Stanley Park

Location:
Entrance is the east of Georgia Street past Denman Street.

General Information:
Stanley Park is recognized around the globe as one of the great parks of the world! Vancouver's first park and one of the city's main tourist attractions, Stanley Park is an evergreen oasis of 400 hectares (1,000 acres) close to the downtown core. Its natural west coast atmosphere offering a back drop of majestic cedar, hemlock and fir trees embraces visitors and transports them to an environment rich in tranquility. The park abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings.

Age Group:
Great for ALL ages!

Hours of Operation:
Various – attractions vary in hours, see below

Cost: (Currently)
Various – park is free, but attractions vary in price, see below

What is there to Do and See?

Here is a summary of some of its many features:
• 1,000 acres of land
• 8.8 km (5.5 mile) Seawall and bike route around the Park
• network of hundreds of km of trails within the Park
• outdoor swimming pool (at Second Beach)
• Vancouver Public Aquarium & Zoo
• 2 freshwater lakes (Beaver & Lost Lagoon)
• four major restaurants; Ferguson Point Teahouse, Fish House, Prospect Point Cafe and Stanley Park Pavilion

There are several areas throughout the park specifically geared towards children. Attached to Second Beach is Ceperley Playground and the Pool. Close to the Stanley Park Pavilion are several attractions including the Miniature Railway, the Variety Kids Farmyard and a traditional playground. On the Rose Garden side of the Pavilion is another traditional playground. On the Seawall at Lumberman's Arch is a kids waterpark, a magnet for kids on hot summer days. Of course once you include the beaches and picnic areas the whole park is a playground!

The park abounds in wildlife and its features appeal to the naturalist, the plant lover or one who would do nothing more than relax in beautiful surroundings. The Lost Lagoon Nature House, operated by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, offers natural history information, guided walking tours and volunteer opportunities. Lost Lagoon is the haven for many varieties of birds including swans, ducks and Canada geese. The rushes and small islands in the lake make a natural nesting place for the various species that live here. There are lots of place to eat quite a variety of junk food, which of course is a great hit with the kids and the above listed restaurants are available if you want some more options. If you are looking to enjoy some outdoor enjoyment, there is lots of clearly marked trails for people with roller skates, bikes, strollers and for walkers.

The Children's Farmyard, Miniature Railway, tennis courts, bathing beaches, a children's water park, a heated ocean-side swimming pool, Theatre Under the Stars, the Vancouver Aquarium and the 5.5 mile (8.85 km) perimeter seawall round out the menu of what a great public park offers. Refreshment stands along with four restaurants are strategically placed throughout Stanley Park for your convenience. For more information on the Vancouver Aquarium, see Vancouver Aquarium listing under this Kid Vancouver’s Zoo’s, Farms and Critters.

Serving to entertain both young and old is an exact replica of Locomotive Engine #374, which pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in 1886. This 15 minute ride through the towering cedars and Douglas fir helps visitors remember that the park was once a forest of old growth trees. There is 14 stops around the park.

The Children's Farmyard allows visitors to get up close and personal with our myriad selection of common and rare breed domesticated animals. You'll see goats, sheep, cows, and even a llama.
Traffic School; There's no better place to learn the rules of the road than in one of Vancouver's most beautiful parks. This half-hour excursion offered free to the 5-8 year old set makes for a great addition to a typical summer outing at Vancouver's first park. Petite drivers using pedal-power navigate a typical road course boasting all the usual signs such as traffic lights, stop and yield signs. Traffic instructions are overseen by volunteers from the Vancouver Police Department and pint-sized drivers get a check list following their session.

See dates, times and fees here http://www.city.vancouver.bc.ca/Parks/parks/stanley/generalInfo.htm#trafficschool.
Or call 604-257-8531 for up-to-date information on events and hours of operation.

Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tours
Step aboard one of our old-fashioned horse-drawn vehicles and meander in comfort through the natural beauty of Stanley Park. A professional guide fully narrates your exploration. The one-hour tours depart from beside the information booth on Park Drive, just off the Georgia Street entrance to Stanley Park, every 20 to 30 minutes.March 1-14, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.; March 15-31, 9:40 a.m.-4 p.m.April 1-June 30, 9:40 a.m.-5 p.m.; July 1-September 4, 9:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.September 5-30, 9:40 a.m.-5 p.m.; October 1-31, 9:40 a.m.-4 p.m.No Reservations required.
Tel. 604.681.5115
Website: www.stanleypark.com

Tips:
1. Keep the day open as there is lots to see and do at Stanley Park
2. Bring a picnic lunch and picnic in the woods on a blanket or table
3. If its warm out bring a bathing suit & suntan lotion to go to the pool or waterpark
4. Bring a camera, lots to take pictures of!