How long does it take to walk the Stanley Park seawall?

Walking the full 9-kilometer (5.5-mile) perimeter seawall typically takes 2 to 3 hours at a steady pace. If you stop to view attractions like the Totem Poles and the Girl in Wetsuit, plan for 3 to 4 hours.

Are the Stanley Park Totem Poles authentic?

Yes, the Totem Poles are authentic carvings by First Nations artists, though many are replicas of original 19th-century poles moved here for preservation. They represent various coastal nations including the Kwakwaka'wakw and Haida.

Is the Stanley Park walking route accessible for strollers?

Most of the route is very accessible, as the seawall is paved and flat. Interior trails like Beaver Lake are made of crushed gravel, which is generally manageable for all-terrain strollers but can be soft after heavy rain.

When does the Nine O'Clock Gun fire?

The Nine O'Clock Gun fires every night at exactly 9:00 PM (21:00). It is located near Brockton Point and can be heard across much of downtown Vancouver and the waterfront.

Can I see wildlife on this Stanley Park walk?

Yes, it is common to see blue herons, bald eagles, Douglas squirrels, and raccoons. If you are quiet near Beaver Lake, you may even spot a beaver or various species of migratory ducks.

Is it worth visiting the Hollow Tree?

Absolutely, as it is one of the most photographed and historic natural landmarks in the city. Standing inside the stabilized base of an 800-year-old tree provides a unique perspective on the scale of ancient West Coast forests.

What is the best time of day to explore Stanley Park?

Morning is best to avoid the afternoon crowds and to catch the best light for photography at the Totem Poles. Late afternoon is also beautiful for watching the sunset from the western side of the park.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Tour

Stanley Park is far more than a simple urban escape; it is a sprawling 1,000-acre sanctuary where the cultural heritage of the Coast Salish people meets the raw, untamed beauty of the Pacific Northwest. This walking route invites you to explore the intersection of human creativity and natural wonder. As you follow the seawall and venture into the forested interior, you will encounter legendary monuments that tell the story of Vancouver’s evolution from a maritime outpost to a global cultural hub. This self-guided walk offers the flexibility to linger at each site, allowing the sounds of the ocean and the rustle of ancient cedars to set the pace of your adventure. The journey begins with the thunderous history of the Nine O'Clock Gun and leads you to the world-renowned Totem Poles at Brockton Point. These monumental carvings are not just art; they are vibrant records of lineage and legend. As you continue along the coast, you will encounter the enigmatic 'Girl in Wetsuit' sculpture and a tribute to the golden age of steamships. The route then transitions from the salty air of the Burrard Inlet to the tranquil, moss-drenched paths of the Beaver Lake Trail, where the park’s ecological heart beats strongest. Your exploration concludes at the Hollow Tree, a 700-year-old Western Red Cedar that has served as a landmark for generations. Whether you are a photography enthusiast looking for the perfect shot of the Lions Gate Bridge or a nature lover seeking the quiet majesty of old-growth forest, this walking route Vancouver experience provides a comprehensive look at the city's most iconic park. Discover the stories behind the sculptures and the science behind the wetlands on this independent neighborhood stroll. This is one of the most rewarding ways to experience a walking tour Vancouver has to offer, focusing on the deep roots and soaring canopies that define the West Coast.

Highlights

The historic Nine O'Clock Gun cannon
World-famous First Nations Totem Poles at Brockton Point
The iconic 'Girl in Wetsuit' bronze sculpture
The S.S. Empress of Japan figurehead replica
Serene trails around the ecological wonder of Beaver Lake
The legendary 700-year-old Hollow Tree

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Nine O'Clock Gun

Your journey begins at the Nine O'Clock Gun, a naval cannon cast in 1816 in Woolwich, England. Installed here in 1894, it originally served as a signal for fishers to mark the end of the fishing day. Today, it is a beloved Vancouver tradition, firing a loud report every night at 21:00. The gun is housed in a protective cage, a late addition after a group of engineering students famously 'kidnapped' it for a prank in the 1960s. As you stand here, look out over the water toward the city skyline; this spot offers one of the best perspectives of the transition from urban glass to natural green.

2

Totem Poles

Welcome to Brockton Point, home to the most visited attraction in British Columbia. These Totem Poles represent the artistic traditions of the Haida, Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations, among others. Each pole tells a unique story—some celebrate family lineages, while others commemorate historical events or legends. Note that these are not original to this specific site; the collection began in the 1920s as part of an effort to showcase Indigenous art. As you walk around them, look for the recurring figures of the Raven, the Bear, and the Thunderbird, each holding deep symbolic meaning in West Coast Indigenous cultures.

3

Girl in Wetsuit

Perched on a rock in the water, you will find the 'Girl in Wetsuit.' Created by sculptor Elek Imredy and unveiled in 1972, this bronze figure is often compared to the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. However, the artist intended it to represent Vancouver's modern relationship with the sea, specifically the growing popularity of scuba diving at the time. Unlike a mythical mermaid, she wears a mask, flippers, and a wetsuit. The sculpture changes appearance with the tides—sometimes sitting high above the waves, and other times nearly submerged, serving as a permanent resident of the Burrard Inlet's intertidal zone.

4

S.S. Empress of Japan Figurehead Replica

Just a short walk from the Girl in Wetsuit is the vibrant red and gold figurehead of the S.S. Empress of Japan. This is a fiberglass replica of the original wooden figurehead that graced the bow of a grand ocean liner known as the 'Queen of the Pacific.' Between 1891 and 1922, this ship made over 300 crossings between Vancouver and Asia, carrying silk, tea, and passengers. The original figurehead began to rot after the ship was scrapped, but it was rescued and restored. This replica stands as a tribute to the maritime commerce that helped build Vancouver into a major international port city.

5

Beaver Lake Trail

Moving away from the seawall, enter the park's interior via the Beaver Lake Trail. This path feels worlds away from the city. Beaver Lake is a wetland in transition; over time, it is naturally filling with organic matter and lilies, slowly transforming from a lake into a meadow. It provides a vital habitat for wood ducks, herons, and, occasionally, the beavers for which it is named. The surrounding forest is a mix of Douglas fir, Western Red Cedar, and Bigleaf Maple. Listen for the sound of woodpeckers and enjoy the cooler, damp air of this coastal rainforest ecosystem as you wander through the ferns.

6

Hollow Tree

Your walk concludes at one of Vancouver’s most famous natural landmarks: the Hollow Tree. This Western Red Cedar is approximately 700 to 800 years old. It is a 'snag,' or a dead standing tree, that became a local icon in the early 1900s when people would drive their horse-drawn carriages—and later, their automobiles—right into its massive, hollowed-out base for photographs. After a severe windstorm in 2006 nearly toppled it, a massive community effort and a specialized metal stabilization system were used to keep it standing. It remains a testament to both the scale of ancient nature and the city's dedication to preserving its history.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided route focusing on the park's interior, such as the Beaver Lake Trail and the Hollow Tree, is ideal for nature lovers. These areas showcase old-growth cedars and unique wetland ecosystems away from the busy seawall.