The Seawall at Stanley Park – Our Six Tips
Stanley Park is one of the world’s best urban parks located a stones throw from downtown Vancouver. Here is YourTrip‘s six favourite stops along the seawall and why you should hop off the bike for a few minutes and take them in.
Deadman’s Island
Ancient burial grounds, a bloody battlefield, small pox quarantine station and now home to a naval reserve, Deadman’s Island has had an interesting past. Public access is restricted, however the small deep red brick naval base complete with a naval flagpole provides a lovely historic foreground to the modern city of Vancouver that stands tall behind the island.
Brockton Point
The views of North Vancouver and the Lions Gate Bridge might grab your attention for a while, but if you look just around the corner there is more than just views on this point. This area of the park was originally designated to be a sawmill, however due to the strong currents in Burrard inlet those plans were abandoned. Logging that was completed made way for the Brockton Cricket Pavilion, a ground described by Sir Donald Bradman as the most beautiful cricket ground in the world. The field is still in use today.
Lions Gate Bridge
There are many beautiful suspension bridges around the world and the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver is one of them. Unlike the more famous Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco this bridge is less shy and doesn’t hide in the fog anywhere near as much. If you’ve hired a car and want to go for a drive over her, be careful of the centre lane that changes direction every 90 seconds! Be ready to switch lanes when the overhead lights start flashing!
Prospect Point Light House
Perched near the base of the Lions Gate Bridge the Prospect Point lighthouse is one of several that have been used to safely guide ships into Coal Harbour. The ‘Beaver’ slammed into this rocky corner in 1888 prompting the establishment of a light on this site. Lights have been keeping watch on the waters from this point since four days after Stanley Park itself was opened. This lighthouse is particularly photogenic with views of either the steep cliffs of Stanley Park or the Lions Gate Bridge making it worthy of a quick photo break.
Siwash Rock
Although not a secret or hidden spot this rock is worth a mention. The only volcanic sea stack in the Vancouver area, this 18m tall rock stack sits just out of reach in Burrard inlet and proves a great spot to rest your legs and admire the views out into English Bay and across to North Vancouver.
The Beaches
Vancouver is famous for its livability. Close proximity to the mountains and easy access to winter skiing come to mind first but beaches aren’t something that you might consider. The city however boasts nine beaches; one of them on a lake, and several within Stanley Park. During the summer months there are lifeguards and second beach also comes complete with a pool. So if you’re hot and sweaty after a run, cycle or walk around Stanley park seawall there are plenty of opportunities to cool down with a dip at one of the many beaches.
Discover Stanley Park with our Small Group Tours of Canada
| Program | Departure Date | Departure Point | Conclusion Date | Conclusion Location | Included Nights | Available |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Experience Canada | Private Tours in 2018/19 | Cranbrook | Contact Us | Victoria, B.C | 14 | Book Now from $7,800pp |
