Stanley Park, Vancouver

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While cutting across the park to get into our parking lot, I found out that there is a World War I Memorial between Stanley Park and the Vancouver Aquarium. This monument is in lasting memory of the 190 Canadians who answered the call of duty of Canada in defense of freedom in the great war. This monument was erected in April 2, 1920. There was also a re-lighting of the memorial by Japanese descendants on August 2, 1985.

Besides the memorial, there is also a chidren's park where kids can slide or swing. It looked like only the local residents of Vancouver come here because it is very secluded. If you wanted to come here, just go passed the the replica of the Japanese ship and take a left. You can't really drive your car. You have to walk. It is probably about 600 yards passed several thick trees.

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Most tourists just go to the famous Totem Poles. But, if you just walk further northeast, you will see "The Little Mermaid" perched on a circular rock stone close to the seawall. The view of North Vancouver can be seen and so with the Lions Gate Bridge. This landmark was specifically built to show that Canada relies much in the ocean - in commerce and trade.

At nearly 1000 acres, it's the largest urban park in North America. This is a great escape from the city. It's surrounded by the ocean on three sides. Tons of trails for walking and biking. The picture is of the Girl in a Swimsuit statue. It looks a lot like the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen.

Stanley Park isn't exactly off the beaten path, and tourists certainly head here in fair numbers to try their hand falling - I mean rollerblading - around the seawall.

However, what you may miss if you're not looking for it, are the remnants of the work of one of our local artists. He's a rock-stacker, and I'm not sure of his name. He balances rocks for his art, and his works can be seen along a fairly large stretch of the Stanley Park seawall (the rocky bit, obviously). If you're not lucky enough to catch him working (I've seen him on weekends), then you're still likely to see at least a few of his balanced stones.

He's one of the things that makes Vancouver special to me, and every time I go to the seawall, I look for him. If you see him, tell him one of the locals recommended him, and thinks he's a real Vancouver treasure.

Stanley Park is a massive piece of parkland attached to downtowm Vancouver. It houses the Van Aquarium and is a beatiful place to visit on a nice day. You can rollerblade/cycle/walk all around the sea wall. Some bits are a bit bumpy so watch out!

Stanley Park is a massive piece of parkland attached to downtowm Vancouver. It houses the Van Aquarium and is a beatiful place to visit on a nice day. You can rollerblade/cycle/walk all around the sea wall. Some bits are a bit bumpy so watch out!

Walking paths within Stanley Park. It's a big (biggest?) park bordered by sea on three sides and residential area on the fourth. Most people wander around it on the seawall (approx. 10km walk) but the walking trails through the trees are lovely. There are coyotes (only seen one in downtown Van), skunks (seen a couple from a carefully maintained distance!) and racoons (don't feed them, please!). NO bears!

Rent a bicycle near Stanley Park and start pedaling. You can go completely around the park's circumference and then head into the interior. Plan on about 90 minutes at least.

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Lion's Gate Bridge, Totem Poles fresh-air and an Aquarium are some of the things you will find in STANLEY PARK.
My favourite part of Vancuover.
And with the locals too !