Vancouver Park Guide
Stanley Park
The 1,000-acre park that is the heart and soul of the city. First established in 1886, and dominating nearly a third of the land that makes up Vancouver’s downtown core, Stanley Park is an oasis of cedar, hemlock and fir trees flanked by the Pacific Ocean. You haven’t been to Vancouver until you’ve taken to the seawall, the 8.8 kilometre stonewall that circumnavigates the park. Join the locals and walk, run, blade or cycle your way around the park and enjoy a picnic lunch (available through in-room dining) at one of the many beaches. Attractions within the park include the totem pole visitor centre, rose garden, tennis courts, playgrounds, refreshment stands and restaurants, miniature railway, children’s farmyard, horse & carriage rides, and the world-class Vancouver Aquarium.
Pacific Spirit Park
This massive 874 hectares park is located in the University Endowment Lands, on Point Grey to the west of the city of Vancouver, British Columbia. It surrounds the endowment lands of the University of British Columbia on the shores of Georgia Strait in the Pacific Ocean.
Located on the west side of the city of Vancouver, the Pacific Spirit Regional Park offers a network of trails popular with locals and tourists alike and accessible year-round. The park also has off-leash dog areas and trails.
Queen Elizabeth Park
The 130 acre (52 hectare) park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. Second only to Stanley Park in annual visitations, it receives nearly 6 million people a year who marvel at its superior standard of garden plantings.
The park was originally quarried for its rock which served to build Vancouver’s first roadways. In 1929 the Board proceeded to acquire the property which had become an abandoned eyesore but still served as the site for two holding reservoirs for the City’s drinking water. Dedicated as a park by King George VI and his consort, Queen Elizabeth (the present Queen’s mother) on their much lauded visit to Vancouver in 1939.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden
The stunning garden is an authentic representation of Ming Dynasty-era tradition and the first of its kind outside China. Be enchanted by the Garden’s winding paths, rocks, plants, and beautiful vistas. In the park alongside the Garden, find peace and tranquility in the unique rock forms, water lily-covered pond, pagoda, and lush plants.
Entry is free to the Sun Yat-Sen Park, but there is an admission fee to enter the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
Van Dusen Garden
This spectacular 22-hectare (55-acre) garden in the heart of Vancouver has matured into a botanical garden of international stature since opening to the public in 1975. The mild Vancouver climate allows the cultivation of an outstanding plant collection which is a delight any time of the year. There are over 7,500 different kinds of plants assembled from six continents.
These areas are set amidst rolling lawns, tranquil lakes and dramatic rockwork with vistas of the mountains and Vancouver cityscape. The garden turns into a winter wonderland with a stunning light and sound show and food trucks during the holiday season.