Stanley Park Tours and Activities

Stanley Park featuring a bridge, a park and a bay or harbour
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Recognised as one of the greatest parks in the world, well-loved for its forested walking trails, bustling beaches, manicured gardens and variety of wildlife.

The beloved green lung of Vancouver is a living, breathing medley of majestic cedar, fir and hemlock trees, blooming gardens and pristine beaches along the peninsula overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Spanning over 400 hectares, Stanley Park beats New York's Central Park in size by 60 hectares making it the third largest urban park in North America, visited by about eight million people annually.

Formerly designated as a military reserve and logged for timber, the land was given to the city by the Dominion government in 1888 and named after Lord Stanley of Preston, the governor general of Canada at the time, and a dedicated preserver of the area's natural resources.

More than 27 kilometres of forest trails weave through the lush foliage of the park, some of which were once used by lumberjacks to drag fell trees to the water. Look out for some of the park's wildlife, including coyotes, raccoons, beavers, skunks, grey squirrels and eagles. A stroll along one of these trails gives you a glimpse into the region's wilderness history.

Surrounded by ocean on three sides, the park's perimeter is lined with a 22-kilometre path called the Seawall. The arresting views of the water from this path make it a popular spot for joggers, cyclists, rollerbladers, and walkers. Two to three hours make for a leisurely stroll along this path, while cycling would take about an hour.

For a fun way of exploring the park, take a one-hour horse-drawn carriage tour, (running from mid-March to late Oct), or take the miniature train through the forest (closed January and February).

The park has enough on offer to fill an entire day and more, being home to spectacular gardens, pitch-and-putt golf, Canada's largest aquarium, the renowned totem pole display at Brockton Point, and plenty of beaches and open spaces perfect for a nap, a picnic, or to delve into a good book. Take a dip at one of the beaches or check out the heated outdoor pool at Second Beach with stunning views of English Bay that’s usually open from late May until early September.

Located in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood, there are multiple entrances to the park which are easily accessible on foot, bicycle, public transport or car. If you’re driving, you can park can buy a daily parking pass valid for moving and parking at any car park within Stanley Park during operating hours.

Air, helicopter & balloon tours

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Reviews of Stanley Park

4.7
Top destination
5 - Excellent
117
" "5 - Excellent 67.24137931034483%
4 - Good
55
" "4 - Good 31.60919540229885%
3 - Okay
2
" "3 - Okay 1.1494252873563218%
2 - Disappointing
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" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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5/5 - Excellent

Patricia
7 Oct 2019

Need good walking shoes or perhaps hire a bike

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
16 Sep 2019

Easily spend a day in and around this beautiful park

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
7 Aug 2019

We loved the Mounted Police & their horses. Both were very approachable  & the kids loved them. Plus the beautiful gardens.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Jul 2019

Do the cycle trip. If hotel bikes are not available then ask the bell hop for a discount voucher for Spokes bike hire, a 10 minute walk down the road

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
9 Feb 2019

The sea wall walk is quite long, but there are cycling options which I would highly recommend!

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Top Stanley Park Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Moda Hotel
Moda Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
Moda Hotel
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
1601 Bayshore Dr, Vancouver, BC
The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
Best Western Plus Sands
Best Western Plus Sands
3 out of 5
1755 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
Best Western Plus Sands
The Burrard
The Burrard
3 out of 5
1100 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
The Burrard
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Pan Pacific Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
Pan Pacific Vancouver
Fairmont Waterfront
Fairmont Waterfront
4.5 out of 5
900 Canada Place Way, Vancouver, BC
Fairmont Waterfront
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.