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, an 18 hole pitch and put golf course, mini golf, Second Beach outdoor pool, and sandy beaches.
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. Take a walk around Lost Lagoon and enjoy the waterfowl.
- Relax at a Beach: Enjoy the sandy shores of Second Beach or Third Beach. In the summer cool off at the Second Beach outdoor pool.
- 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: NoStanley Park Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Phone: (604) 681-6728
Official Website: Stanley Park
Stanley Park Reviews
Rated out of 5
This park is amazing! The views of the water are visually stunning! The path is pretty clean and there is space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The wall around the entire park will take a very long time but I highly recommend walking the path rather than taking a bicycle to truly get to capture the beauty of the park. There are tons of places to sit, take pictures, and a couple beaches on the side as well!
Daljot Gill - 2 years ago
Stanley Park’s Inner Loop Hike is an essential experience for anyone visiting or living in Vancouver.
As you step onto the well-maintained trails, you’re immediately enveloped by lush greenery, towering old-growth trees, and a sense of tranquility that feels worlds away from the nearby urban bustle.
The park’s diverse ecosystem features a mix of conifers, ferns, and vibrant forest undergrowth, creating a calming, natural ambiance.
This hike offers a perfect retreat for solo adventurers seeking a peaceful connection with nature.
Along the way, you’ll encounter scenic viewpoints, quiet spots by Beaver Lake, and even glimpses of wildlife.
Whether you’re looking to reflect, recharge, or simply breathe in the fresh air, the Inner Loop provides an ideal setting for a rejuvenating escape.
Honestly Reviewed - a year ago
Absolutely stunning. I love beautiful bush and amount of wildlife so close to you. The totem area was awesome and the city view breath taking. There is an electric bus that takes you around the park and also a horse cart. The miniature railway is under a rebuild. The grounds are so well kept. Parking is amazing there is so much parking for people to use.
Karl Ruby - 2 years ago
One of the most beautiful parks I've ever seen. The park is huge and very pretty especially during autumn as you can see the leaves starting to turn yellowish and reddish. It's a really nice place to have picnics as they have a lot of benches all around the park.
I rented a bicycle at Spokes and cycled a whole round around the park. I stopped midway to visit the aquarium so the total trip took around 8 hours (including the occasional stops to take pics).
Nina - 3 years ago
Stanley park provides you with the stunning and mesmerizing views. The park is so big that one day is not enough to explore. The pacific views it provides makes you feel stay whole day and enjoy the views. Make sure you take a bicycle and explore the park and enjoy the pacific view while cycling. A must go and visit place in Vancouver
Salim Khoso - 2 years 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
