By automobile
Going around the park
by car you will see the most in the least amount of time. All
important aspects of the park are accessible by car and lots of
parking is to be had. The main drive follows the circumference of
the park and is one way for most of its length going in the
direction from Coal Harbour counterclockwise to English Bay.
By bicycle
Cyclists have access
to paths that parallel the roadways and at certain points they share
the Seawall with pedestrians. At designated congestion areas signs
are posted requiring that bikes be walked for short distances.
Designated trails are also allocated to bicycle traffic.
By tour operator
Several tours are
available that provide visitors with varying degrees of flexibility
and cost. One of the best known are the horse and carriage rides
which have become a feature of the park itself. These narrated
one-hour tours are a relaxing way to enjoy some of the most popular
stops in Stanley Park. Double decker and trolley bus operators also
have routes in the park as well as a number of city tour operations.
By foot (walking,
hiking)
Wherever possible the
best experience of the park is on foot. All areas are accessible,
there are no parking considerations and it is FREE. A leisurely walk
around the seawall takes approximately 2 hours (10km). The whole
park, including stops for meals, picnics and/or stepping into the
water at the beaches, can be experienced in a day without being
rushed. Washroom facilities are available at many point throughout
the park. Maps are posted to indicate the locations. During the
summer months concession stands (snack bars) are open throughout the
park. Some are also open on most weekends.
Personal safety
The park is patrolled
by a number groups. The City of Vancouver police department has its
mounted division headquartered in the park. This augments the car
patrols. The parking lots and bicycle paths are patrolled by
volunteer groups that inform and educate the public about park
regulations and also provide general information. SOME PATHS ARE
CLOSE TO CLIFFS, BE CAREFUL, DO NOT CROSS FENCES IN THESE AREAS. All
the normal considerations for your safety apply here as anywhere
else. Be aware of your surroundings.
