The 10-km or 13,123-step seawall loop around Stanley Park is Vancouver’s most popular fresh-air attraction.
The beautiful area now known as Stanley Park was once home to many Indigenous peoples and remains a culturally significant area for the local First Nations people today. Stanley Park is on the unceded territories of the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. The park’s villages were occupied for thousands of years by First Nations and newcomers before their eviction in the 20th century.
While you walk through the lush greenery, you might reflect on the many people who have entered this space for many purposes during its long history, and the many people who enjoy it today.
Unceded means that First Nations people did not give up land or legally sign it away to Britain or Canada. Vancouver and 95 percent of BC are on unceded First Nations land. In many parts of Canada, treaties were signed with First Nations that gave incoming settlers rights to much of the land, but in BC very few treaties were signed.
Want to learn more? Read First Peoples: A Guide for Newcomers PDF file (5.4 MB)
Route description
The Stanley Park Seawall is a beautiful way to get some exercise while learning about the history of the land beneath your feet. A popular starting point for the Seawall walk is the east side of Stanley Park Drive by Coal Harbour. From there the circular path will take you past a full range of scenic vistas, landmarks, as well as monuments and sculptures.
As you walk, think about which cultures are reflected and how and what we choose to commemorate. Take a moment to think about what this area was like before, and think about how culturally and spiritually significant this area is for the people who lived here since time immemorial, the local Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. As you enjoy the fresh air and beautiful sights, imagine how for thousands of years Indigenous peoples lived here, raising their children, weaving and fishing. Take a moment to feel grateful that this land was cared for, and is still here for you to enjoy.
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Accessibility
This walk is wheelchair accessible. The pathway is a concrete surface with both mixed and separated paths for walkers, runner, and cyclists.
Travel on the seawall is one way, counter clockwise, around Stanley Park.
The Vancouver Rowing club building was part of the colonization process. It has been in this location since the early 1900s. 
The famed Nine O'Clock Gun booms out the time daily and has done so for more than 100 years.
Brockton Point Lighthouse
Totem poles
Harry Jerome
Girl in a Wetsuit
Empress of Japan figurehead
What is now known as Lumbermen’s Arch is a village site called X̱wáýx̱way (rendered in English as whoi whoi). It was the largest settlement in Stanley Park before it was claimed for use by the Federal Government.
Prospect Point offers excellent views of the Lions Gate Bridge, North Shore Mountains and Burrard Inlet. A two-storey signal station once stood atop Prospect Point to alert approaching vessels of strong tides, winds and maritime traffic.
SS Beaver Cairn
Siwash Rock is a 32 million-year-old sea stack (rock outcropping) located just off the seawall between Third Beach and Lions Gate Bridge in Stanley Park.
Second Beach
Third Beach