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.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
What is Travellers’ Choice?
Tripadvisor gives a Travellers’ Choice award to accommodations, attractions and restaurants that consistently earn great reviews from travellers and are ranked within the top 10% of properties on Tripadvisor.
Top ways to experience Stanley Park
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.
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
2,432 within 5 kms
Attractions
650 within 10 kms
See what travellers are saying
- Lee M5 contributionshaven for nature loversStanley Park is an absolute must-visit in Vancouver. This sprawling urban park is a natural oasis that offers a wide range of activities and stunning views. Whether you’re walking or biking along the seawall, exploring the lush gardens, or taking a leisurely horse-drawn carriage ride, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. The park’s towering trees, scenic bridges, and serene beaches create a sense of tranquility within the bustling city. The seawall, in particular, provides breathtaking vistas of the coastline and mountains. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the iconic totem poles and the Vancouver Aquarium within the park. Stanley Park is a haven for nature lovers, photographers, and families alike, and it’s an essential part of any visit to Vancouver.Visited August 2023Travelled on businessWritten 3 October 2023
- MD VBlaine, Washington101 contributionsBeautiful parkGreat park to ride bikes. Beautiful views and an unbelievable Seawall public outdoor pool, it’s huge. You will need to make reservations. This helps keep large numbers of people all at one time at the pool.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 October 2023
- SamanthaBrisbane, Australia65 contributionsFree must do activity in Vancouver!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!Visited October 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 18 October 2023
- JobylakeOttery St. Mary, United Kingdom1,178 contributionsA must do when in VancouverStanley 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.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 23 October 2023
- Kyle GKelowna, Canada6 contributionsAwesome!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.Visited September 2023Travelled with friendsWritten 25 October 2023
- mookie61Boston, Massachusetts370 contributionsGreat Place to Walk ( Hint-Don't Drive)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.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 26 October 2023
- bill gNorthumberland, United Kingdom166 contributionsAmazing Park and ViewsThe 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.Visited September 2023Travelled soloWritten 2 November 2023
- Dimitris LSydney, Australia51,804 contributionsA fantastic placeStanley Park is a huge park. We went there by bus which only took a few minutes from the centre of the city. The park is a beautiful place to walk around and just enjoy the surroundings, the trees, the plants, the greenery, the amazing views, the various objects, the wonderful atmosphere. A fantastic place.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 December 2023
- 214gordonf21 contributionsBeautiful calming walk/scooterA beautiful park to walk or bike/ e-scooter around. Great views of the city and nature. You can scooter around the park (with stops) in just under 2hours. Even in winter you might spot some animals (seals in the water and some squirrels). Lovely calming time in nature inspite of lots of people.Visited December 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 17 December 2023
- Jolene MDenver, Colorado3 contributionsFabulous Park! Fabulous Biking!We visited Vancouver for 3 days in July 2023 prior to an Alaska cruise and stayed in the Yaletown area which is centrally located. We rented bikes at the Reckless Bike Store across from False Creek and they set us up with routes to cycle to Stanley Park and the Seawall. We had two sunny days so we did two beautiful rides from our accommodations to Stanley Park. Each day we did routes that were about 14 miles which was perfect for a couple of old geezers. The park is spectacular! Because it was sunny lots of locals were sunning at the beaches along our routes. There are dedicated biking routes which kept us away from automobile traffic. We highly recommend a visit here.Visited July 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 January 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
29,335 reviews
Excellent
22,500
Very good
5,998
Average
717
Poor
70
Terrible
50
HighPriestessSusan
Olympia, WA76 contributions
Feb 2020
Stanley Park is a beautiful area along the water with bike and walking paths. Even though it was a rainy winter day, many people were out riding, running and walking. Some of the amenities like the park train are closed in winter months, but there were no crowds and it was a peaceful respite in a large, busy city.
Written 17 February 2020
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.
LuizVale
Goiania, GO162 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
I lived in Vancouver for 6 months and I’ve probably been to Stanley Park 20 times! It’s huge, has tons of trails and spots to explore, it’s not too crowded (at least not during Summer), has a good (though expensive) café. The 9 O’Clock Gun, Totem Poles, Seawall, beaches, Beaver Lake and Lost Lagoon, are just some of the highlights of this place. I recommend taking a day to walk around the Seawall and another day to explore the inside of the park.
Written 13 May 2020
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.
S F
Ucluelet, Canada1,068 contributions
Dec 2021 • Solo
Vancouver’s Stanley Park, located just off the city’s busy downtown core, attracts some 8 million visitors a year, it is said.
That is a lot of people for the size of Vancouver & from reviews & commentators, most of those, both local & international, are impressed.
Why wouldn’t they be?
Vancouver’s first & largest urban park, is 1,000 acres; filled with first growth trees; surrounded by the ocean; offering great views — both internal & looking out over the inlet — with many iconic landmarks, kids activities, & the great restaurant, The Teahouse In Stanley Park.
It also has a wonderful mini railway, which delights all, not just kids.
I went there a few Xmas ago with my son & his family & some of their friends.
It was magical, with the train tooting its way though the awesome tall trees, some of them with dustings of snow.
When we immigrated here as a family in the late 80s, we often waked in it & around it on the seawall.
We lived close by & as immigrants still finding our feet, it was both wonderful & without financial cost.
We also cycled around it on the seawall, once with a British journalist friend on the west coast to do a documentary on the Exxon Valdese oil spill.
We stopped & picnicked, & looking out at the surrounding water, were keenly aware of how important it was to keep these shores free of oil spills.
It is said to be the third largest urban park in North America. No wonder it captures the imagination, & draws people to it by the million.
Posted by S Fuller.
That is a lot of people for the size of Vancouver & from reviews & commentators, most of those, both local & international, are impressed.
Why wouldn’t they be?
Vancouver’s first & largest urban park, is 1,000 acres; filled with first growth trees; surrounded by the ocean; offering great views — both internal & looking out over the inlet — with many iconic landmarks, kids activities, & the great restaurant, The Teahouse In Stanley Park.
It also has a wonderful mini railway, which delights all, not just kids.
I went there a few Xmas ago with my son & his family & some of their friends.
It was magical, with the train tooting its way though the awesome tall trees, some of them with dustings of snow.
When we immigrated here as a family in the late 80s, we often waked in it & around it on the seawall.
We lived close by & as immigrants still finding our feet, it was both wonderful & without financial cost.
We also cycled around it on the seawall, once with a British journalist friend on the west coast to do a documentary on the Exxon Valdese oil spill.
We stopped & picnicked, & looking out at the surrounding water, were keenly aware of how important it was to keep these shores free of oil spills.
It is said to be the third largest urban park in North America. No wonder it captures the imagination, & draws people to it by the million.
Posted by S Fuller.
Written 17 December 2021
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.
Neil T
Vancouver, Canada56 contributions
Oct 2020
Stanley Park is a beautiful park with many ammenities for all to enjoy! The beautiful scenery & also the Horse drawn Carriages are so nice to see! The City of Vancouver had temporarily taken away a vehicle lane & all parking throughout the park & gave bicycles access to the vehicle lanes, cutting off access to seniors & people with dissabilities! This action hurt both the public & the businesses throughout the park because people couldn't get to the restaurants & also there was no place to park. We are happy to see the lane closures in the park re-opened & we finally were able to get to the Tea House restaurant at Fergusson Point. We would like to see the rest of Beach Ave. opened up so we don't have to detour all the way to Georgia Street & back to Davie in order to get to our home on Beach Ave. The cyclists have a very nice bicycle path on the sea wall to use! They shouldn't be taking away the Beach Ave. eastbound lane! These lanes were designed for licenced vehicle traffic...not uninsured bicycles. Let's improve our traffic flow & open our roadways back up! Remember...our park is meant for all to enjoy! Not just cyclists!
Written 3 October 2020
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.
Zan
London, Canada76 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Walk or rent a bike. It is a huge park. Walking along the sea wall is a great experience. There are many small attractions within the park, if you want to cover all attractions in one day, you better brace yourself for walking, walking and walking! Check the park timings before going. I went in feb first week and it closes by 5 pm around this time.
Totem poles are one of the major attraction in the park. It is not far from the main entrance.
If you want to see the whole park you better start early morning.
Totem poles are one of the major attraction in the park. It is not far from the main entrance.
If you want to see the whole park you better start early morning.
Written 8 February 2020
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.
H.W
Nottinghamshire, UK105 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This is very tranquil and picture postcode. The issue is it’s full of angry people!
The upper class of Vancouver obviously use it for recreation and not the poor folk of down town( this is a shame as the mental health issue in this city are shocking). However they are very uptight and shout a lot! Yes shout! There is a cycle path and a walking path next to one another. If one element strays on to the other - then the shouting begins!
As this is a this is a tourist destination then “paths” are crossed and wow the tense people of Vancouver erupt.
So I’m not entirely sure this is a totally great place.
The upper class of Vancouver obviously use it for recreation and not the poor folk of down town( this is a shame as the mental health issue in this city are shocking). However they are very uptight and shout a lot! Yes shout! There is a cycle path and a walking path next to one another. If one element strays on to the other - then the shouting begins!
As this is a this is a tourist destination then “paths” are crossed and wow the tense people of Vancouver erupt.
So I’m not entirely sure this is a totally great place.
Written 14 March 2020
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.
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,356 contributions
May 2021
With the changing seasons and tides; and the multitude of attractions, I always come away with a new experience after visiting this one thousand acre "forest in the middle of a city".
This trip brought Spring flowers and wildlife, low tidal activity, and some little known historical spots. I concentrated (and I would suggest the first time visitor do the same) in the north-east corner. It had been a while since I had been here at low tide, and noticed younger people digging for clams and crabs. Also enjoyed following the peripatetic "Pookycake" who has unearthed a number of new attractions in this area,
So, something for everyone, but particularly the first-timer in Vancouver - the water and skyline views rival San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Sydney!
This trip brought Spring flowers and wildlife, low tidal activity, and some little known historical spots. I concentrated (and I would suggest the first time visitor do the same) in the north-east corner. It had been a while since I had been here at low tide, and noticed younger people digging for clams and crabs. Also enjoyed following the peripatetic "Pookycake" who has unearthed a number of new attractions in this area,
So, something for everyone, but particularly the first-timer in Vancouver - the water and skyline views rival San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Sydney!
Written 19 May 2021
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.
beegal
Iowa City, IA171 contributions
Feb 2020
We rented our bikes right by the Drop sculpture at EzeeRiders. In February there were plenty of bikes and we liked that they pro-rate your rental to the exact number of minutes used. Bikes were in good condition. Path in Stanley Park was easy but, I would imagine, very crowded in season. We were lucky that stopping to take photos was such a breeze.
Written 28 February 2020
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.
David Thomas D
Vancouver23 contributions
Jul 2020
As a 13 year resident of Vancouver, I returned to Stanley Park for a drive through after the COVID closing and was highly disappointed. The new traffic patterns are designed for bicycles only and automobiles are barely accommodated. We had planned a lunch at Prospect Point but the parking lot has been reserved for bicycle traffic and disabled parking has been eliminated. With my disability, I was unable to access the restaurant. The Teahouse, one of the primary attractions of Stanley Park has had the vast majority of its parking eliminated and will probably not survive.
Stanley Park was one of the reasons why Vancouver was a 3-star city. With these changes, a visit to the city is much less justified. What a shame.
Stanley Park was one of the reasons why Vancouver was a 3-star city. With these changes, a visit to the city is much less justified. What a shame.
Written 1 July 2020
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.
Wes L
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
Sept 2019 • Couples
Had never quite done the “round Stanley park sea wall, pass by English bay beach, Sunset beach park, Vancouver Aquarium, Granville island, Vancouver Maritime Museum, Kitsilano beach, Kitsilano outdoor pool (that use actual sea water), Jericho beach, Spanish banks, round UBC via Pacific Spirit park, with a detour to Wreck beach (aka the nudist beach), SW Marine drive, W 41st Ave, Granville st, back to Granville island, and back to Stanley park sea wall” until early September of 2019!
Wow, if you have 12 hours to spent, this is what you want to do. Not to mention what a great way to spend quality time with your spouse/partner. Along the way, you get to choose what you want to eat, from food truck to almost Michelin star restaurants (there isn’t any actual Michelin star restaurants in Vancouver, BC, can’t believe that) and anything in between, from ramen to raw oysters to sashimi to donair to pizza to fish n chips to pho, you name, Vancouver has it.
Of course, you can do with the traditional bicycle or the electric scooter (we did it with electric scooter, it is faster but more expensive)
Wow, if you have 12 hours to spent, this is what you want to do. Not to mention what a great way to spend quality time with your spouse/partner. Along the way, you get to choose what you want to eat, from food truck to almost Michelin star restaurants (there isn’t any actual Michelin star restaurants in Vancouver, BC, can’t believe that) and anything in between, from ramen to raw oysters to sashimi to donair to pizza to fish n chips to pho, you name, Vancouver has it.
Of course, you can do with the traditional bicycle or the electric scooter (we did it with electric scooter, it is faster but more expensive)
Written 18 January 2020
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.
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
Written 24 July 2023
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?
Written 30 May 2023
Personally, I would take a cab. Cabs are cheap there. You can go just about anywhere for $15.00. Get there early as it gets crowded. Rent an E-bike from Spokes. They are just outside the park.Great fun a you will see the whole park in 4 hours.
Written 31 May 2023
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?
Written 5 September 2019
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.
Written 11 September 2019
I am going to Vancouver in early November. Would it be too cold to do a bike ride around the park?
Written 24 August 2019
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.
Written 4 September 2019
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?
Written 6 August 2019
In October you d better take a taxi, even though Vancouver has a good transportation service.
Written 6 August 2019
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?
Written 20 July 2019
Hi, there are parking lots at the entrance of Stanley park. Use one of these and make a short walk to the Aquarium.
Written 20 July 2019
We would like to visit Stanley Park and ride the bicycle. Does anybody have a recommendation for parking the car close by?
Written 10 June 2019
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!
Written 31 July 2019
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.
Written 7 May 2019
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.
Written 17 May 2019
What are the best parts of the park to visit in early June? We are likely going to hike.
Written 2 March 2019
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.
Written 3 March 2019
…
Showing results 1-10 of 64
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing