1,001-acre park with the 9-kilometre Seawall, Brockton Point totem poles, Prospect Point and Lost Lagoon.
Stanley Park is a 1,001-acre forested peninsula at the edge of downtown Vancouver, British Columbia, and the city's best-known public space. The centrepiece is the 9-kilometre Seawall, a waterfront path that circles the park with views of the North Shore mountains, Burrard Inlet, Lions Gate Bridge and the downtown skyline. Traffic on the path runs one way, counter-clockwise, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, so the loop is straightforward to follow. Inside the park, visitors can reach the totem poles at Brockton Point, the Prospect Point lookout beneath Lions Gate Bridge, the Rose Garden, the Vancouver Aquarium and the bird-filled Lost Lagoon near the Georgia Street entrance. Beyond the Seawall, a network of forest trails passes through stands of Douglas fir and western red cedar, some of them very large, and quieter routes such as the Beaver Lake loop offer shade on hot days. Beaches including Second Beach and Third Beach suit swimming in summer and sunset watching year-round. Cycling the Seawall takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours with stops, while walking it takes 2.5 to 3 hours; a half day is a sensible minimum, and a full day allows time for the aquarium and a forest trail. The best photo angles are from Prospect Point, from the Seawall near Siwash Rock, and from the Brockton Point lighthouse looking back at the city. Crowds peak on summer weekends and midday from June to September, when bike rental queues near Denman Street lengthen and the Seawall becomes busy. Early mornings and weekday evenings are calmer, and autumn often brings clear, quiet days. Entry to the park is free and it is open 24 hours, though parking is charged and bike rentals, the miniature train and the aquarium are paid separately. Visitors should dress in layers, as the exposed Seawall can be cool and windy even in summer.
| Admission | Free entry |
|---|---|
| Hours | Open daily, 24 hours; Seawall and trails accessible year-round |
| Typical visit | Half day to full day |
| Best time | Summer mornings; clear autumn days |
| Getting there | Bus 19 or 23 from downtown; Stanley Park shuttle (summer); Coal Harbour is a 15-minute walk from Burrard Station |
| Address | Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4 |
Location
Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
49.3043, -123.1443 View on map
Highlights
- Walk or cycle the 9 km Seawall loop with mountain and skyline views
- See the Brockton Point totem poles and the Prospect Point lookout
- Explore old-growth forest trails and the Lost Lagoon bird habitat
- Swim or watch the sunset at Second Beach and Third Beach
Tips for visiting
- Cycle the Seawall counter-clockwise; this is the only permitted direction
- Rent bikes near Denman Street and allow 1.5-2 hours for the full loop
- Start early on summer weekends to avoid crowded paths and parking
- Bring layers; the Seawall is often windy even on sunny days
- Use bus 19 or the summer shuttle instead of paying for park parking
When to visit
Summer mornings and clear autumn days offer the best views and lighter crowds. Avoid midday on summer weekends.
Accessibility
The Seawall is paved and largely flat, so it suits wheelchairs and strollers, although some forest trails are uneven. Accessible parking is available at several park lots.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to cycle the Seawall?
The 9 km Seawall loop takes about 1.5 to 2 hours by bike and 2.5 to 3 hours on foot. Traffic runs one way, counter-clockwise, with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians.
Is Stanley Park free to enter?
Yes. The park is open 24 hours and entry is free. Parking, bike rentals and attractions inside the park such as the Vancouver Aquarium are charged separately.