Where Can You Smoke in Vancouver: We Reveal the Best Kept Secrets

Wreck Beach, Vancouver's renowned clothing-optional beach, is a special place to sit back and light up in the sun in several ways. Despite the Metro Vancouver board implementing a smoking ban in regional parks, including Wreck Beach, starting January 1st, the beach's smoking culture persists due to its distinct environment and the challenges in enforcing such bans ^{[6][7][8][9][10]}.

Wreck Beach is the biggest naturist beach in North America and is found on the westernmost tip of Vancouver, just a short drive from the UBC Museum of Anthropology.

Wreck Beach is highly acclaimed by many Vancouverites when it comes to relaxing and smoking a joint while enjoying the sound of the crashing waves and inhaling the misty, salty ocean spray.

Designated Smoking Areas: Smoking is confined to specific zones, notably on "Trail 6" and "Trail 4", with violators facing fines. However, compliance is low, and the expectation is that this trend will continue.

The policy aims to protect visitors from second-hand smoke and reduce litter, encouraging users to dispose of their butts responsibly ^[7].

Local Opposition and Enforcement Challenges: The Wreck Beach Preservation Society, along with other frequent visitors, opposes the ban, arguing for the uniqueness of Wreck Beach and the impracticality of enforcement.

The RCMP has declined to enforce the ban, and the Society has stated it will not do so either. This resistance highlights the community's strong connection to the beach and its culture ^[6].

Visitor Insights and Management: Wreck Beach's natural beauty and status as a nudist beach draw a significant number of visitors annually, with numbers increasing each year.

The beach is divided into several zones, each with its own smoking regulations. Zone 1, closest to the parking lot, strictly prohibits smoking due to fire risks and high people concentration. In contrast, Zones 2-7 allow smoking, with an emphasis on mindfulness towards others and proper disposal of cigarette waste.

Volunteers patrol the beach to ensure compliance, and the beach's management includes regular patrols, signage for rules and first responder information, and a response committee to address complex issues ^[8][10].

In the heart of Vancouver, Stanley Park offers a picturesque escape with its lush landscapes and scenic views. This is among the most famous locations in Vancouver, which is well-loved by tourists and locals and is considered a “magnificent, green oasis amid the urban landscape of Vancouver.”

It has a vast landscape to explore and has excess smoke spots like the Sea Wall, Prospect Point, Second and Third Beach, Lost Lagoon, the Vancouver Aquarium, and more.

However, it's important for visitors looking to enjoy a smoke weed or vape to be aware of the specific regulations in place:

Designated Smoking Areas: Stanley Park caters to smokers and vapers through 11 designated smoking areas, each equipped with disposal containers to ensure the park remains clean. Smoking outside these areas could lead to a fine, emphasizing the park's commitment to a smoke-free environment ^[11].

E-Cigarettes and Other Devices: All smoking, including the use of e-cigarettes and vaping devices, is restricted to the designated smoking areas within Stanley Park. This ensures that all forms of smoking are regulated under the same guidelines, maintaining the park's health and safety standards.

For cannabis, joints and pipes are the most convenient. You can use a medium-sized bong, however you may get a few weird looks.

Compliance and Enforcement: The Park Board Smoking Regulation Bylaw underscores the prohibition of smoking in Vancouver parks, including Stanley Park.

With a minimum fine of $250 for violations, the Park Board aims for voluntary compliance through education but does not hesitate to enforce the bylaw through Park Rangers, City of Vancouver bylaw enforcement officers, and Health Inspectors ^[12].

The Cypress Mountain is excellent for stoners for want to enjoy weed at a high altitude. Just a 30-45 minute drive from downtown Vancouver, it unveils panoramic vistas of the city, Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore mountains, ideal during the summer when the weather is warm and the roads are clear.

However, it's crucial to note that Cypress Mountain, along with Mt. Seymour and Grouse Mountain, enforces a strict no-smoking policy, covering all indoor and outdoor areas, including ski runs, hiking trails, and parking lots.

This comprehensive ban extends to vaping and cannabis with the removal of smoking shelters. Enforcement is approached with politeness, aiming for compliance without heavy-handedness ^[16].

For those wondering about the specifics at the Cypress Mountain Viewpoint, the regulations around smoking are not explicitly stated. The general policy at Cypress Mountain prohibits smoking in common areas. Violations could lead to fines, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the rules ^[17].

Despite these restrictions, smoking is permitted at Cypress Cove within designated areas, ensuring that there are still spots for smokers to enjoy, albeit within set boundaries ^[19].

Visitors need to be aware of the broader Park Board Smoking Regulation Bylaw, which prohibits smoking in all Vancouver parks and park areas. This includes a wide range of locations from seawalls to sports fields, with a minimum fine of $250 for violations.

Since 2011, Vancouver has issued 1,003 tickets and 620 written warnings for smoking ban violations in parks and on beaches ^[12][20].

Granville Island is an eclectic little peninsula found below the Granville Bridge. This area attracts the best stoners in the city due to the marina, the restaurants, and tons of places. Furthermore, this island offers an excellent experience for those who love laughing due to the pro improv theatre company.

Designated Smoking Zones: Smoking and vaping are strictly regulated on Granville Island. The island offers designated smoking areas located strategically at the entrance, near the bustling Public Market, and at the north end, close to the Granville Island Hotel.

These spots allow for a moment of relaxation while respecting the island’s policy and the comfort of all visitors ^[21].

Compliance and Consideration: It is crucial to adhere to the smoking policies to avoid fines. The Granville Island Security team enforces these rules to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

Smokers are encouraged to be mindful of their surroundings and to respect the health and comfort of all visitors, making it a welcoming space for everyone.

A Smoker's Haven at Night: The marina area becomes particularly inviting for nighttime smoke, offering a serene setting against the backdrop of the city lights. However, daytime smoking may require a bit more discretion due to the high foot traffic of tourists and families.

The southeastern corner of the island, known for its cozy lumpy green hill at Ron Basford Park, provides a quieter spot for those looking to enjoy a smoke during less busy hours.

In the heart of Vancouver's vibrant cannabis culture, the Cannabis Culture Lounge and New Amsterdam Café stand as iconic havens for cannabis enthusiasts.

The New Amsterdam Cafe is very cozy and offers a menu board full of delicious meals and some great café that reflect the Dutch coffee shops.

Here's what makes these spots unique:

Cannabis Culture Lounge:

• Cultural Heritage: Three floors of cannabis culture, including a museum, make it a must-visit for anyone looking to dive deep into the world of cannabis ^[23].

• Interactive Experiences: Offers volcano vaporizers and dab bars for a hands-on experience.

• Community: A perfect place to meet like-minded individuals, fostering a sense of community among cannabis enthusiasts.

New Amsterdam Café:

• Cannabis-Infused Delights: Known for its hand-crafted, cannabis-infused food and beverages, the café promotes responsible marijuana use in a flavorful way.

• Location: Centrally located near Vancouver's top tourist attractions, making it a convenient stop for visitors ^[25].

• Separate Smoking Lounge: Features a dedicated space for customers to enjoy their cannabis, ensuring a comfortable experience.

Both establishments reflect Vancouver's progressive stance on cannabis, offering legal and safe spaces for consumption. Always remember to check local laws and regulations regarding cannabis consumption before visiting.

Navigating Vancouver's diverse and picturesque landscapes for smoking and vaping spots reveals a rich tapestry of locales each with its own charm and set of regulations.

From the natural beauty and community spirit of Wreck Beach to the high-altitude vistas of Cypress Mountain Viewpoint, and the vibrant hubs of Granville Island and the iconic Cannabis Culture Lounge and New Amsterdam Café, these places not only accommodate smokers and vapers but also reflect the city's progressive and inclusive stance on cannabis use.

Now you know the sport where can you smoke in Vancouver. Always aim to understand the nuances of each location, including the designated smoking areas, restrictions, and the best times to indulge.