Stanley Park is an incredibe 1000 acre park in Vancouver. It is about one fifth larger than Central Park in New York City. Occupying a peninsula to the west of the main downtown area, Stanley Park is surrounded by ocean on most sides.
There are sandy beaches, a lighthouse and a 10km paved path (the Seawall) that running around the perimeter.
The forested interior of the park is surprisingly dense, featuring some large old growth trees. There is a lake and a freshwater lagoon as well. A comprehensive network of paths connects it all. In places, it's very easy to forget you are at the edge of a big city!
The park isn't all wild - there are several restaurants and cafes, the well regarded Vancouver Aquarium, rose garden, swimming pool, outdoor theatre venue and more.
A collection of First Nation totem poles are located by Brockton Point. The poles have been carved by artists from various nations, including the Kwakwaka’wakw, Squamish, Haida, Nisga’a, and Nuu-chah-nulth.
To put it simply, there are many, many possibilities of things to do in Stanley Park. And many of them are free!