Stanley Park, Vancouver

• Landmarks

Stanley Park has its fair share of famous historical and cultural milestones. This has earned it the designation of National Historic Site of Canada. Some of these landmarks include…

• Lost Lagoon

Near Georgia Street lies this beautiful freshwater lake. The 41-acre waterbody features the Golden Jubilee water fountain, and it is home to Canadian geese and ducks. During winter, the lagoon freezes and becomes an ice skating rink.

• Siwash Rock

Surrounded by water and near Third Beach is the 32 million years old Siwash Rock – formerly known as Slahlayulsh, which means “he is standing up.” The rock inspires an oral, traditional tale of a fisherman turned into stone by 3 powerful brothers because of his misdeeds.

• Seawall

The Stanley Park Seawall is a paved pathway that loops through the park. This path is divided into two – pedestrian and cyclist lanes. The pedestrian lane runs clockwise while the other lane goes in an anti-clockwise direction.

From the seawall, you can admire the park’s attractions and take snapshots of places of interest as you walk, skate, or bike. Walking the entire loop takes about two hours while cycling is one hour.

• Prospect Point

Get a sweeping view of Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains, and Burrard Inlet from Prospect Point. Pick a window seat at one of the cafes and appreciate the perspective as you savour your meal. 

• Beaver Lake

Relax and have a meditative moment under the trees nestling the lake. The water-lily-covered lake harbours beavers and waterbirds. It also serves as a spawning habitat for salmon every year.

• Vancouver Aquarium

Watch fascinating displays of sea animals at the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium is Canada’s first and largest aquarium established in 1950.

It doubles as a tourist interest and a research centre. The 2.1-acre facility has about 65,000 animals like belugas, otters, orca, dolphins, etc.

• First Nations Art Arena

Situated at Brockton Point is the park’s most popular landmark. The area displays the arts of First Nations. At the entrance is a three red-cedar wooden gate expressing the architectural designs of the traditional Coast Salish.

The main attraction is the collection of 9 totem poles from different areas in British Columbia. The totem exhibit started in the 1960s with the latest addition designed by Squamish National, Robert Yelton, in 2009.

• Statues

Stanley Park has several sculptures, plaques, and artistic works dedicated to memories of people and events.

1.  Japanese Canadian War Memorial

2. The Nine O’Clock Gun

• Gardens

The heady scents and gorgeous display of blooming flowers as you stroll through the gardens in Spring or Fall will leave you spellbound. Stanley Park Gardens include;

1. Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden

2. Rose Garden

3. Shakespeare Garden

4. Rock Garden

• Beaches

Grab your swimsuit and go sunbathing in Stanley Park’s two prominent beaches.

The Second Beach is a kid-friendly zone with an outdoor swimming pool, playground, nearby field, and other amenities.

The Third Beach is in the western area of the park and is a great place for adults and kids to swim.

In summer, various events happen on these two beaches.

•  Trees and Wildlife

Stanley Park is a blend of forests, mountains, marshland, and seasides. The forest has giant trees and shrubs – some of which are centuries old. Dominant among them are Red Cedar, Douglas Fir, Bigleaf Maple, and Black Cottonwood.

About 500 species of animals live in the parkland, including varieties of birds, coyotes, raccoons, Great Blue Heron, and squirrels.

•  Trails

Stanley Park has about 27km of trails. The trails offer you a quiet natural ambiance away from the noise. Some of them are wheelchair-accessible.

• Other Amenities in Stanley Park…

1. Brockton Lighthouse

2. Miniature Railway