Fun things to do in West Vancouver: 22 fun attractions and activities (2024)

Stanley Park is Vancouver's largest urban park, covering over 1,000 acres and offering a diverse landscape of untamed rainforest and planned parkland. It features beaches, trails, family attractions, and a picturesque seawall that surrounds most of the park. Established in 1888, it has become synonymous with the city itself. The park is home to the renowned Vancouver Aquarium and offers stunning views as well as activities such as walking, biking, and rollerblading along the seawall.

Stanley Park really has the best scenery in Vancouver and quite spacious. It’s well kept and had a lot of things to check out especially as a tourist. It was quite quiet during the time I went (around 6pm). There is a lot of walking to get around however, it’s worth the long walks for these amazing views of nature.There are a lot of paid parking spots around the area and the fee isn’t too bad for a short 1 or 2 hr visit. I highly recommend visiting Stanley Park!

Cindy N — Google review

Extremely beautiful and breathtaking natural beauty. Hiking is really nice. Vancouver aquarium is there as well. The whole outer walk of the park is about 10 km. English Bay is right next to it which has a great multicultural food scene. Beware of coyotes though if you go deeper into the park. Easily accessible from Vancouver city

Punit J — Google review

An incredibly gorgeous place to walk/bike/scooter! We biked and it took about an hour and a half to get through the whole thing. It was nice to have the bike path separated from the walking path. There are many places you can rent a bike/scooter from. We went to “bikes and blades” and got bikes for $7/hour per person. We are definitely doing this again!

K — Google review

What a great walk! The natural beauty of the rain forest and ocean. The trees were amazing! There was a good seperation between bike and walking paths. Inner trails felt so secluded. Overall it was fantastic!

Judd H — Google review

Great park in the city. They have huge waterfront trails for bike/walk. There's also a horse drawn buggy too. That is a great option if you have a limited time to visit the park. It covers the major attractions in about an hour.

Manish S — Google review

Stanley park is amazing! The views of the water are visually stunning! The path is pretty clean and there is space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The wall around the entire park will take a very long time but I highly recommend walking the path rather than taking a bicycle to truly get to capture the beauty of the park. There are tons of places to sit, take pictures, and a couple beaches on the side as well!

Phung P — Google review

What a treat to have such a large green space right next to downtown! The park is very well maintained and has well marked trails, biking, walking and roller blading paths.Beautiful flora and good opportunities for birding.The Totem poles are very interesting as well.The best way to explore the park is by renting bikes.

Bharathi M — Google review

Beautiful, serene place with a little bit for everyone. Beach, playgrounds, good for biking, walking and jogging. Lots of wildlife and fauna and flora. There are bikes you could rent. Ample paid parking all around and Tennis courts. The trees are beautiful.

Najia S — Google review

Exquisite place to visit! Lots of things to do here if you enjoy sightseeing or nature. Nice to run or bike or just exercise too. lots of green space and views of the water! Must visit when you come to Vancouver! Even just chilling here for a few hours feels really good mentally.

Stanley W — Google review

So many interesting spots to visit within the park. Bike paths throughout the park. Recommend taking chairs, snacks, and drinks. Bathrooms are available next to souvenirs/ coffee shop. At least 2-4 hours exploring the area.

Marla M — Google review

It is an amazing place to spend time in a beautiful natural place. It is perfect for biking, jogging and walking. Parking places are available though we took the bus which was easier. It is a full day visit if you plan to see the aquarium

Hussein M — Google review

So many different ways to experience this park. There was the seawall that went on forever, views of the city skyline across the water, old growth trees, replicas of several First Nations carved poles retelling their history, walking trails, bike paths, sports activities, restaurants, and more.This is such a wonderful park. I really wish I had more time to enjoy all that it has to offer before flying out. Highly recommend!

Michelle G — Google review

One of the most beautiful parks I've ever seen. The park is huge and very pretty especially during autumn as you can see the leaves starting to turn yellowish and reddish. It's a really nice place to have picnics as they have a lot of benches all around the park.I rented a bicycle at Spokes and cycled a whole round around the park. I stopped midway to visit the aquarium so the total trip took around 8 hours (including the occasional stops to take pics).

Nina — Google review

Stanley park is one spot to do lots of fun activities with family/friends or to relax in the sun or to trail along the forest patch of beautiful tall trees. It is better to put layers on non-sunny days.Riding cycles is also a great option.In March end, the park was glowing beautifully with all the cherry blossoms and it attracted alot of crowd.The scenery of the harbour is also a great surprise to look at.

Shipra C — Google review

Stanley park provides you with the stunning and mesmerizing views. The park is so big that one day is not enough to explore. The pacific views it provides makes you feel stay whole day and enjoy the views. Make sure you take a bicycle and explore the park and enjoy the pacific view while cycling. A must go and visit place in Vancouver

Salim K — Google review

This Park is an excellent choice for cycling or Walking or picnic! Me and my friend rented bikes and we enjoyed riding through it. We completed the park trail in just two hours. What's great is that there's a dedicated path for cyclists, so it doesn't disturb those on foot enjoying the beautiful surroundings.Stanley Park combines natural beauty with outdoor activities seamlessly. It's a lovely park with vast green areas, numerous trees, ponds, and various sculptures scattered around the park. The views of Vancouver from the perimeter are fantastic.I highly recommend visiting here. Whether you bring your own bike or rent one, it's worth it. Walking around or running are also great options !

Danish D — Google review

Visiting Stanley Park in Vancouver is an absolute must! Spanning over 1,000 acres, this urban oasis perfectly blends natural beauty, recreational activities, and cultural experiences. Established in 1888, the park’s rich history adds to its charm.The Stanley Park Seawall is a highlight, offering a scenic 9-kilometer path ideal for walking, cycling, and rollerblading with breathtaking views. The park’s beaches, like Second and Third Beach, are perfect for picnicking, swimming, and sunbathing.Don’t miss the iconic totem poles at Brockton Point, showcasing Indigenous artistry and culture. The Vancouver Aquarium, located within the park, features marine life from around the world.Nature lovers will enjoy the diverse flora and fauna, beautifully maintained gardens, and birdwatching opportunities. The park also offers sports facilities, including tennis courts and a pitch and putt golf course.Stanley Park hosts numerous events throughout the year, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening. Easily accessible from downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park is a beloved destination with something for everyone. Highly recommended!

Bohdana M — Google review

A must see area if you’re visiting Vancouver like we were. Amazing views of the city, mountains and lions gate bridge. The seawall is definitely the best part to walk, jog or run. Enjoyed the beautiful, peaceful and pleasant walk along the seawall from Coal Harbour to English Bay. Nice views all around. You get a good view of Canada Place, Downtown Vancouver, Lions Gate Bridge.A walk along the sea wall brings you to a lighthouse, an old canon and the girl in a wet suit statue. The totem pole display is beautiful and again a must-see area.We visited the park in December Christmas time. Would love to come back for a visit in summer or fall to do hiking, biking, exploring beaches and trails the park offers. :)

Priyanka S — Google review

Absolutely wonderful park, my family and I had a blast walking around and looking at the beautiful Vancouver skyline. I enjoyed the walk along the perimeter of the park along the water, and saw my first ever floating Chevron on the harbor! Cool totem poles, walkway, garden, geocaches, tree trunk arch, statues, informational signs, and views. The atmosphere was wonderful, with lots of families and people walking around and enjoying the wonderful Sunday afternoon. I highly recommend visiting this park if you’re in the Vancouver area!

Dennis G — Google review

What a wonderful place for a walk or riding a bicycle. So many interesting points to take some pictures.📸 2 beaches⛱️, 1 swimming pool next to the water💧at the second beach, third beach is my best place for a quiet lunch. There are some bicycle paths in the wood not to be missed. Big big trees.🌳 We saw a eagle, a seal, different kinds of birds.🐦 Don't missed the giant historical old tree for a picture.A must park to visit!!💖

Yvon T — Google review

Beautiful park, you could literally spend hours here just enjoying the nature and it’s sounds.. I highly suggest walking through the park trails instead of the seawall or the road.Tall trees, critters, mushrooms and more. There’s so many fun finds here if nature is your jam. But please wear proper shoes and make sure to you take breaks cause some of those inclines are no joke!!

Jasmine I — Google review

Loved it here. We rented bikes and spent the whole day exploring. Lots of great views of the city and the water. Riding under bridges. A couple designated beach areas. A brewery at one end. Would 100% recommend anyone take the time to explore if you can.

Rob G — Google review

I accompanied my husband on his business trip and decided to visit this park while he was working. I was pleased at how accessible it was from our hotel. I decided to walk along the sea wall the views were fantastic. Ships and sea planes were constantly coming and going. Plenty of birds, ducks and gulls as well as a seal lion sightings. I veered off the paved path and was rewarded with a flock of wood ducks swimming in a small lagoon. Cranes and shore bird were also hanging out there. Just an incredibly beautiful spot for bird watching. Walked back and checked out the totem poles on the way out of the park. I only wish I was staying longer, as I'd love to rent a bike to cover more of the area.

Janine T — Google review

Stanley Park is one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen! My 9 year old and I walked the entire sea wall and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. We saw little crabs, harbour seals, sea birds, and tons of shells along the way. The city views are beautiful, and the way they transition into mountainous and ocean views is breathtaking. There are multiple beaches and a concession stand where we stopped for ice cream. The rhododendron garden is also worth a visit if you love flowers and plants. Definitely recommend visiting if you’re in Vancouver!

Sarah T — Google review

As a family of six with four young kids, visiting Stanley Park in Vancouver was a good experience. The park's green spaces provided the perfect playground for our energetic crew, and the views of the ocean and mountains were impressive. Walking arounf was enjoyable, with plenty of space for everyone to run and explore. The kids enjoyed the playgrounds, and we even saw a movie/commercial / TV show being filmed. While it might not be a "must-visit" for everyone, for our family, it was a fantastic day out in nature.

Mark B — Google review

Wonderful huge park in the centre of Vancouver. A great place for a stroll round the seawall or, for the more energetic, to jog or cycle. There is a lot to see within the park, including much about the indigenous people who lived in the area. The seawall offers views across the harbour and docks so you can watch everything from huge cruise ships to small seaplanes taking off. Easy access from Waterfront SkyTrain station and wheelchair friendly. A "must see" if you are in the centre of Vancouver.

Phillip S — Google review

Great park for a nice stroll along the waterfront. Views of the west Vancouver and the lions gate bridge in particular are pretty spectacular. Walked here every time I've been in Vancouver and plan to continue this in the future.

Alexander Z — Google review

Excellent park, great walk to and from our hotel across the harbor. Would love to rent bikes and explore. Great stops along the way the totem poles, lighthouse and more. A little windy at times but to be expected on the water. The aquarium was our destination. FYI small cafe and bathrooms near the totem pole park if you need a stop. Would love to visit in the nice weather!

Maria S — Google review

Beautiful park to drive, bike, walk, or skate around. Dedicated routes for pedestrians and vehicles and lots of paid parking around. Best to visit on a non-rainy day. Walking around is approximately 10 km. Don’t forget to look out for the yachts, the seaplanes, the totem poles, the lighthouses, and the beaches around Stanley Park. Lots of benches all around where you can rest.You can reach Stanley Park via bus which will bring you to the roadway right by the park. Bike rentals are concentrated in one area with different bike companies competing for customers.

May Z — Google review

Went cycling around the park with my brother's kids. The views are beautiful and it's vibes are amazing. The place was brimming with a lot of cyclists, runners and rollerskaters. Well laid cycle paths made it all the more enjoyable. There are a few beaches along the way and one can take a break and spend some time in the water as well.Such people friendly, inclusive infrastructure is what makes a place so endearing and the country developed...

Rajath B — Google review

Beautiful park! Big and massive space. Good for outdoor activities and picnic. A lot to do here! One could hire bicycles to ride around the park. Good natural view and scenes!

Chinedum N — Google review

One of the most special parts of Central Vancouver! Recommended by both locals and tourist listings is Stanley Park. A beautiful spot for a run, quick bike ride, long walk… beautiful views all around and so nice to be surrounded by water.

Arin S — Google review

Absolutely stunning. I love beautiful bush and amount of wildlife so close to you. The totem area was awesome and the city view breath taking. There is an electric bus that takes you around the park and also a horse cart. The miniature railway is under a rebuild. The grounds are so well kept. Parking is amazing there is so much parking for people to use.

Karl R — Google review

A Day in the Lush Embrace of Stanley ParkIf you’re looking for a slice of paradise in Vancouver, Stanley Park is the place to be. It’s not just a park; it’s a green sanctuary that offers a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.As soon as I entered the park, I felt like I was transported to a verdant wonderland. The towering trees, the gentle rustle of leaves, and the sweet chirping of birds—it’s nature’s symphony at its finest. The Seawall, a scenic 5.5-mile path that hugs the water’s edge, offers breathtaking views that will make you want to walk, jog, or cycle the entire loop.The park is a treasure trove of activities and sights. You can visit the Vancouver Aquarium, marvel at the totem poles, or take a dip in the large public swimming pool. There’s something magical about this place that draws eight million visitors each year, and now I understand why.Whether you’re a local or a tourist, spending a day at Stanley Park is an experience you won’t forget. It’s the perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational fun, and cultural richness. So, grab your walking shoes or rent a bike, and get ready to explore one of North America’s largest and most beloved parks.

K Z — Google review

This park is amazing! The views of the water are visually stunning! The path is pretty clean and there is space for both cyclists and pedestrians. The wall around the entire park will take a very long time but I highly recommend walking the path rather than taking a bicycle to truly get to capture the beauty of the park. There are tons of places to sit, take pictures, and a couple beaches on the side as well!

Daljot G — Google review

Over the past two decades, I've cherished Stanley Park as a prime spot for inline skating. Navigating its pathways ensures you don't miss the stunning sights along the way. Opt for the outer route to soak in picturesque waterfront views, but be mindful of narrow sections that require extra caution.

Joshua A — Google review

Stanley Park in Vancouver is a vast urban escape with stunning views of the city skyline, mountains, and ocean. It's perfect for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying nature along the Seawall. Highlights include the Totem Poles, Vancouver Aquarium, and scenic spots like Prospect Point. The park's rich Indigenous cultural sites add depth to its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for both relaxation and exploration.

Deepak K — Google review

Great park with great views. There are plenty of trails to hike. I would recommend paying for a parking day pass, which is $15, Find Trail that leads to the city and grab dinner and walk back. The park is well kept and managed.

Rodney H — Google review

Stanley Park is a great place to hang out in Vancouver. The park has so many things to do we tried the Park Tour in a Buggy ride, a bit pricey but wonderful. Walking the Seawall or just wandering though the park is a great idea

Ashwini B — Google review

Cool park. It was part of the tour for a after cruise excursion. I really enjoy nature. So I'm sure I would have liked it better if it wasn't raining so much. However, I hear that is typical in Vancouver. The totems were beautiful.

DaFran W — Google review

This park is massive! There is really so much to do here that you could probably do several visits before finishing its entierty. The park itself is beautiful and the variety or trees and flower gardens is great. If you're staying in downtown, it's central and easy to get to. We took the horse-drawn carriage and enjoyed the interactive tour, but we really only made a small dent. There are an abundance of different paths to take, and many people enjoy biking through the park. Highly recommend a visit.

Yomna — Google review

Stanley Park is a stunning place to explore by bike and walk. The park features separate paths for pedestrians and bicyclists and it has many paid parking. A full circuit around the park is about 10 km.You can conveniently access Stanley Park by bus, which stops right next to the park. There is also a cluster of bike rental shops in one area, offering various options for visitors.

Anahita H — Google review

Nice large park with many scenic views. Their horse drawn cart rides are good. Multiple totems and historic statues. The seaplanes fly quite close. Good place to spend time with family and kids.

AMIT P — Google review

Fun things to do in West Vancouver: 22 fun attractions and activities (2024)

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