Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
sliding past. From here, you can cut into the park to the Vancouver Aquarium or contin-
ue around the seawall; it gets wilder and more scenic from here as you pass under the
Lions Gate Bridge and face down the Pacific Ocean.
Natural Attractions
You don't have to be a child to enjoy Stanley Park's signature attraction. The
Van-
couver Aquarium
( 604-659-3474;
www.vanaqua.org
; 845 Avison Way; adult/child $27/17
Jul & Aug, reduced Sep-Jun; 9:30am-6pm Jul & Aug, 10am-5pm Sep-Jun; 19)
combines
exotic marine species with re-created local seascapes. Home to 9000 water-loving crit-
ters - including sharks, wolf eels, beluga whales and a somewhat shy octopus - it also
has a small, walk-through rainforest of birds, turtles and a statue-still sloth. Also check
out the mesmerizing iridescent jellyfish, and peruse the schedule for feeding times:
there's almost always one hungry animal or another waiting for its dinner. If you're
traveling with someone who really loves marine animals, consider an Animal En-
counter tour (from $60). They'll get close to their chosen mammal and learn all about
being a trainer: the sea otter encounter is recommended if you want to learn why they
eat while lying on their backs, using their stomachs as dinner plates (always the best
way to dine). The aquarium's latest draw is its 4D Experience: a 3D movie theater with
added wind, mist and aromas. It generally shows nature-themed flicks and a seasonal
movie at Christmas.
The aquarium isn't Stanley Park's only hot spot for flora and fauna fans. A few steps
from the park's W Georgia St entrance lies
Lost Lagoon
, which was originally part of
Coal Harbour. After a causeway was built in 1916, the new body of water was renamed,
transforming itself into a freshwater lake a few years later. Today it's a nature sanctuary
- keep your eyes peeled for blue herons - and its perimeter pathway is a favored stroll
604-257-8544;
www.stanleyparkecology.ca
; admission free, park walks adult/child $10/5;
10am-7pm Tue-Sun May-Sep)
here has exhibits on the park's wildlife, history and ecology
- ask about the fascinating guided walks.
Beaches & Views
If it's sandy beaches you're after, the park has several options.
Second Beach
is a
family-friendly area on the park's western side, with a grassy playground, an ice-cream-
serving concession and a huge outdoor swimming pool. It's also close to
Ceperley
Meadows
, where free outdoor movie screenings take place in summer. But for a little
