Is there a more famous landmark in Vancouver than Stanley Park?
Stanley Park may be a tourist destination--it attracts 8 million visitors a year--but it is also cherished by locals. Stanley Park is the true heart of Vancouver, an emblem of our passion for nature and the importance of public outdoor spaces in our city-dwelling lives.
Download Map of Stanley Park (pdf)
Stanley Park's Top 10 Features
1. Seawall
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
The 8.8km (5.5 miles) Seawall that encompasses Stanley Park is one of its most famous--and most well-used--features. No matter what the weather, there will always be people walking, jogging, rollerblading, or cycling along this scenic, paved pathway. The Seawall makes a complete loop around the park's coastline and boast fabulous views of the city, northern mountains and Lion's Gate Bridge.
2. Gardens
Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board
Stanley Park is better known for its majestic ceders and firs than for its flowers, but that doesn't mean there aren't gorgeous gardens there, too.
The park's three must-see gardens are the Stanley Park Rose Garden, the Ted & Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden and the pictorial carpet bedding at Prospect Point, the highest point in the park.
3. Walking Trails
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
The Seawall isn't Stanley Park's only walking trail, not by a long shot. There are over 27km of forest trails, winding through the park's dense foliage, offering hikers and walkers a quiet, more secluded getaway.
4. Totem Poles
Photo by Dana Lynch
The park is home to a wide variety of monuments, but there are none more visited than the BC First Nations totem poles displayed at Brockton Point; in fact, these totems are the most-visited tourist attraction in all of BC!
5. Beaches, Outdoor Pool & Water Park
Image Courtesy of Vancouver Park Board
6. Vancouver Aquarium
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
7. Children's Farmyard
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Over 200 animals, birds and reptiles--including endangered species of cows, sheep and waterfowl--live at the Children's Farmyard, a one-acre rural "farm" in the midst of Stanley Park. Made up of heated barns, corals and outdoor yards, kids can mingle with and pet the smaller farm animals, like sheep, goats and potbellied pigs.
8. Miniature Train
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
The Stanley Park Miniature Train carries its passengers through the forest on winding tracks, over trestles and through tunnels on an 10-minute wilderness journey.
The Mini Train attracts 200,000 visitors a year, and, along with the Children's Farmyard, plays an integral role in the park's holiday events. At Halloween, the train is transformed into the spooky Ghost Train; during the winter holidays, the train carries riders through the park's Bright Nights, a sparkling wonderland of twinkling lights and festive decorations.
9. Sports & Recreation
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
Sports and recreation lovers will find so much to do at Stanley Park they won't know where to begin. Among the many offerings:
- Stanley Park Pitch & Putt Golf Course
- Lawn Bowling
- Brockton Point Cricket Club
- Royal Vancouver Yacht Club
- Vancouver Rowing Club
There are also 17 free, public tennis courts, at the Beach Avenue entrance to the park. These are first-come, first-serve; six of the 17 become pay-courts during the summer season.
10. Theatre Under the Stars
Image Courtesy of Tourism Vancouver
