Stanley Park is a 405-hectare public park in British Columbia. Located in the northwestern part of Vancouver’s Downtown Peninsula, it is surrounded by Burrard Inlet and English Bay waters. It has a lot to offer, from scenic views to recreational activities.
Hollow Tree
The Stanley Park Hollow Tree is a large stump now an essential landmark for the city of Vancouver. A popular tourist attraction and photo spot, it’s been around since the earliest days of Stanley Park.
It’s considered the oldest tourist attraction in Vancouver, and its history has attracted many visitors. As well it’s been listed on the Vancouver Heritage Register as a vital cultural resource.
During a 2006 windstorm, the hollow tree suffered damage. After a series of high-speed wind gusts, the top of the tree was lost, and its circumference was significantly reduced.
Although the Hollow Tree has been stabilized, it’s still not on the Seawall. As a result, the park board has rejected two proposals for restoring it and has opted for a more straightforward solution.
Deadman’s Island
The island of the dead (also known as Skwxwu7mesh) in Stanley Park is off-limits to the general public. The Canadian government claims it, but First Nations declare it. It is believed to be haunted.
For centuries, the island was used by Salish Indians as a burial site. In the 1860s, it was also a smallpox quarantine area. When Europeans arrived, they buried the decomposed bodies of those who had contracted the disease.
As the years went on, a naval station was built on the island. The Canadian government acquired the property in 1906. HMCS Discovery, a stone frigate, is currently located there. HMCS Discovery will host a free open house on September 29. They will also offer guided tours of Deadman’s Island. The Navy League and Royal Canadian Sea Cadets will conduct tours during the open house.
Seawall
The Stanley Park Seawall is a pedestrian and cycle path that circles the park’s outer edge. It is a great way to see the park. There are also many great photo ops along the way. This is a fun way to spend a day in Vancouver.
If you don’t have a bicycle, you can rent one at one of the many bike rental shops in the area. Then, you can get an inexpensive bike and ride the Seawall for hours.
Another good reason to go for a walk or ride on the Seawall is that it gives you views of the Pacific Ocean and the city. For the best ideas, be sure to visit during low tide.
You should be able to find plenty of places to stop and take pictures on the Seawall. You can also stop for a drink or a bite to eat.
Waterfowl
If you want to see a variety of waterfowl, you can go to Stanley Park. This park is in Vancouver and is located along a peninsula that leads into the Burrard Inlet. It is a place where you can find hundreds of different species of birds. These species include Barrow’s goldeneye, great blue heron, western grebe, chestnut-backed chickadee, marsh wren, and chestnut-backed woodpecker.
Two hundred thirty bird species are found in Stanley Park. Many of them migrate here and spend the winter. You can also visit the Stanley Park Seawall, where are seen many harbor seals are seen.
A cackling goose is a widespread bird in Stanley Park. This is a smaller subspecies of Canadian geese. The neck is shorter and thicker, while the bill is stubby.
Lighthouses
If you are looking for great views of the Burrard Inlet, you may want to check out the lighthouses in Stanley Park. There are two lighthouses to choose from: Brockton Point and Prospect Point.
The Brockton Point Lighthouse was built in 1890. It is a small but interesting piece of history located inside Stanley Park. While it isn’t active anymore, it can still be seen at night and is an excellent place to take panoramic pictures of the surrounding area.
The lighthouse has a great view of the Burrard Inlet. It is also located just a short walk from Stanley Park Totem Poles.
On the east side of the park is the Stanley Park Seawall. It is a green oasis lined by many cultural landmarks. Several paid attractions are found here, including the Vancouver Aquarium, which has displays showcasing Canadian arctic and tropical marine animals.
