Where to fly
Best Places to Fly a Drone in Vancouver (2021)
By James MacCarthy
As the Greater Vancouver Area has some of the most beautiful scenery in Canada, it is the most popular destination for nature-loving individuals. If you live in (or traveling to Vancouver), please feel free to use this guide as a resource to better understand about where is legal to fly and some recommendation for drone spots in Vancouver and its vicinity.
**The places are chosen within the allowed zones on NAV Canada Drone Map. Each region may have specific rules regarding where pilots can fly their drones. You should always check with the local authority to verify that you can fly your drone in the places below.**
Where to Fly Your Drone in Vancouver
As you can see above, many areas are prohibited within Vancouver. While it might be tempting to capture the beautiful scenery at Stanley Park or Coal Harbour, doing so could result in a fine of up to $1000. Yet, there are still many great locations outside Vancouver where you can fly your drone. Let’s get started!
Check out the latest information on areas you can fly within Canada here.
1. Deer Lake Park in Burnaby, BC
5435 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC V5E 2L8
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: AirMap
Deer Lake Park is located in the heart of Burnaby and is 17 minutes away from Downtown Vancouver by car. It features a beautiful lake and a wide-open field perfect for RC aircraft. It is one of the popular spots for drone pilots. Deer Lake Park offers a stunning view of the park along with a view of the city off in the distance.
2. Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver, BC
7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled
- Airspace Map: AirMap
Whytecliff Park is located by Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver. While it is a popular attraction for swimming and scuba diving, It features beautiful ocean scenery with a decent amount of open area to launch a drone. This park is not often visited by drone enthusiasts but is one of the beautiful parks in Vancouver.
3. Albert Cresent Park in New Westminster, BC
Albert Crescent, New Westminster, BC V3L 5C9
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled / Heliport Zone nearby
- Airspace Map: AirMap
Albert Cresent Park is located on the Sarnia Avenue & Albert Cresent intersection in New Westminster. It is one of the oldest parks in BC and features a passive grass area with a spectacular view of the Fraser River and Patullo Bridge. While Albert Cresent Park is a perfect area for flying a drone, you must watch out for the Heliport zone toward the south of the park.
4. Richard Bolton Park (Simon Fraser University) in Burnaby, BC
9388 Tower Rd, Burnaby, BC V5A 4X6
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled / Heliport Zone nearby
- Airspace Map: AirMap
Richard Bolton Park is a hidden gem for flying drones in Burnaby Mountain. It is located inside the SFU Burnaby campus and it is a perfect spot with a view of the university and Burrard Inlet. There is, however, a heliport zone on the southwest of the park so make sure to check on AirMaps in the link above.
5. Deep Cove Park in North Vancouver, BC
2200 Panorama Dr, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1L2
- Airspace Class: Class G — Uncontrolled / Heliport
- Airspace Map: AirMap
Deep Cove Park is a popular destination for tourists with peaceful scenery. It has a decent grass area for you to fly and lots of other activities to do in the village as well. If you also enjoy hiking, Quarry Rock is another great spot for both hiking and flying that you can easily access from Deep Cove Park. Keep in mind Deep Cove Park does get very crowded during the summer season (especially on weekends!)
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