You have just landed in Vancouver, the wonderful city cradled between the Pacific Ocean and the smouldering north shore mountains. You want to see the famous sights of this coastal city from the Gastown district to Granville Island Public Market. But where do you head to when the fast city life seems like a bit too much?
If you want to discover a very well-kept secret, then look no further than Stanley Park. One of the largest urban parks in North America, this over 1,000-acre urban park offers a splendid getaway from the bustling city life. Here you will find a peaceful escape from the city with plenty of activities to keep yourself active and have beautiful greenery all around.
The miracles of Stanley Park have us feeling….
Location of the Stanley Park
You can find Stanley Park centrally situated in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. With its location on a peninsula overlooking Burrard Inlet, the very sight of this place to take in the skyline and mountains over North Shore is bound to steal your breath away!
How do I get to Stanley Park?
Let me tell you all the ways to get around Stanley Park one by one.
By Foot — A well-worn footpath makes accessing the Park a cinch for Vancouverites, particularly those in the West End and downtown. The park offers many pedestrian paths and bridges to the city.
Renting bikes in Stanley Park Vancouver —
Many visitors enjoy seeing Stanley Park by cycling through its flat paths. The park also has some nice bike paths you can use to cruise through the area if that is your kind of thing. Bikes can be rented from multiple places within the park such as Cycle City
Car — Several parking lots inside Stanley Park such as Lost Lagoon and Prospect Point. Parking, however, can be limited in high tourist season thus you can consider public transportation.
Bus — Stanley Park is served by the 14, 15 and 16 bus routes Coming with their own points in the park these buses make your way even easier back and forth. The SeaBus that connects Vancouver’s downtown with North Vancouver
Train — reach Stanley Park also by taking the ferry service, known as SeaBus in order to go directly from downtown going to North Vancouver. The SeaBus to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver, with a short bus ride or walk to get to the park.
Parking Facility in Stanley Park Vancouver BC
Lost Lagoon Parking Lot –
Largest parking lot within the park, located near the entrance on Georgia St.
Prospect Point Parking Lot –
a smaller lot perched at the top of Prospect Point and offering panoramic vistas of both the city and harbor.
Additional parking lots–
There is also a few smaller parking lots located throughout the park, but these can be even harder to find an open spot in.
Opening Hours
The schedule at Stanley Park is the same as most City of Vancouver parks: 6 am to 10 pm. As with all these things, it is always worth checking any exception or special event occurring. Stanley Park Official website, you can get up to date information.
Website: Stanley Park
Dining Options
The Teahouse in Stanley Park – English Bay restaurant with West Coast cuisine, A hot spot for brunch, lunch or dinner, using fresh ingredients from nearby farms.
Lumberman’s Arch Concession (near the water park) – This is a grab-and-go hamburger/hot dog/ice cream stand.
Stanley Park — Best Budget Hotels
Few best hotels which I will recommend you to stay at the time when you go to visit the Stanley Park.
Rosellen Suites—
Rosellen Suites at Stanley Park – A charming old-fashioned boutique hotel located in Vancouver offering wonderful and spacious suites within walking distance to world-famous Stanley Park! A ripple perfect for long stays it unites the comforts of home with beautiful raw nature and city attractions nearby; excellent for someone who is looking for a chilled vacation as well as an adventurous travel experience.
The Westin Bayshore –
A luxury hotel on the waterfront boasting spectacular vistas of the harbor and Stanley Park along with a wellness focus, plus it is not far from downtown
Sylvia Hotel –
One of the most historical hotels in Canada right on English Bay and steps from Stanley Park, perfect for romance and nostalgia.
Lord Stanley Suites on the Park–
Extended-stay, all-suite hotel with in-room kitchens (ideal for families), some with Stanley Park and harbor vistas.
Things to do in Stanley Park
Hiking and Walking
There are numerous hiking and walking trails paced throughout Stanley Park easy stroll to challenging hikes. These include the Stanley Park Seawall, Brockton Point Trail and Lost Lagoon Trail.
Cycling
A favorite for cyclists with pathways throughout the park dedicated to bikes at several locations throughout the park you will find places to rent bikes.
Wildlife Viewing
Stanley Park is full of wildlife, from deer and squirrels to birds and maybe even a seal. Keep an eye out for few of them during your visit.
Picnic spots
Stanley Park has many picnic areas which is perfect for an outdoor surrounded by nature.
Aquarium
Visit Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park to sea side a wide array of marine inhabitants. A fantastic place to learn about the ocean and its wildlife
Golf
There are two golf courses located within Stanley Park, the Stanley Park Golf Course and Pitch & Putt Course.
Tennis
The Stanley Park has tennis courts that are open to the public.
Japanese Garden
This perfectly manicured garden is an enchanting urban oasis with Japanese landscape design elements, tranquil koi ponds and meticulously maintained flora. Arm themselves with a flat white from their favorite café and stroll the pier, alone with impressive views of South Melbourne horizon -copy hovering rhyme over sounds quiet enough to whisper.
More about the Totem Poles
A major attraction of Stanley Park are many totem poles representing native culture and traditions. Brockton Point is home to this collection of totem poles, which illustrate the history and art of a number of Pacific North Coast First Nations. As with each pole — an ornately carved totem tells its own story, describing the area as First Nations would recount their history and place-specific teachings.
Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride
One of the most relax and scenic way to view Stanley Park is to take a ride in one of the horse-drawn carriages. Goes by a number of key attractions within the park including The Rose Garden, Lost Lagoon, and lastly past the famous Lions Gate Bridge. It offers a nostalgia approach to witness the wonders of Vancouver’s crown jewel.
Kayak or Paddleboard
Discover the waters of Burrard Inlet by renting a kayak or paddleboard. Experience views of the North Shore Mountains, Vancouver skyline and marine wildlife while paddling up the coastline. No matter you are a beginner or an expert paddler.
Popular Events and Festivals
- Summer Cinema Series: Stanley Park becomes open air movie theatre for the evenings during the summer months at Ceperley Meadow, a family destination to go back to times when we see age old but gold films of choice with friends sitting and taking in all the nostalgia.
- Stanley Park Ghost Train: A Halloween ride through the forest with haunted displays, actors, and live performances. (seasonal)
- Stanley Park’s Winter Festival: The park comes alive with lights for the holidays and the Stanley Park Train is transformed into the “Bright Nights Train” a magical journey through the sparkling forest.
More Interesting Properties and Find Hidden Gems
- The Hollow Tree: One of the twin icons of Stanley Park, this giant hollowed Western red cedar has graced the park for more than 700 years. A popular photo location it represents the once great forests that covered the entire area.
- Beaver Lake: Set in the middle of Stanley Park, Beaver Lake is populated with lily pads and circled by carpeting tree cover, making it a prime spot for bird-watching and wildlife photography. The lake is transforming slowly into a bog, a rare ecological site for the process of forestation.
- Siwash Rock: A 59-foot-high natural rock outcropping along the Stanley Park Seawall. Being a geological feature, Siwash rock is also a myth. Legend tells that when he gave away his woman to another for the privilege of humanity; he was turned into solid rock as a reward with no need more than to stand still eternally watching over Vancouver.
- The Rose Garden – Over 3,500 Rose Bushes and Nearly 150 Kinds of Roses. It is a beautiful place to have a gentle walk and the roses grow so abundantly in the summer.
- Nine O’clock Gun: Cannon at Brockton Point Consistently fired once a night at 9. Their tradition is from the late 1800s and was initially used as a signal for fisherman. As an eccentric local tradition, it captures the imagination still as much as it did when I first witnessed this tradition whilst living on Lomar Island in 1983, a few years after my family had moved from South Yorkshire to Grittan in the 1970s.
- The Miniature Train: A magical and family-friendly locomotive that wends its way through the woods. The train ride is often in line with the season and could be a Christmas train or a Halloween ghost train to delight the entire family.
- Stanley Park Pavilion / Gardens: A heritage building built in 1911 with wooden old-school architecture structure. The surrounding gardens create a lovely setting for having lunch or indulging in a traditional afternoon tea al fresco in the summer.
- In 1914 a lighthouse was constructed at the easternmost point in Stanley Park, called Brockton Point Lighthouse. It is a neat place to sit and watch boats go by, they also have a historical plaque explaining the lighthouse.
Recreational Activities
- One thing that must be done in every city with a sea is fishing, and on the Stanley Park Seawall you can catch anything from rockfish to lingcod or even salmon.
- Second and Third Beach Swimming: In warmer months, take a swim over at Stanley Park’s Second and Third Beaches. If visiting during the warmer months, you’ll find the beaches patrolled by lifeguards and equipped with picnic tables and barbecues.
- PRO TIP: Skating at the Robson Square Ice Rink — because well, you can’t come to a proper Canadian city in winter and not go skating on an outdoor rink somewhere in town (this is actually pretty close from Stanley Park).
Insights into a Culture and Time
First Nations First
Stanley Park is situated on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations. The park features many totem poles and other works of the natives here. At Brockton Point, visiting the totem poles allow visitors an opportunity to delve into the culture and stories of the local Indigenous people.
Stanley Park Ecology Society
The SPES schedules guided nature walks, onsite programs and volunteer projects related to the park’s different landscapes. They offer information on the area’s vegetation and wildlife, conservation actions, and the ecological history of the park.
Practical Tips for Visiting
Opening Hours
Stanley Park is open 365 days a year at all hours of the day and night but visit during spring or summer to come while warmer weather, gardens are in profusion and have more activities/events available.
Accessibility
The park is mostly accessible to visitors with disabilities The Seawall features paved trails that are wheelchair and stroller accessible. It’s also worth checking to see if the specific routes you plan on visiting inside the park have uneven terrain.
Sustainability
Stanley Park is dedicated to maintaining their sustainability, and everyone who visits contributes to that effort. Wither walking through the gardens or having a picnic, be sure to recycle and minimize your waste. Mind the ecosystem by remaining on developed paths and not interfering with animals that have made the park their home. That’s the heart of a park with nobody in it, only with somebody who plans to leave no trace behind so that future generations can also enjoy the beauty.
These overlooked delights reveal another more deep-seated regard for the natural allure, grace history, as well as cultural importance of Stanley Park.