How to Get to Stanley Park: Fastest Routes to Get There

Stanley Park is one of the best things about Vancouver. It’s massive, packed with nature, and completely free to visit.

But if you’re not familiar with the city, figuring out how to get there can be confusing. Is walking an option? Which bus should you take? Is parking a nightmare?

Don’t worry. It’s actually pretty easy once you know your options. Whether you’re on foot, riding a bike, taking transit, or driving, here’s the best way to reach Stanley Park without wasting time or money.

🛣️ How to Get to Stanley Park

Yes, Vancouver’s biggest park is right next to downtown. But Stanley Park is also 1,000 acres of forest and trails with multiple entrances, so knowing where you’re going helps.

The good news? Getting there is straightforward if you pick the right route. I’ve done it every way possible—some ways are better than others.

If you’re a visitor, the Coal Harbour entrance on the park’s northeast side will likely be your best bet. In addition to the Seawall and the Stanley Park Bus Loop, this part of the park is home to popular spots like:

• The Vancouver Aquarium
• The Stanley Park Totem Poles
• Brockton Oval
• Lost Lagoon
• The Stanley Park Pavilion & more

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the different ways of reaching North America’s top urban park.

📸 Looking to visit as part of a tour? Check out our list of the 7 Best Stanley Park Tours.

🔎 The Best Ways to Get to Stanley Park

🚶🏻‍♂️ Walking to Stanley Park from Downtown

If you’re already downtown, walking is the easiest and cheapest option, particularly if you’re staying in Coal Harbour or the West End.

Just keep in mind that Stanley Park is bigger than downtown Vancouver itself. So, you’ll also be looking at a hefty step count once you arrive.

• From Canada Place or Waterfront Station, head west along the seawall or take West Georgia Street into the park.
• From Robson Street, walk toward Denman Street, turn right, and continue straight until you hit the park entrance.
• If you’re near Yaletown or False Creek, the scenic route is walking along the seawall past English Bay, then continuing into the park.

Pro Tip: The Coal Harbour entrance along the seawall is the nicest way in. Less traffic, great views, and you’ll skip the busy car entrance.

🎒 Like exploring on foot? Check out our list of Vancouver’s best walking tours.

🚴🏽‍♂️ Biking to Stanley Park

Biking is the best way to explore the park, and getting there by bike is just as simple.

• If you don’t have a bike, rent one on Denman Street—plenty of rental shops there. Or, grab one from the city centre via our partners below.
• The seawall bike path leads directly into the park. If you’re already on it, just keep going.
• Coming from downtown streets? Take Chilco Street or the bike lane on Hornby Street, which connects to the park.

Bike Rentals

If you’re looking to rent a bike, we’ve got a great option for you just steps from Vancouver City Centre Station. You can grab a city cruiser or E-bike for a full day (9:00 am to 8:00 pm) for just $55.

From there, the city is your oyster, as Vancouver is one of the most bikeable cities in North America.

Bike Tours

If you’re looking for an alternative, there are a number of Stanley Park bike tours available that are great options for visitors.

Most depart from the city centre and show you the best of the Seawall, Stanley Park, and downtown Vancouver with a professional guide and rental included.

Pro Tip: Don’t rent a bike right at the park entrance—go a few blocks away for better prices. Even better, rent online to secure your bike in advance.

🚴🏽‍♂️ Want to see the city on two wheels? Have a look at our guide to the 7 Best Vancouver bike tours.

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🚌 Taking Transit to Stanley Park

Public transit is a solid option if you’re staying further away or prefer to avoid walking in the summer heat.

• The #19 Stanley Park bus goes straight into the park and stops at Stanley Park Loop, right near the Vancouver Aquarium. It travels along Pender Street past Gastown and Waterfront Station to Georgia Street and the Stanley Park Causeway.
• The #5 Robson bus from Robson Street gets you close—hop off at Denman and walk a few minutes.
• If you’re taking the SkyTrain, take the Expo Line to Burrard Station or the Canada Line to Waterfront. Then you can walk or transfer to the #19.

Pro Tip: Use your credit card or debit card to tap on the bus—same price as a ticket, no hassle.

🚇 Prefer taking transit? Be sure to check out our Vancouver Transport Mega Guide.

🚗 Driving to Stanley Park

Yes, you can drive, but parking isn’t free. The main route from the city centre would take you down Georgia Street to the Stanley Park Causeway, where you’ll enter.

This route is famed for its ridiculous rush hour traffic leading to the Lion’s Gate Bridge, so avoid the late afternoon if possible.

• Parking lots are all over the park. Rates vary, but in the summer, expect to pay about $4.50 per hour or $16.75 per day.
• The best entrance for tourists is via Georgia Street. Once inside, follow Stanley Park Drive for parking areas.
• If lots are full, check Beach Avenue or the West End for cheaper street parking.

Pro Tip: If you’re just doing the scenic drive, go early in the morning or late in the evening to avoid traffic.

🚙 Looking for a summer escape? Find your ideal stop on our list of the top road trips from Vancouver.

🚖 Taking a Taxi or Ride-Share

Uber, Lyft, and taxis are available, but not always the fastest.

• A ride from downtown to Stanley Park costs about $10–$15. Keep in mind that traffic on the causeway can get downright ugly, so this can rise during peak hours.
• Stanley Park Pavilion or Second Beach drop-offs are the most popular choices. Other options include the Aquarium, Prospect Point, and the Totem Poles.

Pro Tip: If you’re in a group, splitting an Uber makes sense. Otherwise, transit or biking is cheaper and just as easy.

🛌 Hoping to stay close by? Find a room from our guide to the top Stanley Park Hotels.

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🤔 Visiting Stanley Park: Final Thoughts

Stanley Park is easy to reach, but some routes are better than others. If you’re downtown, walking or biking is the way to go.

The #19 bus is the best transit option. Driving works, but parking adds up. Ride-shares are fine but unnecessary unless you’re in a hurry.

No matter how you get there, bring snacks. Everything inside the park is overpriced.