Trees of Stanley Park

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  Stanley Park's monument trees

  Stanley Park is home to monument trees that hold immense ecological and cultural value. These trees have survived early logging, windstorms, climate change, and pest outbreaks.

  Preserving and protecting monument trees

  The Park Board recognizes the value of these monument trees and prioritizes their preservation in all operational and forest management activities.

  They are only considered for removal or treatment in rare and exceptional cases where they are confirmed to pose an immediate and serious risk to public safety.

  Tree risk assessments are completed by International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborists with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification. Every effort is made to preserve these trees, and most remain untouched.

  Resilience of centuries-old trees

  Throughout the park, you’ll find centuries-old western red cedar, moss-covered bigleaf maple, and towering Douglas firs—some over 50 metres tall. Many of these trees rose from the ashes of the great fire of 1886 and remain as living testaments to the resilience of the park’s remnant forest ecosystem. 

  Forest renewal and regeneration

  These trees are integral to the character of Stanley Park and are a living connection to the region’s forested past. Watch for new life springing up, supported by ongoing forest regeneration and replanting efforts, as the structure of the ecosystem continues to evolve and adapt to new conditions. 

  Where to find monument trees

  Some of the best places to view monument trees include: 

  • Siwash Rock Trail
  • Third Beach Trail
  • North of Beaver Lake on Lake Trail

  Learn about the trails of Stanley Park

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  About the Hollow Tree

  A historic landmark in Stanley Park

  Located along the west side of Stanley Park Drive, the Hollow Tree has attracted visitors since the earliest days of Stanley Park.

  Today, the remaining 700-to 800-year-old stump of this western red cedar is still one of the most well-known and photographed landmarks in the park.

  From windstorm to restoration

  Damaged by a severe windstorm in 2006, the tree was slated for removal because of safety concerns. However, in 2009, the Hollow Tree Conservation Society stepped forward with a plan to stabilize the tree—a project funded entirely by private donations.

  Following a public ceremony in October 2011, the restored Hollow Tree began a new chapter in its long history in Stanley Park. In 2016, we installed a public art piece at Cambie and SW Marine Drive—Douglas Coupland’s Golden Tree—which pays homage to the Hollow Tree. Learn more about the Golden Tree art installation

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  Major tree species of Stanley Park

  Conifers

  • Western hemlock – Tsuga heterophylla (natural regeneration)
  • Western red cedar – Thuja plicata (natural regeneration and planted)
  • Douglas fir – Pseudotsuga menziesii (natural regeneration and planted)
  • Sitka spruce – Picea sitchensis (predominantly planted)
  • Grand fir – Abies grandis (planted)

  Deciduous

  • Bigleaf maple – Acer macrophyllum (natural regeneration)
  • Black cottonwood – Populus trichocarpa (natural regeneration)
  • Wild and choke cherry – Prunus spp. (natural regeneration)
  • Red alder – Alnus rubra (natural regeneration and planted)

  Other species

  • Pacific yew – Taxus brevifolia (some planted)
  • Cascara – Frangula purshiana
  • Pacific dogwood – Cornus nuttallii
  • Arbutus – Arbutus menziesii (planted)

What you need to know

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  Large and seemingly healthy “ancient” or “old growth” trees aren't being cut down in Stanley Park

  Large healthy trees are not being targeted for removal and the vast majority of large trees remain untouched.  

  Trees of varying sizes are only removed when they have been assessed by an International Society of Arboriculture Certified Arborist with Tree Risk Assessment Qualification and confirmed they pose a serious public safety risk — resulting from structural issues, advanced decay, or disease.

  This work is supported by Registered Professional Foresters, who provide guidance on forest management decisions to support long term forest health goals.  

  Impacts of the hemlock looper outbreak

  In recent years, sections of the forest have also been affected by a native insect called the hemlock looper, which impacts western hemlock and other conifers. While this is a natural cycle, it has resulted in a number of tree removals and contributed to visible changes in the overall structure of the forest, particularly in some higher-use areas of the park. Learn more about the hemlock looper outbreak and forest management in Stanley Park

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  How we manage trees during a climate emergency

  The value of mature trees for climate resilience is well recognized. However, some trees—particularly those affected by pests, disease, or structural decline—may no longer be stable or resilient, especially in high-traffic areas.

  Forest management work aims to strike a balance: preserving ecological integrity while managing risks to public safety.

  In many cases, logs are left on the forest floor or standing dead trees (snags) are retained to support wildlife habitat.

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  Steps to restore the forest 

  Restoration is a key part of forest management work in Stanley Park. Since 2024, over 50,000 trees have been planted in areas treated for hemlock looper impacts, with more planned in the coming years.

  These efforts focus on long-term forest regeneration using native tree species.

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  Stay informed and get involved

  You can stay connected through updates on Stanley Park forest management and public notices shared on social media.

  Community members are also welcome to take part in forest stewardship programs and volunteer planting events hosted by the Stanley Park Ecological Society External website, opens in new tab.

  Feedback is always welcome. Contact 3-1-1 or share your feedback online.