Lions Gate Bridge
Stanley Park is a 400 hectare park located in downtown Vancouver, B.C. The park includes 27km of forested trails, beaches and views of mountains. It is truly an oasis in the city and a must see for tourists any time of year, easily accessed by bus, taxi or foot from the city centre.
Originally home to the Burrard, Musqueum and Squamish First Nations, in 1888 the city opened Stanley Park, named after Lord Fredrick Stanley, the Governor General of Canada at the time.
There are so many things to do in Stanley Park that you certainly will have to pick and choose your priorities.
The Girl in a Wet Suit
Things to Do:
Seawall - The Seawall is a landmark location and is 28 km in total extending from Science World to False Creek and then around Stanley Park. The loop around Stanley Park is 9 km which means it is a 2-3 hour walk or an hour long bike ride. Many popular photo-opts, such as Lions Gate Bridge, Lumberman's Arch, The Girl in a Wetsuit, Totem Poles and Siwash Rock, can be accessed from the Seawall.
Beaches - Stanley Park is pretty much surrounded by water. Second Beach is close to the English Bay area and there is a public pool as well as picnic areas. Third Beach, quieter and more private, is located at Ferguson Point.
Aquarium - The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada's largest aquarium and houses over 50,000 animals from around the world. There are many interactive experiences provided for visitors. The focus of the aquarium is on education and rehabilitation. It also features art instalments by local artists such as Dougals Coupland.
Restaurants - In addition to the concession stands and food carts around Stanley Park, there are a few other restaurants: The Waterfall Cafe, found at the Aquarium, Prospect Point Cafe, the Teahouse, and Stanley Park Pavilion where weddings and banquets are often held.
Recreation - You can always find people at Stanley Park throughout the year engaging in a variety of activities in the playgrounds, tennis courts, pitch and putt, water park and gardens.
Transportation - Around the park, there are a variety of ways to get around. You could opt for exercise and walk the trails, rollerblade or bike. Other more relaxing options include a Horse Drawn Carriage ride, narrated Trolley tours, or the family favourite, Stanley Park Railway.
Concerts and Events - Many events are held in Stanley Park throughout the year including the Vancouver Sun Run, Polar Bear Swim, and Celebration of Lights. In the summer, you can catch Theatre Under the Stars at the Malkin Bowl as well as other outdoor concerts.
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