Overview
Hastings Park is a large urban park and event complex located in the Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood of East Vancouver, British Columbia. It sits on roughly 65 hectares of land and functions as both a working fairground and a genuine green retreat within the city. The site is owned by the City of Vancouver and is managed in partnership with the PNE (Pacific National Exhibition), a not-for-profit organization that has operated here since 1910.
The park occupies a meaningful place in Vancouver's history — and a difficult one. During World War II, the Hastings Park buildings were used as a holding centre for Japanese Canadians before their forced internment. A commemorative garden on the grounds acknowledges this history, and visitors are encouraged to take a moment there.
In recent decades the City of Vancouver has been gradually restoring the park's green spaces, re-naturalizing wetlands, and expanding pedestrian and cycling access. Today the park contains the Hastings Racecourse (horse racing), a restored lagoon, the Sanctuary — a wildlife habitat area — lawns, playgrounds, and the large indoor and outdoor event venues used for the annual PNE Fair and Playland amusement park.
Because Hastings Park is a neighbourhood destination inside Vancouver rather than a standalone city, travelers typically visit as a day trip or half-day excursion from downtown Vancouver or other parts of the city.
Before You Go
Visas and Entry
Hastings Park is located in Vancouver, Canada. Entry requirements to Canada depend on your nationality and travel document. For guidance on whether you need a visa or an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA), visit TravelerPulse's Visas section and check the official Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website for current requirements.
When to Go
The park's green spaces are accessible year-round, but the most programming and activity occurs between May and September. The PNE Fair — one of the largest annual fairs in Canada — runs for about two to three weeks in late August and early September; confirm exact dates on the official PNE website before visiting. Playland amusement park typically operates on a seasonal schedule from spring through early fall; verify opening days and hours directly with Playland or the PNE.
Admission
Entry to the park's outdoor green spaces and the lagoon area is free. Playland and the PNE Fair charge separate admission fees — verify current pricing on the official PNE/Playland website or at the gates. Horse racing at Hastings Racecourse is generally free to enter the grandstand on race days, but confirm locally as policies can change.
What to Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — the park is large and paths vary in surface quality
- Layers: Vancouver weather can shift quickly, and evenings are cooler even in summer
- Cash or card accepted at most venues; verify with individual vendors
Getting There
From Downtown Vancouver
Hastings Park is approximately 5–6 kilometres east of downtown Vancouver. It is well-served by public transit. TransLink bus routes along Hastings Street (notably Route 14 and related services) stop close to the park's main entrances — verify current routes and stops on the TransLink website or the Transit app before travel.
By SkyTrain
The closest SkyTrain connection is via the Expo Line to Commercial–Broadway station, from which bus connections head west along Hastings Street. Alternatively, some visitors use the Millennium Line to access the broader area. Check the TransLink trip planner for the most current routing.
By Car and Parking
The park is accessible by car from East Hastings Street and from Renfrew Street. On-site parking is available, particularly in the areas around the racecourse and PNE grounds; fees and availability vary significantly on event days versus non-event days — arrive early during the PNE Fair or major race days. Verify current parking fees on arrival or via the PNE website.
By Bicycle
Vancouver has a growing network of protected bike lanes and routes. The Central Valley Greenway passes near the area, and the park itself has cycling paths. Check the City of Vancouver cycling map for current routes.
Getting Around
Hastings Park is best explored on foot. The main areas — the lagoon, the Sanctuary habitat, the racecourse grandstand, and the Playland/PNE grounds — are all within reasonable walking distance of each other, though the full property is large enough that comfortable footwear matters.
Cycling is permitted on designated paths within the park. On major event days (PNE Fair, large concerts) the grounds can become crowded and navigation is slower — plan accordingly and allow extra time.
Mobility access varies across the site. The restored lagoon paths and main event areas are generally accessible, but some green space areas have uneven terrain. Verify accessibility details for specific events or facilities with the PNE or the City of Vancouver's park services.
Things to See & Do
Hastings Park Lagoon and the Sanctuary
The restored lagoon is a genuine highlight for those visiting on non-event days. The surrounding wetland habitat — known as the Sanctuary — supports migratory birds and urban wildlife. It's a quiet contrast to the surrounding city and worth a slow walk. Birdwatching here can be rewarding, particularly during spring and fall migration.
Playland Amusement Park
Playland is one of British Columbia's longest-running amusement parks and features a range of rides including a historic wooden roller coaster (the Coaster, originally built in 1958). It operates seasonally — check the PNE website for current season dates and hours before visiting.
The PNE Fair
Running in late August and into early September, the PNE Fair is a major annual event featuring live entertainment, agricultural exhibits, food vendors, competitions, and midway rides. It draws very large crowds; if you plan to visit during this period, book tickets in advance and expect transit and parking to be heavily used.
Hastings Racecourse
Standardbred and thoroughbred horse racing takes place at Hastings Racecourse, typically from spring through fall. Race days can be a relaxed, local experience. Verify the current racing schedule directly with Hastings Racecourse, as seasons and race days can change year to year.
Japanese Canadian Memorial Garden
A small, reflective space on the grounds commemorates the Japanese Canadians who were detained at this site during World War II. It is a sobering and important stop for visitors interested in British Columbia's complex history.
Food & Drink
Food and drink options within Hastings Park are largely tied to events. During the PNE Fair and Playland's operating season, there is a wide variety of fair food — classic North American carnival fare alongside some local and international options. Outside of event periods, on-site food options are limited.
For a wider choice of restaurants and cafés, East Hastings Street and the surrounding Hastings-Sunrise and Commercial Drive neighbourhoods offer good neighbourhood dining, ranging from Vietnamese and Filipino restaurants to Italian delis and independent coffee shops. Commercial Drive in particular — about 2 kilometres southwest — has a well-known food and café scene worth exploring.
Note that alcohol is available at the racecourse and during licensed events; verify age ID requirements (19+ in British Columbia) as they are consistently enforced.
Practical Information
Emergency Services
In any emergency in Canada, dial 911 for police, fire, or ambulance. For non-emergency police matters in Vancouver, contact the Vancouver Police Department's non-emergency line — verify the current number via the City of Vancouver or VPD website.
Health
No special health precautions are required for visiting Vancouver. Standard travel health insurance is strongly recommended for all visitors to Canada, as healthcare costs for non-residents can be significant.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage is good throughout the park. Free public Wi-Fi is available in some areas of the PNE grounds during events — verify availability on site.
Accessibility
The City of Vancouver and the PNE both publish accessibility information for their respective areas of the park. Contact them directly if you have specific mobility, sensory, or other accessibility needs before your visit.
Useful Links
- Official PNE website (pne.ca) — for fair dates, Playland hours, and event schedules
- City of Vancouver Parks — for Hastings Park green space information
- TransLink (translink.ca) — for transit planning
Safety
Hastings Park itself is a generally safe and family-oriented destination, particularly during events and daylight hours. The surrounding East Hastings Street corridor, west of the park toward downtown, has areas with higher levels of street-level drug use and homelessness — travelers should be aware of their surroundings if walking west along Hastings Street beyond the park.
On major event days, the park and surrounding transit can become very crowded. Keep an eye on personal belongings in busy fairground areas as you would at any large public event. There are security staff present during PNE events and race days.
As with any urban park, avoid isolated areas of the green space after dark. The restored wetland areas are best visited during daylight.
