Welcome back to our Best of Stanley Park Guide. If you’re looking to plan your Stanley Park bike ride, we recommend starting with Part One, for planning your bike route and best stops along the Stanley Park Seawall.
If you prefer to leave the planning up to us, follow along on as our guides lead the way on our Stanley Park Bike Tour. This unique bike tour offers a mix of trail riding and seawall cruising. Highlights include learning about the rainforest’s biodiversity, the history of coastal first nations, their legendary totem poles, and the park’s 125-year history.
This blogpost will look at the must-see sights within the park, and places to refuel along your ride.
Best Stops Within Stanley Park
Lost Lagoon
Lost Lagoon is a picturesque and serene destination for cycling enthusiasts in Stanley Park. Pedaling around the 2km scenic trail that encircles the 40-acre freshwater pond is a delightful experience filled with stunning views of the water, flora, and fauna. Lost Lagoon is also a hub for birdwatchers, with various species such as Great Blue Herons, Canada Geese, and ducks, making it a perfect spot for nature enthusiasts. If lucky, you may even spot a few turtles lounging on a log. Overall, Lost Lagoon is a must-visit location that combines the best of nature, wildlife, and cycling in Stanley Park.
Beaver Lake
Beaver Lake in Stanley Park is a cycling destination like no other. The 1km flat, gravel trail that goes around the lake offers spectacular views of the iconic beaver dam and the diverse wetland. The lake is a hotspot for wildlife, with plenty of opportunities to spot beavers, birds, and other creatures in their natural habitat. With the crisp air in your face and the serene surroundings, cycling around Beaver Lake is the perfect way to connect with nature. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the breathtaking beauty of this hidden gem in the heart of Stanley Park!
Vancouver Aquarium
If you’re looking for a fun and educational outing that’s perfect for the whole family, look no further than the Vancouver Aquarium! Located in the heart of beautiful Stanley Park, the Aquarium is easily accessible by bike, and there are ample bike racks available both near the main entrance and throughout the park. With over 50,000 creatures to discover, including sea otters, jellyfish, and African penguins, there’s something for everyone at the Vancouver Aquarium. Check their website for hours and pricing.
Rose Garden
Established in 1920 by the Kiwanis Club, the rose garden boasts over 3,500 rose bushes and a breathtaking west coast-inspired arbour with climbing roses and clematis. As you cycle along the paved paths and grassy areas around the flower beds, you’ll be surrounded by seasonal spectacles of colour with perennials, annuals, and flowering bulbs from March to October. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses!
Hollow Tree
Looking for a unique destination for your next cycling adventure in Stanley Park? Look no further than the Hollow Tree, one of the park’s most famous tourist attractions. This 600-800 year old Western Red Cedar tree has stood the test of time, surviving extensive logging and wind storms, and continues to be a cultural icon for generations of Vancouverites. Take a break from your cycling journey and have your photo taken inside the tree, something that has been a local tradition since the earliest days of Stanley Park.
Pitch & Putt
Offering breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere, this pitch & putt course is the perfect place to take a break from your cycling journey. The course’s 18 holes, ranging from 40 to 100 yards, offer a fun and quick challenge for both beginners and experienced golfers alike. The lush greens and towering trees surrounding the course make for an idyllic setting that will leave you feeling refreshed and recharged. And, with rentals available for clubs, you can even try your hand at golfing without needing to lug your own equipment around with you. Check their website for hours and pricing.
Prospect Point Lookout
The lookout offers some of the best views in the entire park, and it’s well worth the brief uphill climb to get there. To make your cycling experience even more enjoyable, consider renting an electric bike from Cycle City. With the assistance of the motor, you’ll be able to easily scale the hill up to Prospect Point without breaking a sweat. Once you arrive, reward yourself with a tasty ice cream treat from the gift shop and take in the stunning views of the North Shore Mountains, Burrard Inlet, and the Lions Gate Bridge. Trust us, the panoramic scenery at Prospect Point is something you don’t want to miss when cycling through Stanley Park.
Bonus: A-maze-ing Laughter
Leaving Stanley park near English Bay stands a one-of-a-kind sight. This unique art piece, created by one of the most prominent contemporary Chinese artists, Yue Minjun, features 14 larger-than-life bronze laughing figures. Each figure has an identical expression, but a distinct gesture, creating a maze-like structure that encourages exploration and fun. The sculptures feature the artist’s signature open-mouthed laughter in a stylized caricature of himself, and the exaggerated facial expressions are sure to put a smile on your face.
Where to Eat In & Around Stanley Park
No doubt you’ll work up an appetite (or thirst!) while riding through Stanley Park’s best sights. There aren’t a ton of options inside the park, but we’ve picked out a few of our favourites, with suggestions for pre or post ride fuel-ups.
Teahouse
Not only does this beautiful restaurant offer breathtaking views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains, but it also serves up a delicious menu of refined seafood and New Canadian cuisine that caters to all dietary restrictions. Plus, it has a history that dates back to World War II. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual brunch or an elegant dinner, The Teahouse has got you covered. You can even take your meal outside and enjoy it on the patio while taking in the stunning views.
Prospect Point Cafe
This cafe facility offers locally sourced Moja coffee beans, fresh baked goods, sandwiches and salads. The best part is that you can enjoy all of this with a breathtaking view of the North Shore Mountains, Lions Gate Bridge, and Burrard Inlet. Still not convinced? Well, their ice cream venue serves locally made Rocky Point Ice Cream and it’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth! It’s handcrafted in small batches using locally sourced products, which means every scoop is a true taste of Vancouver.
Sylvia Hotel Restaurant & Lounge
Once you’ve exited Stanley Park, you’re bound to see this historic landmark with a beautiful brick and terracotta exterior covered in ivy. This hotel features a cozy restaurant & lounge with stunning ocean views from every seat. Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner, they have you covered. And if you’re in the mood for a drink, they serve up all the classics. You can even catch live music on Thursday and Sunday nights while admiring the incredible sunset.
Denman Street
Denman is the main street on the edge of English Bay to Stanley Park, and it’s home to a plethora of restaurants ranging from cozy cafes to gourmet dining experiences. For drinks and bar food, check out The Three Brits or CRAFT Beer Market. We love grabbing some food for takeout and heading to the beach for a picnic. Pick up some tacos at La Catrina, or some Israeli delicacies from Ofra’s Kitchen. As you head North on Denman, you’ll find a slew of amazing Asian restaurants, like Kingyo, Ma Dang Goul, and Jingle Bao. Of course, there are plenty of other restaurants on Denman Street to explore, so take your time and find the spot that’s perfect for you.
We hope this guide has inspired you to explore Stanley Park by bike and discover some of Vancouver’s most beautiful and exciting attractions. Remember to wear a helmet, follow traffic rules, and stay hydrated during your ride. To book a bike for your journey through Stanley Park, visit our rentals page.
For more tips and advice, stop by Cycle City or visit our website and social media channels. We are always happy to help you plan your cycling adventure in Vancouver and beyond. Happy riding!
