There are few places on Earth where a runner can slip into a forest older than the city itself, trace the edge of the Pacific, and still be minutes from downtown. Stanley Park is that rare gift—a 1,000‑acre sanctuary where every stride feels like a small adventure.

The Seawall is the park’s crown jewel: 10 kilometers of smooth, ocean‑hugging pavement with views of the Lions Gate Bridge, the North Shore mountains, and the endless shimmer of English Bay. It’s the perfect route for tempo runs, long runs, or those days when you just want to feel the world open up around you.

Passing the park while standing on deck of our cruise ship, the view is just amazing; Stanley Park in the front and the skyline of the city in the back, while passing underneath the Lions Gate Bridge.

If you run around the park, following the seawall, you pass several great landmarks: HMCS naval museum and reserve, Hallelujah point, 9 O’clock gun. the totem poles, Brockton Point Lighthouse, Prospect point lighthouse, you’ll pass the Lions Gate Bridge which is 364 ft or 110 meters above you, and several other landmarks.

But the real magic lies inside the park. Trails like Tatlow, Beaver Lake, and Lovers Walk pull you under towering cedars and Douglas firs, where soft dirt and filtered light make every step feel effortless. These inner paths are quieter, cooler, and ideal for runners who crave a deeper connection with nature.

Stanley Park is not just a place to run—it’s a place to breathe.

If you’re a runner visiting Vancouver, put Stanley Park at the top of your list. It’s rare to find a park that caters so well to every type of runner, from beginners to marathoners.

• Seawall Loop — 10 km of flat, scenic, uninterrupted running. Great for pacing and long efforts.
• Forest Trails — Soft surfaces, rolling terrain, and endless route combinations. Perfect for building strength and reducing impact.
• Beaver Lake Loop — A short, peaceful circuit ideal for recovery days.
• Prospect Point Climb — A quad‑burning ascent with a huge payoff: panoramic views of Burrard Inlet.

and than, to top it off, get on the biking and running lane which is part of the Lions Gate Bridge and run at 360 ft above Burrard Inlet while looking at the most scenic skyline you can find…..

For runners who love variety, scenery, and a touch of wildness, Stanley Park is unbeatable.