Stanley Park
Stanley Park
4.5
About
North America's third-largest park draws eight million visitors per year, many of whom may skate or walk past you on the Seawall, a scenic, 5.5-mile path running along the water on the park's perimeter. It's just one of many trails among the park's 1,000 acres, which also house an aquarium, nature center and other recreational facilities.
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Stanley Park
Stanley Park is Vancouver's premier spot to get up close and personal with nature and animals. The grassy expanse offers outdoor teahouses and stunning views, beachfront hideaways and splash parks. It is a typical getaway spot for friends and families, especially as it is home to Vancouver's aquarium, and some of its best equestrian outlets.
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Restaurants
2,384 within 5 kms
Attractions
494 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- frankie104Mazotos, Cyprus87 contributionsLovely park easy distance from cruise terminalWell maintained with highlights being the totem poles as the main attraction. I walked from the cruise terminal but lots of people must have rented bicycles as so many passed me by. A lovely couple of hours.Visited September 2022Written February 16, 2023
- Kendall L49 contributionsMust visit in VancouverLocated on the northwest side of Vancouver and surrounded by water, Stanley Park is a must visit in Vancouver. Given the size of the park (it is big), we recommend biking if possible. Biking around the outside loop of the park offers gorgeous views of the city and the water and will take an hour. Bikes not available? Walking (or running for those looking to get a workout) is a great option as well!Visited February 2023Written February 25, 2023
- vacationaholicCentral Oregon, Oregon432 contributionsA beautiful park near downtown VancouverVancouver had a bit of a snow event prior to our visit, so a lot of Stanley Park was not conducive to walking in tennis shoes. We spent about an hour walking or driving around the park to see that sights. I would love to go back when the park did not have about 6" of snow. I just didn't bring the right shoes - otherwise I totally would have hiked around that place. Very nice views and a must see if you're in Vancouver. Pay to park - Ok to use credit card.Visited March 2023Written March 4, 2023
- Cathy LToronto, Canada183 contributionsGreat placeHuge park and lots of things to do as family. Get the map from info centre, You can walk or rent a bike. We spent around 3 hours here. We had carriage horse ride that took us around the park for 1 hour.Visited April 2023Written May 9, 2023
- M.A.D AdventuresBrisbane, Australia12 contributionsA Definite Must DoA definite must do when visiting Vancouver. We explored Stanley Park on e-bikes. What a fantastic experience. Great pathways and beautiful gardens to explore. Highly recommend visiting Stanley Park on your visit to Vancouver.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 18, 2023
- Veronika C23 contributionsBig place to exploreThe park is beautiful and huge. We saw the Totem Poles with our organized tour and returned in a few days time to see more of the park. We walked along the sea wall (not the whole length), had a relaxing morning walk around the Beaver lake, and visited the Aquarium. Highly recommended, don’t forget your good walking shoes and a map. A place we intended to have lunch (Prospect Point Bar and Grill) was closed, so we ended up walking to the Pavilion, where we had a lovely meal.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten May 19, 2023
- KelvinDunedin, New Zealand574 contributionsWe’ll set up for a walk or cycle…….We hired e-bikes for a day and spent a good deal of time in the park and travelling around it. It is an easy walk or ride and it is well set up for both cyclists and pedestrians. It is not just flora and fauna but information and artefacts reflecting the local indigenous communities. A very nice way to spend the best part of a day.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten June 11, 2023
- Russell3939Castle Rock, Colorado796 contributionsLoved the sea wall walkWalking along the sea wall was amazing. We walked the part underneath the bridge near the lighthouse and it did not disappoint. I would definitely recommend this section if you are short on time. A must see in Vancouver.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten June 12, 2023
- Steve RTadworth, United Kingdom157 contributionsWell worth a visitLovely walking trails and wildlife to be seen in a peaceful setting if you set aside the road running through it! The aquarium is well worth a visit and is actually good value. We took the bus there but it’s a pleasant, short and easy walk back to the harbour when you returnVisited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten June 14, 2023
- FarAway04361206184Mablethorpe, United Kingdom3 contributionsBeautiful Stanley ParkLovely Public Park in Vancouver, setting by the Harbour and lovely walks. We went there on a Canadian Public Holiday but found Parking which once paid can be used anywhere in the Park. Even so not over busy and after a long flight a good place to relax.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
29,234 reviews
Excellent
22,437
Very good
5,967
Average
711
Poor
69
Terrible
50
Treker650
Kaysville, UT162 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
Had a very nice time enjoying the park. Our favorite activities were strolling along the waterfront and the totem poles.
Written November 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bill g
Northumberland, UK156 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Solo
The Park enjoys an elevated position in Vancouver and, as such, has fantastic views over the City and beyond to the North Shore Mountains. The Park itself is huge and would be difficult to see every aspect in one day, however this "oasis in the City" is a welcome break from the hubbub of city life. I would recommend a visit to the Teahouse while in the park.
Written November 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott M
Sydney, Australia477 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Couples
There were some nice fall vista's along the seawall. It is nice to spend 2-3 hours but imo not a must do.
Written November 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ross S
1 contribution
Oct. 2023 • Family
Our hotel was fabulous. (Loden) Beautiful room, extraordinarily attentive staff. Vancouver is a bit of a cluster in getting around, like any big city. But lots to do, felt reasonably safe walking around. Recommend leaving the car parked and using Uber
Written October 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mookie61
Boston, MA382 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Great Sunday Walk. And I do mean walk. The drive was clogged with folks driving in on a busy Sunday and it was a mess. We walked over from the convention centre and it was perfectly enjoyable and a great way to avoid the traffic jams.
Written October 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kyle G
Kelowna, Canada6 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Friends
Whenever I travel to Vancouver I am sure to visit Stanley Park. The last time my friend and I went through the park late at night, didn't run into many people and felt fairly safe. The view is great.
Written October 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jobylake
Ottery St. Mary, UK937 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Couples
Stanley Park is a must and whichever way you choose to see it (we hired bikes from Spokes (see other review) or on foot), it will be a great experience. You can spend as little or as much time here as you like.
There are a couple of beaches along the way and an outdoor heated pool by Second Beach which is gated and has a small charge and timed sessions to get in.
There are a couple of beaches along the way and an outdoor heated pool by Second Beach which is gated and has a small charge and timed sessions to get in.
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michelle028
Mississauga, Canada279 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Family
Beautiful park...must visit! Short drive from downtown Vancouver. Lovely in the fall.
Parking is not free. I would suggest parking by the totem poles. Put this into GPS.
Parking is not free. I would suggest parking by the totem poles. Put this into GPS.
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samuel B
Norwich, UK56 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
One of the best parks I’ve ever been to, without a doubt. I spent the afternoon cycling along the sea wall and through the woodland today and it was honestly such a pleasure!
Written October 21, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Samantha
Brisbane, Australia56 contributions
Oct. 2023 • Friends
This is a must do, especially if you are lucky enough to have a clear/sunny day. We went in fall with the trees turning yellow and red, it was beautiful. We hired bikes from Yes bicycle rental, a short walk from Stanley Park. It was very reasonably priced, under $20 for 3 hours. We rode through and around Stanley Park, it was leisurely, flat and easy riding. There is a separate pedestrian walkway. There are washrooms along the way as well as places to fill your water bottle, vendors/cafes and beaches. Definitely a must do and free activity while in Vancouver!
Written October 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where can you rent bikes to ride around in Stanley Park?
Heather F
Boston, MA106 contributions
There are many places. Go off the main drag for the best rates. We rented from Yes Bike rental and they were the best rates, great bikes, friendly staff
Travread
Baltimore, MD164 contributions
Hi. We will be visiting Vancouver this weekend and have about 3-4 hours to visit Stanley Park. Since we are staying about 1 mile from the park, trying to decide if we should walk over or drive and park in the park. I am concerned if we walk, it will take an additional 40 minutes and we may not feel like exploring as much in the park. If we drive, would it be difficult to find parking?
Kitkat071
Canning Vale, Australia586 contributions
Just catch a uber so your nice and refreshed for exploring the park. It's worth spending time there.
Hi
I like to go to Vancouver and visit stanley park. What's the weather like in January?
joey r
Calgary, Canada471 contributions
Its rainy, its soggy and cold, the better time to visit is March
I am visiting Vancouver next week. What is the weather like? Do I need to dress in layers or just have a small jacket handy or no jacket at all? Is the park nice and safe enough to walk around rather than bike?
Natalie L
Nonthaburi, Thailand54 contributions
I went today and it was beautiful. The park is safe, I passed a policeman patrolling on a motor bike. The weather is perfect. A light wind jacket is all you need. The cafe at Third beach was closed today. Hire a bike outside the park or download the Mobi app for bikes inside the park.
Teri W
AIEA104 contributions
I am going to Vancouver in early November. Would it be too cold to do a bike ride around the park?
Frankee11
San Rafael, CA315 contributions
I suspect it will be quite chilly. Depends on what you are used to. If you are from a country that is warmish in Nov, then yes you will probably find it too cold. If you are from the northern US or England and are used to biking in November, then it will be similar to what you are used to. We were there in August and it was occassionally drizzly but warm enough that some hardy women had sleeveless tops on. It was around 70 F degrees. November is going to be considerably colder than that.
Extraordinary174827
Thornbury, Canada1 contribution
I'm arriving by via rail (Pacific Central Station) the first week of October. I wanted to go to Stanley Park first. I'll have a small carry-on with me. Is the train open then? What's the best way to get around? Highlights?
Manuela D
Cremona, Italy278 contributions
In October you d better take a taxi, even though Vancouver has a good transportation service.
Cathy P
1 contribution
I will be in a car with a small trailer behind. Is there a place to park and get the sky train to Stanley Park and the aquarium?
Markus N
Zurich, Switzerland125 contributions
Hi, there are parking lots at the entrance of Stanley park. Use one of these and make a short walk to the Aquarium.
Saxroader
Almere, The Netherlands70 contributions
We would like to visit Stanley Park and ride the bicycle. Does anybody have a recommendation for parking the car close by?
DaianeLuiza
Rio de Janeiro, RJ94 contributions
Sure...there are several parking lots there! And there, you MUST take the ticket so you wont get a fine! Even if you stop only 10 min...take it...otherwise its going to cost you much more! :D Enjoy there is amazing!!! You could park infront of the lake also!
Vicki L
Jasper, GA33 contributions
We are going at the end of May and since we are not in the best physical shape, I'm thinking the bus tour would be our best bet. I see there is a bus in the park during the summer but it doesn't say when it starts. We will only be in Vancouver the 30th and 31st of May. Also, by looking at youtube I think we would want to do the forest route rather than the water. Does the bus go that route or only around the water? If you are worried your legs will hurt before you find a place to return the bikes, is there a place to rent a car for a couple of hours and just drive through? We already paid for the hop on/off but for those 2 days so we don't really want to waste money on a car for the whole day. And, the horse and carriage ride for only an hour doesn't really appeal to me. Doesn't seem like it would go very far.
jrelliottoh
Cozumel, Mexico13 contributions
Sounds like you might like to try an ebike, so you won't need to worry about going uphill. $10/hour at beesknees for example.
Dee B
Fort Lauderdale, FL4 contributions
What are the best parts of the park to visit in early June? We are likely going to hike.
Gordon S
Merritt, Canada359 contributions
If you are looking to go Hiking I would recommend the North Shore Mountains - Grouse Grind, Lynn Canyon, Mount Seymour, The Lions, Capilano Pacific Trail. You can also google Easy Hikes around Vancouver for some ideas.
Stanley Park itself has very easy walking trails crisscrossing the park. The Sea Wall is a great walk as well. There is also a Heron rookery within the park on the west side. Dogs need to be on leash.
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Claim your listingSTANLEY PARK - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Stanley Park
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Stanley Park:
- Vancouver City Tour Including Capilano Suspension Bridge (From C$146.18)
- Vancouver City Hop-on Hop-off Tour (From C$65.99)
- Walking Tour Along Stanley Park's Seawall (From C$9.13)
- Whistler Sightseeing Tour from Vancouver: See Horseshoe Bay and Shannon Falls (From C$202.02)
- The Stanley Park Tour by Cycle City Tours (From C$90.15)
- Hotels near Stanley Park:
- (0.87 km) Times Square Suites Hotel
- (1.49 km) Loden Hotel
- (1.28 km) Sonder at Revival
- (0.88 km) The Westin Bayshore, Vancouver
- (1.42 km) West End Guest House
- Restaurants near Stanley Park:
- (0.01 km) Stanley's Bar and Grill
- (0.19 km) Picnix
- (0.72 km) LIFT Bar Grill View
- (0.98 km) Cardero's Restaurant & Live Bait Marine Pub
- (1.02 km) Kingyo
- Attractions near Stanley Park:
- (0.06 km) President Harding Memorial
- (0.07 km) Theatre under the Stars
- (0.24 km) Vancouver Seawall
- (0.22 km) Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Tours
- (0.14 km) Stanley Park Train