Words by Dennis Begin
When Captain George Vancouver entered the Burrard Inlet in 1792, he saw two islands to his starboard, which are now named Deadman’s Island and Stanley Park.
Passing through Coal Harbor and Lost Lagoon, he arrived at Second Beach. Unimpressed with the two islands, he returned to Spanish Banks and his ship, the HMS Discovery, never once imagining that Stanley Park would be one of the top attractions in BC and amaze countless visitors every year.
Patricia Begin
When the City of Vancouver was incorporated in April 1886, the first task of the council was to petition the federal government to create a public park. Mayor David Oppenheimer convinced authorities to name the park after Lord Frederick Stanley, the then-Governor General of Canada.
When Lord Stanley visited Vancouver in 1889, he officially opened the park. If ‘Stanley’ is a familiar name, he is also the same individual who donated the Stanley Cup to the best team in the National Hockey League.
Stanley Park occupies 405 ha (1,001 ac) of West Coast Rainforest with 27 km (17 mi) of hiking trails winding through old growth forest. In comparison, Central Park in New York is one-fifth the size of Stanley Park. It also includes lush flower gardens, manicured lawns, sport fields and a swimming pool. Walk, cycle or drive the entire park along the seawall, a 9 km (5.5 mi) trip. All traffic runs counter-clockwise.
Stanley Park is owned by the federal government, leased to the City of Vancouver for $1.00 in perpetuity, and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Board. In 1988, the park was designated a National Historic Site of Canada.
After entering the park, pick up a map from the information booth and set out to explore the five major attractions.
Jerry Meaden
Stanley Park Train
This is one of the park’s biggest attractions as 200,000 people use it annually. The train leaves Stanley Park Junction, located off Pipeline Road, which takes 15 minutes to travel 2 km (1.2 mi). While on route, the train meanders among a forest, over a pond and through a tunnel.
Pulling the train is engine #374, a replica of the first C.P.R. transcontinental passenger train that reached Vancouver on May 23, 1887. Three smaller engines are used for special holidays - be it the Ghost Train at Halloween or Bright Lights at Christmas.
Dennis Begin
Totem Pole Interpretive Centre
Nine totem poles and three welcome gates are part of Brockton Oval. The gateways were designed by renowned Musqueam artist Susan A. Point. Other carvers included Robert Yelton and Luke Marston.
These totem poles are replicas with the originals coming from Alert Bay, Rivers Inlet and Haida Gwaii. Totem poles are monuments to the history of a person, family or tribe. They can also represent supernatural ancestors or spirits, and read from the top down with animals or birds representing the indigenous cultures of the West Coast. For example, an eagle represents the ‘Kingdom of the Air’ and a whale is the ‘Lordship of the Seas.’
The park’s gift shop, Legends of the Moon, sells First Nations and Canadian-themed gifts and souvenirs.
Dennis Begin
Brockton Point Lighthouse
In 1859, Francis Brockton was exploring the eastern area of what would become Stanley Park and discovered coal. He was an engineer aboard the HMS Plumper and was mapping Burrard Inlet at the time. In honour of his discovery, Coal Harbor and Brockton Point were named by Captain George H. Richards. Coal Harbor is now the site of the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
As Vancouver Harbor developed, a lighthouse was needed at Brockton Point. The first light was added in 1890 while the present lighthouse was built in 1914, providing safety for ships coming in and out of the harbour. By 1959, the final ‘Keeper of the Light’ retired and an automatic light was installed. Despite the changes in Brockton Point over the years, the picturesque view hasn’t.
Luke McAdam of Ocean Wise Research
Vancouver Aquarium
This is a very popular attraction for locals and tourists. The aquarium opened in June 1956 as Canada’s first public aquarium. For years, the orcas, belugas and dolphins provided an entertaining water show, along with 50,000 aquatic creatures in glass tanks. There are also 30 unique exhibits including the Tropical Zone, 4-D Theatre and those cute sea otters and seals. The aquarium has many functions, including marine research, literacy education, conservation and marine mammal rescue, and rehabilitation.
Prospect Point Lookout
Prospect Point is the highest elevation in the park, providing a scenic view of Lions Gate Bridge, West Vancouver and English Bay. On July 5, 1888, the S.S. Beaver ran aground at Prospect Point. Other ships met the same fate and by 1923, a Signal Station was built to warn ships of tidal conditions and hazards in the First Narrows. A lighthouse was added to the seawall in 1948.
Dennis Begin
It’s FREE
Most of the attractions in the park are ‘Free’ and ideal for families. Family dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash or in the fenced off-leash areas.
The best way to see the park is by bike, starting at Lost Lagoon. Visit the Nature House, an ecology centre featuring plants and animals in the park. Nearby are the Rose and Perennial Gardens. Plan a family picnic at Lumberman’s Arch and your kids will enjoy the Variety Kids Water Park [Fox’s Den]. Also, be sure to take time for the traditional family photo at the Hollow Tree and Siwash Rock.
While travelling along the seawall, learn about the burial grounds on Deadman’s Island, its role as a Naval Reserve, the Olympic accomplishments of Canadian sprinter Harry Jerome, and the story behind the Girl in a Wetsuit. If you’re still in the park in the evening, stay for the 9 0’Clock Gun (a cannon fired daily at this time).
Keep in mind, not all attractions/facilities may be open due to COVID-19, but the majesty of the park is too beautiful not to enjoy.
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