A favourite spot with locals, wander along forest trails, join in with beach activities or simply enjoy the beautiful gardens in this popular park.
60 hectares bigger than New York's Central Park, Stanley Park is one of the largest parks in North America. Covering an impressive 400 hectares of land and protruding out into the Pacific, this oasis in the centre of Vancouver has been popular since Victorian times. The area was originally used as a Royal Navy base before being handed over to the city in 1888, taking its name from the governor general of Canada at that time, Lord Stanley of Preston.Much of the park can be freely wandered around. However, there is a large section at the centre which consists of dense forest. The wildlife populating the area has to be seen to be believed, with a vast collection of everything from coyotes to eagles.Fringed by water on three sides, the park is encircled by the Seawall, a popular jogging, walking and cycling path originally constructed to prevent erosion of the park's shoreline. At 22 kilometres in length, the path allows you to circle the park at a leisurely pace in about two to three hours. If you'd rather get off your feet, you could try a ride on one of the horse-drawn carriages that offer tours around the park between March and October. Alternatively, you could hop on the park's miniature train, which runs for 10 months of the year (closed January and February).There are a plethora of activities on offer in the park for those who like to keep active, and just as many options for those who don’t. From pitch and putt and the totem poles at Brockton Point, to swimming at the beach or the outdoor pool, those with a bit of extra energy should have plenty to keep them occupied. A large number of people come here to simply laze on the grass or have a picnic and, given the sheer size of the park, there's more than enough room for that too! Ultimately, your day at Stanley Park can be whatever you want it to be.Entrance to Stanley Park is via 2000 W. Georgia Street in the West End area of town. A daily parking pass will entitle you to leave your car anywhere in the park for as long as it is open.
