Discover the Best Ways to Reach Stanley Park Today

Stanley Park is one of the most visited places in Vancouver—and for good reason. It’s beautiful, it’s huge, and it’s basically wrapped in ocean views.

But here’s the thing: if you’re new to the city, figuring out how to get there can feel a bit confusing. So, what are the best ways to get to Stanley Park without losing time, money, or your mind?

Is public transit the best option? Can you walk? What about parking—should you even bother?

Let me break it all down for you.

What are the Best Ways to Reach Stanley Park?

If you’re not from Vancouver, your concern makes total sense. Stanley Park covers over 1,000 acres, and it’s not immediately obvious where the best entrance is—or even how to approach it.

But honestly, once you know a few tricks, getting there is simple. I’ve done it every which way—bus, bike, walk, even once in a very questionable rental scooter—and I can say there’s no single “right” way.

It just depends on how you like to move through a city. Here’s what works best.

Your Best Options for Getting to Stanley Park

• 🚶 On Foot from Downtown
  If you’re staying downtown, especially around Robson, Burrard, or Coal Harbour, you can walk to Stanley Park in 15–25 minutes. Just head west or northwest. I personally love starting from the waterfront near Canada Place and following the seawall—less traffic, more views, and you avoid the chaos around Georgia Street. Coming from the West End? Opt for Beach Ave. or the English Bay seawall.

• 🚲 By Bike or Rental E-Scooter
  This is hands-down my favourite way. Vancouver’s bike lanes are safe and easy to follow, and you can loop the famous Seawall once you’re there. Rentals are everywhere—check out Mobi Bikes or the Lime app. Pro tip: if you’re short on time, start at the Coal Harbour entrance so you’re already in the park without the full ride-in.

• 🚌 Public Transit (TransLink)
  Bus #19 (Metrotown to Stanley Park) drops you right inside the park at its final stop. No extra walking needed. It runs pretty frequently and connects well from downtown or Main Street. If you’re coming from the SkyTrain, transfer at Burrard Station. You’ll spend about $3–$4 max with a Compass Card or contactless payment.

• 🚗 By Car or Rideshare
  Yes, you can drive to Stanley Park, but do it early. Parking lots fill fast, especially on sunny weekends. I once circled for 40 minutes and almost gave up. Try the lot near Second Beach—it’s often less packed than the one by the totem poles. Parking is about $3.50/hour or $13/day.

• 🛳️ From the Seabus or Cruise Terminal
  If you’re coming from North Vancouver on the Seabus, just walk straight up through Waterfront Station and into the city—Stanley Park is a 20-minute walk or a short bus ride away. Cruise passenger? You’re practically there. Walk west along the waterfront from the Cruise Port, and you’ll hit the park within 20 minutes.

🚎 Need more info? Check out our guide on how to get to Stanley Park from downtown.

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Main Entrances

Due to its massive size, Stanley Park has several entrances. So, depending on what you’re looking to do, you’ll want to select the right one.

Also, it’s important to note that if you’re visiting by car or bike, Stanley Park is primarily a one-way counterclockwise loop going east-to-west. So, you can’t easily turn around or go back against traffic; you must complete the circuit or use smaller internal park roads to access different areas.

To keep things simple, we’ll focus on the two main entrances that serve those visiting from the downtown core.

Georgia Street/Stanley Park Causeway

This is the main entrance for those visiting from Coal Harbour or the City Centre. If you’re looking to visit the park’s main attractions or check out the Coal Harbour stretch of the Seawall, this is the choice for you.

• 🛣️ Served by: Car via (Georgia Street), #19 Stanley Park bus, bike or foot (Seawall from Coal Harbour/Convention Centre).
• ⭐️ Best for: The Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park Totem Poles, Brockton Point, Prospect Point

Beach Avenue/Stanley Park Drive

This is a great entrance for those coming from the West End on foot, or local residents looking to take advantage of the park’s beaches and recreation areas. You can enter by car or bike, but you’ll be forced into the same counterclockwise loop once you reach Lagoon Drive.

• 🛣️ Served by: Car via Stanley Park Dr., #6 Davie/#5 Robson bus, bike or foot (via Beach Ave., English Bay seawall).
• ⭐️ Best for: Second Beach/Second Beach Pool, Stanley Park Pitch & Putt, Stanley Park Brewing, Lost Lagoon

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

Connect With Us

Hopefully, you’ve got your transport option to Stanley Park all sorted. From here, it’s a walk in the park!

If this helped you, drop a comment or say hi on socials! I run Vancouver Planner, and I’m always happy to answer questions or help plan the perfect day in the city.