If you enjoy taking your cannabis to go and basking in the natural beauty of the great outdoors, you’ll feel right at home on the Lower Mainland. With easy access to public parks and views of mountains and water everywhere you turn, there’s plenty to explore and enjoy. With some of the best quality weed and most gorgeous smoking spots in the country, the Lower Mainland really is a stoner’s haven.
In this article, we’re sharing some of our favourite outdoor spots for smoking/vaping. But first, what are the rules around public consumption?
Consuming Cannabis in Public
Since the new laws took form, adults are permitted to carry up to 30 grams of cannabis and consume it at home and in various public locations. In general, the rules are murky and filled with grey area. Pretty much everywhere you go, the answer is “it depends”. The only sure rule is to avoid public gathering places, common areas, and spots with kids (schools, playgrounds, etc.).
In Vancouver, the Park Board Smoking Regulation Bylaw prohibits smoking in parks, beaches, sport fields, and more. Minimum fines of $250 are handed out, but in many cases the situation is more lax.
It’s always best to check in advance if you’re smoking spot has designated smoking areas or not. But as long as you’re avoiding busy areas, you’ll probably be safe. Ultimately, it’s about respecting the people around you and leaving your area clean. That being said, here are some of our favourite smoking spots around Vancouver and the Lower Mainland:
Stanley Park
Stanley Park is a sprawling park that connects the West End of downtown Vancouver with North Van. The park is packed with beaches all around, trails, playgrounds, an aquarium, and plenty of scenic lookouts along the Seawall.
The Park is generally very busy, so it’s best to stick to their 11 officially designated smoking locations. If you’re clear of children and crowded areas, there are some great smoking spots at Prospect Point and Third Beach.
Golden Ears
Golden Ears Provincial Park is a massive park In Maple Ridge upwards of 555 square kilometres, complete with over 80 kilometres of trails, lakes, and mountains. The sheer size of this park allows for plenty of alone time and quieter sections of trail.
Due to the risk of forest fire, it’s important to adhere to the park’s rules around smoking. Golden Ears has designated smoking spots throughout the park, where you can enjoy the towering old-growth forests, rocky paths, and lake-side views.
Granville Island
Across the Granville Bridge south of downtown and nestled in the Fairview neighbourhood is the bustling shopping district of Granville Island. With views pointed across the water at downtown Vancouver, Granville Island offers spectacular city and harbour views.
Pretty much any time of year, Granville Island is packed with tourists, which means the Granville Island security team will be on point. But still, there are designated smoking areas near the Public Market and the Granville Island Hotel. There is also some greenspace at Ron Basford Park, which is typically quieter.
Eagle Mountain
Also known as Eagle Ridge, Eagle Mountain is located between Buntzen Lake and Coquitlam Lake in Coquitlam. At over 1,000 metres of elevation, Eagle Mountain is a popular weekend spot for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders.
The south side of the mountain has a network of logging roads that be used to access a plateau area with lakes and more trails. Eagles Mountain Powerline Trails is one of the best for hiking and enjoying nature. It’s a bit challenging, so it’s best to reserve a few hours for this 5-kilometre hike.
Maple Ridge Park
Maple Ridge Park is located on the northern edge of Maple Ridge towards Silver Valley. Found on the corner or 132 Avenue and 232 Street, the park is perched on the Alouette River, complete with several amenities.
There are playgrounds, a spray park, and covered picnic areas, so if you are going to light up, ensure you’re giving people plenty of space. There are no shortage of picnic tables and open areas to enjoy some peace.
Billy Miner Ale House and Café
Recently, the government of BC announced that certain businesses could open patio space to cannabis consumption. One of those approved businesses is the Billy Miner Ale House and Café. In collaboration with Cheeky’s Cannabis, Billy Miner’s designated cannabis area will serve as a pilot project to assess consumer demand.
Located at 22355 River Road in Maple Ridge right along the Fraser River, Billy Miner has been a favourite local hangout for years. Really good beer is at the forefront here, but it’s also a great spot for delicious, elevated pub food including wood over pizza.
Looking for consciously curated cannabis, along with edibles, accessories, and everything in between? Cheeky’s Cannabis has locations in Maple Ridge and Kitsilano, with plans to open in Mission later in 2024. We’ve got the friendliest staff in the business, as well as beautiful and welcoming shops. Come take a look and say hi!