Stanley Park tours are a great option for visitors looking for a unique blend of nature, history, and fun.
This grand urban park with lush forests, iconic landmarks, beautiful beaches, has been voted the best park in the world.
So, whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a first-time tourist, taking a Stanley Park tour is something to seriously consider.
Let’s take a look.
Best Stanley Park Tours: Walking Tours, Bike Tours, And More
Welcome to the marvellous world of Stanley Park!
This captivating green haven, named after Lord Stanley (yes, of the Stanley Cup) is an urban park bordering downtown Vancouver.
Since its inauguration in 1888, it has been a beacon of culture, history, and nature, stretching over 1,001 acres of lush, verdant beauty.
In a way, it’s like stepping into a beautiful film – and it’s one of the best things to do in Vancouver, hands down.
In my opinion, there’s no better way to visit it than as part of an exciting Stanley Park tour.
Let’s break down how to tour Stanley Park.
Horse-Drawn Tour – Best Stanley Park Horse Drawn Tour
Departure Point: 735 Stanley Park Dr. | Duration: 1 Hour | Price: From $68.00
Immerse yourself in the area’s picturesque allure on one of our delightful Stanley Park horse-drawn tours.
Here, the rhythmic clopping of your faithful steed transports you along the famous Park Drive, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the renowned Vancouver Seawall.
An engaging guide will regale you with fascinating tales about the park’s treasures: including the vibrant Rose Garden, the captivating Girl in a Wetsuit Statue, and the iconic totem poles.
Don’t forget to capture timeless snapshots of Vancouver’s skyline and the majestic Lion’s Gate Bridge.
This tour of Stanley Park includes:
- 1-hour Stanley Park horse-drawn tour.
- Ability to learn about the totem Poles, Girl in a Wetsuit Statue, Rose Garden and more.
- Travel along Park Drive and admire the Seawall.
Secrets of Stanley Park – Best Stanley Park Walking Tour
Departure Point: 845 Avison Way | Duration: 2 Hours | Price: From $37.80
Here, you get to discover the unusual and fascinating corners of Vancouver’s Stanley Park.
With your storyteller guide, this walking tour carves out a path of intrigue via weird art installations, crime scenes, hidden trails, and secret cemeteries.
Yes, Stanley Park is not just a place of serene beauty and natural wonder! It has its dark past, too, with crime scenes that reveal chilling stories.
Learn the mysteries of Deadman’s Island, discover the long-lost indigenous village of Whoi Whoi, and uncover the secrets of the park’s hidden trails.
This is one of the best walking tours in Vancouver, Stanley Park or not.
This Stanley Park walking tours includes:
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Stanley Park.
- Visit off-beat sites, crime scenes, lost villages and public art installations.
- Stops at Deadman’s Island, Brockton Point, the Totem Poles, the Seawall and more.
Ancient Trees – Best Stanley Park Tour for Nature
Departure Point: Third Beach Concession | Duration: 2 Hours | Price: From $46.99
What would a park, especially one in my dear British Columbia, be without trees?
Well, imagine one comprised of ancient coastal rainforest. On this Stanley Park tour, you’ll immerse yourself in Vancouver’s last ancient forest with esteemed big tree seeker Colin Spratt.
Marvel at Canada’s grandest maple tree, thousand-year-old majestic cedars, and colossal firs.
Not only will you witness these magnificent giants, but you’ll delve into the park’s captivating history and discover the rich heritage of the Coast Salish people who cherished this very land. .
This walking tour of Stanley Park includes:
- 2-hour guided walking tour of Stanley Park’s ancient rainforest.
- Visit 1,000-year-old cedars and Canada’s largest Maple Tree.
- Viewing of maps, archives, photos, and postcards.
Related: The 11 Best Vancouver Walking Tours
Spoken Treasures: Top Stanley Park Tour for Indigenous History
Departure Point: 1100 Stanley Park Dr. | Duration: 1.5 Hours | Price: From $70.00
Delve into the captivating indigenous history through an enlightening Stanley Park tour that will leave you enthralled.
Led by a knowledgeable First Nations guide, this immersive experience serves as a gateway to the rich cultural heritage of the region’s indigenous communities.
You’ll join a small group to unlock the profound symbolism embedded within the Stanley Park totem poles, meticulously carved by skilled indigenous artists.
This is an opportunity to deepen your understanding of the indigenous legacy that has shaped this remarkable landscape.
If you’d like, the Talking Trees walking tour is similar but more focused on the important indigenous stewardship of the land, the forest, and oceans since time immemorial.
This Stanley Park tree tour includes:
- 1.5-hour guided Stanley Park Indigenous walking tour.
- Indigenous guide who serves as a cultural ambassador for local First Nations.
- Stops along the Seawall with a strong focus on the totem poles.
Related: The Bill Reid Gallery of Northwest Coast Art
Stanley Park Bike Tour – Best Bike Tour of Stanley Park
Departure Point: 646 Hornby St. | Duration: 3 Hours | Price: From $88.00
There is no better way to unlock the splendours of Vancouver’s prized gem, Stanley Park, than by partaking in a captivating Stanley Park bike tour.
Choose between a morning or afternoon excursion and immerse yourself in the lush embrace of this sprawling 1,000-acre (405-hectare) urban oasis.
Set off on a guided ride that will lead you along the idyllic pathways, where you’ll witness the breathtaking beauty of Third Beach, encounter the awe-inspiring First Nations totem poles at Brockton Point, and bask in panoramic vistas of the city skyline, majestic mountains, and the thriving local wildlife.
This Stanley Park bike tour Includes:
- 3-hour guided bike tour of Stanley Park.
- Use of bike, helmet, and lock.
- Optional E-bike upgrade (extra $30 + tax).
- Stops along the Seawall, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Totem Poles, Third Beach and more.
Related: The Best Vancouver Bike Tours
Stanley Park Tours FAQ
How to tour Stanley Park?
The best way to tour Stanley Park is to use the Seawall, which is a long pathway that completely circles the park. From here you can get off at stops for the main attractions like Brockton Point, the Totem Poles, Third Beach, Prospect Point, the Aquarium, and more.
That said, to get the full educational info it’s also highly recommended to book guided tours of Stanley Park. There are walking tours, bike tours, nature tours, and indigenous tours available.
What is the best tour of Stanley Park?
The best tour of Stanley Park is the Stanley Park horse-drawn tour, which manages to put the majority of the park into a one hour guided tour – it’s the most efficient use of time.
That said, if you’re looking for a more hands on tour with more entertaining anecdotes, the Secrets of Stanley Park Tour is a great way to uncover the park’s dark history – which is a great contrast to the natural beauty of the area.
Related: Unique Things to Do in Vancouver
Did You Find Your Ideal Stanley Park tour?
I’ve provided a list of my favourite tours of Stanley Park, and I hope you’ve found one to take your visit to the next level.
In all, Stanley Park is more than just a walk in the park. It’s a cultural experience, a historical journey, and a nature lover’s paradise all rolled into one – you’ll see!
Enjoy your Stanley Park tours ?
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