Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
more tranquility, try
Third Beach
. A sandy expanse with plenty of logs to sit against,
this is a favored summer-evening destination for Vancouverites. The sky often comes
alive with pyrotechnic color here as chilled-out locals munch through their picnics.
There's a plethora of additional vistas in the park, but perhaps the most popular is at
Prospect Point
. One of Vancouver's best lookouts, this lofty spot is located at the
park's northern tip. In summer you'll be jostling for elbow room with tour parties;
heading down the steep stairs to the viewing platform usually shakes them off. Also
look out for scavenging raccoons here (don't pet them). The area's Prospect Point Café
(
Click here
)
offers refreshments - aim for a deck table.
Statue Spotting
Stanley Park is studded with statues, all of which come to life at night (okay, just kid-
ding). On your leisurely amble around the tree-lined idyll, look out for the following
and award yourself 10 points for each one you find. If you locate them all, partake of a
gourmet dinner at the Fish House (
Click here
)
. If you're on the seawall, it shouldn't be
hard to spot
Girl in a Wetsuit
, a 1972 bronze by Elek Imredy that sits in the water. But
how about the Robbie Burns statue unveiled by British Prime Minister Ramsay
MacDonald in 1928 or the dramatic bronze of Canadian sprint legend Harry Jerome,
who held six world records and won a bronze at the 1964 Summer Olympics? Here's a
clue for the next one: it's near Malkin Bowl (
Click here
)
. Marking the first official visit
to Canada by a US president, this elegant statue is actually a memorial: after visiting in
1923, Warren Harding died a week later in San Francisco.
For Kids
It doesn't take much to plan an entire day with children here. In addition to the aquari-
um and Lost Lagoon Nature House, there are a couple of additional must-dos for un-
der-10s. Look out for the
waterpark
overlooking the waterfront near Lumberman's
Arch. There's also a playground here. Dry the kids off with a trundle on the
Miniature
Railway
(adult/child from $5; hours vary, year-round; 19)
; just a short stroll from the
aquarium, this popular replica of the first passenger train that rolled into Vancouver in
1887 is a firm family favorite. The ride assumes several incarnations during the year: in
summer, the ride through the trees has a First Nations theme; at Halloween it's dressed
up for ghost fans; and from late November it becomes a Christmas-decorated theme
ride that's the city's most popular family-friendly Yuletide activity.
