G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre

These spaces are available for inpatients, outpatients as well as to family and visitors.

Sacred spaces and gathering places 

We recognize the importance of being able to gather around loved ones in times of illness and healing and while receiving care. There are several comfortable spaces available at G.F. Strong.  Outdoor spaces are also available for smudging, speak with your Indigenous Patient Navigator, Spiritual Health practitioner or social worker for assistance.  

Client dining room and cafeteria 

The client dining room is located on the main floor in G.F. Strong.  Family and Friends are able to purchase a meal for themselves in the client dining room. This space also offers a comfortable seating areas to relax, a large screen TV, and a pool table. The meals for clients are included as part of your stay. 

Our cafeteria called the Break and Entree Cafe offers a large seating area on the main floor in G.F. Strong.  The cafeteria is open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and is a shared space for staff and the public. The menu for the month is posted in the cafeteria.  Break and Entree Cafe is closed on weekends and statutory holidays. All menu items are for purchase. Requires purchasing of food. 

If you are interested in dining out, learn more in the pass section. 

Outdoor spaces 

There are plenty of outdoor spaces near G.F. Strong.  These shared spaces are available for staff, clients, friends, and family.  

• Each inpatient unit has covered patios off the West and East wing.  
• A patio area is off the client dining room/cafeteria with benches and tables.  
• We have an enclosed courtyard accessible from the hall near the gymnasium.   
• There is what is called "Figure 8"—it is south of G.F. Strong's front entrance. It has a grassy knoll, picnic tables, benches, and a paved accessible path.  
• Braemar Park is across the Street from the G.F. Strong entrance.  
• Douglas Park and Community Center is north of G.F. Strong at Laurel between 20th and 22nd avenues. 

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre is located at 4255 Laurel Street, Vancouver, one block east of Oak Street and one block south of West King Edward Avenue.

Parking

Paid parking is available.

If you are a client or a visitor, you may park in the visitor-paid parking lot (handicap-accessible paid parking spots are available in the front of the building). The parking meters will accept credit cards, coin payments, and pay-by-phone options. Please remember to arrive at the site prepared to pay the parking meter using one of these means, as meters do not provide change.

You may be able to find 2-hour free street parking, though spaces are very limited. With a valid SPARC parking permit, free 3-hour parking is allowed on residential streets without need for a residential parking permit (*Note: City of Vancouver by-law is subject to change.  For more information visit the City of Vancouver Accessible Parking page)

Parking rates for VCH facilities

Electric vehicle charging

Designated electric vehicle charging stations are available for patients and visitors. Charging is available for up to 4 hours at Level 2 stations and up to 1 hour at Level 3 stations. Please review our electric vehicle charging station etiquette for more information.

Electric vehicle charging stations at G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre:

Getting here by TransLink

G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre is accessible by TransLink services from Vancouver International Airport, BC Ferry Terminals at Horseshoe Bay and Tsawwassen, Pacific Central Station (downtown Vancouver rail and bus station), and SkyTrain stations.

Buses 17 and 25 stop on Oak Street, close to the centre. 

TransLink provides information on transit routes and schedules. TransLink can also tell you which buses take wheelchairs and are wheelchair accessible.

Transit accessibility on Translink.ca

If you use HandyDart

Translink’s HandyDART – “A door-to-door, shared ride service for passengers with physical or cognitive disabilities who are unable to use conventional public transit without assistance.”

• If you qualify and would benefit from this service, we recommend you contact your family physician to assist with the completion of the application form

HandyDART Modernization Program

Places to stay around G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre 

The CIBC Centre for Patients and Families at Vancouver General Hospital is a resource centre that helps you and your family make informed choices about your health, before, during, and after your hospital stay. If you are visiting G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre, the centre also maintains the Places to Stay Guide for VGH and G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre to list accommodation options in the area.

If you are looking for additional support, you can also visit the Travel Assistance Program website to learn about the financial assistance available.

Download the Places to Stay Guide