Your Guide To Stanley Park : Introduction.



 
 





                                                        ------------------------   




Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, writing in 1847, could easily  be describing Stanley Park as it is today,with majestic helmlock and pine standing like sentinels and listening to the
ocean's distant rumble. Any walk through this magnificent
park will have you experiencing those very sentiments, poetic
as they may seem.
 

The natural beauty of this park requires no superlatives to do adequate justice to it's uniqueness in the world, or to it's state
of solitude and repose in a boisterous city, nor to it's longevity
in an ever perilous era. This is a lily that requires no gilding , a brilliantly faceted emerald set upon the hand of Vancouver.
 

How many cities can boast of 400 pristine hectares of forest set practically in the front yard, or of 8.8 kilometres of a wide,
rambling seawall next to sparkling surf, peaceful beaches, noisy beaches, beaches dedicated to children hunting for
absconding sea creatures, solitary havens where one may
ponder upon the fabric of the universe, or green swards meant for nothing more than for laying down and counting
clouds?
All this and more. No matter where you walk to in Stanley Park, something new and interesting unfolds before the eyes,
perhaps an aloof heron guarding some ancestral fishing spot, or a raccoon washing it's next meal carefully, several ducks
 in the midst of a property squabble, or industrious bees flitting from one gorgeous blossom to another.

Further along, a ship dashes under the Lion's Gate Bridge to some sanctuary on another shore, forging frothing wakes that
slap the seawall with ardor. Children wave to the crew and they wave back.
Welcome to Stanley Park, Vancouver's Emerald.

                                          -------------------------------------------------------------

Your guide to Stanley Park has sections 1-2-3-4  for quick access to the basics.
Sections 5 and beyond contain details on ecology,origins,history,and further reading.
Enjoy your visit and happy memories!
 

Your Guide To Stanley Park.
                                                                      --------
  


Shakespeare Garden

 
End : Your Guide to Stanley Park : Introduction.





                                      

No.1 - Stanley Park : Getting There.





Map Of Stanley Park
Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation
Please click to expand.




Your Guide to Stanley Park.








Oceanside of Georgia street




No.1 Getting There.


1. Walking:
1.Vancouver city has numerous ways to get you where you wish quickly and efficiently and efficiently.
You can walk to,cycle to,take public transport to, or drive to the park.  This section will have all the necessary links to complete your information on how
to get around.

Info here:


2. Cycling:

A.
The city of Vancouver runs an information page with all the latest information on bike routes, bike
lanes, bikeways, bike parking, bike maps, and generally bike navigation around the city.
Info here: 




B. TransLink the major public transport provider in the city provides information
about bikes on buses, bikes on SkyTrain, bikes on Seabus, bikes on West Coast Express,
bike lockers, and bike routes in the Greater Vancouver District.
Their link here:



3. Public Transit:

Public transit in the Greater Vancouver Regional District (G.V.R.D.) isunder the umbrella of TransLink
and is the source and authority for any information
on public transportation. These include buses, Seabus, WestCoast Express, Sky Train, and Canada
Line. These efficient services allow one to criss cross
a very large area relatively quickly without the need
of a car and with minimum walking.
No matter the form of transportation you choose, whether arriving from a ferry, riding the Canada Line
from the airport, you will arrive in the downtown
core of the city, somewhere near the crossing of 
Georgia street and Granville street.

http://www.translink.ca/en.aspx





4. Sky Train:

SkyTrain is the oldest and one of the longest automated driverless light rapid transit systems in the world. The Expo and Millennium SkyTrain Lines connect downtown Vancouver with the cities of Burnaby, New Westminster and Surrey. The Canada Line connects downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR) and the city of Richmond. 
Info here:




A.Beach avenue Park Entrance - The Beaches.
To get to the Beach avenue entrance to the park, from the downtown core, catch a Granville street bus
going south and get off at Davie street, get on the Davie street bus (oo6) going west. That is, from
Granville street to your right onto Davie street.
Get off at Denman street , continue to proceed west
on Beach avenue, and you are on your way past the beaches of English Bay and on to the park entrance.

Beach info here:





Downtown Cityscape




B. Georgia street park 
entrance. From the corner of Georgia street and Granville street walk to Robson street one block south, and catch the Robson street bus (005) going west, that is from Granville street to your right onto

Robson street, proceed, and get off at Denman  Street, continue to walk down Robson street in the same direction you came from, and in three blocks you will be at the Lost Lagoon area of the park.

Afterwards,  proceeding in a right handed direction will lead you to the Georgia street entrance. Alternatively, after getting off at Denman street, proceed north along Denman until you reach Georgia street, cross Georgia street, and you will be at Devonian Harbour Park, a small park just before
the Georgia street entrance to Stanley Park.


C. Georgia street park entrance.
019 - METROTOWN STN/STANLEY PARK.
Get on this bus at METROTOWN STN BAY 2, Metrotown Shopping Center, 4700 block,  Kingsway,  in Burnaby,(99A), and get off in Stanley Park, at the Stanley Park Loop Bay.
Catch this bus along Main St., West Pender St. or on Georgia St. west of Pender.
Info here:



4. Seabus.

The SeaBus arrives on the Vancouver side at Waterfront Station, near the Vancouver Convention Centre and cruise ship terminal at Canada Place. At Waterfront Station, there are connections to the SkyTrain and West Coast Express. In North Vancouver, the SeaBus stops at the Lonsdale Quay, 
a busy hub for commuters, travelling visitors to the city, hotel guests, shoppers at the public market, people making connections at the bus loop. This will
be the furthest away from downtown core area. Hop on the Canada Line and get off at the next stop,
Vancouver City Center, you are at the crossing of Granville and Georgia Streets.
Seabus info. here:





Canada Place




4. Driving.

A. From Vancouver:

The main conduit into the park, traveling northeast, is Georgia street which funnels into the Stanley Park exit in the right hand lane and the Stanley Park Causeway which continues through the park to cross
the Lion's Gate Bridge to the North shore. The main
drive that circumnavigates the park, counterclockwise allows one to stop and get out at
select places and continues to the top of the park, the highest venue, at Prospect Point lookout, for a panoramic view of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore mountains, and the Lion's Gate Bridge. It then
descends to afford views of the beaches and on to English Bay.
Two short routes are two way, Pipeline Road from the Beaver Lake access to the Georgia Street entrance and a stretch of the main drive from Second Beach to the Beach Street entrance.
Driving info here:


B. From North Vancouver:

After crossing the Lion's Gate Bridge you will pass the entrance to Stanley Park on Georgia street, so it will require you to make a series of right turns to enable
you to return to the entrance again.  Continue on past Denman street and make a right turn on Bidwell street, go on to Alberni street and make a right turn
to reach Denman street. Turn right onto Denman street and proceed to Georgia street and make a left turn into the traffic, keeping in mind to get into the
right hand lane on Georgia street, which is the correct lane for the park. Once on Georgia watch for the sign to make a right turn into the park. In case you get lost just remember that you are making a large right hand circle to return to Georgia street.

Info here:


5. Parking:

Parking on the street in the West End abutting the park is practically non-existant , or frustatingly hard
to get, so for peace of mind, use a paid parking facility, then make your way forward. Parking within
the park is all on a pay basis with no overnight stays
or camping. Parking fees are by the hour rates, daily rates, and annual passes.
Hints:
As in all large cities, use these precautions.
Do not leave any valuables in your car,visible or not.
Traffic on Georgia can be backed up, parking lots can be full, so have bottled water with you, while you wait, especially for  children.
For any parking info info in the lower-mainland go here:

6. TransLink Lost and Found.

Leave something behind on a recent trip? Try the lost and found service to see if someone turned it in.T:604-682-7887
Info here:

7.British Columbia Ferries.

Arriving or departing on a ferry?
For schedule, fares, travel planning.
Info here:



8. A new smoking regulation bylaw takes effect September 1, 2010 and prohibits smoking in Vancouver parks, beaches, seawalls, trails and public golf courses. Enforcement of the bylaw will carried out by Park Rangers who now have the authority to issue infraction tickets to offenders. Fines for a first offence are $250.00.




Beach avenue entrance


End No.1 - Stanley Park : Getting There.






All Rights Reserved.
No parts of 'Your Guide To Stanley Park" may be reproduced
in part or in whole or distributed without the express consent of the
author.All photographs are the exclusive possession of the author.

No.2 - Stanley Park : Getting Around.






No. 2-The Park: Getting Around.


Walking:

1. Adults.

Walking leaves you with the most options, allowing you to walk around the park in whatever direction,
through, or in a criss cross fashion. Entering the park
from the Beach avenue direction will take you past the beaches of English Bay, where you could stop and
catch a few rays, have a swim, before continuing on your journey.
A little further along, you could watch some lawn bowling, go catch the action at the tennis courts, or
travel the seawall towards Siwash Rock, the monolith of Squamish legend.

2. Adults and Children.

The big consideration with children, depending on their ages, is how far exactly they are able to travel.
From the Beach avenue entrance the beaches are very inviting, with plenty of room for them to run around in, sea life in the tidal pools to investigate,
sand to build mini castles. In this area is the Second
Beach Pool, a heated, beach entry-style pool on the shores of English Bay.
Here you are close to bathroom facilities and concession stands. The seawall going the distance is
8.8 kilometres or 5.5 miles. On a hot day this could be hard on a young person or a senior.


Looking at North Shore





3. In Line Skaters or Rollerbladers or Cyclists.

The best approach is to enter from the Georgia street direction for two reasons.Cyclists and skaters are
restricted to a counterclockwise direction only, which means an entry from Georgia street, to be going in the correct direction around the seawall.
Secondly, if you intend to rent equipment for the day, the location of these shops is at the Georgia end of
Denman street. Pedestrians and joggers must keep to the side restricted for them, the water side of the seawall.
Bicycles and rollerbladers are confined to the land side of the division. Due to the influx of  people in certain areas signs warn cyclists to dismount for the
safety of walkers.
Rentals info here:
Stanley Park Cycle.
768 Denman Street Vancouver
683 Denman Street Vancouver
Bayshore Bike Rentals
745 Denman Street Vancouver
Bikes 'N Blades Rental
718 Denman Street, Vancouver






4. Safety.

The park is patrolled by the Vancouver Police Department Mounted Squad to provide you with a
high level of safety. You will probably run across these officers on their mounts attending to business.
They are very approachable and child friendly and
willing to answer questions. Otherwise if you run into a serious situation, phone 911 as you would
anywhere else.
Info here:
http://vancouver.ca/police/organization/operations/patrol-districts/district-one/mounted-squad/index.html


5. Cautions and Precautions.

Signs around the park warn you about feeding wild animals such as raccoons and coyotes. These animals
are not tame and could become angry when you stop feeding them. Such animals are sometimes carriers
of rabies. Remember, these wild creatures seldom
approach you unless you are encroaching on their space.
Many areas of the park are roped off behind fencing to prevent you from accidentally straying into
dangerous areas of fallen trees, cliffs, etc, etc. It is best to stay on the marked trail than be sorry. Some
areas have water, so watch children.
Info here:

http://www.stanleyparkecology.ca/programs/conservation/urbanWildlife/coyotes/



6. Designated paths for pedestrians.

With the tremendous influx of skaters and cyclists, it is imperative that you remain strictly within the bounds of the walking path. Some areas have both paths crossing so be attentive here, especially with
children, who can lose their concentration. It's hard
to be the winner in a collision between a walker and a two hundred pound guy
going at 30 m.p.h.

Cool Oasis
End No.2 - Stanley Park : Getting There.

                                                             




















No.3 - Fun Things To Do In Stanley Park

Fun Things To Do In Stanley Park 

                  
These characters look anxious to go to Stanley Park!
Corner of Denman St. and Davie St.
  
                                                                                                                                      


                          The Vancouver Aquarium 
                                                                                                                                  
William Ronald Reid  - Chief Of The Undersea World
Bronze Leviathan Gracing Aquarium Entrance




845 Avison Way
Vancouver, BC
V6G 3E2
 

1.Everything you could possibly want to see in one place. Beluga whales, sea otters, dolphins, piranhas, butterflies, frogs, and a cast of thousands.
Educational but fascinating and fun for the whole family. Enter from Georgia
street and follow the green signs.



2.Parking is available adjacent to the Aquarium and throughout Stanley Park. If the adjacent lot is full, there are many options nearby: Near the information
Booth (4 minute walk).
Near the Children’s Zoo and the Miniature Train (4 minute walk).
In the Central Parking Lot off Pipeline Road (7 minute walk).

Meters accept coins, Visa and Mastercard. Parking tickets must be purchased from designated meters to be valid.


3.Wheelchair accessible parking spaces within a few minutes walk to the aquarium.
Wheelchairs (Loaned on a first-come, first-served basis with a piece of ID or credit card)
Walkways, ramps and elevators make for easy wheelchair and stroller access


Info here:
                                                    
                                        Miniature Train
    Miniature Train
In 1964, following the havoc created by Typhoon Frieda, which packed winds up to 129 km per hour, a clearing created by fallen trees in the forest was transformed into a horseshoe-shaped circuit by Deputy Superintendent Bill Livingstone, just right for the creation of the Stanley Park Miniature Railway. The Miniature Train has become one of Vancouver's most popular attractions and carries over 200,000 passengers per year.


Winding along a mile and a quarter of 20" gauge track, the train travels over trestles and through tunnels in a picturesque journey through the forest. There are three sets of cars and four engines, one of which is a replica of Canadian Pacific Railway #374, famous for pulling Canada's first transcontinental passenger train into Vancouver in the late 1880s. The real Engine #374 is on display in a special pavilion located adjacent to the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre.



                                                Children's Farmyard
The Children's Farmyard

The Children's Farmyard is home to over 100 animals, water fowl and poultry belonging to many different species. The present day Farmyard, built in 1982 and extended in 1993 is built on the original footprint of the Children's Zoo which was established in 1962.


Situated on just over one acre of land, a spacious heated barn, outside corrals and yards, and a small stream and pond provide for the comfort of the animals while giving children the opportunity to experience the sights, sounds and smells of a rural environment.


















The smaller farm animals such as sheep, goats and potbellied pigs, intermingle happily with visitors. Other farmyard inhabitants include donkeys, cows, rabbits, ducks, chickens, alpacas and a llama.


The Children's Farmyard is part of "Rare Breeds Canada" and houses many endangered species of sheep, cows, and waterfowl. The Farmyard is an integral part of the major seasonal events at Halloween and Christmas and becomes exceptionally popular at Easter when the Easter Bunny and its Chicken sidekick assist the children in their quest for eggs hidden amongst the straw.
  
Farmyard and Train Hours of Operation 2010
Feb 6 - May 21 11am - 4pm weekends only, weather permitting*
(except holidays & special events as noted below)
Feb 13 – 28
(2010 Winter Games)
11am – 4pm daily
Mar 6 - 14 (Spring Break) 11am - 4pm daily
Apr 2 - 5 (Easter Weekend) 11am - 4pm daily
May 22 - Jun 29 11am - 4pm daily
Jun 30 Closed
July 1 - Sep 6 Klahowya Village in Stanley Park is open 10am - 6pm daily
Spirit Catcher Train operates 10am - 5:30pm
Children's Farmyard is open 10am - 5pm
Sep 11 - 12 11am - 4pm, weather permitting*
Oct 8 - 31 Stanley Park Halloween Ghost Train
Nov 26 - Jan 1, 2011 Bright Nights Christmas Train
* For dates when open weather permitting phone the Info Line at 604-257-8531.

                                                            Playgrounds

                                                         


                    
    Vancouver's first children's playground was developed at Ceperley Meadow near Second Beach when Grace Ceperley willed an endowment for that purpose in the late 1920s. Today a seafaring-themed facility is located there, along with the emblematic, antique red fire engine, with other such facilities located at Lumbermen's Arch and near the Stanley Park Pavilion.


                                             Water Park

    Variety Kids Water Park



    The Variety Kids Water Park is Vancouver's largest outdoor spray facility and offers hours worth of summer fun especially for young children and families. Not a swimming pool but rather a series of water geysers and canons that surprise users at every turn, the ankle depth water and other specially designed features make this an accessible facility for all children.


    Open Jun 1 - Sep 1, 10:00am - 6:00pm
    Free
    Not supervised
    Located at Lumberman's Arch.


    4.A new smoking regulation bylaw takes effect September 1, 2010 and prohibits smoking in Vancouver parks, beaches, seawalls, trails and public golf courses. Enforcement of the bylaw will carried out by Park Rangers who now have the authority to issue infraction tickets to offenders. Fines for a first offence are $250.00. 



    Near English Bay Beaches


    End No.3-Fun Things To Do In Stanley Park.




                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  









      

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