Stanley Park

Reaching this world renowned park is a breeze. Hop on a westbound #19 Stanley Park bus on Pender Street in downtown Vancouver and after a short ride between Vancouver's towering skyscrapers you will disembark inside a forested oasis.

Stanley Park Seawall

Largely surrounded by seawater, Stanley Park is famous for its 9 km continuous seawall which you can walk, cycle or rollerblade around. As you make your way around the seawall you'll enjoy superb views of different parts of the city including the north shore mountains and the impressive Lions Gate Bridge. I highly recommend walking or cycling at least a portion of the seawall. Bicycle rentals are available near the Georgia Street entrance to the park and several Vancouver Bike Share stations are convenient to the park too.

If you decide to walk around the entire park on the seawall you need allow 2 to 3 hours. Even if you are cycling you will want to allow at least one hour to do the entire seawall as you will want to stop and check out some of the attractions and views along the way.

Southern Portion Attractions and Amenities

In the southern portion where the park meets up with Vancouver's West End highrises, scenic Lost lagoon is home to an extensive variety of waterfowl. Enjoy a pleasant walk around the lagoon on the walking path. On nice days local artists display their paintings at the 'Painters Circle' just south of the Aquarium. A large outdoor salt water swimming pool overlooks the ocean beside Second Beach. Stanley Park is also home to the renowned Vancouver Aquarium, one of Vancouvers top attractions. Other attractions in the southern portion of Stanley Park include the beautiful Rose Gardens, the Shakespeare Garden, an 18 hole pitch and putt golf course, and tennis courts.

Brockton Point

As you make your way to the Brockton Point at the eastern tip of the park you will discover the group of 9 authentic First Nations totem poles which are BC's most visited attraction.

Try not to miss the historic 9 O'Clock Gun as you pass by the southeastern tip of the point. This historic cannon was manufactured in 1816 and delivered to Vancouver in 1894 to help mariners set their timepieces. It is still fired every night at 9pm. Views of the Vancouver skyline are incredible from this vantage point.

As you round the northern tip of Brockton Point on the seawall you suddenly come upon the historical Brockton Point Lighthouse that was built in 1914.

As you continue along the seawall on the north side of Brockton Point lookout for the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture sitting on top of a large rock about 20 metres from the shore.

Siwash Rock

If you make it to the norhwest portion of the seawall, you will be able to get an upclose view of Siwash Rock. This ancient rock outcropping stands just offshore and is topped by a small tree. Many seabirds can be seen roosting on the rock. A Squamish First Nation's legend is that a man was transformed into Siwash Rock as a lasting symbol of selfless fatherhood. You can also view this landmark from a higher vantage point by following the Siwash Rock trail from Third Beach to the south or Prospect Point to the north.

Prospect Point

Prospect Point is an elevated scenic lookout located at the northern end of the park. From this vantage point you can enjoy the view of the Lions Gate suspension bridge as at crosses the First Narrows inlet into Vancouver Harbour. Beyond that lie the mountain side subdivisions that stretch up the slopes of the north shore mountains. Adjacent to the lookout you will find the Prospect Point Café and also a Gift Shop.

Unveiling Stanley Park's Secrets

Beyond the well-trodden paths, Stanley Park harbors hidden treasures awaiting discovery. These secret spots offer a glimpse into the park's lesser-known history and natural wonders, providing a unique perspective for those willing to explore off the beaten path.

Hollow Tree: Venture along Stanley Park Drive towards the park's northwestern reaches, and you'll encounter the enigmatic Hollow Tree. This ancient Western Red Cedar, estimated to be over 600 years old, stands as a testament to the enduring power of nature. Once a massive tree with a circumference of over 18 meters, it now features a hollowed-out trunk large enough for people to step inside. Capture a unique photo within its hollowed interior and marvel at this living piece of history, a silent witness to centuries of change.

Interior Trails and Beaver Lake: Many wilderness trails wind through the interior forests where you'll find Beaver Lake, a large pond with a rich ecosystem. To help you navigate the extensive network of trails download a Stanley Park PDF Trail Map.

Stanley Park Miniature Railroad

Families with children will love going for a ride on the Stanley Park Miniature Railroad. It's conveniently located just north of the Stanley Park bus loop. Enjoy a fun 2 kilometre ride through forest and tunnels pulled by a miniature replica of Canadian Pacific Railway #374 steam locomotive.

This popular attraction operates as the Urban Forest Train from mid April to Labour Day. It is open from 10am - 4pm on weekends and from early in July it is open Wednesday through Sunday. There are special themed rides during Easter, and leading up to Halloween when it becomes the 'Ghost Train', and leading up to Christmas as the Bright Nights Christmas Train. During the later you'll ride through an incredible 3,000,000 lights and decorations displayed by volunteers from the Vancouver Fire Department. Tickets for the regular rides can be purchased on site, but for the themed rides you must book your tickets online as demand is very high. Get more details and up to date schedules for the Stanley Park Railroad here.

Stanley Park Dining and Food Concessions

Two restaurants provide awesome food and a great atmosphere in pleasant setting. At The Prospect Point Cafe, you can enjoy seafood, burgers, and pasta with unbeatable views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore mountains. At The Teahouse, you'll experience a romantic location where you can enjoy fresh west coast cuisine along with spectacular ocean and mountain views. During the summer months there are also several walk up food stands in the park serving a variety of fast foods including burgers, fries, fish and chips, hot-dogs, hot and cold drinks and other treats.

Download a Detailed Stanley Park PDF Map and guide.

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Facts For Your Visit

Fee: No

Hours: Stanley Park is open from 6am until 10pm

Address: Vancouver, BC

Official Website: Stanley Park

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