Two of the best things about Vancouver are its gorgeous natural scenery and world-renowned BC Bud. If you put the two together, you’ve got a paradise for stoners with some of the best weed and most beautiful smoke spots in the world.
There’s a reason why Vancouver consistently ranks as one of the world’s best cities to live in (if you can stomach how expensive it is!), and as the summer winds down, why not get out and enjoy some of that beauty and sunshine while you still can?
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of some of the most scenic, breathtaking, and chill smoke spots for you to get your toke on in Vancouver.
[Editor’s note: We encourage everyone to be considerate and conscientious tokers, so some of these spots may be better at certain times of day (ie. at night, when children aren’t around). We also recommend keeping a watchful eye out during your sessions because you don’t want anything (or anyone) to come along and kill your buzz either- keep in mind that cannabis isn’t quite legal yet, and even when it is, public consumption will be banned anywhere that tobacco is in BC. Also, with wildfires burning all across the province, please be mindful of your ash and try to hold on to those roaches when possible. If you can’t find a designated driver, keep in mind that most of these places are easily accessible by transit. Last but not least, Happy Toking!]
Wreck Beach
Vancouver’s world-famous clothing-optional beach is a fantastic place to lay back and bake in the sun in more ways than one. Wreck Beach is North America’s largest naturist beach and located on the westernmost tip of Vancouver, just minutes away from the UBC Museum of Anthropology, and it’s top-of-the-list for many Vancouverites to go, relax, and smoke a joint while listening to the crashing waves and breathing in that misty, salty ocean spray.
Wreck Beach also holds a special place in Vancouver pot history as it’s where cannabis activist Watermelon, aka Mary Jean Dundson, sold watermelon and assorted cannabis-infused treats along the sea shore for over two decades.
Stanley Park
One of Vancouver’s most famous attractions that’s equally loved by tourists and locals alike, Stanley Park is described on its website as a “magnificent, green oasis in the midst of the urban landscape of Vancouver”.
With over 400 hectares to explore, Stanley Park is filled with potential smoke spots like the Sea Wall, Prospect Point, Second and Third Beach, Lost Lagoon, and the Vancouver Aquarium, just to name a few.
Cypress Mountain Viewpoint
Why not get a little higher at high altitude? The Cypress Mountain Viewpoint is about a 30-45 min drive from downtown Vancouver- just take the Trans Canada Highway and get off at Exit 8 to the Cypress Bowl Road- and the views are well worth the commute as you can take breathtaking panoramas of downtown Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, and North Shore.
Right now, with the warm weather, you don’t have to worry about the icy road, and winter tires (or chains) are required, so get up there while you can!
[Editor’s note: Try to arrange a designated driver for your trip and avoid smoking in your car just in case the police roll through!]
Granville Island
Granville Island is an eclectic little peninsula located under the Granville Bridge that attracts some of the city’s best buskers. From the public market to the marina to the restaurants, there’s always tons of things to do, see, and eat.
The marina is perfect for a night time smoke, but during the day it can get super busy with tourists and families. Luckily, there’s the well-known lumpy green hill on the southeastern corner of the island, formally known as Ron Basford Park that’s usually super chill.
By the way, do you like laughing? If so, you’re in luck because Granville Island is home to the Vancouver Theatresports League, Vancouver’s only pro improv theatre company. It’s a great thing to check out stoned, although be warned that audience participation is highly encouraged and sometimes actively called out.
Cannabis Culture Lounge/ Amsterdam Cafe
No list of “Best Vancouver Smoke Spots” would be complete without the Cannabis Culture Vapour Lounge and the New Amsterdam Cafe, conveniently located right next to each other on Hastings St. in downtown Vancouver.
For many Vancouver stoners, going to these institutions are almost a rite of passage and the Cannabis Culture Vapour Lounge is where many got their first taste of the Volcano vaporizers. The New Amsterdam Cafe is equally chill with a menu board full of mouth-watering munchies and some great cafe that really channels the vibe of the Dutch coffee shops from where it gets its name.
Both places are BYOB (in this case, Bring Your Own Bud), but if you don’t have any on you, don’t worry. There’s a bunch of dispensaries located nearby that would be happy to help you out. Just make sure you’ve got your ID and Google away.
Where’s your favourite smoke spot? Let us know in the comments below.
Featured image courtesy of Fasken.