Choosing just one photo to describe Stanley park was challenging, as it is so large (1,000 acres, to be precise). Most of the park is covered by dense natural forest and surrounded by the Vancouver Seawall trail you can walk or bike on. The park also contains beaches, lakes, and the Vancouver Aquarium. We chose to show the totems, as the park was originally a territory of indigenous people. The totems are found in various locations in the park, but we recommend visiting the largest group of totems near Brockton Point. You can reach them by car, bike, on foot, or by joining a guided tour.
If you're in good shape and not afraid of heights, we recommend climbing up to the Capilano Suspension Bridge. The bridge is located 230 feet (70 m) over a river. It is 460 feet (140 m) long and crosses over to a park of the same name.
You can visit the park's official website here.
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When you're done with your morning stroll or picnic at Stanley Park, you can head south to Downtown Vancouver and enjoy a nice lunch in Gastown. This is the oldest neighborhood in Vancouver, and you can even see some streets still paved with cobblestone. Two major sights to see here are the Steam Clock and the Vancouver Art Gallery.
The downtown area is pumped with energy and life, and there are annual festivals every month. This January, for example, the municipality hosts 2 art festivals. You can read all about them on this website.
Related: Vancouver Island Travel Guide: a Canadian Hidden Gem
Another great park in Vancouver is Whytecliff Park. This park is divided into two sections. The upper part is better for hiking through the forest trails, while the lower beach part is perfect for a nice picnic in the shade. Whichever you choose, you'll surely enjoy the stunning views. You can find instructions on how to arrive on this website.
Related: Exploring the Many Islands of Vancouver
A 30-minute drive north of Vancouver, there's the Grouse Mountain, which is the closest mountain to Vancouver. While you could wear a light T-shirt in the Spring season in Vancouver, the weather in Grouse Mountain will be snowy enough to ski. Your preferred way to the top is the Skyride, North America's largest aerial tramway. It will take you 3,700 feet (1,128 m) to the Alpine Station, where you can ski back down. You can visit the mountain's official website by clicking here.
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