Tourism & Attractions

Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world! Vancouver's first park and one of the city's main tourist attractions, Stanley Park is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offering a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees embraces visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility. The park abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings.

Stanley Park hosts many arts events. During the summer, you can "dance at dusk" at Ceperley Meadow, see local artists' work at Painters' Circle, and enjoy outdoor theatre with Theatre Under the Stars at Malkin Bowl. The Park can be enjoyed by all ages. Family attractions in the park include the Children's Farmyard and Miniature Train, Vancouver Aquarium, picnic sites, playgrounds, and aquatic fun at the beaches, the Second Beach Pool, or the water park at Lumbermen's Arch. Beautiful horticultural displays can be found throughout the park. Don't miss the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron garden, perennial and rose gardens, the Prospect Point carpet bedding, the Community Garden near Lost Lagoon, and ornamental plantings around the Parks administration offices at the Beach Avenue entrance to the park. World famous landmarks in the park include Lost Lagoon, Siwash Rock, Prospect Point, Beaver Lake, totem poles, the Nine O'Clock Gun, various monuments and sculptures, and the 8.8 km (5.5 mi) seawall which encircles the entire park. The large urban forest in Stanley Park is criss-crossed with trails providing access to second-growth forest, beaches and rocky seashore, and wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, magestic eagles and herons.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains and enhances the quality of life of all citizens of Vancouver by ensuring the provision of park and recreation facilities.

The Stanley Park Ecology Society promotes awareness of and respect for the natural world by playing a leadership role in the stewardship of Stanley Park through collaborative initiatives in education, research and conservation.