Discover Stanley Park Beyond the Seawall
Millions of visitors come to Stanley Park each year to enjoy its famous seawall, beaches, and scenic views. But beyond these well-known attractions lies a rich network of forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitats waiting to be explored. This summer, our guided Stanley Park nature tours offer a chance to experience the park from a different perspective.
Led by knowledgeable naturalists, these 90-minute walking tours reveal the ecological stories hidden beneath the forest canopy and along the park’s trails. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a curious traveller, or simply looking for a unique outdoor experience in Vancouver, these tours invite you to discover the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Stanley Park one of the city’s most remarkable natural spaces.
Why Join a Guided Nature Tour?
Stanley Park is more than a beautiful urban green space, it is a living ecosystem shaped by natural processes, wildlife, and human history. While it is easy to appreciate the park’s towering trees and scenic trails, many of its most fascinating stories can be easy to miss without a knowledgeable guide. Our guided nature tours reveal the hidden connections between plants, animals, and habitats, offering a deeper understanding of this remarkable landscape.
Designed for curious explorers and nature enthusiasts, these tours invite you to experience Stanley Park beyond its most popular attractions. Learn about local wildlife, conservation efforts, and the ecological processes that support biodiversity while exploring the park alongside a local naturalist. You’ll leave with a new appreciation for one of Vancouver’s most treasured natural areas.
Tours Featured:
Get to Know Stanley Park Habitats
Stanley Park is home to an incredible diversity of life, with more than 1,500 species recorded within its boundaries. On this guided walking tour, you’ll explore some of the park’s diverse habitats and discover how forests, shorelines, and other ecosystems support the plants and animals that call Stanley Park home.
Led by a Stanley Park Ecology Educator, this tour encourages participants to slow down and observe the natural world through the eyes of an ecologist. Along the way, you’ll learn about local wildlife, native plants, and the ecological relationships that shape the park’s biodiversity. Whether you’re visiting Stanley Park for the first time or looking to deepen your understanding of a familiar place, this tour offers a fresh perspective on one of Vancouver’s most remarkable urban natural areas.
Program Dates:
Thursdays, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm
- July 16, 23, 30
- August 6, 20, 27
Saturdays, 2:30 – 4:00 pm
- July 4, 18, 25
- August 1, 15, 22, 29
- September 5, 12, 19, 26
Twilight Tour: Beaver Lake is Awake
As daylight fades and the crowds begin to thin, Stanley Park’s wetlands come alive with the sights and sounds of evening. On this guided twilight tour, you’ll explore the trails around Beaver Lake and discover the fascinating ecology of one of the park’s most important wetland habitats.
Led by a Stanley Park Ecology Educator, you’ll learn about the history of Beaver Lake while keeping your senses tuned to the wildlife that becomes active at dusk. Listen for the croaks of frogs, watch dragonflies dart above the water, and listen for the calls of wetland birds. With a little luck, you may even spot bats overhead or beavers beginning their evening activities. This tour offers a unique opportunity to experience a quieter, wilder side of Stanley Park at one of the most active times of day.
Program Dates:
Wednesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 pm
- July 8, 15, 22, 29
- August 5, 12, 19, 26
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
- September 9, 16, 23
Family EcoHour at the Nature House
Looking for a family-friendly activity in Stanley Park? Family EcoHour offers a fun and engaging way for children to connect with nature through hands-on learning and creativity. Held at the Nature House on the shores of Lost Lagoon, this drop-in program invites kids ages 5 to 12 to explore the natural world through interactive activities, crafts, and themed learning experiences.
Each weekend features a different nature-inspired theme, encouraging young explorers to discover the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make Stanley Park such a special place. Whether you’re visiting Vancouver with family or looking for an educational activity during your weekend in the park, Family EcoHour offers an opportunity for children to learn, create, and connect with nature.
Program Dates:
Saturdays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm
- July 11, 18, 25
- August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
Sundays, 10:30 – 11:30 am
- July 12, 19, 26
- August 2, 9, 16, 23
Cost: $5 per child
Book Your Summer Adventure
Whether you’re hoping to spot wildlife at dusk, learn about the park’s diverse habitats, or introduce your family to the wonders of nature, Stanley Park Ecology’s summer nature tours offer a unique way to experience the park. Guided tours are 90 minutes long and run regularly throughout the summer, with advance registration available for $24 per person ($30 drop-in, space permitting). Family EcoHours at the Nature House are drop-in for $5 per child ages 3-12.
Looking for even more ways to explore? Throughout the summer, Stanley Park Ecology also offers a variety of walks, talks, workshops, and family-friendly programs that connect participants with the park’s wildlife, ecosystems, and conservation stories. Visit our events calendar to discover upcoming opportunities and find the program that’s right for you.
This summer, experience Stanley Park from a new perspective and uncover the ecological wonders that make it one of Vancouver’s most beloved natural spaces.
