Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver
Walk or bike the iconic Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver. This scenic 9km loop offers stunning waterfront views and a must-do summer experience.
1221 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC, V6Z 1M6, CA
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Walk or bike the iconic Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver. This scenic 9km loop offers stunning waterfront views and a must-do summer experience.
Walk, run or cycle the Stanley Park Seawall in Vancouver. This scenic 9-kilometre loop offers waterfront views, beaches and one of the city’s most recognizable summer experiences.
Wrapping around the edge of beautiful Stanley Park, the Seawall loop is one of those experiences that belongs on a Vancouver summer itinerary.
The Seawall was originally built to help prevent erosion around Stanley Park. Construction began in 1917, and the Stanley Park section was completed in 1980. The route also connects with Vancouver’s wider waterfront pathway network.
The paved path is popular with walkers, runners, cyclists and inline skaters. Pedestrians and cyclists use designated sections of the route, and cyclists travel around Stanley Park in a counter-clockwise direction.
The Seawall follows Stanley Park’s northern, western and southern shorelines, with views across the water toward the North Shore mountains.
Along the way, you can pass Lost Lagoon, travel beneath the Lions Gate Bridge and continue beside several beaches. You will also see Siwash Rock, one of the park’s most recognizable natural formations.
Third Beach is a good place to pause during warmer weather. Stop for a break, enjoy the beach or stay later in the day for sunset.
The route continues toward English Bay Beach and the West End, making it easy to extend the outing beyond Stanley Park.
The Stanley Park Seawall loop is approximately 9 kilometres long. The route follows the edge of the park, passing waterfront viewpoints, beaches, Siwash Rock and the area beneath the Lions Gate Bridge.
Walking the full Stanley Park loop usually takes around two to three hours at a comfortable pace. The total time depends on how often you stop for photos, beaches, viewpoints or nearby attractions. Visitors who prefer a shorter outing can walk one section of the Seawall and return by the same route instead of completing the entire loop.
A faster walk may take closer to two hours, while a relaxed visit with several stops can take half a day. Cyclists generally complete the loop more quickly, but they should follow the designated counter-clockwise cycling route.
A trip around the Seawall also provides access to several of Stanley Park’s other well-known attractions.
These include:
The park also contains nearly 30 kilometres of forest trails for visitors who want to leave the waterfront and explore the interior.
You do not need to complete the full loop to enjoy the Seawall. A shorter walk along one section can still provide views of the water, mountains and park shoreline.
Visitors planning the complete route should allow extra time for stops, photos, beaches and nearby attractions. It is also a good idea to check current park conditions before leaving, as maintenance or seasonal work may occasionally affect pathways.
After exploring the park, continue toward the West End or Denman Street for something to eat.
Stanley Park is around a 30-minute walk or approximately a 9-minute drive from Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver, depending on your route, traffic and the park entrance you choose.
The park can also be reached by bike, public transit, taxi or rideshare. Visitors who plan to drive should check current parking rates and availability before arriving.
Quality Inn & Suites Downtown Vancouver is located at 1221 Granville Street, providing a convenient downtown base for exploring Stanley Park, English Bay and the West End.
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