Vancouver is a vibrant coastal city in British Columbia, Canada. This city is known for its stunning natural beauty, multicultural atmosphere, modern urban lifestyle, and delicious food. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains, it offers a rare mix of ocean views, sandy beaches, lush forests, and snow-capped peaks—all within easy reach of downtown.
Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a day while on an Alaskan cruise, this city offers endless attractions, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that make it one of Canada’s must-visit destinations. On my recent trip to Vancouver, Stanley Park was the best experience and is a destination you can’t miss. Put Stanley Park at the top of your list for your Vancouver trip!
Stanley Park
Spanning over 1,000 acres, Stanley Park is Vancouver’s first and largest park. From historic landmarks, Indigenous art, scenic trails through the rainforest, beaches, outdoor theatre, dining and Canada’s largest aquarium, there is something for everybody.
Best Way to See Stanley Park
The best way to maximize your time and see a large majority of the park will be to bike your way along the sea wall. This will take you along the perimeter of the park with stunning views of the rainforest, beaches, the harbor and Lion’s Gate Bridge.
Where to Rent a Bike
There are plenty of bike rental locations on the outskirts of Stanley Park. We chose to rent from Spokes. Their staff was very friendly in helping us get bikes that fit each person in our party. We were also given bike locks. A bike lock is essential for this journey. You will want to hop on and off your bike with ease to explore the interior of the park. No matter where you rent your bike from, be sure to get a lock!
First Nation’s Totem Poles and Indigenous Art
A must-see location on your bike journey along the sea wall are the totem poles near Brockton Point. There are nine stunning poles, indigenous art, a gift shop and clean restrooms.
The poles are from all over British Columbia and have been on display since the 1960’s. The newest pole, added in 2009, is the only pole from a Vancouver based artist. This addition was created by Robert Yelton of the Squamish Nation. Susan Point of the Musqueam Nation is another artist from Vancouver that carved the red cedar gates near the totem poles. These gates highlight the traditional style of Coast Salish architecture and design.
The totem poles are a breath-taking sight to behold. This location is easy to spot from the sea wall bike path; you won’t miss it!
Brockton Point Lighthouse
Time to hop on your bike for a short ride to the Brockton Point Lighthouse. Built in 1914, this lighthouse was designed by William P. Anderson. This red and white lighthouse is a great location to stop for photos and to admire the views of the Burrard Inlet and North Vancouver. You will even get a lovely view of Lion’s Gate Bridge which you will bike under later in your journey.
Food and Photos
After you spend your time admiring the views of the harbor, it is time to hop back on your bike. Feel the cool Vancouver wind in your face and enjoy the journey as Canada’s natural beauty unfolds around you. This bike ride can be incredibly peaceful.
There are plenty of photo worthy sights on this journey. Be mindful of your surroundings. There are plenty of people biking and walking. Stopping abruptly for a picture can be dangerous. If you want a photo, be sure to pull over where it is safe to stop. You will find plenty of safe places to do this, so don’t worry. There are plenty of opportunities for a safe and beautiful photo.
If you find yourself hungry on your journey, there are plenty of fast and casual dining options within the park. Keep an eye out for no biking signs. Many portions of the park’s interior require you to walk alongside your bike. Or you can park it and use that handy dandy lock you got!
Vancouver Aquarium
The largest Canadian Aquarium is located on the interior of the park. Here you will find fan favorite animals like sea otters, sea lions, harbour seals, axolotls, and sharks. They even have some unexpected animals like a two-toed sloth and the Goeldi’s Monkey!
There are many more sea creatures and animals to experience at the Vancouver Aquarium. I recommend that if you want to visit, do it on a day when you aren’t biking. Biking the sea wall and visiting the aquarium are both long tasks and you don’t want one to take away your time from the other.
If you are just looking to do a bike day, you can still pull into the aquarium. Grab a brochure and visit the gift shop! Or get tickets for another day when you can devote your time to seeing the exhibits at a leisurely pace.
Prospect Point
When biking the sea wall, you will arrive at Prospect Point. From here you will see stunning views of Lion’s Gate Bridge. This enormous suspension bridge gets its name from the mountain peaks known as “the lions”. There is also a pair of concrete cast lions by sculptor Charles Magera that are on the south entrance of the bridge.
This architectural marvel towers over the beautiful waters of the Burrard Inlet connecting the city to the northern municipalities. All with the backdrop of the forested mountains and the city. This is where you will want to stop for photos!
Beaches and Siwash Rock
Once you bike past Prospect Point, you will be approaching the beach portion of Stanley Park. Prepare yourself for pedestrians! Stop by and enjoy the beach.
Be sure to slow your roll and admire Siwash Rock. I do mean slow, don’t stop if it isn’t safe! Remember, be aware of your surroundings, the paths can get narrow. This is a 32-million-year-old sea stack.
You can access a lookout point if the sea wall bike path is too quick to catch a glimpse. The lookout point is accessible from the Siwash Rock Trail that leads from Prospect Point and Third Beach if you would like to admire the view longer.
Enjoy the Journey
As you continue your journey past the beaches, you will be nearing the end of your bike along the seawall. Congratulations! You have biked 10 kilometers or 6.2 miles for my fellow Americans. There was so much to see that Stanley Park still has to offer beyond the sea wall. See a show at the Malkin Bowl! Visit the wide array of monuments within the interior of the park. Stroll through the lush gardens. Walk any of the nature trails. Whatever you do, I hope you enjoy yourself and take time to enjoy the fresh air and beauty of Stanley Park. Have a joyous journey!
