Stanley Park
Discover Stanley Park—Vancouver's 1,001-acre natural oasis and the top-rated urban park in the world.
At 1,001 acres, Stanley Park is one of the world's largest and most beloved urban parks. Located on the edge of downtown Vancouver, this forested oasis is almost entirely surrounded by the Pacific Ocean. Attracting over 8 million visitors a year, it's a place where you can walk among giant cedar trees, stroll along a world-famous seawall, and enjoy stunning views, all just minutes from the city's skyscrapers.
Why Visit Stanley Park?
- The Seawall: Walk, run, or cycle the famous 9 km (5.5 mi) seawall that loops around the entire park, offering spectacular ocean and mountain views.
- Lush Rainforest: Explore over 27 km of forest trails that wind through a magnificent West Coast rainforest with centuries-old trees.
- Cultural Landmarks: Discover the iconic First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point, the Girl in a Wetsuit sculpture, and the historic 9 O'Clock Gun.
- Abundant Attractions: The park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, beautiful gardens, sandy beaches, and the charming Stanley Park Miniature Railway.
What to See & Do
- Walk or Cycle the Seawall: The number one activity. Allow 2-3 hours to walk the full loop or 1 hour to cycle. Bike rentals are available near the park entrance on Denman Street.
- Visit the Totem Poles: See the impressive collection of nine totem poles at Brockton Point, British Columbia's most-visited tourist attraction.
- Explore the Trails: Escape the crowds on the interior trails. Walk around the serene Beaver Lake or find the famous Hollow Tree, a 700-800 year old cedar stump.
- Relax at a Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores of Second Beach or Third Beach, or cool off at the Second Beach outdoor pool in the summer.
- Enjoy the Views from Prospect Point: The highest point in the park offers stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the North Shore mountains.
Food & Drink Options
- The Teahouse: Located near Third Beach, offering upscale West Coast cuisine with spectacular ocean and mountain views. Perfect for a romantic dinner.
- The Prospect Point Cafe: A more casual spot at the park's highest viewpoint, serving burgers, fish & chips, and ice cream with incredible views.
- Stanley Park Pavilion: A historic building near the main entrance offering a restaurant, bar, and coffee shop.
- Concession Stands: During warmer months, you'll find several concession stands throughout the park serving snacks, hot dogs, and refreshments.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Seawall Direction: The seawall path is one-way for cyclists and rollerbladers (counter-clockwise). Walkers can go in either direction but should stay to the inside lane.
- Download a Map: Download a Detailed Stanley Park PDF Map and guide.
- Listen for the 9 O'Clock Gun: If you're in the park in the evening, listen for the boom of this historic cannon, fired every night at 9 p.m. from Brockton Point.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Vancouver Aquarium: Located within Stanley Park itself.
- The West End: The park entrance is adjacent to this vibrant residential neighbourhood, with many shops and restaurants along Denman and Davie Streets.
- English Bay Beach: Just a short walk from the south side of the park.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoAddress: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Phone: (604) 681-6728
Official Website: Stanley Park
Stanley Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
🏞️ Stanley Park – A Must-Visit Gem in Vancouver! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Stanley Park is simply breathtaking! Whether you’re a runner, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape in the city, this place has it all. The scenic landscapes, open spaces, stunning beaches, and well-maintained sidewalks and trails make it the perfect spot for an outdoor adventure.
One of my favorite things is running along the Seawall, with incredible ocean and mountain views on one side and lush forest on the other. It’s an experience like no other! 🌊🏃♂️🌲
Beyond running, you can bike, walk, or even just relax by the beaches, soaking in the beauty of Vancouver’s most iconic park. If you’re visiting the city, Stanley Park is an absolute must-see—you won’t regret it!
Have you been here? What’s your favorite activity at Stanley Park? Let me know! 👇🏼
Alvaro Andres Salom - 5 months ago
An incredibly beautiful park at the tip of downtown Vancouver, perfect for a run or a walk after work. The seawall (the path around the park by the water) allows for many different sceneries from the Vancouver skyline to the harbour or the ocean. A must visit during your stay in Vancouver, BC, that's for sure! And don't miss Prospect Point Lookout for one of the best views of the Lions Gate Bridge and West Vancouver 😊
Mikael Besse - 4 months ago
It’s a huge park and a fantastic place for families with activities to enjoy. Make sure to grab a map from the info centre when you arrive. It helps to navigate the area. You can walk or rent a bike. We ended up spending around 3 hours there. One of the highlights was the carriage horse ride that took us around the park for about an hour. It was a wonderful way to see the sights and scenery.
Cathy 75 - 4 months ago
My wife and I took advantage of the wonderful weather and left for Stanley Park immediately after church. It is such a beautiful park, and I'm one to always go on deep dives. I wanted to know who thr park was named after, and it led me into more interesting Canadian history. We were at the park for almost six hours! It's huge and vast, and you can't really run out of scenery. Everywhere you turn, it's a beautiful site. Honestly, the natural beauty of Vancouver ALMOST make up the ridiculously high prices people pay to live here, but the traffic back home was a bit much. It's a great outing if you love to "be one with nature." I took my dog for a walk and read a book while my wife worked on her sketching.
Joel Adimathra - 5 months ago
Stanley Park is hands down one of the best places I’ve ever visited! Whether you’re into walking, biking, or just relaxing, this place has something for everyone. The Seawall is amazing—there’s nothing like the views of the ocean, mountains, and city all in one spot.
I loved exploring the trails through the forest, and the park feels so peaceful despite being so close to downtown. The totem poles are also really cool and a great way to learn a bit about local Indigenous culture. It’s just a beautiful, relaxing spot that’s perfect for a day out. Highly recommend!
Armahn Rastawan - 5 months ago
Directions
| Skytrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Expo Line | Burrard Station | 2 Minutes |
| Canada Line | Waterfront Station | 2 Minutes |
How to get to Stanley Park by Skytrain
From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street Exit. Walk to your left (North) along Burrard Street 1 block to West Pender Street. Cross to the far side of Pender and look for the westbound #19 Stanley Park Bus Stop to your left. From Waterfront Station on the Canada Line exit onto Granville Street and walk south 1 block to Pender Street. Proceed left around the corner onto Pender to the westbound #19 Stanley Park Bus Stop. Take the #19 Stanley Park Bus to its terminus just inside the park.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Stanley Park:
Photo Gallery
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Beautiful Gardens in Stanley Park cc licensed photo by keepitsurreal -
A view from above of the famous seawall surrounding Stanley Park -
Looking towards the Yacht Club at the entrance to Stanley Park -
Looking east toward the Lions Gate bridge from the Seawall -
View toward Downtown Vancouver from the Stanley Park Seawall -
Looking across Lost Lagoon toward the residential highrises in Vancouver's West End -
Kids cooling down on a hot summer day in one of Stanley Parks waterparks -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Czar Hey - cc license via Flickr
