One Book, One Vancouver decided to create a list of some of the best places to enjoy a great book or two.

There are a million great places to read in this amazing city of ours. Some readers enjoy the comforts of home in their favourite chair, while others prefer a cozy corner at their local library. Park benches, sunny beaches, secret gardens, charming cafes, and busy buses (preferably not while driving, of course) are all great places for immersing yourself in a good book.

Where are your favourite places to read?
Tell us all about it and/or send us a photo of you reading in your favourite place! Email vplcomm@vpl.ca

Arbutus Village Park
4202 Valley Drive (@ King Edward Avenue)
There are many places to pause for a rest or to read a book, including a small seating area surrounded by colourful flowers.

Burrard View Park
650 North Penticton Street
This charming and welcoming park is home to the beautifully restored St. James' Cottage Hospice. Burrard View has ample space for reading, picnicking, and contemplating the views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore.

Cathedral Square
566 Richards Street (@ Dunsmuir Street)
Your favourite book and a lunch to enjoy in the shade of the magnolias with their astonishing flowers, or relax on a bit of grass under the ginkgo trees.

Charleson Park
999 Charlson Street
Peaceful pathways wind through lush plantings and around a waterfall and pond, opening to striking views of the downtown shoreline.

Deering Island Park
3530 Deering Island Pl. (@ Deering Island Place)
Located on a small island in the Fraser River, Deering Island Park is a semi-natural area perfect for enjoying the peaceful views of the river and tidal marshes. In late summer, the park is filled with dragonflies and the sweet scent (and flavour!) of blackberries.

Everett Crowley Park
8200 Kerr Street (@ SE Marine Drive)
From the views of patterned Richmond farmlands to the tranquil New Kinross Creek and Avalon Pond, many people enjoy the variety of informal spaces in this park.

Helmecken Park
1103 Pacific Boulevard (@ Helmcken Street)
Tucked amid the old and new brick buildings of Yaletown, Helmcken Park is a wonderful place to enjoy a coffee and a book on one of the shaded benches. This plaza-style park is overflowing with flowers and foliage; the summer blooms of the exotic Mimosa trees are not to be missed.

Mosaic Creek Park
1475 Charles Street (@ McLean Drive)
This unique and intricate park is full of interesting elements. Though small, there are several secret places to sit, read, and daydream among the flowers, as well as a freeform play area for children.

New Brighton Park
500 N Windermere Street (@ McGill Street)
Captivating views of the North Shore and Burrard Inlet as well as outdoor pool and beach areas.

Point Grey Park Site at Trafalgar Street
2601 Point Grey Road (@ Trafalgar Street)
One of several small park sites that line the shores of English Bay, this corner park offers relaxing views of the ocean and West Vancouver.

Queen Elizabeth Park
4600 Cambie Street (@ W 29th Avenue)
Gorgeous gardens and a number of amazing views of the city, Queen Elizabeth Park has many perfect places to sit, relax, and read.

Renfrew Ravine Park
3900 Renfrew Street (@ E 24th Avenue)
Renfrew Ravine is a steep, natural area through which runs a portion of Still Creek.

Riverfront Park
2750 E Kent Street S (@ Elliott Street)
Catching up on your reading along the shore of the mighty Fraser River is a peaceful and restorative experience.

Stanley Park
2000 W Georgia Street (@ Chilco Street)
From the Rose Garden and Shakespeare Garden to the seawall, Coal Harbour and Lost Lagoon, Stanley Park, Vancouver's first park, abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover, or one who would do nothing more than read and relax in beautiful surroundings.

Tatlow Park
2845 W 3rd Avenue (@ Point Grey Road)
A small rock-lined stream meanders through Tatlow Park, crossed by small footbridges. Large trees tower over quiet seating areas, making this a quiet place to read a book or bring children to enjoy the playground.

Tea Swamp Park
266 E 15th Avenue (@ Sophia Street)
Striking arbour and colourful community gardens, a curving dry stone stream and pathway slope down to a playground and rose-lined seating area.

VanDusen Botanical Gardens
5251 Oak Street (37th and Oak Street)
A delight at any time of the year, this spectacular garden in the heart of Vancouver is filled picturesque landscape settings and glorious garden displays as well as many delightful places for reading.

The Union Cul-de-Sac
(@ Hawkes and Union St.)
Described as a magical place to be, this small space offers a quiet place to page through a good book.

Special thanks to the amazing folks at Vancouver's Parks Board for allowing us to use their images (and for creating so many wonderful place to read around the city)!

For more listings of Vancouver's gorgeous public parks and gardens, visit their Alphabetical List of Parks, and click on the park name to view the park details.