Stanley Park

Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's crown jewel and a must-visit destination for any traveler! This world-renowned park is not only Vancouver's first park but also the largest, spanning an impressive 400 hectares. It's no wonder that it's the city's most beloved park, drawing in millions of visitors every year. One of the biggest draws of Stanley Park is the breathtaking rainforest that covers a significant part of the park. Take a leisurely stroll along the many trails and immerse yourself in the lush greenery and fascinating local wildlife.

Don't miss the famous Seawall that encircles the park, offering panoramic views of the ocean and downtown Vancouver. But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Stanley Park is also home to a vast array of natural, cultural, and historical landmarks that are sure to leave you in awe. From the Indigenous peoples' rich history to the many fascinating sculptures scattered throughout the park, there's something for everyone. And let's not forget about the beaches! Stanley Park boasts some of Vancouver's most beautiful and popular beaches, making it the perfect spot for a day of sun, sand, and surfing. 

If you're traveling with the family, the park offers a wide range of unforgettable experiences for all ages and interests. For example, Canada's largest aquarium is located within the park, and it's sure to be a hit with the kids. With about 500 animal species and a variety of exhibits, there's plenty to see and do. In summary, whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a fun day out, Stanley Park is the perfect destination for you!

What to Know

Stanley Park is a world-renowned 405-hectare (1,001-acre) public park located in the heart of Vancouver's Downtown Peninsula. Surrounded by the waters of Burrard Inlet and English Bay, it's an oasis of natural beauty in a bustling urban landscape. The park is bordered by the West End and Coal Harbour neighborhoods to the southeast and is connected to the North Shore by the iconic Lions Gate Bridge.

At the easternmost point of the park, you'll find the historic lighthouse on Brockton Point. While not the largest park in the world, Stanley Park is still an impressive one-fifth larger than New York City's Central Park, which covers 340 hectares (840 acres). It's also almost half the size of London's Richmond Park, which spans a massive 960 hectares (2,360 acres).

As you explore Stanley Park, you'll be struck by the stunning natural beauty of the West Coast rainforest, with its towering trees and fascinating wildlife. The park also boasts an impressive array of landmarks and cultural attractions, from the Indigenous peoples' totem poles to the popular Vancouver Aquarium. Overall, Stanley Park is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vancouver. With its stunning natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and an endless array of activities and attractions, it's sure to be a highlight of your trip.

How to Get There

To truly experience the magic of Stanley Park, we recommend booking a Guided Vancouver Tour. This all-in-one experience includes pick-up and drop-off services, allowing you to sit back and relax as you're transported to the park's entrance. Along the way, enjoy a narrated drive through some of Vancouver's most iconic neighborhoods, including Downtown, Gastown, and Chinatown.

But the tour doesn't end there! You'll also get to explore some of Vancouver's other must-visit destinations, including Grouse Mountain, Vancouver Lookout, and Cliff walk, among others. Whether you're a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, this tour offers something for everyone.

Get ready to experience the best of Vancouver, including the stunning natural beauty of Stanley Park, in a fun and hassle-free way!

- One lane of Stanley Park Drive is now for vehicles, and the other is for cycling.

- Only northbound traffic is allowed on Park Drive from South Lagoon Drive to North Lagoon Drive. Park traffic should use North Lagoon Drive to exit onto Georgia Street.

- Only southbound traffic is allowed on Park Drive from South Lagoon Drive to Park Lane. Northbound access from the West End to Second Beach is through South Lagoon Drive.

- The causeway remains accessible.

- All parking lots in Stanley Park are open, including Prospect Point, Teahouse, Third Beach, and Second Beach Pool.

Best Time to Visit

Stanley Park has some of the best attractions that Vancouver Parks have to offer. The best part about this tourist spot is that it's open year-round so you can choose a time to your liking and come see and explore the scenic vistas, natural beauty, and the wonderful history of this park!

Highlights

The city of Vancouver invites you to explore its most beloved park! With so much to do and see, this attraction is popular among tourists and locals alike! Escape into a world of endless possibilities and explore the boundless activities offered by Stanley Park! From picnic areas and rowing clubs to tranquil gardens and tennis courts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Tee off at the 18-hole pitch and putt golf course, stretch on the sandy beaches, or cool off at the water park!

And sports enthusiasts, don't miss the chance to witness track sports, rugby, and cricket at Brockton Oval. Don't wait, come and experience the adventure that awaits you at Stanley Park! Enjoy a scenic stroll, bike ride, or rollerblade on the Seawall which spans not just around Stanley Park but also across False Creek and the Spanish Banks!

Hop on the Stanley Park Miniature Railway for a fun family time! Embrace the refreshing waves and invigorate your senses at the outdoor swimming pools and beach pools with a glorious vista of the North Shore Mountains! Come make a splash and create unforgettable memories amidst the sun, sand, and sea. Plunge into an immersive aquatic adventure and discover the wonders of the ocean at the Vancouver Aquarium! Delve deep into captivating exhibits and marvel at the breathtaking marine life on display.

You'll be happy to know that the exploration of wildlife isn't limited to the waters - Stanley Park is home to about 500 species of wild animals and birds which will leave you with a newfound appreciation for our natural world. Marvel at the wild beauty of great blue herons, grey squirrels, beavers, skunks, coyotes, and more! 

If you're a birding enthusiast, do visit the scenic Lost Lagoon freshwater lake which is home to ducks, Canada geese, and other feathered beauties. Come witness history and visit the oldest man-made landmark in the park - an 1816 naval cannon that stands tall near Brockton Point! Known as the 9 O'Clock Gun, it has been proudly fired for over 100 years and continues to amaze visitors today.

If you're an art aficionado, feel cinematic at the outdoor theatre Malkin Bowl which opens in summer! When you feel like you've seen and done it all, shop yourself a souvenir from the many gift shops in the park. Overall, your experience in this park will be one of the best you'll ever have in all of North America!

History

Stanley Park has a rich and diverse history dating back thousands of years. The land was first inhabited by Indigenous peoples before British Columbia was colonized during the 1858 Fraser Canyon Gold Rush. The area was one of the first to be explored in the city and attracted non-Indigenous settlers due to its abundant resources.

In 1886, the Vancouver city council secured a lease of the land for $1 per year and transformed it into the city's first park. The park was named after Lord Stanley, 16th Earl of Derby, a British politician who had recently been appointed Governor-General. Originally known as Coal Peninsula, it was set aside for military fortifications to guard the entrance to Vancouver harbor. Lord Stanley officially opened the park in September 1888.

Unlike other urban parks in the world, Stanley Park was not conceived by a landscape architect but instead evolved over time from a forest and urban space to what it is today. Most of the park's manmade frameworks were formed between 1911 and 1937 under the guidance of superintendent W.S. Rawlings. Some of the post-war attractions included a polar bear display, aquarium, and miniature train.

Today, Stanley Park remains densely forested, with approximately half a million trees, some of which are hundreds of years old and stand as tall as 76 meters. The park features forest trails, sandy beaches, gift shops, swimming pools, children's playgrounds, and the Vancouver Aquarium, among other attractions.