Prospect Point sits at the highest point in Vancouver, with jaw-dropping views of Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore mountains and the city’s harbour. It’s one of the most-loved tourist destinations and a place we love to take out-of-town guests when they come to our city.
Did you know that Stanley Park receives over eight million visitors per year? TripAdvisor just happened to have voted it 2014’s #1 City Park in the World.
Now there’s another reason to make it up the hill: Prospect Point! This gorgeous new space recently opened its doors following a $3.5 million renovation completed in August of this year by architect Brad McTavish (Grout McTavish Architects).
The multi-purpose venue offers a bar and grill (plus gorgeous patio in back), cafe, gourmet ice cream stall in summer, trading post for souvenir and branded goods by Helly Hansen and Hatley, plus a patio in front for a quick stop en route.
Canadian entrepreneur/North Vancouverite Nancy Stibbard of Capilano Group of Companies has owned and operated the venues at Prospect Point since 2014.
Her team is also behind popular visitor attractions Capilano Suspension Bridge Park, Stanley Park Pavilion, Cathedral Mountain Lodge (in Yoho National Park, BC) and Moraine Lake Lodge (in Banff National Park, Alberta).
I was recently invited to enjoy the views, a selection of lunch dishes from Prospect Point’s expansive menu and gorgeous ice cream from Rocky Point (think Salted Caramel, Maple Walnut and Cookies & Cream). The menu is broken down into starters and shared plates, salads, mains, handhelds, lighter fare (for guests 65+ in age) and desserts.
[Apple crumble, Rocky Point vanilla ice cream]
[Chocolate mousse, cocoa brownie, sponge toffee]
A good selection of local craft beer, red and white wines plus cocktails will all pair nicely with the menu offerings by Chef Patrick Payne and his team.
Happy hour here translates to beer pints and patio cocktails for $5 and 2-for-1 shared plates.
I’m having a hard time deciding what’s prettier: the inviting wood-accented rooms designed by Mona Patel (Mona Patel Design) and Nicole Vallee (Panther Creative) or the spacious outdoor patio out back with those outstanding views of Lions Gate Bridge.
The outdoor patio has an outdoor fire pit in back for cozying up in cooler weather.
Along the walls are historical photos from Vancouver Archives, a bicycle mounted on the wooden wall, decorative lighting fixtures, lots of plants and natural light, and wood-topped tables. A private, sun-splashed room can seat up to 24 diners.
Here’s some of the dishes our group shared on a sunny autumn afternoon. We were in no rush to leave this lovely room!
[Tomato & Bocconcini salad on garlic crostini]
[West coast seafood chowder]
[Grilled salmon, roasted potato hash]
[Blackened chicken sandwich]
[On Point burger containing 6 oz sirloin]
Prospect Point is located at 5601 Stanley Park Drive. Its cafe and trading post are open from 10 am to 6 pm while the bar and grill is open from 11 am to 6 pm.
