Stanley Park Vancouver
City’s natural crown jewel
Endless forested trails, relaxing beaches, a heated outdoor pool, a world-class aquarium, and a vast seawall with breathtaking scenery are just a few reasons you must visit Stanley Park in Vancouver.
1,000+ acres
of lush West Coast rainforest
As one of the largest urban parks in the world, Stanley Park is a breathtaking mix of forest, beaches, and trails. But it is much more than a park. It’s a destination that inspires and awakens your spirit.
What to Do in Stanley Park
Walk, Jog, Bike or Skate the Seawall
A 10-kilometre seawall hugs the Stanley Park perimeter and includes walking, jogging and cycling paths. The Seawall also provides access to several of the park’s key attractions, including the iconic totem poles at Brockton Point and the tranquil Lost Lagoon.
The flat, scenic route takes about 3 hours to stroll, with panoramic views of the city skyline, snow-dusted North Shore Mountains, and boats buzzing across Burrard Inlet. Want to pick up the pace? Rent a bike just outside the park on Denman Street and pedal your way around in just over an hour.
Learn First Nations History and Culture
Deepen your sense of connection with a local First Nations culture ambassador on a nature walk in Stanley Park, Vancouver with Talaysay Tours. The Talking Trees Tour winds through moss-draped forest where you’ll learn how the Shíshálh (Sechelt) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) people use the land for food, medicine, and technology.
Explore the Trails of Stanley Park
With over 27 kilometres of scenic pathways, Stanley Park provides ample trails for hikers, bird watchers, and casual walkers alike. Most trails run two to five kilometres through an ancient rainforest, where the woodsy aroma helps you forget the city is just steps away.
Circle Beaver Lake, its surface dotted with lily pads, for a chance at spotting Canada’s national animal. Or meander down the Siwash Rock Trail to marvel at some of the biggest trees in the park, along with clifftop ocean views. Bring a park map to create your own route.
Hit the Beach(es)
Encircled by the ocean, Stanley Park is home to some of Vancouver’s favourite beaches:
- English Bay Beach (First Beach): Just outside the park entrance, this is Vancouver’s most popular stretch of sand, perfect for people-watching and sunset views.
- Second Beach: At the southwest corner of the park, this family-friendly gem has a sandy shoreline, grassy lawns, a playground, and the heated outdoor Second Beach Pool.
- Third Beach: Tucked away on the west side of the park, this hidden spot has a laid-back, secluded vibe. Surrounded by rainforest and accessed by stairs or the Seawall, it feels like a private paradise.
Spot Native Plants and Animals
Despite sitting next to downtown skyscrapers, Stanley Park protects a thriving coastal rainforest ecosystem. Stop by the Stanley Park Nature House to learn more about the park’s native plants and wildlife through interactive displays.
But Stanley Park Vancouver is also home to gorgeous gardens that burst with colour through spring and summer. The Rose Garden is a true showstopper with thousands of fragrant blooms in every shade imaginable. Elsewhere in the park, the rhododendrons put on their own dazzling display in the spring, adding pops of pinks, purples, and reds to the paths near Lost Lagoon.
In the heart of the park, the Vancouver Aquarium brings the wonders of the ocean to life. Wander through BC’s Wild Coast and Pacific Canada exhibits to get up close to playful seals, giant Pacific octopi, colourful rockfish, and other marine animals that live in our local waters.
Where to Eat in Stanley Park
Taste the flavours of Stanley Park with a visit to the Stanley Park Brewing for refreshing craft beer and casual West Coast gastropub-style eats. Enjoy an elegant meal with a view of sunny English Bay at the Teahouse in Stanley Park. Stop by Prospect Point to treat yourself to locally sourced ice cream while looking out to the North Shore Mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, and Burrard Inlet. In the summer, grab a quick snack from food carts and concession stands sprinkled around the park.
How to Get to Stanley Park
Getting to Stanley Park is easy and often scenic.
- On foot or by bike: It’s a 30-minute walk (or 10-minute bike ride) to the park entrance from Canada Place along the beautiful Coal Harbour Seawall.
- By Transit: Hop on Translink Bus 19 downtown and ride it into the park.
- Sightseeing Tours: Combine your park visit with a Hop-On, Hop-Off tour from West Coast Sightseeing or Great Canadian Trolley Company. Once you’re in the park, consider a horse-drawn carriage ride for a relaxing look at Stanley Park’s highlights.
By car: Driving? Parking is plentiful. Pro tip: Grab a day pass to move between lots, or pay by the hour if you’re only visiting briefly. Taxis and rideshares like Uber and Lyft are also an easy option.