Stanley Park is open for business: A local's guide to enjoying Vancouver's premiere park

February 18, 2010 (No. 8) - The sun is shining in Vancouver and Stanley Park is beckoning both locals and many of the special visitors here for the Games. What better time than now on a beautiful late-winter day to enjoy the natural majesty of Vancouver's quieter side.

Locals know THE seawall. It's the 8.8 kilometre paved path that encircles Stanley Park and provides stunning views from Coal Harbour to English Bay. You can walk, cycle or inline skate (rentals available at many shops in the West End): allow two to three hours to walk or one hour to cycle.

Stanley Park is also where you will find the totems at Brockton Point. Explore British Columbia's first nation's history at the visitor centre and gift shop next to the totem display. Prospect Point offers incredible views of the Lions Gate Bridge and North Shore mountains. You will also find an impressive display of creamy-white hellebore flowers called "Vancouver Medallion," planted in honour of the 2010 Games.

Kids of all ages will enjoy a ride on the famous Stanley Park miniature train and a chance to meet the animals at the children's farmyard. They are open daily 11-4 during February with special rates if you visit both attractions.

The Vancouver Aquarium is always a popular destination. See over 70,000 marine animals, daily beluga and dolphin shows, sea otters, educational and interactive displays and a gift shop stocked with unique aquatic-themed items. Open daily 8am-5pm.

Dining in the park is always a special experience. The Fish House , located near the tennis courts, offers fresh seafood in a relaxed atmosphere. The Teahouse at Ferguson Point has great food and is one of the best places to watch the sun set. Prospect Point Café is a casual place for a quick snack or light meal. Stanley Park House (at the Stanley Park Pavilion) has a winter beer garden, burgers and appetizers.

Second and Third beaches can be found along the seawall in Stanley Park. One of Vancouver's most popular beaches is English Bay, located at the south end of Denman Street at Beach Avenue at the southern entrance to Stanley Park. The Inukshuk is just east of this beach and is a popular photo opp for visitors.

Stanley Park is a short bus ride  from downtown Vancouver (the #19 takes you right into the park) or a scenic 20 minute walk along the Coal Harbour seawall from downtown.

Visit vancouverparks.ca, facebook.com/parkboard or twitter.com/parkboard for more information on these and other parks, rinks, pools, beaches, golf courses and recreational programs.

- 30 -

• Stanley Park webpage
• Stanley Park Map + Guide

For more information contact Barb Floden, Communications Coordinator, at (t) 604-257-8438 or (c) 604-992-5646.

The Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation maintains 220 parks and 40 major facilities throughout the City of Vancouver. The Park Board's mission is to provide, preserve and advocate for parks and recreation services to benefit people, communities and the environment.