Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver’s beloved 1,000-acre green sanctuary, nestled between city and sea. More than just a park, it’s a living, breathing part of Vancouver’s soul — home to towering forests, Indigenous art, dramatic viewpoints, and a scenic Seawall trail that hugs the coastline like a ribbon.

Whether you’re here for a tranquil stroll, a cycle along the water, or to catch the sunset over Lions Gate Bridge, Stanley Park is a must-see — and a must-feel — for anyone visiting the city. It’s not only Vancouver’s most-visited attraction, but also a crown jewel among the best parks in Canada.

Stanley Park is named after Lord Frederick Stanley, the 16th Earl of Derby, who was Canada’s Governor General in the late 1880s. You might also recognize his name from a little silver cup he donated — the Stanley Cup, today the most famous trophy in hockey.

Stanley Park is the kind of place that offers a different experience with every visit. You can find yourself wandering through cedar-scented trails one moment and sipping a latte by the marina the next. It’s a place of contrast — urban yet wild, quiet yet vibrant.

During cruise season, the park’s most famous spots, like the Totem Poles and Prospect Point, can get crowded with shore excursion tour buses, especially midday. But come in the early morning, or stay for golden hour, and you’ll discover why locals keep falling in love with Stanley Park.

One of the most visited attractions in British Columbia, the totem poles at Brockton Point offer a powerful and beautiful introduction to the region’s Indigenous cultures. Each carving tells a story — some mythical, some historical — and all deeply meaningful. These are among the most recognizable Stanley Park attractions.

Located inside Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is world-renowned for its conservation work and captivating exhibits. It’s home to sea otters, jellyfish, sea lions, and even rescued marine animals. A hit with families, but equally fascinating for grown-ups, too.

With its breathtaking view of Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and the North Shore Mountains, Prospect Point is one of Vancouver’s most iconic lookout spots. There’s a café and gift shop here too — but plan ahead: it gets extremely busy when cruise ships are in port.

This 9-kilometre Stanley Park Seawall trail wraps around the edge of the park, offering ever-changing vistas of downtown, the harbour, forested cliffs, and sandy beaches. Walk it, bike it, or rollerblade it — it’s one of the most scenic urban bike trails in Vancouver.

For those looking to traverse the park’s scenic routes, numerous bike and e-bike rental shops are conveniently located along Denman Street, just steps from the park’s entrance. Cycling the Seawall loop provides an immersive experience of the park’s diverse landscapes, from lush forests to waterfront vistas.

Every evening at exactly 9 p.m., a cannon mounted on the park’s seawall fires a single shot across the harbour. Originally used to signal the end of the fishing day, today it’s a Vancouver tradition — and a favourite moment for kids and first-time visitors.

Fun fact: in 1964, someone packed the cannon with rocks as a prank, causing damage to a floating gas station’s sign nearby. It had to be moved as a result!

Spring and early summer bring cherry blossoms and fresh green growth, while fall dresses the trails in gold and crimson. For a peaceful visit, aim for early mornings or later in the evening — especially if cruise ships are docked.

Golden hour (just before sunset) offers the park at its most magical: glowing treetops, quiet trails, and light shimmering off the sea. Whether you’re seeking things to do in Stanley Park or just a place to reflect, the experience is unmatched.

Insider Tip: Avoid peak shore excursion hours by visiting early morning or after 5 p.m. Want the park to yourself? Show up just after a summer rainfall — the air is cool, the trails are quiet, and the scent of cedar is unforgettable.

Stanley Park occupies a prominent peninsula at the edge of downtown Vancouver. It’s bordered by Coal Harbour to the east and English Bay to the west — and connects easily with the downtown core, West End, and waterfront paths.

You can walk into the park from Robson Street in 10–15 minutes or bike in from anywhere downtown.

Walking or biking is the best way to explore, with easy access via the seawall or from major hotels.

By transit, buses run regularly from downtown Vancouver to the park entrance. Parking is available but fills up quickly in peak season — especially near Stanley Park highlights like Prospect Point and the totem poles.