North of Downtown Vancouver you’ll find Stanley Park which is a recreational zone on a half-peninsula named after conservative politician Frederick Arthur Stanley who was Governor General of Canada when it opened as a park in 1888. Stanley Park today has a large forest, contains the Vancouver Aquarium and offers long bicycle routes along the shore (‘seawall‘) giving you great views on the city center and the aeroboat harbor.
One specific site most people are visiting is the collection of totem poles. The land was formerly inhabited by the First Nations and when George Vancouver arrived here in 1792 he met the Squamish. Totem poles are painted monuments carved out of large tree trunks and represent an Indian family. They are typically set-up during Polatches, events that confirm the family within the social hierarchy of the tribe.
If you want to visit the recreational area keep in mind that paid parking is in effect everywhere in Stanley Park. There are numerous parking areas and you can pay at vending machines by entering your license plate or by numerous smartphone apps you can download and configure easily. If you’re at Downtown Vancouver you might also walk over to Stanley Park (~30 min dependent on your location) or if you’re lucky your hotel might offer bike rental options.
Stanley Park
Vancouver
British Columbia
Canada
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