John Hendry Park (Trout Lake), Vancouver - The Japanese Garden at Cowden, just outside Muckhart, Scotland.
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John Hendry Park Vancouver

4.6
·4k reviews·Vancouver, Canada

A cherished urban park centered around Trout Lake, offering walking trails, a dog park, and a lively Saturday farmers market.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Farmers market buzz

CrowdHigh
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John Hendry Park (Trout Lake), Vancouver - The Japanese Garden at Cowden, just outside Muckhart, Scotland.

John Hendry Park Vancouver

Best Time

Saturday mornings

Farmers market buzz

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A cherished urban park centered around Trout Lake, offering walking trails, a dog park, and a lively Saturday farmers market.

4.6
(4k reviews)

"This is a beautiful city park with lots of parking around this park."

Vertical photo
TIP

🐶 Tick Prevention is Key

Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Use prevention and check thoroughly after your visit.

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Enjoy a meal by the lake or at the park. The farmers market is a great place to grab goodies!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Trout Lake

Trout Lake

Central area of the park

A serene urban lake perfect for leisurely strolls, picnics, and enjoying nature. Offers beautiful views year-round.

Trout Lake Farmers Market

Trout Lake Farmers Market

North parking lot, near Lakewood Dr.

A vibrant Saturday market featuring over 60 local farms, producers, food trucks, and coffee stalls.

Off-Leash Dog Area

Off-Leash Dog Area

Northern beach area

A dedicated space for dogs to run and play freely, a major draw for pet owners in the area.

Planning Your Visit

Dog Owners Beware: Ticks are Present

While John Hendry Park is a fantastic spot for dog owners, especially with its off-leash area, be aware of potential tick presence, particularly in warmer months. Redditors advise using tick prevention medication and checking your dog thoroughly after visits. Reddit

Farmers Market Saturdays & Event Check

Saturdays are bustling at John Hendry Park thanks to the Trout Lake Farmers Market. Check local listings for other events, like therapy dog readings, that might be happening. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Saturday mornings
Why
Farmers market buzz
Crowd
High
When
Spring/Summer evenings
Why
Live music events
Crowd
Medium
When
Fall
Why
Beautiful fall colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Vancouver travel recs! 🇨🇦 these were my favorite things we did during our recent trip to Vancouver, plus a couple of bonus recommendations 🤗 #vancouver #vancouverbc #vancouvertravel #visitvancouver #vancouveractivities #canada #vancouvertiktok #vancouverrecommendations
@goingwithnicole
30.6K likes • 854K views

🐶 Tick Prevention is Key

Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Use prevention and check thoroughly after your visit. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Enjoy a meal by the lake or at the park. The farmers market is a great place to grab goodies! Instagram

Your Vancouver tour guide has arrived 🫡 PART 1: COMMERCIAL DRIVE 💛 Also, let’s play a game of “how many times does Sam say the following”: - we’re gonna 🤠 - cool 🤠 - local 🤠 #vancouverbc #vancouverguide #thingstodoinvancouver #vancouvercoffeeshop #vancouvershopping #eastvancouver #commercialdrivevancouver #vancouversandwich
@omgheysam
27.1K likes • 264K views
🌞🧺Idea for your weekend plans: check out one of the biggest farmers markets around! The Trout Lake Farmers Market happens every Saturday 9am - 2pm at the north parking lot of John Hendry Park, Lakewood Dr. & East 13th Ave and right beside Trout Lake 🎣 60+ farms and producers, food and coffee trucks - they have a full list of vendors online. 🚙 No parking onsite, we found a side street to park ...
laura.ullock
5.2K likes • 228.2K views

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Loop Trail

A scenic loop takes you around the pond, community center, and offers diverse park views. Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Parking is generally available, but can be busy during market days or events. InstagramReddit

@vancouverpubliclibrary is hosting a therapy dog event where you can read some poetry while cuddling with a therapy dog 🐶📚🐾 It is happening Sept 13th from 1-3pm at John Hendry Park 🌲🌳 Check out my video for more info ⬆️ • • • • • #vancouverbc #vancouver #metrovancouver #vancityfeature #vancitybuzz #vancityhype #vancouverblogger #thingstodoinvancouver #vancouverevents #britishcolumbia #bc
vancityhotspots
103 likes • 6.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🐶 Tick Prevention is Key

Be vigilant about ticks, especially with dogs. Use prevention and check thoroughly after your visit. Reddit

🧺 Pack a Picnic Basket

Enjoy a meal by the lake or at the park. The farmers market is a great place to grab goodies! Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Explore the Loop Trail

A scenic loop takes you around the pond, community center, and offers diverse park views. Reddit

🚗 Parking Availability

Parking is generally available, but can be busy during market days or events. InstagramReddit

🚽 Restroom Strategy

Port-a-potties near the market can be rough; opt for the cleaner washrooms at the arena. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

John Hendry Park is a beloved urban oasis, praised for its beautiful lake, well-maintained trails, and vibrant Saturday farmers market. Visitors appreciate the off-leash dog area and the serene atmosphere, making it ideal for leisurely strolls and family outings. Some minor drawbacks include the condition of temporary restrooms and the presence of ticks, but overall, it's considered a gem for nature lovers and community gatherings.

"This is a beautiful city park with lots of parking around this park. It has a free run dog park in the northern beach.
The southern beach park are open for swimming in summer.
The views are beautiful all year round. It's good having a long of short walk around the lake or a half lake.
There are lots of people come here for fall colours."

wah chi yip

"It's a beautiful park near the city, offering serene views and a peaceful atmosphere. Whether you're looking to go for a gentle walk, have a picnic, or just enjoy some quiet time by the water, this place is perfect. The trails are well-maintained and provide easy access to enjoy the natural beauty. It's also a great spot to relax near the water and a very good place for the kids to play in the playground nearby. The park is clean and well cared for, making it an ideal location for family outings or a solo adventure. It's definitely worth a visit if you like the outdoors and want to reconnect with nature."

Tony

"This is such a nice park, met a good friend here today there was lots of parking available. All the cherry blossoms were coming out, the back side of the lake where the boardwalks used to be were a bit flooded still and the whole park was still kinda muddy, I noticed lots of people not picking up after there dogs. That's really annoying! There is a sandy beach on far right side and trails that go all the way around with lots of fields nice view of the mountains. This place definitely takes me back. Spent lots of time here with good friends."

Russell Toopitson

What People Like

Beautiful lake views
Vibrant farmers market
Great dog park

What People Dislike

Port-a-potty condition
Tick presence

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

John Hendry Park is accessible by car and public transit. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's also accessible via the BC Parkway bike route, connecting to the Central Valley Greenway. Reddit

Yes, there is parking available at John Hendry Park. However, it can get busy, especially on Saturdays during the farmers market or when events are happening. Some visitors suggest finding parking on nearby side streets. InstagramReddit

Absolutely! John Hendry Park is part of a great cycling network. You can take the BC Parkway and connect to the Central Valley Greenway to reach the park. Reddit

Several bus routes serve the area around John Hendry Park. Check TransLink's website for the most current routes and schedules that best suit your starting point. Reddit

John Hendry Park is a well-known city park in Vancouver, located around Trout Lake. It's easily identifiable by the large lake and its recreational facilities. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, John Hendry Park itself is a public park and is free to enter and explore. TikTok

As a public park, John Hendry Park is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific facilities within the park might have their own hours. Reddit

The Trout Lake Farmers Market is free to enter. You only pay for the goods you purchase from the vendors. Instagram

Yes, the park hosts various events, including live music in the summer and special community gatherings like therapy dog readings. Check local event listings. Instagram

While not directly in John Hendry Park, the Bloedel Conservatory is located in Queen Elizabeth Park, which is a relatively short drive or transit ride away and offers a different kind of natural experience. TikTok

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

You can walk or jog around the lake, have a picnic, visit the off-leash dog park, enjoy the playground, and on Saturdays, shop at the farmers market. InstagramReddit

Yes, the southern beach area of Trout Lake is open for swimming during the summer months. Reddit

Yes, there are well-maintained trails that loop around the lake, offering scenic views and easy access to different parts of the park. Reddit

John Hendry Park is very dog-friendly, featuring a popular off-leash dog area on the northern beach. Remember to keep dogs leashed in other areas and clean up after them. Reddit

The market features over 60 vendors offering fresh produce, artisanal foods, coffee, and more. It's a great place to experience local flavors. Instagram

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There's a concession stand near the beach, and the Trout Lake Farmers Market on Saturdays offers a variety of food trucks and stalls. Instagram

Yes, John Hendry Park is an ideal spot for a picnic, with plenty of green space and scenic views by the lake. Reddit

You'll find a diverse range of offerings, including fresh produce, baked goods, prepared foods, coffee, and other artisanal products from local vendors. Instagram

The park is located in a residential area, but Commercial Drive, known for its diverse eateries, is a short distance away and offers many dining options. TikTok

There are port-a-potties near the farmers market, which can be in poor condition. Cleaner and more reliable washrooms are available at the nearby arena. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture scenic shots of Trout Lake, the surrounding greenery, the bustling farmers market, and the mountain views. Fall colors are particularly photogenic. Reddit

Yes, with its lake, trees, and birdlife, it offers opportunities for nature photography, especially during different seasons. Reddit

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer glow. Reddit

Yes, events like the farmers market or summer concerts offer dynamic subjects for photography. Always be mindful of other visitors' privacy. Instagram

The lake itself, the walking paths, and the vibrant stalls at the farmers market are popular subjects. The views of the surrounding mountains add to the scenery. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

John Hendry Park is a great family outing destination. The park features a kids' playground that's perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy. Reddit The walking trails around Trout Lake are generally flat and easy, making them suitable for strollers and little legs. Reddit On Saturdays, the Trout Lake Farmers Market offers a fun and engaging experience for children, with opportunities to see local produce and perhaps try some new treats. Instagram

For a unique experience, keep an eye out for community events like the therapy dog readings hosted by the Vancouver Public Library, which can be a delightful activity for children who love animals. Instagram Remember to pack snacks and drinks, and be aware of the restroom situation, opting for the arena washrooms if needed. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owners

John Hendry Park is a top choice for dog owners thanks to its dedicated off-leash dog area on the northern beach. Reddit This provides ample space for your furry friends to run and play. The park's trails are also great for leashed walks. Reddit

Crucial Tip: Be aware of ticks. Redditors have reported tick encounters, so ensure your dog is on tick prevention medication and perform thorough checks after your visit. Reddit Always clean up after your dog to maintain the park's cleanliness for everyone. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Active & Outdoorsy Visitors

For those who love to be active outdoors, John Hendry Park offers a scenic loop trail around Trout Lake, perfect for jogging or a brisk walk. Reddit The park is also a key point on the BC Parkway and Central Valley Greenway, making it an excellent stop for cyclists. Reddit

Beyond walking and cycling, the park is a great spot for picnics and simply enjoying the natural surroundings. In the summer, you can even take a dip in Trout Lake at the designated swimming area. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring Trout Lake

Trout Lake is the heart of John Hendry Park, offering a tranquil escape within the city. The lake is relatively shallow, with a maximum depth of about 2 meters, making it more suitable for leisurely activities than serious fishing. Reddit Visitors can enjoy walking the loop trail that encircles the lake, providing picturesque views and access to different park amenities. The southern beach area is designated for swimming during the summer months, while the northern beach is a popular spot for the park's off-leash dog area. Reddit

While some Redditors have inquired about fishing in Trout Lake, the general consensus is that it's not a prime fishing spot, and boat rentals are not available. Reddit However, for those interested in fishing, nearby Burnaby Lake or stocked lakes like Lafarge Lake are recommended. Reddit The lake is also a beautiful location to observe fall colors, drawing many visitors during that season. Reddit

Key Takeaway: Trout Lake is best enjoyed for its scenic beauty, walking paths, swimming (in summer), and as a central hub for park activities, rather than for fishing. Remember to be mindful of tick warnings, especially when exploring the grassy areas. Reddit

The Vibrant Trout Lake Farmers Market

Every Saturday, John Hendry Park transforms into a bustling hub with the Trout Lake Farmers Market. This popular market brings together over 60 local farms and producers, offering a wide array of fresh produce, artisanal foods, baked goods, and beverages. Instagram It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with local vendors and sample the best of what the region has to offer. Food trucks and coffee stalls are also present, making it a great spot for a weekend brunch or snack. Instagram

Visitors often praise the market for its lively atmosphere and the quality of its offerings. It's a perfect place to stock up on groceries for the week or simply to enjoy the vibrant community spirit. The market is located in the north parking lot of the park, making it easily accessible. Instagram

Pro Tip: Arrive early to get the best selection, and be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. While parking is available, it can fill up quickly, so consider arriving by bike or transit if possible. Instagram

Dog-Friendly Fun at John Hendry Park

John Hendry Park is a haven for dog owners, largely due to its well-established off-leash dog area located on the northern beach. This dedicated space allows dogs to roam freely and socialize, making it a popular destination for pet owners in Vancouver. Reddit The park's trails also offer opportunities for leashed walks with your canine companions, providing scenic routes around the lake. Reddit

However, it's crucial for dog owners to be aware of potential tick risks, particularly in the warmer months. Redditors have shared experiences of their dogs encountering ticks, even when on leash and away from dense vegetation. Reddit It's highly recommended to use tick prevention medication for your pets and to conduct thorough checks after visiting the park. Reddit

Important Note: While the park is dog-friendly, remember to always clean up after your pet and adhere to leash regulations outside of the designated off-leash area to ensure a pleasant experience for all park visitors. Reddit

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