mytravelbugbite

Earlier in the week we had cycled around the edge of Stanley Park on our way around the sea wall. Today we wanted to venture inside. Stanley Park is a 1000 acre park at the tip of downtown Vancouver. There are many walking and cycling routes throughout the park alongside a whole load of interesting sights.

We started our day walking from our hotel, around the harbour to the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium is a non-profit organisation that works to help with research and conservation of marine habitats whilst also educating the general public about the oceans. The aquarium takes a couple of hours to get around and is a top attraction. The stars of the show are the ever so cute sea otters and the beluga whales, both in the outside area.

After we had finished at the aquarium we spent the afternoon on a mini-hike through the park. This started with us going around Beaver Lake then along North Creek Trail out to a lookout point with views of the Lions Gate Bridge from Prospect Point. From here our route continued to Siwash Rock, to Third Beach and then back through the forest inland of here. The route was a mix of muddy trails and footpaths that mean there is something for everyone. The main points of interest had a few more people at them but out on the paths we were often completely alone which was lovely and very peaceful. The luscious vegetation made it a great place for wildlife including squirrels and we did also spot an eagle perched on high in the distance.

There is a reason Stanley Park is rated the number 1 thing to do in Vancouver, it is really a joy to stroll around and is a great way to get outdoors and close to nature without having to leave the city (perfect is you don’t have a car). Other outdoor activities include swimming and pitch and putt. It is definitely worth spending at least half a day there, if not slightly more.

Have you ever been to Stanley Park? What was your favourite activity there? Did you walk any of the trails?