Stanley Park, Vancouver

 

Many consider Stanley Park to be Vancouver’s Crown Jewel

Gorgeous beaches, fabulous mountain backdrops, stunning city views, year-round gardens, and many attractions of interest, are just some of the reasons Stanley Park is a popular destination for LGBTQ+ Vancouverites and visitors alike. Twenty-seven kilometers of forest trails crisscross this amazing park, making for a seemingly out-of-the-way hike, within a major urban setting. Many have also chosen to exchange vows in the park, whether with a small outdoor ceremony by the sea, or a full-service catered event with all the trimmings.

Highlights of the 1001 acre park include the stunning 8.8 km Seawall around the park, The Vancouver Aquarium, Lost Lagoon, First Nations Totem Poles, Second Beach Pool, Third Beach, Beaver Lake, Lions Gate Bridge, The Stanley Park Miniature Train, Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours, Theatre Under The Stars, Brockton Athletic Fields, Pitch and Put, Brockton Point Cricket Club, The Vancouver Rowing Club, the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Stanley Park Pavilion and more.

Tall Douglas Fir, Western Red Cedar and Sitka Spruce are among the magnificent tree species that give a natural feel to this urban oasis. Garden enthusiasts can also enjoy spectacular Rhododendron and Azalea hybrids in the Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden and the Stanley Park Rose Garden right next to the Stanley Park Pavilion is a must see.

Wildlife is another fascinating feature of Stanley Park, where you can see raccoons, ducks, turtles and even the occasional coyote. All the squirrels you will see are descendants of eight pairs from New York’s Central Park, which arrived back in 1909. We even saw a playful-looking otter frolicking freely on rare ice that formed for a few weeks this past winter, and there is ample evidence of busy beavers at work, all around the perimeter of Lost Lagoon.

Stanley Park is also the setting for one of the largest Great Blue Heron colonies on the continent, and photographers gather each spring when they return to nest in the park, adjacent to the public tennis courts.

Kudos over the years include; "Top Urban Park in the World", "Best City Park", "Most Beautiful Park" and more. See for yourself; explore this "Jewel of Vancouver", via the stunning Seawall, by bike or car, boat or trolley, horse drawn carriage, or on one of the many guided tour excursions offered throughout the park.