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POINT OF INTEREST

Seawall Promenade

Stanley Park, Vancouver, British Colombia

Dating back to 1917, when it was created to protect the city from erosion, Vancouver’s Seawall is the highlight of Stanley Park. The 5.5-mile (9-kilometer) stone wall hugs the edge of the park’s entire waterfront, providing a wonderful place for walkers, runners, and bikers to get their exercise with views of the harbor, sea, and forest.

Stanley Park sits on the northern tip of Vancouver, just north of the city center, making it easy to visit during a day of sightseeing. As you walk along the Seawall, you can wander off at your leisure to check out the park’s inland hiking trails and attractions, such as Vancouver Aquarium, Prospect Point Lookout, the Totem Poles, or Rose Garden.

Biking tours, private city tours, and other activities are available if you’d like to explore the Seawall with a guide. Some food tours, sightseeing cruises, and photography tours also provide the chance to see or visit the Seawall.

  • The Seawall pathways are mostly flat, making it suitable for the whole family.
  • Informational panels are spaced out along the Seawall to provide facts about Vancouver.
  • Make sure to stay in the proper lane for your activity—walkers and joggers are in one lane while cyclists and inline skaters have another reserved lane.
  • It generally takes one hour to bike around Stanley Park and two to three hours to walk.

Starting at Coal Harbour, head into the park and follow the Seawall in a counter-clockwise direction. There are also city bus stops within the park.

The Seawall is a very popular place for both locals and visitors, so try to go on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowds. For sunset views, head to the section that runs along the west side of the park and faces the sea.

Surrounded on three sides by water and home to nearly 1,000 acres (405 hectares) of coastal forest, lakes and lagoons, and green space, Stanley Park is the crown jewel of Vancouver. With hiking trails, beaches, and food venues, it's a popular recreational spot for all ages, but families will be especially interested in the aquarium, children’s railway, theater, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Set aside a chunk of time to take advantage of this urban oasis.

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