Further North-East than the main Cates park and playground, accessibly by an adjoining trail or by driving the main roads, Little Cates is a quiet area for play. The playground is a bit older, but still fun for little toddlers. There’s lots of grass to play on as well as a big toy structure. The base is gravel, which I know annoys some parents, but which I’m ok with. As a plus, there is a washroom on site.

Little Cates also showcases the cement burner base from the Vancouver Cedarside Mill, which existed until 1929. I remember playing the the tunnels as a child and pretending it was a fort. It’s overgrown and deliciously open to imaginative little minds.