Stanley Park, Vancouver (must see)

Stanley Park, positioned in downtown Vancouver, is a sprawling urban park that spans 1,001 acres, surpassing the size of New York City's Central Park by approximately ten percent. Drawing a crowd of around two and a half million visitors annually, the park offers opportunities for cycling, skating, and leisurely strolls along its 5.5-mile seawall path.

One of the park's standout characteristics is its abundant collection of ancient trees, with nearly half a million trees gracing the landscape, some of which boast ages in the hundreds of years. The park is bordered by the Pacific Ocean on nearly all sides and encompasses Beaver Creek and Beaver Lake, vital habitats for indigenous waterfowl and various wildlife species like beavers, geese, ducks, herons, and swans. In harmonious coexistence, modern recreational facilities intermingle with untouched natural spaces, including the iconic seawall path and an extensive network of approximately 120 miles of trails.

In addition to its remarkable old growth trees and natural ecosystems, Stanley Park is adorned with an array of monuments and sculptures. Among these are a statue honoring the poet Robert Burns, the captivating "Girl in a Wetsuit" by Elek Imredy, towering totem poles, the historical Lumberman's Arch, a reproduction of the RMS Empress of Japan's figurehead, and more.

While Vancouver's attractions entice many tourists, a sojourn to the city would remain incomplete without a tranquil stroll through the enchanting wooded expanse of Stanley Park.

Why You Should Visit:
Great place for play and picnics and family outings which affords beautiful views of downtown, the mountains, the sea, and Lion's Gate Bridge – and it's all free.
With old growth forests, lakes, trails, and beaches, this park is quirkily enough as pleasant to stroll around as it is to pass through.

Tip:
Be aware of the arrows and symbols. There are some paths that are strictly for pedestrians, and some paths that are one-way.
It's important to plan where you start and end your journey as the Stanley Park Seawall walk is one-way.
Make sure you get a map so you can see all of your options!