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Explore Stanley Park, Canada: The Ultimate Guide to Vancouver’s Urban Park

Clever Canadian Written By: January 2025

Vancouverites are lucky. Why? Because there’s a massive urban park right in Metro Vancouver! It’s a place where you can relax, exercise, and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the city!

Its close proximity to downtown makes it a total gem (we all know how bad traffic here is!). And there are so many outdoor activities that there’s no need to drive far just to get away from the chaos of a bustling city!

If you’ve been itching to go to Stanley Park but aren’t sure how and what to do, we’ve got the solution! Check out our handy guide and don’t miss this oasis in the metropolis!

Where is Stanley Park in Canada?

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Stanley Park is located in downtown Vancouver, just off Stanley Park Causeway. It is bordered by the Vancouver Harbour, Burrard Inlet, and English Bay.

How to Get to Stanley Park, Canada

Closest bus stops: There’s no public transportation inside Stanley Park, so the closest stops are a few minutes walk from Lost Lagoon. You can hop off the bus at Stanley Park Loop, which is inside the park and near the Vancouver Aquarium.

Ride the TransLink #19 bus to take you straight to Stanley Park. Click here for the schedule.

By driving: The main entrance for vehicles is on Georgia Street’s west end. There’s another entrance on Beach Avenue, which is on the English Bay side.

If you’re coming from West or North Vancouver, you can enter through the Lions Gate Bridge Road.

You need a daily or hourly pass to park your vehicle in Stanley Park, which changes depending on the season.

Click here to see the parking areas—the blue pins are where you can purchase daily and hourly passes, while the orange ones are for hourly passes only.

By cycling: Enter the west entrance (near English Bay) through the Seaside Bike Path.

What to Do and See in Stanley Park, Canada

Explore the nature trails

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Walking the trails is one of the best ways to explore Stanley Park. It’ll take you on a little adventure with stunning sceneries and you can even meet a variety of wildlife that calls the park their home!

Here are our most recommended trails for families with kids, nature enthusiasts, couples on romantic dates, and active individuals!

Pro Tip:
This is a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes or consider renting a bike.

Seawall Trail

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The Seawall Trail is one of the most popular and iconic spots in Stanley Park. This 10 km path loops around the park with separate areas for cyclists and walkers—the bike path is on the nature side, while the walking path is seaside.

The trail will take you on a scenic journey, where you’ll see the bodies of water that surround the park. You’ll also see Brockton Point Lighthouse, S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead Replica, Lions Gate Bridge, Siwash Rock, and Vancouver’s city skyline.

If you’re vacationing in Vancouver, this 3-hour walk is a good way to see many attractions in one morning. You’re basically sightseeing while exercising!

Lost Lagoon

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Location: Lost Lagoon Path

If you want a shorter walk but still crave nature, head over to the Lost Lagoon. This artificial freshwater pond has become home to wildlife, such as birds and raccoons.

The edge of the lagoon is a pleasant path to walk in. It’s a short 1.8 km trail that only takes 30 minutes, which is ideal for quiet moments and birdwatching.

Beaver Lake Trail

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Location: Beaver Lake Trail Path

The Beaver Lake Trail will take you on a nature walk in a densely forested pathway that surrounds a lilypad-covered lake. It’s a nice way to enjoy a quiet and peaceful moment, even for a little while, away from the crowds in Stanley Park.

Interestingly, this was actually a totally beaverless lake for six decades. It was only in 2008 when the first beaver was spotted, and now, five have been seen.

Admire the cultural landmarks

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Stanley Park has a rich Indigenous history, as it was once home to the Coast Salish people for many years until they were cast out. It remains a significant area and houses many historical artefacts—some discoveries are over 3,200 years old.

Check out these iconic landmarks you must see!

Pro Tip:
Take pictures of the landmarks, but be respectful. Book a guided tour for a more educational trip.

Indigenous Totem Poles

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Location: Brockton Point Totem Poles

The First Nations Totem Poles are an important part of Stanley Park and are probably the most visited landmark here. It displays Indigenous art and represents their people and history.

There’s a total of nine totem poles, which are intricately carved and stand around 3 to 18 meters tall. These were made by several Indigenous artists.

The most popular ones you normally see are the totem poles in Brockton Point, located on the eastern side of the park. At Stanley Park Junction is the Children of the World Totem Pole, and you’ll see two if you ride the Miniature Train.

Siwash Rock

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Location: Siwash Rock

While walking the Seawall Trail, you’ll come across an interestingly stacked big rock. This is Siwash Rock, a 15 to 18 m tall rock outcropping that dates back over 32 million years ago.

It has an interesting legend, according to the Squamish First Nations, when a man was transformed into an unperishable monument as a reward for his unselfishness.

Stanley Park Pavilion and Rose Garden

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Location:

The Stanley Park Pavilion is tucked away in the Rose Garden, a beautiful outdoor venue for weddings, birthdays, and other events. And no, you don’t need to throw a party just to visit this place.

Bring your family or friends for a picnic at the designated sites. Then, take a stroll under the arbour with trailing roses—the Rose Garden is a gorgeous place that showcases more than 3,500 rose bushes.

Continue your walk to the Rock Garden and the Shakespeare Garden. These are all near each other, which gives you the chance to visit multiple places in a short span of time.

Enjoy family-friendly activities

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Families with kids will enjoy Stanley Park. Aside from nature escapades, there are also activities that will make this trip memorable for the little ones.

Then again, kids can always run around the park and watch the birds. I found that it tends to keep them entertained!

Pro Tip:
Purchase your tickets online or in advance, if applicable, to avoid long lines.

Stanley Park Miniature Train

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Location: 690 Pipeline Rd

The Miniature Train at the Stanley Park Railway is a popular spot for kids and adults. This popular attraction for children welcomes around 200,000 visitors annually, both locals and tourists.

The train will take you on a 15-minute ride through the park’s forest. During holidays, the area is adorned with various decorations that make the whole experience more magical.

It’s also accessible for wheelchair users. There’s a carriage specifically for kids in wheelchairs.

Visit at night during the Christmas season for the Bright Nights train and brace yourself for the Ghost Train on Halloween!

Vancouver Aquarium

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Location: 845 Avison Way

Daily Admission: $40.95 – $56.95 (varies per day)

Yes, there’s an aquarium in the middle of Stanley Park! The Vancouver Aquarium rescues injured, sick, and orphaned marine animals, which are then rehabilitated and released back into the wild.

Visit the marine exhibits, such as B.C.’s Wild Coast Exhibit, Graham Amazon Gallery, Treasures Of The BC Coast, and Wondrous Jellies. These cool attractions will get you up close to incredible marine life.

The interactive experiences are not to be missed! Go to the Sea Otter Encounters and watch what these adorable otters do on a regular day.

Second Beach Pool and Playground

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Location: Stanley Park Dr

Admission:

  • Adult (19 – 64): $7.41
  • Senior (65+): $5.19
  • Youth (13 – 18): $5.19
  • Child (5 – 12): $3.71
  • Preschooler (0 – 4): Free

Located next to Second Beach, this pool is ideal for people who want to cool off in the summer! It’s an outdoor heated pool right next to English Bay, which kind of makes you feel like you’re actually on the beach!

It has a total length of 80 m and features gradual depths, as well as lanes reserved for lap swimming. There are aquatic wheelchairs for handicap access.

Book a reservation to avoid waiting in line. If the pool has reached its maximum number of visitors, there’s no guarantee that drop-ins will gain entry.

Watch the park’s wildlife

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Stanley Park is actually one of the best places to go bird watching in Vancouver because of its close proximity to the downtown core. Its diverse wildlife is also an advantage to nature photographers.

Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars and cameras. Head there early morning or at sunset to see wild animals in action. If you’re lucky, you can catch humpback whales on the English Bay!

Birdwatching

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This is a paradise for birdwatchers—you can see various species of birds in Stanley Park, and you’ll be surprised to see how many beautiful kinds there are. Many also build their nests here, which you may be able to witness if you know what to look for.

It also has one of the largest colonies of the Pacific Great Blue Heron in North America. You can even adopt a nest for $54 to help with their conservation (just so we’re clear, you symbolically adopt it and it’s not actually yours).

Stanley Park Ecology Society Programs

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If you want a more educational wildlife experience, join the immersive programs by the Stanley Park Ecology Society. There are discovery walks, workshops, webinars, and private programs.

Kids and adults can join the programs. You can learn about the trees, animals, flora and fauna, and hidden ecosystems you might not know about!

Go on active adventures

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Outdoor adventures are the main things you do at Stanley Park. It’s the ultimate destination for active individuals because you can exercise while enjoying the gorgeous scenery.

Pro Tip:
Don’t forget to wear proper gear, like a helmet, which is required by law in Vancouver for cyclists. 

Biking

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Bike the 10 km Seawall Trail loop, which only takes an hour to cycle. You get to exercise while enjoying the scenery—and you’ll even see iconic landmarks in the park!

You can bike straight from downtown to Stanley Park, which is a great exercise that will keep you active.

Beach hopping

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Stanley Park is not your regular urban park—it has incredible beaches you can actually swim in. The main beaches are Second Beach and Third Beach, which are 30 minutes away from each other.

The best time to visit is during the summer when the weather is sunny and there are lifeguards on the beach. These spots are also family-friendly, which is super fun for the little ones!

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides

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Location: 735 Stanley Park Dr

Price:

  • Off-peak season: $30 – $65
  • Peak season: $36 – $80

An old-fashioned activity is riding the horse-drawn carriage at Stanley Park. This activity, which will take you around the park, lasts about an hour.

There are different kinds of carriages you can ride on, like the Cinderella-inspired coach and the tram. This is a good idea for romantic dates or if you’re just looking for a unique experience in Vancouver.

This experience is only available from March 1 until November 30—we recommend around March to April or October to November for off-peak season rates.

Where to Eat and Drink in Stanley Park, Canada

The Teahouse Restaurant

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Location: 7501 Stanley Park Dr

Contact: 604-669-3281

Operating Hours:

  • Monday: 11:30 am – 8 pm
  • Tuesday – Wednesday: 4 pm – 10 pm
  • Thursday – Friday: 11:30 am – 8 o
  • Saturday: 11 am – 8 pm
  • Sunday: 11 am – 8 pm

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Located inside Stanley Park, the Teahouse has been around since 1978. You can find it at Ferguson Point, which is just a short walk from Third Beach.

This cosy spot is more like a high-end restaurant, where the dishes are beautifully plated and delicious! After walking the Seawall Trail, you can head here for brunch and order their yummy Lobster Benedict.

Pro Tip:
We strongly suggest booking an online reservation because there’s a high chance walk-ins won’t get a table.

Stanley’s Bar & Grill

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Location: Stanley Park Pavilion – 610 Pipeline Rd

Contact: 604-602-3088 Ext. 2, [email protected]

Operating Hours:

  • Monday – Tuesday: 11 am – 6 pm
  • Wednesday: Closed
  • Thursday – Sunday: 11 am – 6 pm

Website

If you visit the Stanley Park Pavilion, you can stay for a while and grab a bite at Stanley’s Bar & Grill. It serves West Coast classic dishes, like our favourite starter, the Seafood Chowder!

Bring the whole family and go when the sun’s out and the weather’s warmer because dining on the patio is an incredible idea (we promise!). You see, this delicious spot has the largest patio in Stanley Park!

Pro Tip:
During cool days, dine inside for a cosy ambience.

Stanley Park Picnic Areas

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Location: Designated picnic sites under shelters

There are plenty of picnic areas in Stanley Park, which you’ll most probably see while you’re out exploring. Just keep an eye out for picnic tables!

But if you’re using it for a special occasion and bringing a group of 50 to 150 people, you need to reserve the table and pay the fee, which depends on the site and the kind of group (residential or corporate).

Pro Tip:
The free picnic tables are on a first-come, first-served basis, so get there early!

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