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We took the trolley through Stanley park, starting with the aquarium- which was one of the best we've ever visited! So many beautiful stopping points in the park, truly a must see when visiting the city. You can spend two hours, or all day!
Stanley Park was at the top of my must-do list while visiting Vancouver--and it was easily one of my favorite activities. The urban park spans over 1,000 lush acres and has such a rich history. It officially opened as a public park in 1888, named after Lord Stanley, Canada's Governor General at the time. We decided to experience it in the best way possible: on two wheels. After renting bicycles near Coal Harbor, we set off along the park's famous seawall--a scenic path that loops around the entire perimeter and offers nonstop views of ocean, mountains, city, and skyline. It's the kind of ride where you find yourself stopping often because every turn reveals beautiful views. Along the way, we made stops at some of the park's most iconic landmarks. The Stanley Park Totem Poles were vibrant and deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and storytelling. We continued on to the Girl in a Wetsuit statue, and then made our way up to Prospect Point. Don't forget to take in the view of the Lions Gate Bridge stretching across the water! Further along, we stopped to admire Siwash Rock before finishing our route near A-maze-ing Laughter by English Bay. After hours of heavy rain, we got incredibly lucky--the skies cleared what felt like just for us, and we were able to enjoy the entire ride in fresh, crisp air. I was so happy seeing the beaches along the way and the tree-lined paths glowing with orange leaves as we soaked in the last bits of autumn. Best of all, we were treated to a beautiful sunset at English Bay. It felt like the perfect closing moment--peaceful, golden, and well-earned after a full loop around the park. I can't recommend visiting Stanley Park enough. Wish we had enough time to visit the teahouse, but will have to save that for next time. If you're short on time but want to see a lot, biking the seawall is absolutely the way to go. It's active, scenic, and such a memorable way to experience one of Vancouver's most beloved places.
One of the most beautiful parks in North America and a popular tourist destination when visiting Vancouver. This park is huge so be sure to rent a bike and enjoy the sites.
Stanley Park is an iconic spot in Vancouver and a great place to walk around and see city and nature views!
Nice place to walk and take in some beauty. They have paths divided for bikes and walkers which is nice. They have a small gift shop. There are bathrooms.
Stanley Park - one of Vancouvers must see & experience parks. I've dropped plenty pictures of Stanley Park over the years under my - City of Vancouver - review. Over time I realized, this jewel deserves its own review. One of Vancouvers big draws for tourists, this is a stunning park minutes from downtown Vancouver. I have visited dozens of times & brought many out of town family & friends to see Stanley Park. I often go during the summer months but will not hesitate to drop in during the Fall or Winter. Things to do here - bike, walk, jog, scooter, rollerblade, sight see, visit the aquarium, enjoy a summer concert & more. Take a ride around via horse & carriage if you like. There's even a beach on the west side of the park to chill out on. As you walk around the outer perimeter of the park, the views are breathtaking - the ocean, downtown Vancouver, the mountains, the Lionsgate Bridge, the skyline - all gorgeous. A walk around the seawall can take up to 90mins, depending on how often you stop along the way. Oh you definitely will be making a few stops along the way to capture those picture perfect shots. The trees in this park are iconic - age & beauty, so keep an eye out. Head to Prospect Point, facing West Vancouver, & make that proposal to your future spouse, at this stunning view point. As you wind your way around the park, you end up at Second Beach Pool - a large beautiful heated pool, open during late spring through to the end of summer. At the centre of the park is the popular Vancouver Aquarium, recommended for families with kids to come check out. Post pandemic (Covid-19) in late 2021 into year 2022, Stanley Park became notorious for severe attacks on people by - coyotes. It took a while for government to get control of the situation. It was definitely a scary time to go through the park back then. Hot tip alert - if you drive here & park, do not leave your wallets or passports in your car! And do not even get out of your car, & proceed to put anything in the trunk, ie jacket. Unfortunately theives operate here - you won't see them but they are here hiding in the bushes. I have scootered around the entire park. Some passage way on the far western side is just too narrow & gets too crowded. I'd recommend scootering around the park in an anticlockwise pattern, getting to the Lions Gate Bridge & then turning right back around. For sanitys sake.
Very well kept and easy to follow biking and walking paths. Beautiful scenery!!! There are a few slow zones if you're riding a bike where you must walk the bike. There are a couple attractions and activities along the route like totem poles, light houses, and even a swimming pool and park! Very busy on weekends and weekdays.
we drove around stanley park after dinner and caught the sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of a humpback whale or maybe even a pod of orcas passing through the water. no such luck this time, but honestly the park still delivered. instead, we spotted a seagull standing perfectly still with a starfish clamped proudly in its mouth like some kind of seafood trophy. it looked both deeply proud of itself and slightly terrified to move in case it dropped its prize. it's easy to understand why stanley park is considered vancouver's most famous attraction. somehow this enormous urban park manages to combine rainforest, beaches, wildlife, gardens, ocean views, and the downtown skyline all in one place without ever feeling overly busy or commercialised. the drive through the park alone is worth it. take your time, there is construction going on right now. winding roads curve beneath towering western red cedars, douglas firs, and hemlocks before suddenly opening up to sweeping coastal views. every turn feels completely different from the last. the stanley park seawall is really the centrepiece of the entire experience. wrapping around the waterfront with nearly nonstop views of english bay, burrard inlet, lions gate bridge, the north shore mountains, and the vancouver skyline, it's the kind of place where people naturally slow down. cyclists cruise past runners, dog walkers stop to admire the scenery, tourists pause every few metres for photos, and families wander along the path with ice cream in hand. prospect point was easily one of the highlights, especially near sunset with the view stretching towards lions gate bridge and the mountains beyond. brockton point lighthouse added another classic postcard view, while the sailboats gathered near the royal vancouver yacht club made the harbour glow in the evening light. along the seawall we passed the scuba diver statue resting casually on a rock beside the water, definitely a scuba diver, not a mermaid, and somehow it perfectly matches the atmosphere of the park: peaceful, slightly quirky, and unmistakably west coast. lost lagoon brought a completely different energy from the oceanfront sections of the park. surrounded by trees and calm walking paths, the water reflected the skyline while ducks, geese, and other birds drifted quietly across the surface. second beach and third beach were both full of people making the most of the evening. second beach has the famous heated outdoor pool sitting right beside the ocean, along with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and one of the best sunset spots in the park. third beach felt quieter and more tucked away, with people stretched out on driftwood logs watching the sky slowly shift colours over english bay. nearby, the teahouse sits hidden among the trees, blending naturally into the surroundings. what makes stanley park stand out is how much there is beyond the famous seawall. tucked throughout the park are forest trails, gardens, playgrounds, tennis courts, public art, wildlife viewing areas, the pitch and putt golf course, and the vancouver aquarium hidden among the trees. despite sitting beside downtown vancouver, the park rarely feels urban. within minutes you can go from skyline views and busy pathways to quiet forest roads where all you hear is wind moving through the trees and waves hitting the shoreline. it's the contrast that makes the place memorable. even without spotting whales or orcas, the evening felt unforgettable. stanley park isn't just a place you visit once for the photos, it's the kind of place you keep wanting to return to because every section of it feels slightly different from the last.
I'm a firm believer that the best way to experience a new city is by visiting a park, and Stanley Park in Vancouver is the quintessential case. It's the third-largest urban park in North America and even bigger than Central Park in NYC. Unlike other large urban parks that were designed by architects, Stanley Park is a naturally occurring rainforest ecosystem that evolved from a forest and urban space over time. It attracts 18 million visitors per year. The park is also a darling child of Western travel media, regularly earning praise from companies such as TripAdvisor and Conde Nast Traveler as the top/most beautiful park in the world. The park is indeed absolutely stunning. When I visited, it was bustling with activity, and I observed people in the park from all different walks of life. I am personally an active traveler. I would have loved to have some dedicated time to go hiking and explore the park more extensively, but my friend who accompanied me on the trip is more of a leisure traveler. So, we spent the majority of our time in the park lounging and enjoying an incredible sunset at the beach. Not a bad compromise at all. :) Please refer to resources developed by local experts such as the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, the University of British Columbia, and the Vancouver Heritage Foundation for more comprehensive information on Stanley Park.
Gorgeous spot for a walk. Visited on a beautiful sunny day and got to walk along the sea wall. Had a great time. The totem poles are so cool. Great views of multiple points of the city. Its busy but still enjoyable. Lots of bikes and pedestrians. Can also drive through and see things while driving. We even saw a bald eagle flying above us!!
Visited the Harry Potter forbidden forest event at Stanley Park and it was a 10/10. The attention to detail was great. The staff were friendly as well and helpful In organizing parking etc. the lights, sound and music , as well as figures all throughout was a magical experience.
BEAUTIFUL PARK, runners/walkers/roller skaters. two lanes for ppl on feet vs wheels. very safe, abt 6mi to make one loop around lake + park, u go under the bridge, u get a view of the beaches, ferries, seagulls, u enter parks. U NEED TO ADD THIS TO UR ITINERARY!! go biking for $10 an hour is so worth it!! yummy waterfront dining areas surrounding
Pros: The people of Vancouver are so lucky to have something like this. If I lived here, I would be biking this route once a week. We saw multiple seals playing in the water. There's a tea place towards the end. Cons: very very crowded. Lots of rude people.
I love the outdoors and going to Vancouver and not spending some time at Stanley Park is like going to a pizzeria and not having pizza. Have pizza! Stop and spend some time at this lovely park. Slow down, smell the roses, take a carriage ride. A lot going on in this park. The air and water is super clean. I love this place. I even watched a short live performance. Super cute. Mel M Yelp 18:20 read more
Stanley Park - another reason I wish I lived in Vancouver. We walked from our hotel which took about 20 minutes. That is one of the most amazing things about the park, it is right on the outskirts of town and therefore not far at all. The park is seriously fantastic, it has pretty much everything you could want. We mostly took the seawall around but cut back through the middle. You can drive, take a carriage, or ride a bike but we decided to take our time and walk. The walk along the seawall provides great views, one side you have the water and the other side the interior of the park. The totem poles were pretty cool to check out so don't miss them. There are also some statues and art around the park. My favorite thing about Stanley Park was the rose garden. The flowers were beautiful, I could have spent the whole day wandering around looking at them. I can't think of a better place to spend a day, especially without spending money! read more
Must go, must visit, must bike! Tina's Travel and Tabloid - Park for two hours ($3.50 CAD / hour ~ $2.79 USD) . You can also download the Easy Park app and reload from there as well! - Rent a bike off of the Mobi Bikes for $9.75 CAD for 30 minutes. Recommended that you download and/or make account beforehand so it's easier to rent right away. I had trouble doing it on my phone especially since my internet was down. Boo! - Great place to be and everything about it was beautiful. I'm sure many reviews have already stated how great this place is and the relaxation that comes with going to a park. It's humungous from what I saw or could see. - In places like this, I love being the tourist! read more
What can you say about Stanley Park? Well it is one of Vancouver's most popular attractions. Whenever people visit Van, they usually visit the park. Really busy in the summer months with lots of people walking/rollerblading/biking the seawall. It was a very different look right now with covid. The road is half for bikes and half of cars now with orange cones separating the road. The seawall itself is just for pedestrians now. Inside the park there is also the aquarium. There is pay parking in the park and as big as the park is in the summertime it can still be hard to find a spot.... read more
7 years ago
3 years ago
Always Stop At Stanley Park! Stanley park is an amazing stop every time you go! There is always a gorgeous view no matter what part or the park you stop by. The bathrooms are kept relatively clean and there is usually something happening all the time to see on the weekends. Parking can be a little pricey. Parking meters only take change or credit. So come prepared. read more
4 years ago
Breathtaking combination of greenery and water, all within the concrete jungle of the city. Slice of heaven read more
This was one of our destinations while we were in Vancouver for a few days. We came here when it was raining and cold. We walked where the bus dropped us off and headed towards the lighthouse. There were a few people walking, running, and biking. The view of Vancouver was nice for pictures even on a rainy day. On the way to the lighthouse, we passed by this area with totem poles. Next to those were bathrooms just in case you had to go the bathroom. It was a good way to walk off the food we ate prior to coming here. Overall, Stanley Park was good and worth checking out if you're in Vancouver. read more
4 years ago
A spot any traveler to the Vancouver area must visit. The views are spectacular. It's such a beautiful area and everywhere you look it's something more beautiful than the last. I recommend taking a quick bus/van tour (there is a 3.5 hour tour on TripAdvisor) to get a brief overview of the many hot spots and then renting bikes (E-bike rental is more pricey but you won't regret this choice if you make it) to take your time exploring the area. It was one of the most enjoyable experiences of my life. read more
Hands down the best park I have ever been to in my entire life. Stanley park is massive, 1,000 acres massive! Every bit of the park has something for everyone. There is the popular aquarium, totem poles and other historical artifacts and landmarks, the lighthouse, beautiful views of the waterfront, the bridge, as well as the beach. And of course tons of beautiful greens, trees and wildlife! My boyfriend and I spent a good two hours or so biking the seawall, taking breaks here and there to get a better view of things and to take photos. I highly recommend biking as it is the fastest way to cover the entire park, especially if you aren't staying in Vancouver for long. However, walking/jogging is also a great way to explore the park. The entire experience was so much fun and really refreshing! If I lived in Vancouver, I would probably stop by the park every week! read more
4 years ago
Beautiful park! Stunning views all around. No better way to spend a few hours or a whole day! read more
7 years ago
Know before you go! Huge, beautiful and so much to see!! Lots of gardens, site-seeing, scenery, restaurants, beaches, parks and trails. I highly recommend bringing your own bike or renting one for the easiest/fastest way of getting around making the most of your time. Beware...the park trail map is SUPER CONFUSING!! The locals were very, very nice but gave us conflicting directions, which made it even more confusing. Tips for a stress free ride/hike: -The Seawall trail that follows the perimeter is several miles long with VERY FEW turnarounds. Be ready to commit to a long walk or good bike ride. -Start your Seawall bike/hike going COUNTER CLOCKWISE!!!!!! It's mostly one-way traffic along the entire route. (We found out the hard way, went clockwise, got lost, climbed some killer gravel trails trough the middle of the park and missed half of the Seawall and had to do a second loop to see the rest of it. Don't be like us!) -If you find yourself on the Lions gate Bridge, DO NOT cross it unless you plan on going the entire distance. The traffic, to include bikes and foot traffic, is all one directional! If you start across the bridge...you have committed to going all the way across and returning from the other side. -Bring good bike security equipment so you can lock up your bikes. It's relatively safe but even the locals all fully secure their bikes. -Most food service and gift shops accept American Dollars but give change in Canadian Dollars. We loved this park!!!!! It was one of the highlights of our trip. We'll be back for sure. read more
3 years ago
7 years ago
I have the wonderful privilege of Stanley Park being close to my friend's apartment. So any time I visit, it's almost guaranteed that I'll be in Stanley Park for at least for a day. I've walked the loop on June and July days and biked it on an April one. I've watched Canada Day fireworks and been by the aquarium, the flower garden, the tea house and more. The thing about Stanley Park is there is so much to explore! And it's all beautiful. On the loop, you have gorgeous views of the ocean, mountains, and the city skyline. Venture onto the inner paths, and you get incredible trees, water, trees and more. (And if you play Pokémon Go, there are a ton of gyms and PokéStops for you, too.) It's really a lovely space and one that I'm looking forward to exploring more on my next trip to Vancouver. read more
8 years ago
4 years ago
Stanley Park is a great spot to visit for a walk, run, bike ride, or just to check out some of the highlights such as the totem polls or see a statue of a woman in a wetsuit (I had no idea it was there until the last visit). They have many parking areas or you can just walk there from downtown. We always check out the park for a stroll when we are in town. It's a beautiful park with free admission and a great view of the harbor and mountains. read more
Stanley Park is huge! Driving the park took a good 15 minutes to lap. Getting into the park is one way off the highway. Follow the signs and stay in the correct lane or you might end up having to cross the entire bridge and loop back. Parking is a meters, they have locations all throughout the park. Very beautiful and scenic park. So much greenery and trees. Great views of the Vancouver skyline. You also get to see the Seawall. There is also a rose garden. Ton of things to do here. Great for families. read more
8 years ago
6 years ago
Best place for an outdoor run. It's about 10km to complete the outer ring The scenery is absolutely amazing. Highly recommend for sunrise or sunset at any of the beaches in there read more
4 years ago
Last trip to Vancouver stop by Stanley park. Recommended from a friend of a friend and this place was amazing. People kayaking jet skiing picnics in the Park bike riding great place for pictures evening walks family events. 5 out of 5 stars read more
7 years ago
Spent the day in Stanley Park while visiting Vancouver. There is so much to see and do here. Some of the sites to visit while at the park are the Robbie Burns statue, the Queen Elizabeth monument, the Rosegarden, Lions Gate bridge, Lumberman's arch, Empress of Japan figurehead, Lighthouse, girl in a wetsuit statue, Harry Jerome statue, Portuguese Joe monument, totem poles, and the surrounding area's. While at the park you can also take a horse drawn carriage tour or you can take the bike route around the park to see the surrounding areas. This would also be a good place to have a picnic. read more
Stanley Park is a must visit when you come to Vancouver. The views here are beautiful and it just feels so calming to be near the water here. You can also come to visit the lighthouse, totem poles, and the aquarium. I could've walked around here for hours and maybe was my favorite thing to do on my trip. read more
Stanley Park is so gorgeous during this time of year. On my recent trip, I discovered this park on the list of must visit tourist spots. We took a stroll here on a rainy day and it was still amazing. The park is lined with maple trees that are multicolored depicting the season change. Autumn leaves are such a beautiful sight. There is so much to see and do. After taking photos, you can visit the aquarium, spend some time at the rose garden or take a train tour around the park. The park is huge and you can literally spend several hours exploring all the activities. Keep in mind there are admission fees for the attractions. On our self guided tour, we didn't get to see all of the park. On the following day, we did the bus tour which took us around the entire grounds. There are hand carved totem poles located on the other side of the park. The artistry is quite unique. You will also find a gift shop to pick up some souvenirs. If you enjoy sight seeing or taking a stroll along the harbor then you'll like all that Stanley Park has to offer. It feels so peaceful and serene. The locals come here to bike ride along the trail or take a jog. I was in awe with the scenery. Hope to visit this park again if and when I come back to Vancouver. read more
They call it Stanley Park and that's exactly what it is. A 405 acre Park established in 1888. Don't expect any little cafes there is small one at the information center booth. Also only porta potties. No flowers anywhere but lots of green trees . A great place to definitely do a bike ride. We walked from our hotel about an hour and a half. Wonderful fresh air not crowded and decided to take the bus back. Unless you bus ride just a few blocks from the hotel was $5. Best to have your Canadian money or you are out of luck LOL read more
4 years ago
7 years ago
Fantastic way to spend couple hours in Vancouver. Rent bikes at Spokes across the street and bike around the park. 9km in total I believe. read more
What Golden Gate Park is to San Francisco, what Central Park is to New York and what Millennium Park is to Chicago is exactly what Stanley Park is to Vancouver. This park is huge. I wish I planned on our trip here a little better. We took the bus from downtown to Stanley Park and it dropped us off by the rose garden. I was determined to see the Siwash Rock. Unfortunately, Siwash Rock was on the entire other side of this huge park from where we entered, so I didn't get to see it. A lot of the park isn't accessible through cars, just foot and bike. I did see a tour guide trolly drive through the entrance of the park when we first arrived and started walking around. The foilage here is truly beautiful. I even saw a raccoon by one of the restaurants. We ventured out and walked at least a mile and half along the sea wall, wihch is one of the characteristics that makes this park unique. We saw the huge totem poles and perused the gift shop before walking back (knee high boots are totally not the way to go in this park). If you get hungry, there's also a Japadog cart by the entrance. Definitely a must see when in Vancouver. Next time, I'll see that dang rock!! read more
Stanley Park is not too far from DT Vancouver and is a must visit. The park also contains the aquarium, Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon. Rent a bike at Spokes across the street for $10/hour. It will take you about 2 hours to take a leisurely ride through the park w/ stops to take pictures, eat (a few restaurants in the park), and potty breaks. The first stop was the Inuk totem poles: Very cool! Then the next stop was the Lighthouse: Very nostalgic! The third stop was Beaver Lake. Unfortunately, the lake is shrinking and will eventually become a forest floor: Very sad! The fourth stop, was the stacked stone sculptures at the beach: Very interesting! The last stop was the fountain at Lost Lagoon: A very good way to end the bike ride! The only reason I don't give Stanley Park 5 Stars is that I thought the park was much larger the way everyone talked about it. In addition, I thought there would be more to see. Otherwise, it is a very nice park that Vancouverites are lucky to have so close to DT. read more
10 years ago
I knew Vancouver was going to be a different vacation from usual when I started asking the locals for recommendations where to go, and they all said Stanley Park. Not just somewhere on a large list of places, it was usually the first or second place named! This city is definitely proud of their park, and for good reason- not only is it huge and well-maintained, it has literally anything you could want. Picnic areas, quiet trails, biking areas, duck ponds, a driving trail, Beaver Lake, and my personal favorite: the Seawall. Whether you need a break from city life or a place to regularly get in a run without the risk of getting hit by a taxi, Stanley park is a beautiful spot to stay active. If I'd had more time to spend in the area, this easily could have been an entire day's worth of activities. read more
Stanley Park is the platinum standard by which all city parks are measured. That is simply fact, not opinion. Even Manhattan's Central Park has patches of urban-scrawled desolation not worth traversing but not Stanley Park. Its setting on a major promontory jutting out from the downtown area gives it a particular advantage over similar urban oases since the views are worthwhile no matter where you are along the seawall. The park's centerpiece is the world-class Vancouver Aquarium (which I already described in this review: http://www.yelp.ca/biz/vancouver-aquarium-vancouver?q=Ed+U) But you can skip the fish if you like and just make it out to Brockton Point where the squarish lighthouse is (see photo). Here you can take in views of North Vancouver and big piles of yellow sulphur against the mountainous backdrop (see photo). Parking was not too bad when we were there over the Fourth of July weekend, but I would think congestion gets bad when the weather is better. You eventually make it back to Denman Street where you can replenish yourself with the local eats. Stanley Park provided yet another reason for me to be "oot" and "aboot" among the Canucks and become an honorary one myself. read more
10 years ago
Went all around Vancouver, literally, by bike! It all started at this park. Stanley Park is definitely somewhere you want to go visit or bike through when in Vancouver. If you opt for biking, it is a great outdoor activity. I got my workout in for the day! The massive park, itself, is pleasant to explore about and enjoy. There were many admirable views and scenes to take in. I got to be by the shoreline, passed by a bridge and sat on the mossy boulders for awhile. It was a fulfilling day! read more
We drove through Stanley Park when we first arrived in Vancouver to get to north Vancouver. Then the day we were leaving we decided to stop by and check it out. We saw from the Lions Gate Bridge that there was a viewpoint area. We missed the first parking area for the viewpoint but we found another parking lot not too far of a walk away. You have to pay for parking. The sidewalk was lined with salmonberry bushes. The viewpoint has a good view of the Lions Gate Bridge and of the water. The gift shop is right next to it. I will have to explore more of the park next time I am in town! read more
8 years ago
Very beautiful park to visit--a huge tourist attraction. I was in North Vancouver with little internet reception and stopped at a gas station to ask the attendant somewhere he would recommend and he told me to go here. What a great recommendation. The park is very clean and a great place to take pictures. The grounds are versatile. It offers views of the Vancouver harbor, a lightly wooded forest, and a beautiful view of the Lions Gate Bridge. For anyone traveling to Vancouver for the first time, this is a must see. read more
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610 Pipeline Road
Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Canada
Coal Harbour
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http://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/stanley-park.aspx
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