we drove around stanley park after dinner and caught the sunset, hoping to catch a glimpse of a…read morehumpback whale or maybe even a pod of orcas passing through the water. no such luck this time, but honestly the park still delivered. instead, we spotted a seagull standing perfectly still with a starfish clamped proudly in its mouth like some kind of seafood trophy. it looked both deeply proud of itself and slightly terrified to move in case it dropped its prize. it's easy to understand why stanley park is considered vancouver's most famous attraction. somehow this enormous urban park manages to combine rainforest, beaches, wildlife, gardens, ocean views, and the downtown skyline all in one place without ever feeling overly busy or commercialised. the drive through the park alone is worth it. take your time, there is construction going on right now. winding roads curve beneath towering western red cedars, douglas firs, and hemlocks before suddenly opening up to sweeping coastal views. every turn feels completely different from the last. the stanley park seawall is really the centrepiece of the entire experience. wrapping around the waterfront with nearly nonstop views of english bay, burrard inlet, lions gate bridge, the north shore mountains, and the vancouver skyline, it's the kind of place where people naturally slow down. cyclists cruise past runners, dog walkers stop to admire the scenery, tourists pause every few metres for photos, and families wander along the path with ice cream in hand. prospect point was easily one of the highlights, especially near sunset with the view stretching towards lions gate bridge and the mountains beyond. brockton point lighthouse added another classic postcard view, while the sailboats gathered near the royal vancouver yacht club made the harbour glow in the evening light. along the seawall we passed the scuba diver statue resting casually on a rock beside the water, definitely a scuba diver, not a mermaid, and somehow it perfectly matches the atmosphere of the park: peaceful, slightly quirky, and unmistakably west coast. lost lagoon brought a completely different energy from the oceanfront sections of the park. surrounded by trees and calm walking paths, the water reflected the skyline while ducks, geese, and other birds drifted quietly across the surface. second beach and third beach were both full of people making the most of the evening. second beach has the famous heated outdoor pool sitting right beside the ocean, along with volleyball courts, picnic areas, and one of the best sunset spots in the park. third beach felt quieter and more tucked away, with people stretched out on driftwood logs watching the sky slowly shift colours over english bay. nearby, the teahouse sits hidden among the trees, blending naturally into the surroundings. what makes stanley park stand out is how much there is beyond the famous seawall. tucked throughout the park are forest trails, gardens, playgrounds, tennis courts, public art, wildlife viewing areas, the pitch and putt golf course, and the vancouver aquarium hidden among the trees. despite sitting beside downtown vancouver, the park rarely feels urban. within minutes you can go from skyline views and busy pathways to quiet forest roads where all you hear is wind moving through the trees and waves hitting the shoreline. it's the contrast that makes the place memorable. even without spotting whales or orcas, the evening felt unforgettable. stanley park isn't just a place you visit once for the photos, it's the kind of place you keep wanting to return to because every section of it feels slightly different from the last.

Stanley Park was at the top of my must-do list while visiting Vancouver--and it was easily one of…read moremy favorite activities. The urban park spans over 1,000 lush acres and has such a rich history. It officially opened as a public park in 1888, named after Lord Stanley, Canada's Governor General at the time. We decided to experience it in the best way possible: on two wheels. After renting bicycles near Coal Harbor, we set off along the park's famous seawall--a scenic path that loops around the entire perimeter and offers nonstop views of ocean, mountains, city, and skyline. It's the kind of ride where you find yourself stopping often because every turn reveals beautiful views. Along the way, we made stops at some of the park's most iconic landmarks. The Stanley Park Totem Poles were vibrant and deeply rooted in Indigenous culture and storytelling. We continued on to the Girl in a Wetsuit statue, and then made our way up to Prospect Point. Don't forget to take in the view of the Lions Gate Bridge stretching across the water! Further along, we stopped to admire Siwash Rock before finishing our route near A-maze-ing Laughter by English Bay. After hours of heavy rain, we got incredibly lucky--the skies cleared what felt like just for us, and we were able to enjoy the entire ride in fresh, crisp air. I was so happy seeing the beaches along the way and the tree-lined paths glowing with orange leaves as we soaked in the last bits of autumn. Best of all, we were treated to a beautiful sunset at English Bay. It felt like the perfect closing moment--peaceful, golden, and well-earned after a full loop around the park. I can't recommend visiting Stanley Park enough. Wish we had enough time to visit the teahouse, but will have to save that for next time. If you're short on time but want to see a lot, biking the seawall is absolutely the way to go. It's active, scenic, and such a memorable way to experience one of Vancouver's most beloved places.

I love Queen Elizabeth Park. One of my favourite spots is the Bloedel Conservatory which is a…read morelittle tropical paradise, full of beautiful birds and greenery. The paths in Queen Elizabeth during the summer are lined with perfectly maintained flowers. I love wandering through them to "stop and smell the roses". The views are some of the best in Vancouver I've seen where you can also enjoy eating at Seasons in the Park restaurant. It's the perfect stop after a walk around the park or a visit to Bloedel. The times that I have visited, Queen Elizabeth Park surprisingly rarely felt crowded; except for cherry blossom season. The cherry blossoms make you feel like you are almost visiting Japan. Queen Elizabeth Park is full of life, beauty, and peaceful corners to wander around and get lost in.

Queen Elizabeth Park is a beautiful park in the Vancouver area. The park is a good size, very…read morewell-maintained with gorgeous flowers and scenery, and even has a separate conservatory area if that's something you'd like to see (for a fee). Amazing views all around. Make sure you pay for parking at the lot!

If you enjoy nature this place is worth visiting. It is calming and has great views and a few…read morelarger rocks to climb around. There are many areas to snap great touristy photos and nice for the sunset too. Park is well maintained and easily accessible with parking lots nearby.

Many people go to Horseshoe bay to take the ferry to Bowen island but a stop at Whytecliff Park on…read morethe way is clearly a nice Idea. Lovely views of the bay, lazy sea lions sunbathing on the rocks, easy trails to walk on and lots of benches to sit, relax and enjoy the view. There's even a cafe in the parking lot near the entrance. Hot food, snacks and drinks, if you forgot to bring food you won't starve there.

Shannon Falls was beautiful and the creek had the clearest water. Made me want to have a drink…read more Meandering through a moss covered forest to get to Shannon Falls was just magical for me. I loved every inch of that forest and the lush green moss covering tree trunks and branches. The ferns were so alive and pretty. I could forest bath here all day if I had the time. The sight and sounds of water rushing was so peaceful and tranquil. Could not get enough of this enchanting forest!

This waterfall is about a halfway point from Vancouver to Whistler, and is near the Sea to Sky…read moreGondola. We visited on a Thursday at around 4:30. There were a good amount of people there at that time, but it wasn't packed - we were able to get a parking spot (which is free). The hike to the falls is easy and quick - maybe 10 minutes? All in all, we spent maybe half hour getting there/back, and taking photos. If you live in the area, it seems like a nice park for a picnic since there is a huge open space, and some picnic tables. Nice, quick, scenic stop - the best kind!

Trail Series, Part 40 Running was never meant to be easy, so…read moremany runners choose a phrase to help motivate them. Some of my favorites include: "No matter how slow you go, you are still lapping everybody on the couch"; "I don't run to add days to my life, I run to add life to my days"; "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start"; "My sport is your sport's punishment"; "This isn't sweat, it's liquid awesome"; and "Do it for the post-run snack". It was during a recent run along the Stanley Park Seawall Path in Vancouver, Canada, that I discovered a different motivational technique. Rather than repeating a single phrase to keep you going, how about excitedly striding from one motivational expression to another? You see as this trail winds itself around magnificent Stanley Park, it is replete with benches adorned with a seemingly endless number of deeply personal plaques that broadcast both remembrances and some pretty keen life advice. I stopped more than 150 times during my run and I'd estimate that I photographed only 50% of the benches that are available to enjoy. My favorite plaques include: "What a beautiful difference one single life made"; "To the world you were just one, to me you were the world" ; "She lived for those she loved, and those she loved remember"; "How small a part of time we share"; "People and places have touched me so, left a mark on my mind, heart & soul. Thank you Lord, it's been a great ride"; "Loving Masterchef who taught how to savor the flavors of life"; and "Just a Godly man who so loved his four wonderful daughters". This outstanding trail is approximately 6 miles long, flat, and entirely paved. It features numerous dramatic curves that create excitement to discover what might be revealed just around each corner. Those with mobility issues will find it extremely accommodating and a separate lane for cyclists creates a safe path for all outdoor enthusiasts. It is well traveled during the day, and although the buddy system is always recommended, it isn't necessary in this instance. And that's...Henry's Take. #trailseries #stanleyparkseawallpath

I really enjoyed walking along the Seawall and get a fantastic view of the Vancouver skyline. It's…read moreespecially pretty with the reflection of the skyscrapers and other buildings in the water. There are ducks, seagulls and we saw a blue heron there as well. There are rows and rows of daffodils and crocuses growing everywhere. Love the architecture and aesthetic of this beautiful city.

Was Vancouver is a place of hidden gems and beautiful locations and this park is a perfect example…read moreof what I mean. When you arrive at the trailhead it does not look like much. Mary is after only space for a few cars to park. But after a maximum of 10 minutes, depending on your fitness level, you arrive at a truly spectacular sight. The view of Howe Sound and the Straight of Georgia is beautiful and well worth the walk in. If you time you are arrival perfectly you will have one of the two really good spot at the end the trail to watch the sunset. It is a really romantic place for that. Is also an excellent place if you want to have a picnic or a family outing on a warm summer day as the breeze from the ocean made it quite cool.

Hidden little park with views from many rocky view points in a residential area. There is several…read morearbutus trees. Entrance at the intersection of Howe sound lane and the byway. There is a many steps to walk down so best for people who are fit. Nice views of Howe Sound.

Really nice area to just sit and relax, observe everything that's going on. Not too crowded. Just…read morethe right amount of people walking or biking by so you don't feel alone. But you also can have your own space. I walked a few blocks and got a takeaway pizza and ate it on the steps just down from Cactus club overlooking the water. Beautiful spot!

Beautiful space along the waterfront. Plenty of public access for walkers, and bikes, all along…read morethe water. Plenty of green space, trees, flowers, and an occasional piece of public art. Very nice!

The hike to Garibaldi Lake! This was a difficult one for me, maybe one of the tougher ones I've…read moreaccomplished and I'm saying that because I'm not the most patient of hikers. I'm more of a speed hiker that likes to get in and get out! But to access Garibaldi Lake, (the obvious main event to the park), you must take the Rubble Creek Trail. It's an 18 kilometer out and back hike (or as us Americans would say - "roundtrip")...that is a length of 11.5 miles long. And with that 11.5 miles, the path is all uphill! Everything about it is uphill until you eventually arrive at...Garibaldi Lake! So...for the folks out there who maybe don't hike often, I'd just suggest preparing for the long haul. The hike will be strenuous, but pace yourself, take breaks when necessary and before long...the reward will be worth the grind! And then, you'll be coming back for more! Another thing, I'm always motivated to capture undisturbed pictures in nature. And it's this inspiration that I use to discover what's out there. I want to reflect back on the experience and know I afforded myself ample time during the day to accomplish the sights and sceneries that make for memorable stories. Lol, it's this type of internal mentality that pushes me to strive for greater heights, so to speak, hehehe. Okay so this Rubble Creek Trail to Garibaldi Lake! You must make a reservation 2 days in advance prior to visiting. Just go to bcparks.ca and sign up for a pass. I also used this website for accessing Joffre Lakes Provincial Park situated in Mount Currie, BC. And btw, this Garibaldi Lake is located just north of Whistler, BC. One side note...the parks, lakes and hikes here in Lower British Columbia are simply fantastic! There's a laundry list of things to do. And especially when you speak to locals and they recommend hidden, under the radar places that the public eye doesn't know much about. I thought the Canadian Rockies in Alberta were stunning, but British Columbia nature is really, really scenic! Before arriving at Garibaldi Lake, I suggest taking a short side trek to Barrier Viewpoint for some quick panoramic looks. Also, along the trail you'll pass over a short bridge looking up at a waterfall. It's worthy of a photo. Finally arriving at Garibaldi Lake, at first it may not be so picturesque (even when the sun is out!) but give it a chance. Walk around and explore and you'll find colorful instances where you'll connect with those green and turquoise blue waters. Especially when you're looking back towards the entrance area of the lake, the return hike back down had some of my most fulfilling pictures of the day. It's weird, it's like the angle of the sun can play tricks on you. Be patient and hopefully magical moments will evolve! I tried to walk around the perimeter of Garibaldi Lake, but that wasn't possible. So...I had to relax a little and take my foot off the gas pedal, lol. In fact, some of my best views were simply looking out at the snowcapped mountain peaks. There's a glacier set in the distance as well. A lot of visitors brought their bathing suits with them. And although the lake is glacially fed and freezing, people were still swimming! I even joined in on the fun and took my clothes down to my underwear and hopped in the waters, lol. Granted, it was only briefly, but still, I wanted to leave no stone unturned while here! I'd also point out that since the lake is not navigable 360 degrees around, it sort of took the pressure off me to find the best picture angles. Instead, I really tried to embrace the setting and live in the moment! There's camping allowed here, but again you must make reservations for it. Btw, it's free to book your entry pass to the lake. Parking is free too. One last thing, remember...when you head back towards the entrance of Garibaldi Lake, you'll be pleasantly surprised with the lake colors illuminating from the tree line pathway. I left the lake around 3pm and suddenly, light greens and blues were evident! There are vault toilets at the lake. Interestingly, they ask you to bring your own toilet paper. Never seen that before. Overall, Garibaldi Lake was a wonderful way to enjoy a summer day in the great outdoors. I can't believe I hiked 18 kilometers. And the path through the forest makes for a quiet atmosphere in the woods. I would still rank Joffre Lakes as my favorite BC landmark, but this Garibaldi Lake has its value and major popularity among hikers. Thank you for taking time to read this.

All I have to say is be prepared.. As this is about an 18km hike, I recommend leaving early in the…read moremorning and staying over night in Whistler so you don't feel rushed. This time around when we went, due to the pandemic, we had to book a time slot the day of as they were limiting the amount of hikers. Driving there isn't the problem nor is the parking, it's the length of time but the reward at the end is worth it. I recommend bringing a small bag for liquids, snacks, bug spray, hat and towel as you could swim there but keep in mind you can't throw away your garbage at the site due to bears even though there's a camp site there. The hike isn't super steep and you won't have to climb anything (at least I didn't), you just have to be ready to walk a lot. The path is well marked so you can't get lost. I would say the average round trip if you aren't including staying at the destination to eat and take photos is roughly 4-5 hours round trip at a steady pace. Hike's are always calming and it helps clear your mind from stress and clutter. This is probably one of the best local hikes I've done so far and I would definitely recommend it to anything looking for a challenge and beautiful view. And if you want to be more adventurous, you can also extend your trip to panoramic ridge and black tusk!

Nice small sloped park on a hill that also doubles as a parking lot and staging area for the nearby…read moreQuarry Rock hike. Parking is available but fills up very quickly on nice days. Once the lot is full, there is very little (if any) street parking anywhere in the vicinity. I was told to go very early (0730) to guarantee a spot, and even at that point the lot was over half full. The park itself is basically one giant sloped area. There is a picnic gazebo, a flat outdoor area, and a kids' playground. Then there is the nice beautiful view of the water and surrounding area. Facilities are available just a few minutes S by the kayak club. Not sure if I'd come here just for the park, but it is worth checking out if one is already here for Quarry Rock.

Took a quick walk around this park after hiking Baden Powell trial. I like how it's not crowded and…read morejust very peaceful! Of course, great views as well!