How Long Does it Take to Walk Around Stanley Park? Find Out!

You may be wondering, “How long does it take to walk around Stanley Park?” It’s one of the city’s top attractions, and if you’re visiting, odds are you’ve been told to “walk the Seawall.” But how long does that actually take? 🤔

Is it a casual stroll, or are we talking full-day hiking commitment? Do you need running shoes, a snack bag, maybe a support team?

Let’s break it down and find out what you’re really in for.

How Long Does it Take to Walk Around Stanley Park?

This is a completely fair question—Stanley Park is big, and you don’t want to start something you can’t finish.

Don’t believe me? Well, the park measures 1,000 acres (or 400 hectares). In fact, it’s larger than NYC’s Central Park and bigger than Vancouver’s entire downtown core!

Luckily, you don’t need to overthink it. I’ve done it dozens of times, and unless you’re stopping every ten feet to take photos or eat ice cream (no judgment), it’s actually pretty manageable.

The Full Seawall Loop Takes About 2 Hours

The full loop around Stanley Park’s Seawall is 9 kilometres (just over 5.5 miles). Most people walk it in 2 to 2.5 hours, at a relaxed pace. There are no hills, and the path is completely paved and flat. It’s stroller-friendly, wheelchair accessible, and easy on the knees.

If you rent a bike, you’ll cut that time down to under 45 minutes, but honestly? Walking gives you a better feel for the park. I like doing it in the late afternoon when the light hits the water just right, especially near Third Beach.

Want a shorter option? You can also cut across the park using trails like Bridle Path or Cathedral Trail to create mini loops. In total, there are more than 27 km of forest trails in the park, so there are plenty of spots to get some shade during the summer months.

One of my go-to hacks if I’m short on time is starting at Second Beach and ending at Brockton Point—you still get the forest, the ocean, and skyline views, just in less time.

🏞️ Looking to explore the park further? Check out our list of the 7 best Stanley Park tours.

Pro Tips to Make It Easier

• Start early or late. Midday can get crowded—especially in July and August.
• Go clockwise. The Seawall is one-way for bikes but two-way for pedestrians. Walking clockwise gives you better views and less crowding.
• Wear comfy shoes. You’d be surprised how many tourists try this in sandals.
• Bring water. There are a few fountains, but in summer they’re busy.
• Use the washrooms. There are several public restrooms—Second Beach and Lumberman’s Arch are the cleanest in my experience.
• Watch for herons. Near Lost Lagoon, they nest in trees like grumpy dinosaurs. Worth a look.

🍽️ Work up an appetite? Grab a meal at one of the best Stanley Park restaurants.

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If that cleared things up, I’d love to hear how your Stanley Park stroll went.

Drop a comment below, tag me on social media, or send me a message—I’m always checking in at Vancouver Planner to help make your trip smoother.