When the people of Vancouver British Columbia established Stanley Park in 1888, they created more than just a park. They provided a place for their citizens – and visitors – to enjoy the country right in their own city.

Totem Poles in Stanley Park - signify legends

More than just some grassy lawns, Stanley Park has a miniature train ride, a children’s farmyard, several playgrounds, an aquarium (admission fee), totem poles and great trails for riding bikes and walks.

Thunderbird House totem pole - replica from Stanley Park

Tall fir and other old growth trees provide shady areas. Water surrounds most of the park, so ships in the harbor and the Lions Gate Bridge form a scenic photo op.

Canada Place view from Stanley Park (ship dock, convention center)

Lions Gate Bridge

In season, there are theater performances, horse-drawn carriage rides and shuttles to the different attractions.

 
This is a place for families or just people who want to enjoy nature – and it’s just down the street from the busy downtown business district. Just outside the park, shops rent bicycles so people can enjoy the miles of trails.

 
More on the train

 
We trekked down a pathway to where the train was resting between gigs.

Miniature train ride

When we visited, Krista, from the park’s staff, was readying a Halloween display, so the miniature train ride was on hiatus for a few weeks. She shared the following times that the train runs: (weather permitting) weekends in February from 11-4, spring break (11-4), Easter (11-4), summer through “Labour” Day (we were in Canada where they use the letter “u” in spelling), the October Ghost Train (6-10 PM) and their “December Bright Nights” (3-10 PM).

 
Stanley Park is a great place to get back to nature or let your inner child loose. There are  1,000 acres in which to let yourself roam!

 
There is no fee to enter the park, but if you’re parking a car, there are meters from which to extract a receipt that you place in your dashboard for hourly or daily parking. Rates vary depending on the time of year. The meters accept credit cards.

 
http://vancouver.ca/parks/parks/stanley/index.htm

Tomorrow.. Come back for a heightening experience – the Capilano Suspension Bridge.