In most cities these days, it can seem almost impossible to find green space in the midst of roads and buildings, concrete and glass. The few trees and flowers planted along the sides of the roads, while pleasant, rarely give city dwellers a real chance to escape the noise and commotion of the city the way some parks do. Sometimes, a park combines not only a taste of nature and quiet solitude, but also the chance for people of all ages to enjoy a glimpse of history and culture all together in one place. One of the best examples is Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, where bicycle and walking trails, sculptures, and beautiful gardens are only a few of the features that make the park famous.
Stanley Park has been one of British Columbia’s main attractions for over a century, as the park’s history indicates. In 1886, soon after Vancouver officially became a city, government officials and a land speculator named Arthur Wellington Ross asked for a large area of land to be set aside for a park. On September 17th, 1888, over four hundred hectares of land on the Coal Harbour peninsula became Stanley Park, named for the Governor General of Canada at the time. Although badly damaged by a series of storms that swept through at the end of 2006, the park remains a wonderful place for tourists and local residents to visit and to spend time enjoying the beauties of nature.
Sunny days in British Columbia’s capital city can be spectacularly beautiful, and one of the best ways to use warm days is in exploring Stanley Park. The seawall, a paved path lining the waterfront, has almost nine kilometers of trails for walking, cycling, or rollerblading, with views of Vancouver’s inner waterfront and access to steeper hiking trails at many spots. For those who prefer less active pursuits, the area around Lost Lagoon near the park’s main entrance provides a place to sit and enjoy watching the birds or just relaxing.
Special displays are part of what makes Stanley Park a prime tourist destination. The Ted and Mary Greig Rhododendron Garden, the Community Garden, and other displays highlight the lush flora in Vancouver, while the Air India Monument is one of several works of art commemorating lost lives. The Shakespeare Garden features plants mentioned in the playwright’s works, while the statue of Queen Victoria recalls Canada’s continuing ties to Britain. Most visitors, however, want to see the totem pole display, among the most famous in Canada. Part of the Indian Village, the totem poles at Brockton Point show the impressive skills of their carvers. Although the original poles have been replaced due to weathering, the display still gives a good insight into the culture and lifestyle of past years.
A meal or snack is a good way to end an afternoon of park activities, and Stanley Park has something for everyone. The Prospect Point Café, the Sequoia Grill, and the Stanley’s Park Bar and Grill are popular among some visitors, while others prefer to use the park’s picnic facilities. Whatever their interests, visitors are sure to find something they like.
With so much to do and see, Stanley Park is one of Vancouver's most appealing and unique places to visit.
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