Multi-generational Day Trip to Stanley Park in Vancouver BC, Canada

Multi-generational Day Trip to Stanley Park in Vanc ver, BC, Canada

By Kim Jackson

Vancouver is one of the most beautiful cities to explore in Western Canada. It’s hard to imagine that Stanley Park is only a few steps away from Downtown Vancouver. This picturesque park includes scenic water views, mountains, majestic trees, and a seawall.

I have always loved visiting Stanley Park with my family as far back as I can remember. My furthest memory is mom pushing the stroller with my younger brother Tom and me walking alongside her. Dad must have been taking the photo.

When my daughters Rachel and Lisa were young, I regularly took them to Stanley Park. And when my first grandchild Damian was born, Rachel and I took him to Stanley Park a lot. He loved the swings, the Stanley Park Train, and the sand where he could play.

Stanley Park Zoo

When I was a child, my favourite place was the zoo. I loved the polar bear exhibit and watching them jump into the cold-water pool and play together. It was the highlight of my trip each time I visited. As the zoo expanded, there was so much more to explore. Mom always brought a picnic lunch, and my brother and I would run around and play. Luckily, Lisa and Rachel were able to enjoy the zoo before it closed in 1996.

Photos, from left: Brockton Point Lighthouse ©Kim Jackson; Stanley Park benches ©Kim Jackson; Polar Bear Compound ©Kim Jackson

Stanley Park Train

Our family had so much fun taking a ride on the miniature train. The anticipation was palpable as we’d walk towards the train station. It was a thrilling 15minute ride that featured trestles, tunnels, forests, and animals. After our miniature train ride, we would always visit the petting zoo just across from the train.

Vancouver Aquarium

The Vancouver Aquarium opened in 1956. After the zoo closed, the Aquarium used the land to expand its facility. As a child, I loved to watch the killer whales at mealtime. Spending time inside the Aquarium allowed us to observe sharks, freshwater fish, tropical fish, and other sea creatures. Of course, the best part for us kids was walking through the souvenir store!

Walking along the Seawall

My all-time favourite thing to do in Stanley Park is walking along the seawall. When I was younger, I always held onto my parent's hand so that I wouldn't fall into the ocean.

Photos, from left: Stanley Park Seawall ©Kim Jackson; View of Seawall towards Downtown Vancouver ©Kim Jackson; Siwash Rock walking west towards Third Beach ©Kim Jackson

This past summer, I spent a couple of days in downtown Vancouver and so enjoyed walking along the seawall and spending some quiet time in nature. My favourite places there were Coal Harbour, Totem Poles, Prospect Point Lighthouse, the Lion's Gate Bridge, and Siwash Rock. The anticipation of turning the corner and seeing Siwash Rock in the distance was still so exciting.

Last fall, Rachel and I took my granddaughter Madi to Stanley Park for the first time. It was a beautiful day with the leaves changing colour, and I was surprised to see the cement polar bear zoo enclosures still there. As we continued walking towards Lumberman's Arch, Madi saw the ocean and immediately asked if we could play in the sand. Amazingly, we got to view quite a few starfish clinging to large rocks. One special moment was when Madi asked to hold my hand while she walked along the seawall. That brought back so many wonderful memories.

We continued along the seawall towards our car, stopping for a quick snack along the way. Madi played with the fallen leaves while I took photos. Next time I’d love for my other daughter Lisa and her four children to join us.

Hollow Tree

As we exited the park, I showed Madi the Hollow Tree. This 600–800-year-old Western Red Cedar is one of Vancouver's most well-known tourist attractions. Historic photos reveal people, cars, and even elephants inside the tree's large cavity. We all took our turn standing inside the tree.

An unknown author once said “The best things in life are the people you love, the places you’ve seen, and the memories you’ve made along the way.”

That is what Vancouver’s Stanley Park means to me and my family.

Photos, from left: Hollow Tree ©Kim Jackson; Stanley Park Group of Totem Poles ©Kim Jackson; Stanley Park Totem Pole ©Kim Jackson