Zipline and Canopy Walk Proposed for Queen Elizabeth Park

A new zipline and tree canopy walkway could be introduced at Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver if the Vancouver Park Board approves a proposal during its upcoming public meeting. This initiative aims to enhance the park’s offerings with nature-based activities, connecting visitors more closely with the forest ecosystem while generating additional revenue for the municipality’s parks and recreation system.

The project would be designed, installed, and operated by Greenheart, a Vancouver-based company, in partnership with the Nature Agency and Triple Bottom Line. The initial contract would last for five years, with a potential renewal option extending it to a total of ten years. Greenheart has a proven track record, having successfully operated a temporary zipline at Queen Elizabeth Park in the summer of 2015 and the TreeWalk attraction at the UBC Botanical Garden for the past 17 years.

Details of the Proposed Attractions

The proposed zipline would span approximately 120 metres, running downhill towards the north and providing riders with stunning views of downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Starting near Bloedel Plaza, the zipline would travel above a grassy field before concluding near the park’s duck pond. This new feature would be shorter than the previous 190-metre zipline installed in 2015, which operated over the quarry garden and was well-received by the public.

The tree canopy walk would be located in the arboretum area of Queen Elizabeth Park and would cover around 300 metres, similar in length to the TreeWalk attraction at UBC Botanical Garden. It would be supported by approximately ten mature trees and would operate year-round. However, three trees have been identified for removal due to a high risk of failure as part of the health analysis for the canopy walk.

A small modular structure at Bloedel Plaza is planned to serve as a visitor centre, primarily for ticketing and operations. Additionally, a food truck or mobile food and beverage service could be located nearby. Greenheart would also offer a seasonal tour bus service connecting Queen Elizabeth Park with VanDusen Botanical Garden and Granville Island.

Engaging Visitors through Eco-Tourism

The proposed zipline and canopy walk align with the growing trend of eco-tourism attractions, allowing visitors to experience the forest from above while learning about local ecosystems. The initiative aims to integrate recreation, environmental education, and conservation through interpretive programming that focuses on urban forests and bird habitats.

The first phase of the project is estimated to require around $2.5 million in privately funded capital investment. If approved, the installation could begin as early as the summer of 2026, with a timeline of three months for the zipline and six months for the canopy walk. All associated costs would be covered by the companies involved, with the Park Board receiving a share of the revenue generated. Preliminary estimates suggest pricing at approximately $16 per ride for the zipline and $20 per person for the canopy walk, with discounts available for families and annual passes.

In 2023, the Park Board directed staff to explore new commercial revenue opportunities, leading to the procurement process that ultimately selected Greenheart’s proposal. The Park Board has since established an unsolicited proposal process that has attracted multiple new business opportunities and attractions in parks across the city.

Queen Elizabeth Park is recognized as one of Vancouver’s two official destination parks, alongside Stanley Park. Its central location, expansive size, and elevated views of the city and surrounding mountains make it an ideal site for this new attraction. Feedback from the community regarding the previous zipline installation was overwhelmingly positive, with 92 percent of survey respondents expressing support for its continued operation. During its 87 days of operation in summer 2015, the zipline attracted approximately 23,600 riders, with a significant portion visiting the park specifically for the zipline experience.

As discussions progress, the potential introduction of these attractions could significantly enhance visitor engagement while promoting environmental education in a vibrant urban setting.