Stanley Park Vancouver: A Must-Visit Urban Oasis
Stanley Park is one of Vancouver's most iconic and beloved destinations. Located just minutes from downtown, this 1,000-acre park is a natural paradise surrounded by water, offering stunning views, lush forests, and countless attractions. Whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing escape, Stanley Park has something for everyone.
A Park Full of History and Nature
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park is named after Lord Stanley, Canada's Governor General at the time. Unlike many other urban parks, it wasn’t created by landscaping but is mostly natural forest, with some trees over 400 years old. The park is home to more than half a million trees, making it a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. Before it became a reserve, the park’s peninsula was logged by several companies between the 1860s and 1880s. Though the towering trees have long since regrown, many old stumps still remain, offering a glimpse into the park’s history before conservation efforts began.
Fun Facts About Stanley Park
- Bigger Than Central Park: Stanley Park is 10% larger than New York’s Central Park.
- Movie Spot: The park has been featured in many movies and TV shows, including Deadpool and X-Men Origins: Wolverine.
- Home to Wildlife: The park is home to many animals, including raccoons, squirrels, and great blue herons.
- Historic Lighthouse: Brockton Point Lighthouse has been guiding ships through Burrard Inlet since 1914.
Top Things to See and Do in Stanley Park
1- The Seawall - 9 km Scenic Loop Around the Park
The Stanley Park Seawall is the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path, stretching 28 kilometers around Vancouver’s scenic coastline. The 9-kilometer section within Stanley Park is one of the city's most popular outdoor attractions, offering a perfect route for walking, cycling, and rollerblading. As you follow the paved path, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of downtown Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the Pacific Ocean. Along the way, notable landmarks such as Brockton Point Lighthouse, Siwash Rock, and Lost Lagoon add to the experience. Whether you’re looking for a stroll or an uplifting workout, the Stanley Park Seawall provides a stunning natural setting to explore the beauty of Vancouver.
2- Totem Poles: Celebrating Indigenous Artistic Traditions
The totem poles at Stanley Park's Brockton Point are among Vancouver's most visited attractions, showcasing the rich artistic traditions of the Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest. Totem poles are monumental carvings created by First Nations to represent and commemorate ancestry, history, people, or events. Typically crafted from red cedar, these poles display beings or crest animals that mark a family's lineage and validate their rights and privileges. The collection at Brockton Point includes replicas and original poles, each with unique designs and stories. Notably, the Kakaso'las totem pole, carved by Kwakwaka'wakw artist Ellen Neel in 1955, was relocated from Stanley Park to the Museum of Anthropology in September 2024, following a long-term loan agreement. Visitors to Stanley Park can still experience a diverse array of totem poles, each reflecting the cultural heritage and artistic expressions of the Indigenous communities of the region.
3- Lost Lagoon: A Peaceful and Easily Accessible Park Spot
Lost Lagoon is a peaceful freshwater lake located at the entrance of Stanley Park, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic views. Once a tidal mudflat connected to Coal Harbour, it became a freshwater lagoon in 1938 after the construction of the Stanley Park Causeway. Today, it serves as a natural bio-filtration system, with marshy areas filled with rushes and grasses that filter runoff from the causeway.
The iconic Jubilee Fountain, installed in 1936 to celebrate Vancouver's golden jubilee, adds to the lagoon's charm. The area is a sanctuary for many bird species, including swans, ducks, herons, and the occasional bald eagle. Visitors can also explore the Lost Lagoon Nature House, run by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, to learn more about the park’s diverse ecosystem and cultural history. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful walk, birdwatching, or simply enjoying nature in the heart of the city.
4- Brockton Point Lighthouse: A Historic Landmark with Scenic Views
Brockton Point Lighthouse, located in Stanley Park, Vancouver, has stood as a historic beacon since 1914. Originally established in 1890 with a simple mast light, it was upgraded to its current tower under Colonel William Anderson’s design. The lighthouse guided ships through Burrard Inlet, complementing Prospect Point Lighthouse. William D. Jones, the first keeper, was known for his daring rescues and vibrant flower gardens, which raised funds for charities. Though the keeper’s house was eventually replaced by a parking lot, the lighthouse remains a popular attraction for visitors exploring Stanley Park’s scenic seawall.
5- Beaver Lake: A Serene Escape in the Heart of the Park
Tucked deep in the forest, often described as a hidden gem in the heart of Stanley Park, Beaver Lake is a peaceful spot surrounded by trees and walking trails. Despite its name, the lake is slowly turning into a swamp as vegetation takes over. This unique wetland is home to a rich diversity of wildlife, including ducks, frogs, and dragonflies, making it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
6- Hollow Tree: A Historic Landmark and Icon of Stanley Park
The Stanley Park Hollow Tree, an ancient Western Red Cedar stump estimated to be 700 to 800 years old, holds a special place in the hearts of many Vancouverites. It's one of the park's most photographed landmarks, with historic images showing people, cars, and even an elephant posing inside its hollow trunk.
Severely damaged during a powerful windstorm in December 2006, the tree faced removal due to safety concerns. In response, the Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society was formed in 2009 by dedicated citizens who proposed a plan to stabilize the tree, funded entirely through private donations. After a public ceremony in October 2011, the restored Hollow Tree officially began a new chapter in its rich history.
7- Siwash Rock
Siwash Rock is a 32-million-year-old sea stack located along the Stanley Park Seawall, between Third Beach and the Lions Gate Bridge. According to Squamish First Nations legend, it represents a man turned to stone as a symbol of "Clean Fatherhood," honoring selflessness and dedication. Visitors can enjoy a scenic lookout above Siwash Rock, accessible via Park Drive or the Siwash Rock Trail, which connects Prospect Point and Third Beach.
8- Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium, nestled in Stanley Park, is Canada's largest aquarium and a leading marine science center. Since its opening in 1956, it has connected over 40 million visitors to the wonders of the ocean. Home to more than 65,000 animals across 30 unique exhibits, the aquarium offers immersive experiences ranging from the Amazon Rainforest to the Arctic. Highlights include the Graham Amazon Gallery, the Tropics, and the Pacific Canada Pavilion. Visitors can also enjoy interactive features like the 4D Theatre Experience and Clownfish Cove. The aquarium is renowned for its commitment to marine research, conservation, and rehabilitation, notably operating a Marine Mammal Rescue program dedicated to the rescue and release of distressed marine mammals.
9- Rose Garden
The Stanley Park Rose Garden, located near Pipeline Road, is a vibrant showcase of over 3,500 perennials, annuals, and bulbs, with countless varieties of roses. Originally planted in 1920 by the Kiwanis Club to demonstrate Vancouver's potential for rose cultivation, the garden remains a popular attraction, especially from May to September when the roses are in full bloom. Visitors can stroll along paved paths or walk across the grassy areas to admire the roses up close, with small signs identifying each variety. The garden also features a large arbor adorned with climbing roses and a cairn containing a time capsule, set to be opened in 2093 to honor Vancouver's pioneers. It’s a favorite spot for photography, often hosting wedding parties, and a relaxing place to spend an hour or two before heading to the nearby Stanley Park Pavilion for refreshments.
10- Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride: A Relaxing Tour of Stanley Park
A horse-drawn carriage ride is a fun and relaxing way to explore Stanley Park. The guided tour takes you on a one-hour journey through the park, passing by landmarks like the Totem Poles, Rose Garden, and Lost Lagoon. Along the way, the guide shares stories about the park’s history, nature, and wildlife. The carriages are pulled by well-cared-for draft horses, making the ride smooth and enjoyable for all ages. It’s a great way to sit back, take in the beautiful scenery, and learn more about one of Vancouver’s most famous parks.
11- Stanley Park Train (Temporarily Close as of Feb 2025)
The Stanley Park Railway is a beloved attraction that welcomes over 200,000 visitors each year, offering a fun and family-friendly way to explore the park. The miniature train runs on a 2-kilometer, 20-gauge track that winds through the forest, an area cleared by Typhoon Freda, Vancouver's most destructive storm, which hit in 1962.
Before boarding the 15-minute ride, passengers can snap a photo with one of the vintage engines. The highlight of the railway's collection is a locally built replica of the famous Canadian Pacific Railway Engine #374, known for pulling Canada’s first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s.
Located near popular spots like Lumberman’s Arch, Malkin Bowl, and the Rose Garden, the Stanley Park Railway is a must-see attraction for both locals and tourists. It's a perfect way to enjoy a nostalgic ride while soaking in the park's natural beauty and history.
Wildlife Diversity in Stanley Park
Stanley Park is more than just a beautiful green space—it's a thriving habitat for an incredible variety of wildlife. With its dense forests, wetlands, and rocky shores, the park is home to at least 500 species, making it one of Vancouver's best spots for wildlife observation. From birds and mammals to fascinating nocturnal creatures, there's always something to see if you know where to look.
A- Birdwatcher's Paradise
Stanley Park is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, with around 230 species passing through each year. The coastline is designated as an Important Bird Area of Canada, thanks to its abundance of waterfowl, including Barrow’s goldeneye and western grebe. Bald eagles, once down to a single nesting pair in the 1960s, have made a strong comeback, with five breeding pairs now calling the park home. Their massive nests, some as large as a Volkswagen Beetle, can be spotted high in the trees.
B- Mammals of the Park
Stanley Park’s mammal population is just as diverse. Beavers, absent from the park for over 60 years, returned to Beaver Lake in 2008 and can often be seen at dawn and dusk, busily building dams. Coyotes, well adapted to urban life, roam the park at night, preying on rodents, invasive gray squirrels, and occasionally Canada geese. Speaking of squirrels, three types inhabit the park: the eastern gray squirrel, the smaller Douglas squirrel, and the rare northern flying squirrel, known for its gliding abilities.
C- Marine and Nocturnal Life
Along the seawall, it’s common to spot harbour seals bobbing in the water as they hunt for fish. These agile swimmers can dive as deep as 300 meters and hold their breath for up to 25 minutes. At night, the park comes alive with bats—up to ten species can be found here, including the little brown bat and Yuma Myotis, both known for their insect-hunting skills.
D- Urban Wildlife Encounters
Raccoons have become a familiar sight in Stanley Park, often seen scavenging during the day despite being naturally nocturnal. While they're fun to watch, it's important not to feed them to avoid encouraging aggressive behavior.
Major tree species of Stanley Park
Conifers
- Western hemlock (natural regeneration and population control)
- Western red cedar (planted and natural regeneration)
- Douglas fir (planted and natural regeneration)
- Sitka spruce (predominantly planted)
- Grand fir (planted)
Deciduous
- Bigleaf maple (natural regeneration)
- Black cottonwood (natural regeneration)
- Wild and choke cherry (natural regeneration)
- Red alder (natural regen and planted)
Rare
- Pacific yew
- Cascara
- Pacific dogwood
- Arbutus (planted)
Stanley Park Events
Stanley Park hosts a variety of events throughout the year, bringing the community together in a beautiful natural setting. The Scotiabank Vancouver Half Marathon passes through the park, offering stunning views along the course. During the summer, Sunny Thursdays Drumming Circle at Third Beach invites people to enjoy rhythmic beats and a relaxed beach atmosphere. The park also features seasonal events like Bright Nights, a dazzling holiday light display. Whether it's fitness, music, or festive celebrations, Stanley Park has something for everyone to enjoy.
The 2006 Windstorm and Stanley Park’s Recovery
Stanley Park has faced several powerful storms that changed its landscape. One of the worst was in December 2006, when strong winds knocked down 10,000 trees, damaged 20% of the forest, and forced the Seawall to close. Another big storm, Hurricane Frieda in 1962, had already uprooted 3,000 trees, showing how storms can impact the park.
After the 2006 storm, a $10-million restoration project helped bring the park back to life. Volunteers and experts worked together to plant 15,000 new trees and shrubs, fix the trails and Seawall, and make the park safer, especially at Prospect Point. A long-term forest management plan was also created to protect the park for the future. Today, Stanley Park continues to be a beautiful and strong place, thanks to nature’s recovery and the community’s hard work.
Stanley Park Tours with a Local Guide
As a local Vancouver tour guide, I love sharing the beauty and history of Stanley Park with visitors from around the world. Whether you're interested in a stroll along the Seawall, exploring hidden forest trails, or learning about the park's fascinating history, I’d be happy to show you around.
Plan Your Visit
- Location: Stanley Park is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver by foot, bike, transit or car.
- Opening Hours: Open 24 hours a day, year-round.
- Admission: Free to enter the park, though some attractions like the Vancouver Aquarium have separate fees.
If you're planning a trip to Vancouver, make sure Stanley Park is at the top of your list. It’s a place where nature, history, and culture come together, offering an unforgettable experience for locals and visitors alike. If you'd like a guided tour or photography session while exploring the park, feel free to reach out—I'd love to show you around!
Sources:
- vanaqua.org
- stanleyparkvan.com/stanley-park-van-garden-rose.html
- lighthousefriends.com/light.asp?ID=1107
- vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/totems-and-first-nations-art.aspx
- indigenousfoundations.arts.ubc.ca/totem_poles/
- sfu.ca/brc/art_architecture/totem_poles.html
- unsplash.com/photos/green-trees-beside-river-under-blue-sky-during-daytime-CE5zOBxdUeY
