Stanley Park

Stanley Park

Guide: At the park entrance service center (House Drawn Tours), you can take a loop tour bus for CAD 20.5. Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, every 30 minutes.

Highlights: On the plaza on the east side of the park stand seven totem poles crafted by the Indigenous peoples of British Columbia. These totem poles face the ocean, each uniquely carved with animals such as bears or figures that symbolize various tribes.

Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most famous park, covering one thousand acres. It is one of the largest urban parks in North America and one of the most renowned parks in the world. The park officially opened in 1888 and was named after Sir Stanley, the Governor General of Canada.

The park features three large beaches, a zoo, an aquarium, a miniature golf course, a rose garden, a small train, and countless massive totem poles.

At the park’s entrance stands a bronze statue of former Governor General Stanley. There is also a Queen Victoria Fountain built from candies collectively donated by children across Vancouver. From the hillsides of the park, you can also admire the “Lions Gate Bridge” over the Pacific Ocean, as well as the various fishing boats sailing on the sea – a breathtakingly beautiful scene. The park is alive with squirrels darting through the woods, swans gliding across the lakes, and the chirping of unnamed birds, all blending into a unique natural symphony.

Transportation

To get there by bus from the downtown area, take bus #19 toward Stanley Park and get off at the terminal. To return, take bus #19 toward Metrotown Station. This bus runs every 12–20 minutes. Additionally, on Saturdays and Sundays, bus #52 (Around the Park) loops around the park once every hour, with each loop taking about 30 minutes. Please note that eating and drinking are not allowed on the buses. Walking from the downtown area to Stanley Park takes approximately 30 minutes.

Admission / Opening Hours: Free. Opening hours: 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM

Vancouver, Canada