks, at all times. We do not give permits for private recreation within Stanley Park from March to December and on our beaches/beach front parks from May to September.

All permit holders may be subject to changes as film will take priority. Should this occur, you will be offered a make-up class, a class at an adjacent park, or the one day refunded.

Commercial transactions, sales, or registration are not permitted on site.

Registering for a permit

Permits can take up to 10 business days for approval.

  1. Register using ActiveNet
  2. Email your site plan to parkevents@vancouver.ca adding your full name, what the activity is, and that it is for private recreation. 
  3. Your application will be reviewed within 10 business days.
  4. Ensure you have a business licence.
  5. Ensure you have insurance and review our insurance page

Review our help guide for online reservations  (559 KB)

 All remaining fees are due at least 10 days before the start of your activity. Permits are not issued until full payment is received. The $56 non-refundable application fee will not be refunded if you change your mind about the permit. All permits are dependent on the latest public health orders.

2024 fees

Fees do not include tax. 

Type Amount Conditions
Application fee $56
  • Non-refundable
Commercial permit fees level 1 $39.25/hour
  • Proof of business licence
  • 2 or 5 million insurance required (depending on activity)
  • 1 to 10 participants plus instructor
  • Site map required
  • Regardless of whether a fee is charged for the  program or not
Commercial permit fees level 2 $59/hour
  • Proof of business licence
  • 2 or 5 million insurance (depending on activity)
  • 1 to 20 participants plus instructor
  • Site map required
  • Regardless of whether a fee is charged for the program or not
Community recreation permit fee $18/hour
  • For individuals wanting to offer recreation classes to the public
  • Adult programming only
  • 5 million insurance required
  • Minimum 3 booking dates
  • 1 to 10 participants plus instructor
  • Site map required
  • Regardless of whether a fee is charged for the program or not
Non-profit groups permit fee $18/hour
  • Proof of not for profit status
  • Business licence
  • 2 or 5 million insurance (depending on activity)
  • Children and adult programming permitted
  • 1 to 20 participants plus instructor
  • Site map required
  • Regardless of whether a fee is charged for the program or not 

Contact Park Board Special Events and Filming

Address
2099 Beach Ave
Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4

604-257-8516

parkevents@vancouver.ca

Get a business licence

Find out how to apply for a business licence, additional requirements, and other approvals you might need.

Permit terms and conditions

Find the Park Board's terms and conditions of using a park or beach for private recreational activities

Insurance requirements for filming, event, and facility use

We require that you carry liability insurance for events or activities that you hold on or in a City or Park Board property.

Starting or expanding a small business

Key resources to to help you start or expand your business in Vancouver.