Walking, Hiking, Running, and Bicycling Trails in Stanley Park
There are over 27 kilometres of beautiful trails within the forested area of Stanley Park that are excellent for hiking, walking, bicycling or running. These trails range from very flat to fairly steep depending on the trail. All the trails are well marked. It is amazing to get on some of these trails that are among some of the tallest trees in the world. Although, the trails are close to downtown Vancouver, you would never know that there was fantastic hiking in Stanley Park. It actually feels like you are in the outdoors far from the city! Along some of the trails is some artwork that you may stumble upon.
A map of all the trails of Stanley Park can be found at: Stanley Park Trails Map It is well worth a walk or hike on the trails in Stanley Park! Below we rank all the hiking trails (that we have been on so far!) in Stanley Park on difficulty on a scale of 1-5 with 1 being completely flat to 5 being steep.
Avison Trail
This trail is named after Henry Avison who was the Stanley Park Superintendent from 1888-1895. Avison Trail runs from the seawall below Prospect Point up to the Stanley Park Causeway at the overpass near Prospect Point. This trial is bicycle friendly.
Beaver Lake Trail
Beaver Lake trail goes around Beaver Lake. Parts of it are wheelchair accessible.
Brocton Oval Trail
This trail is a short trail from Avison Way near the Information Booth to Brockton Oval. It is a fairly wide gravel path with a slight incline as you head towards Brockton Oval. It is a 2 level of difficulty.
Brockton Point Trail
This trail is a short trail from Avison Way near the Information Booth to Brockton Point just in front of the HMCS Discovery. It is a fairly wide gravel path with a slight incline in the middle of the trail. It is a 2 level of difficulty.
Bridle Path
Bridle Path is a long path that runs from Second Beach to near Prospect Point This trial is bicycle friendly. The trail is fairly flat nearer to second beach, but rises significantly on it's way north to Prospect Point. It is about a 3-4 level of difficulty.
Cathedral Trail
Cathedral Trail is a short trail that starts from just across the street from the Duck Pond at the end of Lost Lagoon and runs north to the Seven Sisters Trees where it instersects with Bridle Path. The first part of the trail near Lost Lagoon takes you over one of the Boardwalks in the park that protects a marshy wet area. This trail is fairly narrow and you will go past heavy foliage until you finally emerge at the Seven Sisters and some huge trees! This trail is a difficulty of 1.
Chickadee Trail
Eagle Trail
Eldon Trail
This trail is named after G. Eldon who was the Park Board Superintendent from 1896-1909.
Hanson Trail
Kingslet Trail
Lake Trail
Lees Trail
This trail is named after A.E. Lees who was Park Commissioner from 1902-1917.
Lovers Walk
This trial is bicycle friendly.
Mallard Trail
This short trail goes between the Aquarium and Brockton Oval. It is about a 2.5 in difficulty.
Meadow Trail
Meadow Trail is a short trail that goes from Thompson Trail and heads east to the Hollow Tree. It is a stunning trail where you are surrounded by thousands of tall thin trees that seem fairly evenly spaced and allow some light in.. It is a level of difficulty of 2.
Merilees Trail
This trail is named after Harold Merilees who was General Manager of Tourism Vancouver in the 1960s. Located on the west side of Stanley Park this trail goes from Prospect Point to Third beach.
Miniature Train Trail
This trail is a short trail that goes around the area where the miniature train runs. It is about a level 2 in difficulty.
North Creek Trail
Prospect Point Trail
Racoon Trail
Rawlings Trail
This trail is named after W.S. Rawlings who was a long serving Superintendent. This is the longest trail in Stanley Park. It runs from near the Ceperley Meadow Duck Pond to near 2nd Beach then along the West side of the park before cutting inland around 3rd beach and finally ending in the middle of the park halfway up to Prospect Point. This trial is bicycle friendly.
Ravine Trail
This trail is named because it follows a Ravine where Beaver Creek flows from Beaver Lake to the ocean. It is wheelchair accessible from the Seawall.
Reservoir Trail
Siwash Rock Trail
Located on the west side of Stanley Park, off of Merilees Trail, this trail provides access to the lookout above Siwash Rock.
Squirrel Trail
South Creek Trail
Tatlow Trail
This trail is named after R.G. Tatlow who was a Park Commissioner from 1888-1905.
Third Beach Trail
This trail is a short trail that goes from across the street from the Hollow Tree to Third Beach. This trail is narrow and is fairly steep as you head towards Third Beach. It is a level of difficulty of 4.
Thompson Trail
This trail is named after C.W. Thompson who was a Park Commissioner from 1937-1938, and 1940-1942. This is a trail that is in the northwest portion of Stanley Park that is quite isolated. It runs from Bridle Path east to the intersection with Meadow Trail, then north to Racoon Trail. This is a beautiful trail that is surrounded by large thick trees. It is a difficulty of 3-4.
Tisdall Trail
This trail is named after C.E. Tisdall who was a Park Commissioner from 1904-1909, and 1926-1934.
Tunnel Trail