Lost Lagoon inVancouver's  Stanley Park

©John Lee/Lonely Planet


This rustic area near Stanley Park's entrance was originally part of Coal Harbour. But after a causeway was built in 1916, the new body of water was renamed, transforming itself into a freshwater lake a few years later. Today it's a nature sanctuary – keep your eyes peeled for beady-eyed herons – and its perimeter pathway is a favored stroll for nature-huggers.

The excellent Stanley Park Nature House provides exhibits and illumination on the park's wildlife, history and ecology. Ask about its fascinating park walks, covering everything from bird-watching strolls to artsy ambles around the park.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vancouver attractions

1. Stanley Park Nature House

0.16 MILES

Illuminating the breathtaking array of flora and fauna just steps from the busy streets of the West End, this charming nature center is a great…

2. Stanley Park

0.21 MILES

One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is revered for its dramatic forest-and-mountain oceanfront views. But there’s more to this…

3. Lord Stanley Statue

0.25 MILES

A 1960 bronze commemorating Sir Frederick Arthur Stanley, the man who gave his name to the park plus the National Hockey League's top trophy, the Stanley…

4. Second Beach & Third Beach

0.44 MILES

Second Beach is a family-friendly area on Stanley Park's western side, with a grassy playground, an ice-cream-serving concession and the Stanley Park…

5. Vancouver Aquarium

0.55 MILES

Stanley Park's biggest draw is home to 9000 critters – including sharks, wolf eels and a somewhat shy octopus. There's also a small, walk-through…

6. A-maze-ing Laughter

0.58 MILES

Created by Yue Minjun, one of Vancouver's most-photographed public artworks is just a few steps from English Bay Beach. Expect to see groups of smiling…

7. English Bay Beach

0.61 MILES

Wandering south on Denman St, you'll spot a clutch of palm trees ahead announcing one of Canada's best urban beaches. Then you'll see one of Vancouver's…

8. Stanley Park Seawall

0.63 MILES

Built between 1917 and 1980, the 8.8km seawall trail is Vancouver's favorite outdoor hangout. Encircling the whole of Stanley Park, it offers spectacular…