Stanley Park - Nature's Oasis
No visit to Vancouver would be complete without spending a day (or two) at Stanley Park, a sprawling urban oasis nestled between the city and the sea. The park's lush greenery, ancient cedar trees, and colourful flower gardens created a perfect escape from the urban hustle.
Visit the Totem Poles
On our first visit to the park we started off at the totem poles. These totem poles are not only awe-inspiring artistic creations but also symbols of history and heritage, offering a glimpse into the rich traditions and beliefs of the Indigenous communities. To the left of the totem poles, you will find a gift shop and cafe counter where you can order coffee etc. We got vanilla lattes with soy milk. Then we took a walk along part of the Seawall. We finished the visit with a wander through the rose garden.
Rent Bikes and Cycle the Seawall
On our second visit, we rented bicycles and rode along the senic seawall, a 10-kilometer path offering panoramic views of the city skyline, mountains, and the Pacific Ocean. Just before the entrance to Stanley Park, on Denman St, you will find several bike rental shops. It is a very busy area with people coming and going with their rental bikes. We chose to rent our bikes from Jo-e-cycles. We paid $7 an hour for each bike. They gave us helmets, locks and a couple of baskets to hook on our bikes for our backpacks.
Prospect Point
Prospect Point is a scenic and iconic landmark located within Stanley Park, one of Vancouver's most beloved and renowned natural attractions. Situated on the northwestern tip of the park, Prospect Point offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of Vancouver's coastline, the Lions Gate Bridge, Burrard Inlet, and the surrounding lush forests. This picturesque vantage point has become a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.
You can also find bathrooms, a cafe, and a gift shop here.
Getting to Prospect Point:
By Car: If you're driving, enter Stanley Park through the Georgia Street entrance. Follow the main road (Stanley Park Drive) through the park, and you'll eventually come to signs directing you to Prospect Point. The road leading to Prospect Point is one-way, so you'll need to follow the signs and road markings carefully. There are a few paid parking lots near Prospect Point where you can park your car.
By Public Transit: Vancouver has an efficient public transit system. You can take a city bus to Stanley Park and then walk or take a short shuttle ride to Prospect Point. Buses that go to Stanley Park include the #19, #240, and #246. Once you're inside the park, you can follow signs or ask park staff for directions to Prospect Point.
By Biking or Walking: Stanley Park is bike and pedestrian-friendly. If you're already in the city or staying nearby, consider renting a bike and riding to the park. There's a beautiful seawall path (see above) that takes you around the park's perimeter, and you can access Prospect Point from various points along the way. Alternatively, if you're staying in downtown Vancouver, you can walk to Stanley Park's entrance and then explore the park on foot to reach Prospect Point.
Guided Tours: Some guided tours of Stanley Park might include a visit to Prospect Point as part of their itinerary. This could be a convenient option if you prefer to have transportation and a guide to provide you with information about the area.
