Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park
Lost Lagoon is a 40 acre man-created water feature in Stanley Park. Originally, it was part of Coal Harbour, but was separated by the Stanley Park Causeway in 1916 which essentially turned it from a tidal flats area into a lagoon. It is home to the Jubilee Fountain and many types of birds and some turtles. There is a 2km trail that surrounds the lagoon.
Originally Lost Lagoon was a tidal mud flat. The tide used to come and go from this area. There were houses on the north side of the lagoon prior to all the people being evicted from the park. The famous poet and entertainer, E. Pauline Johnson Memorial, is credited with giving it it's name in a poem she wrote because it disappeared, i.e. was 'lost' when it was low tide!
In the middle of Lost Lagoon is the Jubilee Fountain which has it's own storied history.
There are many birds such as ducks, Great Blue Herons, and canada geese that inhabit Lost Lagoon. Also, you can frequently see turtles, which used to be someone's pets, sunning themselves on logs. The Stanley Park Ecology Society has created nesting habitats around the lagoon. There used to be Mute Swans that lived here, but their numbers dwindled and they were retired.
The best way to experience Lost Lagoon is to walk on the approximately 2km long flat gravel trail around Lost Lagoon. Here you will see the habitat restoration, lots of birds, and some nice views of Lost Lagoon. There are lots of benches along the way to rest if you get tired.
The Stanley Park Nature House, which is operated by the Stanley Park Ecology Society, is located right on the edge of Lost Lagoon. It is a great place to drop in and learn about the animals and habitat of Stanley Park. It also offers workshops and some gift items for sale!
Boating, swimming, and fishing are prohibited in Lost Lagoon.
As of 2017, there has been talk of returning it to it's natural state of a tidal flat, but this is just talk now. The city has stopped filling Lost Lagoon with potable water during the summer due to the region's water restrictions.
In the summer of 2017 during a bio blitz strange blobs were found in Lost Lagoon. This was a big media story!
In the past, there have been years when Lost Lagoon froze over and people were able to skate on it. This hasn't happened for about 20 or more years now.
There is a large water fountain, called the Jubilee Fountain in Lost Lagoon. During the summer it sprays water in many directions. During Christmas time, it is decorated with Christmas Lights!
There are conflicting stories on the origin of the fountain. It may have been bought from the 1934 Chicago's Worlds fair or NOT!
As of July 2021, the fountain has not been operating for a few years. There is a major water main that is being built under Stanley Park and one of the access points will be at the Jubilee Fountain. It is anticipated that the fountain will be refurbished at some point.
Photos of Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park
Where is Lost Lagoon?
Lost Lagoon is located in Stanley Park at the end of Georgia Street before it turns into the Stanley Park causeway. This is next to the West End neighbourhood.
Where can I park near Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park?
There are no parking lots in Stanley Park that are near Lost Lagoon. There is pay parking on some of the streets in the West End next to Lost Lagoon.
Lost Lagoon Washrooms
There are public washrooms on the south side of Lost Lagoon across the walking/bicycle paths.
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Where is Lost Lagoon?
Lost Lagoon is located in Stanley Park at the end of Georgia Street before it turns into the Stanley Park causeway. This is next to the West End neighbourhood.
Where can I park near Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park?
There are no parking lots in Stanley Park that are near Lost Lagoon. There is pay parking on some of the streets in the West End next to Lost Lagoon.
Lost Lagoon Washrooms
There are public washrooms on the south side of Lost Lagoon across the walking/bicycle paths.