John Hendry Park (Trout Lake)
John Hendry Park and Trout Lake provide a beautiful setting for enjoying a relaxing break from the city
A beautiful, scenic and impressive recreational park conveniently close to Commercial Broadway station is John Hendry Park (also unofficially known as Trout Lake Park). This gorgeous setting is the home of Vancouver's only accessible freshwater lake. On the south end of this tranquil lake there is an alluring man-made sandy beach. This Vancouver gem is more a community neighbourhood park; well off the radar of most tourists even though it is just a 10 minute walk from one of Vancouver's busiest transit hubs.
It's a wonderful place to enjoy sunbathing or going for a refreshing swim in the small lake. Lifeguards are on duty from late May to early September, however, there are occassional closures to the beach and swimming area due to water quality.
At the north end of the lake there's an off leash dog area, where dogs and their owners can also enjoy another man-made sandy beach to romp around and even swim from.
When visiting the park, you can enjoy one of many recreational sports fields, the community centre with an updated ice rink, arts studio, music room, fitness centre and outdoor festival plaza or one of the many multi-use trails. There's also a concession stand, but if you'd rather pack your own meal you can take advantage of the picnic area complete with shelters and barbeque pits.
John Hendry Park is the official name for this impressive 67.5 acre recreational park and lake. It was donated to the Vancouver Parks Board by John Hendry's daughter Aldyen Irene and son-in-law Eric W Hamber in 1926 soon after they were married, with the intent to honour her late father, who died in 1916 at the age of 72. John Hendry was a well known influential and respected man.
The gorgeous location was given under the condition it would always be called John Hendry Park and in 1942 Eric Hamber wrote to the Vancouver Parks Board reminding them of his family's generous donation and their trusting that the stipulation of its name would be regarded. This matter was soon resolved and once more the Parks Board officially recognized the park as John Hendry, not Trout Lake, giving homage to this prominent pioneer family.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoJohn Hendry Park (Trout Lake) Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: 3300 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4M4, Canada
Phone: (604) 873-7000
John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) Reviews
Rated out of 5
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 - in the last week
A little oasis in the city! It is so relaxing to sit on a bench or grass here! Also a great place for a quick walk or walking dogs. The trail is about 1.2-1.5 k for a loop. Lots happening throughout a year… encountered a clothing market and a dog costume contest one time.
Kanako Sakurada - a month ago
This lake is fantastic for a good walk. You can walk the path around the whole lake in about 15-20 min. Also loved the kids park with swings. Very family friendly. Lots of dogs and people of all different walks of life. Stroller friendly as well. Will be back year round!
Shelbx bk - a month ago
Very lovely and great place to spend the day. The beach is nice and we did see some people swimming but the park itself it perfect for a leisurely stroll. We saw a lot of happy dogs with their humans. Daughter and I were at the farmers market and there were a lot of interesting stalls and food trucks. The port a potties near the farmers market are really indescribably bad. No paper, water is non functional and potty super dirty. Hand sanitizer is provided. A better option are the clean and bountiful washrooms at the arena which is a ten minute walk through the park. It’s best to plan ahead so you are in close proximity to these nice facilities when the need arises, but, if you gotta go…..
Jane Darling - 7 months ago
A large park surrounding a beautiful little lake. The picnic areas and the areas surrounding the lake can get crowded during weekends and holidays. It has got a lively atmosphere. There will still be enough space for you to find some quiet time. Overall, a nice little oasis in East Vancouver.
Jithin C - 4 weeks ago
Directions
| SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line or Millennium Line | Commercial-Broadway Station | 11 Minutes |
| Expo Line | Nanaimo Station | 9 Minutes |
How to get to John Hendry Park (Trout Lake) by SkyTrain
Take either the Expo or the Millennium Line to Commercial-Broadway Station. Exit the station and proceed one block east on E Broadway to Victoria Drive then go right. Walk south on Victoria Drive to 15th Avenue and go left along 15th into the park.
If you are travelling to the park on the Expo Line from downtown Vancouver you can continue past Broadway Station and get off at Nanaimo Station. This will result in slightly less walking distance and is ideal for getting to the south end of the park. Exit Nanaimo Station and cross over Nanaimo Street. Go right (north) up Nanaimo to Copley Street which is opposite to 20th Avenue. Make the sharp left onto Copley and then go right at the first laneway and follow it straight into the park.
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Accommodations near John Hendry Park (Trout Lake):
Photo Gallery
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A beautiful fall evening at Trout Lake with Grouse Mountain rising up the background cc licensed photo by Michael Nugent -
Dogs enjoying a swim in Trout Lake in Vancouver -
A couple enjoying a quiet picnic in the park cc licensed photo by Ruth Hartnup -
There are plenty walking paths meandering through the greenspace in John Hendry Park
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