Historical, Famous, Memorial, Significant, Interesting, and Tall Trees in Stanley Park
Stanley Park is home to many historical, famous, memorial, significant, interesting, and tall trees.
Some notable types include Douglas Firs, Western Red Cedars, Norway spruce, Sitka spruce, pine trees near Malkin Bowl, Magnolias behind Stanley Park Pavilion, and sand palms.
There are many famous trees in Stanley Park.
There are historical trees that commemorate significant dates in Vancouver's history and visits of famous people to Stanley Park:
- Queen Elizabeth Oak Tree
- Peach Train Tree
- King Edward VII Oak Tree
- 125 Anniversary Tree
- Junior Forest Wardens Tree
- Rotary International Tree
- Francis Willard Bush
- 25th Anniversary Truck Loggers Association Tree
- Canadian Forestry Corps Trees
There are trees related to Shakespeare in Stanley Park:
There are memorial trees in Stanley Park:
There are some other interesting trees in Stanley Park:
Stanley Park also has some of the tallest trees in the world! We tell you where to find them!
In the spring the cherry blossoms on the Cherry Trees in Stanley Park are so beautiful that there are tours of them!
Hollow Tree
The Hollow Tree is the most famous and most photographed and famous tree in Stanley Park!
This Western Red Cedar tree was so large that for over 100 years people have been taking photos INSIDE it. There have even been elephants, carriages and cars parked inside it! Even John Lennon and Yoko Ono stood inside it!
The tree has long since died, but the shell of it was saved by a large effort from the community!
Find out the whole story here:
National Geographic Tree
The National Geographic Tree was a 1000+ year old Western Red Cedar tree made popular after appearing in the National Geographic magazine in 1978.
Unfortunately, in October 2007 it was reported as being toppled down in a "windstorm". However, there were no reports of strong winds when it fell so it is a bit of a mystery!
All that is left of the tree now is a giant root ball and a portion of the length of the tree.
There was more controversy about this tree. In 1992, when the tree was still living, the Parks Board wanted the tree trimmed, but the tree trimmer went too far and trimmed too much, killing the tree. At this time, the tree had not been marked for protection.
The remains of the National Geographic tree is located a short distance down the Third Beach Trail which is almost across the road from the even more famous Hollow Tree. This is on the west side of Stanley Park between the Tea House Restaurant and Prospect Point.
The Seven Sisters
The Seven Sisters were 7 Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar giant trees that formed what many considered a "cathedral" and were at one time the most famous trees in Stanley Park!
The Seven Sisters were some of the tallest trees in the world. They reside in a small area in the middle of Stanley Park. The theory is that Eagles would catch and bring salmon to eat to the trees in this area. The carcasses of the fish would be dropped down providing calcium for the trees to grow large!
When people stood among them they felt like they were in a Cathedral. In the early 1900s they were the most popular attraction in Stanley Park. They were so popular that 'Cathedral Trail' was cut to help people get to them quicker.
At the time of the popularity of the trees, there was a famous 'Seven Sisters' hair tonic that was being sold. This may have influenced the naming of the trees.
Eventually, because so many people walked on their roots they became dangerous and were cut down in the 1950s. All that remains of them is their stumps!
Now, new trees are growing in the same area, some even out of the stumps of the original Seven Sisters. Eventually, in a thousand years, they may be as big and tall as the originals!
There is a theory that the 7th sister was not actually cut down and still exists at the site! We are investigating this theory!
The Seven Sisters trees and plaque are located at the intersection of Bridle and Tatlow Trails in Stanley Park.
The plaque says:
The Seven Sisters
At the turn of the 19th Century this area was the site of seven large trees comprised of Douglas Fir and Western Red Cedar. They were known as the "Seven Sisters" and their popularity was such that a special walking trail was cut to better accomodate public access. By 1953 these monument trees reached the end of their life-cycle posing danger to park users and were hence, removed. The seven large stumps here are the only reminder of these forest giants from another era.
New Seven Sisters Trees
The New Seven Sisters Trees are 7 new Douglas Fir trees that were planted a few metres down the trail from the original Seven Sisters (see above) in an effort to recreate them.
The plaque says:
Seven Sisters Replantation
September 27, 1988
In commemoration of Stanley Park's centennial, Seven Douglas Fir trees were planted by the Park Board Commissioners in fond memory of an original stand of monument trees known as the "Seven Sisters". The original site, not far from here is marked by a plaque and the seven remaining stumps.
Malcolm Ashford - Chairman
Allan Bennet, Nancy A.Chiavario, Andy Livingstone, Christopher Richardson, Rolly Skov, George Wainborn
V. Kondrosky - General Manager
The new Seven Sisters trees are located a few metres south of the original Seven Sisters Trees and plaque on Bridle Trail.
Queen Elizabeth Oak Tree
The Queen Elizabeth Oak Tree is an oak tree from the Royal Forest at Windsor planted on the coronation day May 12th, 1937.
The coronation that is being referred to is that of King George VI with his wife Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon by the Archbishop of Canterbury. This tree has been also referred to as the King George VI oak in some literature.
An interesting fact about this tree is that a lot of people believe that this tree is for our most current Queen Elizabeth, but actually it was for her mother, the Queen Mother! Another interesting fact is that tree is from the Royal Forest at Windsor which is a long ways away! This tree is rarely visited by people because of it's location...on the tip of land where Stanley Park Drive intersects with Lagoon Drive between the Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant and Brewery and Second Beach. It took us quite a while to actually find this tree when we went looking for it!
The plaque says:
Queen Elizabeth Oak from the royal forest at Windsor
Planted on coronation day May 12th, 1937
Peace Train Tree
The Peace Tree and plaque commemorates a little known effort to create peace between Canada and the Soviet Union.
In 1988, 12 Soviet and 12 Canadian children took a 15 day cross Canada train trip on VIA rail. It was organized by Frans Manouvrier, a Montreal psychotherapist and member of the International Physicians for the prevention of Nuclear War. The trip began in Quebec City and ended in Vancouver.
The Peace Tree and Plaque are located in Ceperley Meadow just off the path close to the duck pond in Stanley Park.
The plaque says:
On this day, the 7th of July, 1988, Soviet and Canadian children from the Peace Train, in cooperation with the Vancouver Board of Parks and Recreation, planted this 12' silver birch to unite our two countries in peace and friendship, and to recall for future generations that peace, like trees, needs time and care to grow.
The plaque says it all. We need more of these efforts to create world peace!
King Edward VII Oak Tree
The King Edward VII Oak tree was planted for his coronation at Brockton Pavilion.
There was a plaque, but it is long since gone. However, we know what it said!
The plaque said:
King Edward the VII Oak
Planted on the day of his coronation August 9, 1902.
The King Edward VII tree is located in front of the Brockton Pavilion at Brockton Oval. This is on the east side of Stanley Park near the Totem Poles.
125th Anniversary Tree
The 125th Anniversary Tree is a Western Red Cedar that was planted in 2013 to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Stanley Park.
It is planted at Chaythoos where Stanley Park was officially opened by Lord Stanley!
The plaque says:
Each Tree in the forest is a treasure
This western red cedar was planted as a gift to the future on Stanley Park's 125th Anniversary September 27, 2013.
Junior Forest Wardens Tree
The tree was planted in honour of the junior forest wardens of the Canadian Forestry Association.
This tree is not very well known, but is interesting because it was planted with earth that came from all parts of British Columbia! There is probably no other tree in British Columbia that contains more of British Columbia!
The plaque says:
The Junior Forest Wardens Tree
This tree was planted on May 2, 1931, by the honourable N.S. Lougheed, minister of lands for British Columbia in earth gathered from all parts of this province, in honour of the junior forest wardens of the Canadian Forestry Association.
"God has lent us the earth for our life, it is a great entail. It belongs as much to those who come after us as to us." -Ruskin
Rededicated September 18, 1988
Unveiled by the honorable Gerald Merrithew Minister of State (Forestry)
Plaque contributed by the Truck Loggers Association.
Rotary International Tree
The Rotary International Tree commemorates the visit of Syndey A. Pascall who was the international president in 1932.
Rotary International is a "global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad" according to their web site. Their motto is "Service Above Self".
The Rotary International Tree and plaque are located in the garden near the Rock Garden and the Stanley Park Pavilion. Nearby is the President Harding Memorial and the Francis Willard Bush and plaque.
The plaque says:
This tree was planted by Sydney A. Pascall
President of Rotary International
Commemorating his visit to Vancouver June 15th 1932
Francis Willard Bush
The Francis Willard bush commemorates her visit to Vancouver and the bush she planted. She was the head of the Womans Christian Temperance Union and was a pioneer in the women's rights movement.
The Francis Willard Bush and Plaque are located in the Rock Garden. Nearby is the Stanley Park Pavilion and President Harding Memorial.
The plaque says:
Commemorating the Centennary of Francis E. Willard
Planted September 28th 1939 -- by The Womans Christian Temperance Union of Vancouver District
25th Anniversary Truck Loggers Association Tree
The 25th Anniversary Truck Loggers Association Tree was planted in 1968 obviously to commemorate the 25th Anniversary of the Truck Loggers Association.
The 25th Anniversary Truck Loggers Associaton Tree is located on the west side of Stanley Park just off of Stanley Park Drive between Prospect Point and Third Beach. This tree is located on the east side of the Hollow Tree parking lot. Nearby is the Hollow Tree and the Hollow Tree picnic area.
The plaque says:
TREES FOR TOMORROW
to commemorate 25th anniversary
Truck Loggers Association
1968
Canadian Forestry Corps Trees
The Canadian Forestry Corps Trees are 3 Oak Trees from Windsor England (and plaque) planted near the President Harding Memorial.
We have yet to find these trees and the plaque! If you have any information about where they are, please let us know.
Shakespeare Tercentenary Tree
The Shakespeare Tercentenary tree commemorates the 300th of Shakespeare by the Vancouver Shakespeare Society in 1916.
The Shakespeare Tercentenary Tree and plaque are located just south of the Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden on the west side of Pipeline Road.
The plaque says:
Shakespeare Tercentenary
This tree was planted by Mrs. Jonathon Rogers on behalf of the Vancouver Shakespeare society
22nd April 1916
Comedy Tree
The Comedy Tree was planted by a famous actress in the Shakespeare Garden to commemorate Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" play.
Although it was planted by a well known actress, it is not named 'Comedy' because of her. It is named 'Comedy' because it pays homage to William Shakespeare comedy works.
The Comedy Tree and Plaque are located just south of the Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden on the west side of Pipeline Road.
The plaque says:
This Tree "Comedy"
was planted by the well known actress Eva Moore
13th January 1921
Tragedy Tree
The Tragedy Tree and plaque was planted by a famous actor in the Shakespeare Garden to commemorate Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of King Lear".
Although it was planted by a famous actor, it is not named 'Tragedy' because of him. It is named 'Tragedy' because it pays homage to William Shakespeare tragedy works.
The Tragedy Tree and Plaque are located just south of the Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden on the west side of Pipeline Road.
The plaque says:
This Tree "TRAGEDY"
was planted by Sir John Martin Harvey
The famous actor
24th February 1921
John Drainie Memorial Tree
The John Drainie Memorial Tree is a tree that commemorates the famous Canadian actor.
The John Drainie Tree and Plaque are located just south of the Shakespeare Garden and Rose Garden on the west side of Pipeline Road.
The plaque says:
This tree id dedicated by
The Vancouver Association of Canadian Television Radio Artists
in memory of John Drainie
1916 - 1966
"The Actor is the custodian of the spoken word"
Jody Taylor Memorial Tree
The Jody Taylor Memorial Tree is a big leaf maple tree that was planted in memory of Jody Taylor, a city arborist, who died tragically on March 31, 2016 while trimming a tree in Connaught Park.
Jody was a long-time employee of the city. This tree was planted in his memory on April 28, 2016. Top officials of the City and the Vancouver Parks Board including the mayor of Vancouver and Jody's brother spoke about him.
In addition to the tree that was planted a memorial bench was also dedicated.
The Jody Taylor Memorial tree is located on the west side of the Stanley Park Lawn Bowling Club near the Stanley Park Brewery Restaurant in Stanley Park. The Jody Taylor memorial bench is located on the south side of the restaurant in site of the tree.
The plaque says:
He loved life and lived it his way. In loving memory of Jody Taylor.
Peter Caverhill Tree
The Peter Caverhill Tree commemorates Peter Caverhill who was the chief forester of British Columbia who died suddenly.
The Peter Caverhill tree and plaque commemorates Peter Zemro Caverhill. He died suddenly on December 8, 1935 after returning from the Empire Forestry Conference in South Africa.
He had represented British Columbia at a forestry conferences around the world such as Rome, Australia and South Africa. His trip to South Africa was with a delegation to try to increase the market share in South Africa.
The plaque says:
This tree was planted May 8, 1936 by the Junior Forest Wardens of British Columbia
in memory of P. Z. Caverhill
Chief Forester of British Columbia
1920 1935
Fallen Tree
The Fallen Tree is a craggly tree that fell over during one of the big windstorms that swept through Stanley Park. Since then, it has become a favourite of children to climb on!
The Fallen Tree is a somewhat new attraction in Stanley Park. For about 100 years there was a scraggly old tree just to the right of the Stanley Park Causeway that seemed out of place. In December 2006, there was a huge windstorm that knocked down thousands of trees in Stanley Park. This scraggly old tree was one of the trees knocked down. It was decided to keep the tree as it was, i.e. fallen down, because it was so unique.
It has now become a new landmark in Stanley Park. It has also become one of the most fun and popular attractions for children in Stanley Park. You can rarely walk by the tree without seeing many children, and even some adults, climbing all over it!
According to the Superintendent of Trees for the Parks Board the fallen tree is a Catalpa tree.
The Fallen Tree is located at the very end of Coal Harbour next to the Stanley Park Seawall and the Stanley Park Causeway. Nearby is the Vancouver Rowing Club.
Where are the tallest trees in Stanley Park?
The tallest tree in Stanley Park is currently a 206 foot (63m) Douglas Fir which resides in a Douglas Fir stand at the south end of Beaver Lake in Stanley Park. It is 50 metres east from the intersection of Wren and South Creek trails. There is a large stump on the south side of the trail from which you can view the tree to the north. It is believed that the great fire in Vancouver in 1886 burned this area thus giving root to this tree!
Another set of large trees is an old growth stand located just east of Pipeline Road north of the parking lot. These trees are about 450 years old and are probably where the seeds for the current tallest tree came from.
Although Stanley Park has some of the tallest trees in the world, there are some even taller trees (1 at UBC, a few in Burnaby, some on the North Shore and in Coquitlam) in the region.
Where are the Cherry blossom trees in Stanley Park?
There are many cherry trees in Stanley Park. The best place to see them when they are in blossom is at the Lumbermens' Arch and at the Rose Garden.