The skateboard spot located in Minoru Park is situated under a shaded pathway making it a great place to keep cool while getting some lines in. The spot features rows of concrete seats which make good ledge/manual pads, a couple of round rails, and a few sets of stairs for your skateboarding pleasure. Although the ground is tiled with brick making it a bumpy ride, once you get used to it, you can definitely have an awesome skateboarding session.

As well, the Garden City Skateboard Spot is a couple of minutes down Granville/Garden City Rd. If you feel like skating a spot more like a skate park, that’s your closet bet.

Minaru Video

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How To Get There

Located on Granville St. in Richmond, closest to the intersection of Minaru St. and Granville St.

A skate spot which has been around for quite some time, ICBC on Kingsway has earned its stay in skateboarding. ICBC features a few ledges, a couple of which are facing downhill, giving the spot some variety for your grinds and slides. After years of skate use, however, the ledges have been worn down and have become super chunky. If you want to have a good long grind or slide, bringing some wax is a must. As well, ICBC has security patrolling around during office hours so it’s best to come after work rather than risk getting hassled by security.

Also nearby (down the block) is the Charles Dickens Elementary Skate Spot. Why you wouldn’t skate there instead is beyond us as it has a larger variety of obstacles.

ICBC Video

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How To Get There

Located on Windsor St. in Vancouver, closest to the intersection of Kingsway and Windsor St.

Charles Dickens was completely renovated in 2009 coincidentally making it skateboard friendly. This skate spot contains a number of small ledges, a couple sets of stairs (3-5 stairs), and a planter waxed on both sides which makes the it perfect for getting the basics down. The only downside to Dickens is that the ground is textured, making it just a bit bumpy. The ICBC Skate Spot is also nearby if you’re done skating the school or want a change of place.

Charles Dickens School Spot Video

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How To Get There

Located on Windsor St. In Vancouver, closest to the intersection of Windsor St. and Glen Dr.

Looking for somewhere dry to skateboard during the fall and winter months can be pretty tough in Vancouver. With the spots few and far in between, you’re better off just staying inside and playing some EA Skate. If you have to skate though, then T&T’s your safest bet. The lot is usually filled with cars until the shop closes at 10pm. There’s a strip of flat spanning the entire parking lot, which usually stays dry if it’s not pouring out. There’s waxed curbs, a manny pad, and even a bank. Why these things are here, I have no idea, but it’ll break up the monotony of skateboarding flat the entire time.

How To Get There

There’s plenty of skateboarding at UBC to be had, you just need to know where to look. Most of the spots are rails or stair sets, so don’t come here to skate lines. Unfortunately, some of the best rails have recently be knobbed.

UBC Skateboarding Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeSk0lgI6fA

How To Get There

Just catch any of the buses heading towards campus. In Vancouver, bus routes #4, #9, #17, #25, #41, #43, #44, #49, #99 B-Line, #258 and #480 will all take you to UBC.

One of Downtown Vancouver’s most recognizable skateboard spots, CIBC Downtown has some of the smoothest round handrails with plenty of room for setups and landings. Though often knobbed, skaters have hacked them off in order to film some epic tricks.

How To Get There

Located in front of CIBC at the intersection of Burrard St. and West Pender St.

New Spot is another of Vancouver’s skateboard spots often featured in skate videos. It features a variety of stair sets and offers some uniquely kinked rails (which have been capped for quite awhile). The run-ups and landing areas are spacious and are super smooth to skate on. Unfortunately, there is no cover from the weather so once it starts raining, you’ll have to pack it up or wait it out.

How To Get There

Located in between West Cordova St. and West Hastings St., nearest to the intersection of West Hastings St. and Hornby St.

The Georgia Banks is a giant bricked bank perfect for skateboarding. Almost spanning the entire block, it’s great for making lines and is a welcome transition from the many stairs, rails, and ledges that make up most of the downtown skate spots. There’s a sketchy 8-step on one side, and possibly a ledge to manual off of. Getting some skating in at the banks is all up to your luck though. On any given day, there’s a good chance the banks will be wet from the fountain that spans the entire bank.

Heading towards Stanley Park on Alberni, about 4 blocks away there’s an apartment that has a nice little ledge. Remember to keep it respectful; if the tenants ask you to leave, do it.

How To Get There

Located on West Georgia St., nearest to the intersection of West Georiga St. and Nicola St.

Hot Spot isn’t as “hot” as it used to be with the Vancouver Skate Plaza built right next to it, but it still offers up some decent street for those up to the task. It’s infamous ledges have been filmed for some of the most memorable lines. The main attractions are 2 ledges on both sides of a walkway (offering love to goofy and regular skaters), the big 5 step downstairs, and a giant curved ledge that most ams have filmed something on. Hot Spot has had more to offer before, but the lower levels have been recently knobbed. Although, I must give the parks board a thumbs up for some of the most original knobs I’ve ever seen.

Just a side note, make sure you take a look around before you start skateboarding. The area is known for its drug users, so look out for needles and anybody trying to jack your stuff.

Hot Spot Video

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGIl9hZ599c

How To Get There

Located on the bridge above Carrall St., nearest to the intersection of Carrall St. and Expo Blvd.