Why Stanley Park is So Amazing – A Local’s Love Letter
I was born and raised in Vancouver, and if there’s one place that has been a constant in my life, it’s Stanley Park. It’s not just a park—it’s a part of my story. From my first wobbly bike ride along the Seawall to eating my very first hot dog at the Second Beach Concession (ketchup everywhere, total disaster), this place holds memories that stretch back over 40 years. And let me tell you, I’ve seen it transform in ways that make me fall in love with it all over again, every time I visit.
A Park Like No Other
Stanley Park isn’t just some patch of green in the middle of the city—it’s 1,000 acres of pure magic. Towering cedar and fir trees, hidden trails that smell like fresh rain, beaches that make you forget you’re in a big city—this place has it all. Growing up, I spent hours getting lost (on purpose) in the forest trails, pretending I was an explorer discovering new lands. And now, watching families do the same—kids running ahead while parents pretend they’re not out of breath—makes me smile every time.
The Best of Everything in One Place
One minute, you’re staring up at a massive old-growth tree that’s been here longer than the city itself. The next, you’re by the water, watching seals pop their heads up in Coal Harbour like little periscopes. And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, you stumble across the totem poles at Brockton Point, standing proud as a reminder of the land’s deep Indigenous roots.
The Vancouver Aquarium? Been going since I was a kid. The Second Beach playground? Spent hours there with my nephew, chasing seagulls and trying (and failing) to keep sand out of my shoes. And if you haven’t treated yourself to ice cream at Prospect Point, staring out over Lions Gate Bridge, have you even been to Stanley Park?
The Gem of the Westcoast – The Seawall Bike Path
Now, let’s talk about the real star of the show: the Stanley Park Seawall. This 9-kilometer loop around the park is hands-down one of the most breathtaking bike paths in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just someone who hasn’t touched a bike since childhood (no judgment), this ride is an absolute must.
Picture this: the wind in your face, the mountains standing tall in the distance, the ocean stretching out beside you. You pass English Bay, ride under the Lions Gate Bridge, and if you time it right, you catch the golden hour light reflecting off the city skyline. It’s a one-way path, which means no stressful dodging of oncoming traffic—just smooth sailing and unreal views.
And if you don’t have a bike? No problem! There are plenty of rentals nearby (I’ll drop a link below), so you have no excuse not to try it. Trust me, whether you do the whole loop or just a section, you’ll finish your ride feeling like you’ve experienced Vancouver in its purest form.
Why You Need to Go
Stanley Park isn’t just a park. It’s Vancouver’s beating heart. It’s where childhood memories are made, where locals escape for a breath of fresh air, and where visitors fall in love with the city. It’s a place that changes with the seasons but never loses its magic.
So, grab a bike, take a walk, or just sit on a bench and soak it all in. Just be warned—once you visit, you might not want to leave.
And if you do decide to bike the Seawall, there’s no better way than on an eBike!
