Stanley Park Seawall
Price
Free
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Stanley Park is Vancouver's crown jewel and one of the greatest urban parks in the world. At over 1,000 acres, it's bigger than Central Park in New York, and it's almost entirely surrounded by water, giving it a wild, natural feel despite being a 5-minute drive from downtown.
The seawall is the main attraction for families. This 10km flat, paved path loops around the entire park, hugging the shoreline with views of the North Shore mountains, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the open Pacific. It's perfect for family bike rides — rental shops on nearby Denman Street offer everything from kids' bikes to tag-along trailers and cargo bikes for families with toddlers.
The one-way cycling direction is counter-clockwise, and the full loop takes about 1. 5-2 hours at a family pace with stops.
But the park has far more than the seawall. Four playgrounds are scattered throughout: Second Beach, Ceperley, the Rose Garden, and Lumbermen's Arch. The Variety Kids Water Park near Lumbermen's Arch is a free splash pad open all summer — it's simple but effective, with sprayers and water jets that keep kids cool.
Second Beach has a heated outdoor saltwater pool with ocean views, open May through September.
The Brockton Point Totem Poles are a quick but meaningful stop, showcasing First Nations art and culture. The park's forest trails — over 27km of them — wind through old-growth cedar and Douglas fir, some trees over 500 years old. The trails are easy enough for school-age kids and many are stroller-accessible.
Wildlife is abundant. Harbor seals are regularly spotted on rocks near the seawall. Great blue herons nest in a colony near the tennis courts. Raccoons are everywhere (keep your picnic secured). Bald eagles circle overhead regularly.
For food, Prospect Point Cafe at the park's highest point serves decent burgers with panoramic views. Concession stands at Second and Third Beach serve ice cream and snacks. But the smartest move is to pack a picnic — Third Beach has stunning sunset views and is quieter than the more popular Second Beach.
Parking: lots are scattered throughout the park, but they fill up fast on summer weekends. The West Georgia entrance lot is the most popular. Better yet, bike in from Denman Street or take the bus. The park is also an easy connection from the Vancouver Aquarium, which sits just inside the park boundary.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
partial
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Mornings for cycling the seawall before crowds. Late afternoon for golden light at Third Beach. The full 10km loop is best attempted before noon.
Wait Times
No waits for the park itself; bike rentals may have 10-20 minute waits on summer weekends
Nearby Food
Prospect Point Cafe sits at the park's highest point with burgers and views. The Fish House in Stanley Park is a sit-down option. Concession stands at Second Beach and Third Beach serve basics. Denman Street (just outside the park) has dozens of restaurants.
Why Kids Love It
Stanley Park is basically a giant outdoor playground wrapped in a forest surrounded by ocean. The 10km seawall path is flat and smooth — perfect for family bike rides with tag-along trailers for little ones, or leisurely walks with a stroller. Along the way, kids spot harbor seals sunning on rocks, raccoons being mischievous in the forest, and ships passing through the harbor.
There are four playgrounds scattered through the park, plus the Variety Kids Water Park at Lumbermen's Arch (free and open all summer), Second Beach Pool with its ocean views, and dozens of hidden forest trails. The totem poles at Brockton Point are a quick stop that sparks great conversations. On a clear day, the views from the seawall — mountains, ocean, city — make you understand why this is consistently ranked one of the best urban parks in the world.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Rent bikes at the Denman Street shops, not the waterfront stands — better prices and selection
- Cycling the seawall is one-way counter-clockwise — plan your stops accordingly
- The Variety Kids Water Park at Lumbermen's Arch is free and runs June to September
- Second Beach is the best beach in the park for families — calmer water and a heated pool
- Pack a picnic for Third Beach — it's the most scenic and least crowded beach in the park
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats (the seawall has limited shade)
- Swimsuits in summer for the water park and Second Beach Pool
- Bike helmets if you have your own (rentals include them)
- Picnic lunch and plenty of water
- Binoculars for spotting harbor seals and eagles
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free (bike rentals extra: ~$80-120 CAD / ~$60-85 USD for family of 4 for 2 hours)
Tips to Save
- The park is free to enter.
- Rent bikes from Denman Street shops (cheaper than waterfront rental stands).
- Bring your own food — the concession stands are overpriced.
- Free parking early mornings in summer.