Delicious Pre-Packed Picnics in Vancouver

Amazing picnic spreads you need to try this summer in Vancouver

It’s a romantic notion: dining al fresco on a warm summer’s day along one of Vancouver’s famous shorelines. But it’s not always a simple undertaking. Spare yourself the stress and legwork of prepping by simply picking up the phone. Each of these local businesses provides everything you need – from delicious ingredients to handy utensils – for a great meal in the great outdoors.

The Dirty Apron

The folks behind the counter at The Dirty Apron share an appreciation for dining outdoors. “We love it when the sun is shining. It means we get to go outside and enjoy our wonderful city,” says Laura Barker, catering manager at the popular Crosstown deli. The most recent addition to the Chambar and Medina food family offers up two strategic picnic choices: a meal for two, including gourmet sandwiches, seasonal salad, house-made cookies and beverages, or a larger gourmet incarnation intended for a small group, featuring charcuterie, cheese, baguette, dessert bars and fruits with dip.

$50 for two diners, $80 for larger size, 540 Beatty Street

Provence Vancouver

Yaletown’s proximity to David Lam Park, English Bay and so many other popular outdoor spots makes Provence Marinaside an ideal supplier for your summer dining plans. “Rent a bike. Head out on a boat. And don’t worry about anything other than which way the wind is blowing,” encourages Provence’s general manager Lisa Baldwin. The restaurant has focused its offerings on a spread for two this year, including six choices from their bites menu, two choices of fruit, a whole baguette, tapenade, crostini, artisanal cheeses, beverages and still water.

$80 for two diners, 1177 Marinaside Crescent

Cioffi’s Meat Market and Deli

Cioffi’s, the wildly popular, family-owned Burnaby deli, opened more than 20 years ago, garnering immediate devotees with their local and imported cured meats, cheeses, pasta and preserves. This summer, their picnic options expand to three, ranging from rustic to gourmet. “Our catering team picks from the enormous selection of products and customizes them to the client’s needs,” explains catering and food development manager Jeffrey Siemens. Choose from the Simplistic Sandwich Pack, the Backyard Picnic (featuring grilled or roasted protein of your choice, antipasti, salad and sweet) or splurge with the Cioffi’s Picnic, which boasts duck confit, corn and quinoa salad, buttermilk fried chicken and more.

Cost varies with weight and selection, but $20 per diner starts you off nicely, 4142 and 4156 East Hastings Street

Stock Up

Stock Up, Kerrisdale’s favourite purveyor of prepared foods, offers a sunny solution for your outdoor respite. “A picnic really is something special,” says co-owner Simone Greaves. Lunch for two at Queen Elizabeth Park? Party of four headed to Kits Beach? It’s covered at Stock Up. Individually packaged, grab-n-go meals include fresh fruit, a cookie, a drink and a sandwich of your choice, with options ranging from smoked turkey to tomato and bocconcini. “We have to take advantage of the hot months – head to the mountains or to the beach. Enjoy it!” Greaves adds.

$12.50 per diner, 6019 West Boulevard