By Brooke Stobbe, guest blogger
Aside from hockey and Tim Hortons, there’s a lot of natural spectacular in Super, Natural British Columbia. When in Vancouver, what better way to explore a new city then cycling through the streets. Or Stanley Park.
Especially on days with clear skies and an ocean breeze, leisure cycles through Vancouver’s first park is an afternoon well spent. The forests are refreshing, the views breathtaking, and the community friendly.
Lions Gate Bridge seen from Prospect Point, Stanley Park
Not only is the 1,000-acre park a point of pride for many Vancouverites and outdoor enthusiasts, but a must-see attraction for about 8 million visitors each year. Larger than Central Park in New York City, the grounds are well kept, ideal for picnicking, photo-ops and cycling along the Seawall.
The park was named after Governor General of Canada, Lord Frederick Stanley, in 1888, and the Seawall was officially completed in 1980. The path has since been extended outside the park, according to the City of Vancouver website to extend over 13 miles.
Along the Seawall, you will cycle through the old growth forest under ancient Douglas firs. You will see wildlife, gardens, and a popular collection of nine totem poles. Other popular attractions include the Vancouver Aquarium, outdoor theatre Malkin Bowl, Beaver Pond, a miniature railway and playgrounds.
There are several forest trails through the park, although my favorite route is the paved path that circles the entire park, slightly over six miles. With fantastic views of the North Shore and Lions Gate Bridge, the path is mostly flat and not arduous.
There are several bike rentals near the park, making pick-up and drop-off convenient; however, there are no rental locations inside the park.
Brooke is a journalism student at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Arizona State University. She has her own travel blog, La Petite Exploratrice.
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