Stanley Park Vancouver
Vancouver's iconic urban oasis, offering a 12km Seawall with stunning ocean and mountain views, lush forests, and cultural landmarks.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Stanley Park Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vancouver's iconic urban oasis, offering a 12km Seawall with stunning ocean and mountain views, lush forests, and cultural landmarks.
"A must-do walk in Vancouver! The views are lovely from all sides, especially on a sunny day."
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Seawall
Cover more ground and enjoy the Seawall's beauty by renting a bike. Many find it the best way to experience the park's perimeter.
🚶♀️ Walk the Seawall
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seawall. It's divided for walkers and bikers, offering beautiful scenery.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stanley Park Seawall
Circumference of Stanley Park
A scenic 12km path for biking or walking, offering panoramic harbor, bridge, and mountain views.
Totem Poles
Brockton Point
Impressive First Nations totem poles, a significant cultural and artistic landmark within the park.
Prospect Point Lookout
Northwestern tip of the park
Offers breathtaking views of the Lions Gate Bridge, North Vancouver, and the Georgia Strait.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Seawall
Morning or Evening for Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Walking the Seawall - Is it one way?
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Seawall
Cover more ground and enjoy the Seawall's beauty by renting a bike. Many find it the best way to experience the park's perimeter.
🚶♀️ Walk the Seawall
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seawall. It's divided for walkers and bikers, offering beautiful scenery.
Planning to walk the Entire 22km Seawall - Any suggestions?
Is it safe to run around West End/Stanley Park/ Sea Wall between 5am - 5:45am?
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The park's views are spectacular on a clear day, making it ideal for photos and enjoying the scenery.
🏃♀️ Early Morning Runs
For a quiet and safe run, early mornings are recommended, especially on the Seawall.
Seawall trip
Tips
from all over the internet
🚲 Rent a Bike for the Seawall
Cover more ground and enjoy the Seawall's beauty by renting a bike. Many find it the best way to experience the park's perimeter.
🚶♀️ Walk the Seawall
Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Seawall. It's divided for walkers and bikers, offering beautiful scenery.
☀️ Visit on a Sunny Day
The park's views are spectacular on a clear day, making it ideal for photos and enjoying the scenery.
🏃♀️ Early Morning Runs
For a quiet and safe run, early mornings are recommended, especially on the Seawall.
📸 Capture the Views
Plenty of photo opportunities, especially of the harbor, bridge, and surrounding mountains.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stanley Park is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty and the iconic Seawall, offering spectacular views of the ocean, mountains, and city. Visitors love the opportunity to walk or bike the Seawall and appreciate the cultural significance of the totem poles. However, some find it can get very crowded, especially on sunny days, with many bikers sharing the path.
"A must-do walk in Vancouver! Took us about 2 hours to walk around Stanley Park. Many people bike instead. Saw lots of geese and a few storks. The views are lovely from all sides, especially on a sunny day. A few photo opportunities and sights along the way."
Juliet D
"Great view of the bridge! The place fascinates and inspires. There are benches for rest and a small descent to the water. You can watch passing ships, and see a seal in the water. We liked this place"
Ольга Даниленко
"A nice- (approximately) total 12km long Seawall around a Stanley Park… this Seawall is good for the nice scenery and its beautiful shape and combination with the nature…. this Seawall has two sides… the side for the bike riders 🚲 and the side for the walkers, it is definitely your choice, so select one of these two options (ride a bike or walk) and enjoy your beautiful, enjoyable day in the Vancouver Stanley Park Seawall… if you are in Vancouver… I really, strongly, recommend you visiting this place for a walk or for biking for sure…. you will never, ever regret it… mate… :);):)"
is it who
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stanley Park is easily accessible by public transit, car, or even bike. Several bus routes stop near the park entrances. If driving, there are parking lots available, though they can fill up quickly. Many visitors enjoy biking to the park, especially along the Seawall.
Yes, there are several parking lots within Stanley Park, including near the Vancouver Aquarium and Brockton Point. However, parking can be limited and costly, especially during peak season. Consider public transport or biking if possible.
Absolutely! It's a pleasant walk from downtown Vancouver to Stanley Park, especially if you head towards the West End. The Seawall offers a beautiful pedestrian route.
The Seawall is ideal for biking or walking. For exploring the interior of the park, walking is best. Bike rentals are readily available near the park entrance.
Yes, Stanley Park is generally considered safe for early morning runs or walks, particularly on the well-trafficked Seawall. However, always be aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Stanley Park is a public park and entry is free. There are no admission fees to walk or bike around the park.
Yes, parking within Stanley Park incurs fees. The rates vary depending on the location and duration of your stay.
The Vancouver Aquarium is a separate attraction within Stanley Park and requires its own admission ticket.
Stanley Park is open 24 hours a day, year-round. However, specific facilities like the Vancouver Aquarium have their own operating hours.
Dogs are welcome in Stanley Park but must be kept on a leash at all times, except in designated off-leash areas.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Walking the entire 12km Seawall typically takes about 2 to 3 hours at a moderate pace. Many visitors opt to bike it in about an hour.
The Seawall offers stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge and the city skyline. The Totem Poles at Brockton Point and Prospect Point Lookout are also iconic photo locations.
Yes, there are numerous benches along the Seawall and throughout the park, offering places to rest and enjoy the scenery.
You might spot various birds, including geese and storks, as well as seals in the water. Keep an eye out for squirrels and other small mammals.
The Seawall is mostly flat and paved, making it generally accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some interior park trails may be more challenging.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there are several dining options within Stanley Park, including the Teahouse Restaurant and the Prospect Point Cafe, offering various cuisines and scenic views.
Absolutely! Stanley Park has many beautiful picnic areas, perfect for enjoying a meal amidst nature. Remember to pack out all your trash.
Food trucks can sometimes be found near popular attractions within Stanley Park, especially during peak tourist seasons.
The West End neighborhood adjacent to Stanley Park offers a wide array of restaurants, cafes, and pubs to suit all tastes and budgets.
Dining options within the park can range from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants. Picnicking is a budget-friendly alternative.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful light for photography. The 'golden hour' before sunset provides stunning colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive Seawall views and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting.
Drones are generally not permitted in Stanley Park to protect wildlife and ensure visitor safety. Always check current park regulations.
The Totem Poles, Prospect Point Lookout, the Lions Gate Bridge views from the Seawall, and the park's lush forests are highly photogenic.
Yes, you can photograph the wildlife, but always maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the animals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pack a picnic to enjoy at one of the many scenic spots, or let the kids burn off energy at one of the park's playgrounds. The relatively flat terrain of the Seawall makes it easy for younger children to manage, and the abundance of nature provides endless opportunities for discovery and fun.
🏃♀️ Runners and Cyclists
❤️ Couples and Romantic Getaways
Find a quiet bench overlooking the ocean, explore the park's hidden trails, or simply enjoy the natural beauty hand-in-hand. The park's serene atmosphere and breathtaking scenery make it an ideal spot for couples seeking a peaceful and picturesque escape.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Stanley Park Seawall
Many visitors choose to rent bicycles near the park entrance to fully experience the Seawall. This allows you to cover the entire loop in about an hour, taking in the diverse scenery from different vantage points. If you prefer a more relaxed pace, walking the Seawall is equally rewarding, though it will take approximately 2-3 hours to complete. Along the way, you'll find numerous benches to rest, admire the views, and perhaps spot some local wildlife like seals or various seabirds.
Be aware that the Seawall can get quite crowded, especially on sunny weekends and holidays. For a more serene experience, consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon. The views are spectacular at any time, but the 'golden hour' before sunset offers particularly magical light for photography.
Cultural Significance: The Totem Poles
Standing tall against the backdrop of the park's natural beauty, these totem poles are not just visually striking but also serve as powerful storytellers, depicting ancestral histories, legends, and important figures. Visitors often pause here to admire the craftsmanship and learn about the cultural significance of these monumental artworks. It's a poignant reminder of the land's original stewards and their enduring legacy.
Wildlife and Nature in Stanley Park
Keep your eyes peeled for the park's wildlife residents. You might encounter various bird species, including eagles, herons, and waterfowl, especially near the water. Seals are frequently spotted along the Seawall, and if you're lucky, you might even see a sea lion. Small mammals like squirrels and chipmunks are common. Remember to observe wildlife from a respectful distance and never feed them.
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