Stanley Park

Snuggled between English Bay and Burrard Inlet, Stanley Park is a verdant sanctuary that draws millions of visitors every year. Spanning an incredible 400 hectares, this former British Royal Navy base is one of the largest urban parks in North America and is bursting with things to do. Nature lovers, sun worshippers, sports enthusiasts, romantic couples, local residents and families all flock here to enjoy the wonderful range of activities and attractions. So why not pack a picnic hamper and make a day of it.To help you get a feel for your surroundings, take a horse and carriage ride around the park, or if you’re travelling with children, hop on board the miniature train and enjoy the lovely views as you chug along. Now you know the lay of the land – get going!Begin with a wander through the pretty floral beds and colourful rose bushes in the sweet-smelling rose garden. Next, explore the dense foliage of cedar, spruce and fir trees in the park’s forest. As you make your way through the greenery, keep an eye out for racoons, skunks and squirrels as they hop from branch to branch.This picturesque park stretches out into the Pacific Ocean, giving visitors exclusive access to a pretty crescent of pristine beaches. Swim, surf or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters before catching some rays on the soft golden sands.With recreational facilities including an 18-hole pitch-and-putt course, tennis courts and an outdoor swimming pool at Second Beach, there is something for all sports enthusiasts. But for many visitors, the highlight has got to be the 22-kilometre Seawall which winds around the perimeter of the park. This stretch attracts a variety of users from walkers and runners to cyclists and rollerbladers.Finally, if you have an interest in North American anthropology and art, make a beeline for the stunning First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point. This is the most visited part of the park and when you gaze up at these magnificent works of art, it’s easy to see why.