The Best Locations for Family Photos in Vancouver || Family photos by Lorenza Tessari
Capturing Authentic Family Moments in the Heart of Vancouver’s Natural Beauty
Hi there! I’m Lorenza, a family, newborn and motherhood photographer based in beautiful Vancouver, BC. I specialize in capturing the real, everyday moments of families, newborns, and parents-to-be. My approach to family photography is all about creating a relaxed, stress-free experience and telling your story through timeless, authentic imagery.
Vancouver is a city that offers incredible landscapes—beaches, mountains, parks, and urban areas—each providing its own unique backdrop for family photos. In this guide, I’ll take you through some of the best locations for family photoshoots in Vancouver, so you can choose the perfect place to tell your family’s story in a way that feels natural, authentic, and beautiful.
Whether you’re imagining a peaceful moment in a forest, a playful session at the beach, or a chic urban shoot in the heart of the city, Vancouver has something to offer. Let’s explore the top spots that I love to shoot at and that will bring your family’s photos to life.
The Best Locations for Family Photos in Vancouver || Family photos by Lorenza Tessari
1. Stanley Park – Nature at Your Doorstep
For lush greenery, stunning water views, and endless possibilities
Stanley Park is one of Vancouver’s most iconic locations, and it’s perfect for capturing both intimate family moments and grand scenic shots. The park offers a range of environments, from towering trees and serene forest paths to waterfront views and beaches. No matter the season, Stanley Park provides a variety of backdrops that will make your photoshoot feel timeless.
Why Stanley Park is great for family photos:
- Nature and Tranquility: You can capture beautiful, soft light filtering through the trees or golden hour moments by the water.
- Versatility: From the Seawall with views of the ocean and city skyline to the secluded, forested areas, there are endless possibilities.
- Kid-Friendly: Whether your kids love running through open fields or playing near the water, there are lots of opportunities for playful moments.
Best for: Families who love nature and want a location that offers a mix of forest and waterfront settings.
Tip: The park can get busy, so I suggest shooting early in the morning or closer to sunset when the light is softer and the crowds are smaller.
2. Jericho Beach – Laid-Back Vibes and Ocean Views
For a relaxed beach atmosphere with stunning sunset views
Jericho Beach, located just a bit west of Kitsilano, offers a peaceful, less crowded alternative for families who love the beach. It has the same stunning views of the ocean and the North Shore mountains, but with a more tranquil, laid-back vibe—perfect for capturing natural family moments. Whether you’re strolling along the shore, playing in the sand, or enjoying the iconic Vancouver sunset, Jericho Beach provides a beautiful, serene backdrop for your family photos.
Why Jericho Beach is great for family photos:
- Golden Hour Beauty: The beach offers breathtaking light during the golden hour, with warm, soft sunlight filtering over the ocean and the mountains.
- Spacious and Peaceful: Jericho Beach is often quieter than its more well-known counterparts, like Kits Beach, which makes it ideal for a relaxed and intimate photoshoot.
- Diverse Backdrops: From grassy fields perfect for running and playing, to the calm water and sandy shoreline, Jericho provides a variety of settings to match your family’s vibe.
Best for: Families who want a peaceful beach experience with incredible mountain views and the chance to capture candid moments by the water.
Tip: As with most Vancouver beaches, Jericho is beautiful at sunset, so I recommend planning your session for the late afternoon or early evening for the best light and a quieter atmosphere.
3. Queen Elizabeth Park – Stunning Gardens and Views for beautiful family photos
For vibrant gardens and breathtaking views of the city and mountains
Queen Elizabeth Park is a hidden gem in Vancouver that’s perfect for families who love lush, manicured gardens. Located on Little Mountain, this park provides a serene atmosphere with gorgeous plant life, koi ponds, and incredible views of the city and surrounding mountains. It’s ideal for families who want a refined yet natural backdrop.
Why Queen Elizabeth Park is great for family photos:
- Beautiful Gardens: The meticulously designed gardens provide vibrant colors, which can add a striking visual element to your photos.
- Views of the City: From the park, you can see sweeping views of downtown Vancouver, making for dramatic and unique backdrops.
- Peaceful and Scenic: It’s quieter than some of the more popular parks, making it easier to capture intimate moments without distractions.
Best for: Families looking for a refined, peaceful setting with a mix of vibrant natural beauty and sweeping city views.
Tip: The park can get busy during weekends, especially in spring and summer, so I recommend weekdays or early morning sessions for a quieter experience.
4. Caulfield Park – West Coast Beauty
For rugged coastline, forest paths, and breathtaking ocean views
Caulfield Park in West Vancouver is the perfect spot for families who love adventure and the rugged beauty of the West Coast. With its dramatic cliffs, moss-covered trees, and stunning ocean vistas, Caulfield Park offers a more rugged and secluded setting. It’s a great place for capturing bold, timeless family photos that highlight Vancouver’s natural beauty.
Why Caulfield Park is great for family photos:
- Wild and Rugged Nature: The towering trees, rocky cliffs, and dramatic coastline create a breathtaking backdrop for family portraits.
- Quiet and Intimate: Caulfield Park is less touristy, which means it’s a more peaceful, serene location to capture intimate moments.
Best for: Families who love nature, hiking, and want a more rugged, adventurous setting with dramatic ocean views.
5. VanDusen Botanical Garden – Vibrant and Colorful
For a floral oasis with endless textures and hues
If you’re looking for a location that’s bursting with color, VanDusen Botanical Garden is a must-see. With over 7,500 plant species, this garden offers a vibrant mix of flowers, trees, and beautiful pathways that create a magical, storybook-like setting for your family photoshoot. It’s the ideal spot for families who want something colorful and lush.
Why VanDusen Botanical Garden is great for family photos:
- Variety of Backdrops: From flower-filled meadows to wooded paths and water features, the variety in landscapes will make your photos feel dynamic and diverse.
- Bright and Playful: The vibrant flowers and greenery offer playful pops of color that will make your family’s images feel fresh and joyful.
- Year-Round Beauty: Whether it’s spring blossoms, summer greenery, or fall foliage, there’s always something beautiful to capture here.
Best for: Families who want vibrant, colorful backdrops and a variety of landscapes to choose from for their photoshoot.
Tip: Be sure to check for any seasonal events, as the garden can get busy during peak flower bloom times. Early mornings are usually quieter.
The Best Locations for Family Photos in Vancouver || Family photos by Lorenza Tessari
6. Urban Locations – Modern Vibes and Chic City Shots
For families who love city streets, architecture, and modern backdrops
If you’re a family that thrives in the city, Vancouver’s urban spaces offer a wealth of stylish, chic locations for your photoshoot. Think alleyways with cool murals, sleek architecture, and trendy neighborhoods like Yaletown or Gastown. These areas are great for families who want something a little more modern and sophisticated.
Why Urban Locations are great for family photos:
- Modern, Sleek Aesthetic: Urban locations offer a mix of clean lines, architectural details, and contemporary style that will give your photos a cool, editorial feel.
- Vibrant Neighborhoods: Vancouver’s neighborhoods are full of character and culture, from cobblestone streets in Gastown to the trendy cafes and shops in Mount Pleasant.
- Playful & Stylish: Urban shoots allow for a playful, fashion-forward vibe while still feeling true to who you are as a family.
Best for: Families who live in the city, or who prefer modern, stylish backdrops with a bit of urban edge.
Tip: Weekdays tend to be quieter in the city, so if you’re looking for fewer crowds and less hustle and bustle, I recommend scheduling your shoot during the week.
The Best Locations for Family Photos in Vancouver || Family photos by Lorenza Tessari
Ready to Book Your Family Photoshoot in Vancouver?
Choosing the right location for your family photoshoot is all about capturing the essence of your family and telling your unique story through your photos. Whether you’re drawn to the rugged beauty of Caulfield Park, the serene gardens of Queen Elizabeth Park, or the lively urban streets of Vancouver, I’ll be there every step of the way to help create a seamless and relaxed experience.
If any of these locations inspire you, or if you have another special spot in mind, I’d love to chat with you about the perfect place to capture your family’s authentic moments. Reach out to me, and let’s start planning your family photoshoot in Vancouver today!
Ready to capture the everyday moments of your family’s life? Let’s connect! Reach out to me to book your family session today.
Digital images edited using The Archetype Process
You can also find me here: @lorenzatessariphotography
I’m Lorenza. I’m a photographer based in Vancouver, BC, where I live with my wife and our one-year old daughter.
I’m obsessed with photographing families and celebrating the legacy that they are building – the one that is more important than anything else they will ever build in this life. I love capturing my clients at their beautiful best, yet never abandoning the raw and real. Neither is better than the other, and a great session is the perfect mix of both.
Say goodbye to stressful family sessions, underwhelming images, and wasted time. Instead, get ready for a seamless experience, plus photos you want to hang all over your walls – because they capture the heart of your family, and the beauty of the legacy that you’re building… and you all look amazing, too.
It’s so much more than taking pictures – it’s a celebration of the biggest treasures that life has to offer: loving, and being loved. Get to know more about me or send me an inquiry. I’d be so honoured to create some magic with your family in front of my lens!
The Best Locations for Family Photos in Vancouver || Family photos by Lorenza Tessari
