Stanley Park is the crown jewel of Vancouver. A 405-hectare urban rainforest right in the heart of the city, it offers world-class scenery, iconic landmarks, and endless outdoor activities. Whether you have one hour or a full day, here are the top things to do in Stanley Park Vancouver for tourists.
1. Cycle or Scooter the Seawall
Without a doubt, the single best way to experience Stanley Park is by cycling or scooting the famous seawall. The 9.1 km paved loop hugs the park’s coastline, offering non-stop views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline. Rent a city bike, e-bike, or electric scooter from Stanley Bike Rentals and complete the loop at your own pace.
2. Visit the Totem Poles at Brockton Point
One of Vancouver’s most photographed landmarks, the collection of First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point is a must-see. The poles represent the art and culture of several Indigenous nations of the Pacific Northwest Coast. The site is easily accessible by bike from the park entrance — just a short ride from the rental shop.
3. Climb to Prospect Point
At 63 metres above sea level, Prospect Point is the highest spot in Stanley Park and offers jaw-dropping views of Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore Mountains, and Burrard Inlet. The climb is worth every pedal stroke. Prefer an easier ride up? Our e-bikes make the ascent completely effortless.
4. Relax at Third Beach or Second Beach
Stanley Park has several beautiful beaches along the seawall. Third Beach is the quieter, more scenic option — perfect for a mid-ride picnic or sunset swim. Second Beach has a heated outdoor pool, a concession stand, and a playground, making it great for families.
5. Walk or Cycle Through the Forest Trails
Beyond the seawall, Stanley Park has over 30 km of forest trails winding through ancient Douglas firs and cedars. The Cathedral Trail and Hollow Tree Trail are particularly popular with visitors. Many of the wider trails are accessible by bike, giving you a completely different perspective of the park.
6. See Siwash Rock
Siwash Rock is a remarkable sea stack rising out of the ocean along the western edge of the seawall. It holds deep cultural significance in Squamish First Nations legend and is one of the most striking natural features in the park. You’ll pass it naturally during your seawall loop.
7. Visit the Vancouver Aquarium
Located inside Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is home to over 70,000 aquatic animals including beluga whales, sea otters, and Pacific octopus. It’s a fantastic option for families or anyone looking to add an indoor activity to their park visit. Park your bike at one of the many racks near the aquarium entrance.
8. Watch the Nine O’Clock Gun
Near Brockton Point, the historic Nine O’Clock Gun fires every evening at 9pm — a tradition dating back to 1894 when it was used to signal the end of the fishing day. It’s a quirky Vancouver tradition that surprises most first-time visitors.
9. Explore Lost Lagoon
Lost Lagoon is a freshwater lake at the park entrance, home to swans, herons, ducks, and turtles. The peaceful 1.5 km trail around the lagoon is a lovely warm-up or cool-down ride and a great spot for birdwatching.
10. Catch Sunset at English Bay
End your Stanley Park adventure at English Bay Beach, just south of the park, for one of the most spectacular sunsets in Canada. The west-facing beach offers unobstructed views of the sun dropping behind the mountains of Vancouver Island. It’s the perfect final stop on your seawall ride before returning your rental.
How to Get Around Stanley Park
The best way to cover all these attractions in a single visit is by renting a bike or electric scooter. Walking the full seawall takes 3–4 hours. By bike, you can complete the loop in under 90 minutes — leaving plenty of time to stop, explore, and still make it to English Bay for sunset.
Stanley Bike Rentals offers city bikes, e-bikes, and electric scooters with flexible hourly and daily packages. Helmets included. No booking fees. Free cancellation.
Book your rental today and make the most of your Stanley Park visit.
