The Best Free Activity in Vancouver – Walk the Vancouver Seawall
Should I Walk the Paths Around the Vancouver Seawall?
One of my favorite cities to visit is Vancouver, British Columbia. I find that this beautiful Canadian city feels like a cross between Stockholm, Sweden, and Sydney, Australia. The only complaint that anyone could have about Vancouver is that Vancouver is super expensive. That being said, there are many free activities to partake in when visiting Vancouver. In my opinion, the best free activity in Vancouver is walking the Vancouver Seawall.
While the entire length of the Vancouver Seawall is close to 30 kilometers (19 miles), the best part of the Vancouver Seawall is the area from Canada Place to Stanley Park. This section of the Vancouver Seawall passes many of Vancouver’s most picturesque locations and provides great views of the Port of Vancouver, Canada Place, and the various harbours.
There are many locations where you can begin your hike of the paths next to the Vancouver Seawall. I recommend starting either at Canada Place and walking to Stanley Park or at Stanley Park and then walking to Canada Place.
The Best Free Activity in Vancouver - Walk the Vancouver Seawall - Table of Contents
- Should I Walk the Paths Around the Vancouver Seawall?
- About the Vancouver Seawall
- Walking the Vancouver Seawall from Canada Place to Stanley Park
- Tours and Packages that Include the Vancouver Seawall and Stanley Park
- Support Buzzin’ Around the World – Visit Our Affiliates
- Earning Points and Rewards
- Related Content
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About the Vancouver Seawall
The Vancouver Seawall was originally constructed around Stanley Park to stop the erosion of the park’s shoreline. Today, the Vancouver Seawall extends beyond Stanley Park, reaching Vancouver’s Canada Place. On top of the Vancouver Seawall are separate bike paths and walking paths, which allow locals and tourists to navigate the shoreline of the Port of Vancouver.
The Vancouver Seawall dates back to 1917, when James Cunningham, a master stonemason, began construction on the Seawall. Cunningham worked on the project for 32 years, continuing his work through supervision of the project until he died in 1971. The project has undergone multiple expansions since his death, reaching all the way to Canada Place
Before 1984, there were constant conflicts between walkers and cyclists. Thankfully, a separate bicycle path was created so bikers and walkers could avoid each other.
Walking the Vancouver Seawall from Canada Place to Stanley Park
I have visited Vancouver multiple times and always make sure I walk the Vancouver Seawall. I prefer to begin at Canada Place and walk to Stanley Park. Below are some of the highlights that visitors can expect to see when walking this route.
Begin Walking the Vancouver Seawall at Canada Place
Canada Place is the Port of Vancouver’s cruise ship terminal and is a great place to begin your walk along the Vancouver Seawall. I typically take a lap around Canada Place before beginning my walk to Stanley Park.
To begin walking the Vancouver Seawall, leave Canada Place, and walk towards the Drop Sculpture. The Drop was created by a German artist and is meant to represent a single rain drop.
Just past the Drop Sculpture are public restrooms that are free to use.
As you walk on top of the Vancouver Seawall, be sure to stop and look backward for photo opportunities.
Throughout the walking and cycling paths on top of the Vancouver Seawall, there will be many signs indicating directions as well as information about the city of Vancouver.
As you approach the Harbour Air Flight Terminal and Coal Harbour, the floating Chevron Station and Lions Gate Bridge will come into view.
Walking the Vancouver Seawall - The Vancouver Harbour Flight Centre Area
One of my favorite places along the Vancouver Seawall is the Harbour Air Flight Terminal. This terminal serves Harbour Air and a few other float plane companies.
The floatplanes depart every few minutes for sightseeing tours and destinations, including Whistler and Victoria. If you are interested in taking a floatplane sightseeing tour, I have linked an option below. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator and will receive a small commission if you purchase a tour using one of my links. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
 Vancouver City Tour With Scenic ULTIMATE Sea Plane Ride - $526.22 This Unique Vancouver city Tour With Scenic ULTIMATE Sea Plane Ride |
Once again, as you walk the Vancouver Seawall, be sure to turn around and take photos in the direction you came from.
All along the Vancouver Seawall, you should have great opportunities to watch the float planes take off. I was able to take the photograph below near Stanley Park.
After observing the floatplanes, you should continue walking the Vancouver Seawall pathway towards Coal Harbour.
Along the way, there will be many paths leaving the Vancouver Seawall and heading back towards the Vancouver City Centre.
Walking the Vancouver Seawall - The Coal Harbour Area
As you continue walking the Vancouver Seawall towards Coal Harbour, you will come across a strange-looking building on stilts. Known as the Lightshed, this crooked house on stilts was built in 2004. The Lightshed’s purpose was to commemorate the freight sheds that used to be common along the shoreline of the Port of Vancouver.
After passing the Lightshed, you will arrive at Coal Harbour. To get the best views of Coal Harbour, climb the steps to the top of the Coal Harbour Community Centre.
Below are the views looking in each direction from the observation platform above the Coal Harbour Community Centre.
Continue walking the Vancouver Seawall as it winds through Coal Harbour. You will certainly see some interesting boats and yachts docked in Coal Harbour.
As you leave the Coal Harbour area, there will be signs pointing you in the direction of Stanley Park. Continue walking the Vancouver Seawall in the direction of the signs.
Walking the Vancouver Seawall - The Devonian Harbour Park
The next area of the Vancouver Seawall is the Devonian Harbour Park Area. In this area of the Vancouver Seawall path, you will see beautiful trees, flowers, and plants. During this trip, it was fall, and the trees were just starting to lose their leaves.
Again, be sure to turn around and take photos of Canada Place, the Vancouver Skyline, and the Vancouver Seawall.
The last sight that you will see before entering Stanley Park is the Vancouver Rowing Club. The Vancouver Rowing Club building was originally built in 1911, making it one of the oldest buildings in Vancouver.
After you pass the Vancouver Rowing Club, you will be near the entrance to Stanley Park. The park is free to enter, although certain attractions, such as the Vancouver Aquarium, charge an entrance fee.
Walking the Vancouver Seawall - The Stanley Park Area
Stanley Park - Ticket Office
As you enter Stanley Park, you will come across the ticket office and concessions area. If you want to purchase tickets for the Vancouver Aquarium or a horse-drawn carriage tour, you can do so here.
The ticket office area is a great place to take photographs of Coal Harbour, the Vancouver Skyline, and the Centerm Container Terminal. There will be some additional photo opportunities ahead, but I highly recommend stopping to take photos here as well.
Fairly quickly, you will come up to a turn-off for the Stanley Park Totem Poles. If you are walking the Vancouver Seawall following my route, the turn-off will be a left-hand turn. To get to the Totem Poles, walk under the wooden frame, and the Totem Poles should come into view.
Stanley Park - Totem Poles
The Stanley Park Totem Poles are one of the few attractions not directly on the Vancouver Seawall but are definitely worth the slight detour. The Totem Poles served as the “Coat of Arms” for the First Nations, who were the first people to live in Canada.
In front of each of the First Nation’s Totem Poles is a plaque that explains what the artwork on each Totem Pole means.
Stanley Park - Nine O'Clock Gun
After visiting the First Nations Totem Poles, retrace your steps back to the Vancouver Seawall and walk towards the Nine O’Clock Gun.
Just before the Nine O’Clock Gun, there should be another great photo opportunity of the Vancouver Skyline.
The Nine O’Clock gun is a cannon that is located on the Vancouver Seawall inside Stanley Park. The gun dates back to 1816 and originally was used in Woolwich, England. When the Nine O’Clock Gun came to Vancouver, it was first used to signal the end of fishing at 6:00 pm on Sundays. Today, the gun is fired to show support for the healthcare workers who are helping to battle the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Once you pass the Nine O’Clock Gun, the Vancouver Seawall path will be enclosed by forest to the non-water side. At this point, the Vancouver Seawall will appear much less urban.
Stanley Park - Port of Vancouver Lookout
A great spot for photos along the way is the Port of Vancouver Lookout. At the Lookout, the Vancouver Seawall extends into the Port of Vancouver.
The Port of Vancouver Lookout provides a great view of the Centerm Container Terminal.
The Port of Vancouver Lookout also provides a great view of the entire Vancouver Harbour.
As you continue walking the Vancouver Seawall, look back towards the Vancouver Skyline, as this will be your last view before it disappears behind the trees of Stanley Park.
Stanley Park - Brockton Point Lighthouse
After the Port of Vancouver Lookout, the Brockton Point Lighthouse will quickly come into view. I highly recommend staying on the lower level of the Vancouver Seawall and walking under the lighthouse.
The arched opening under the Brockton Point Lighthouse will create a spectacular frame when used to photograph the Port of Vancouver.
The Brockton Point Lighthouse area will also give you a great opportunity to photograph the Lions Gate Bridge.
After the Brockton Point Lighthouse, the Vancouver Seawall Path will lead to a set of stairs. These stairs will take you to higher ground and allow you to continue your walk through Stanley Park. Be sure to take one last look back toward the Brockton Point Lighthouse and the Port of Vancouver, as this will be a great photo opportunity.
Stanley Park - SS Empress of Japan Figurehead and the Girl in the Wetsuit
At this point, you will be nearing the end of your walk along the Vancouver Seawall. Continue walking towards the SS Empress of Japan Figurehead and the Girl in the Wetsuit.
The Girl in the Wetsuit Sculpture was created in 1972. The creator of this sculpture intentionally created it slightly different than Copenhagen’s Little Mermaid Statue as she thought that it was rightfully a symbol of Copenhagen. Instead, she created the Girl in the Wetsuit as a tribute to the many scuba divers that frequent Vancouver.
Near the Girl in the Wetsuit is the SS Empress of Japan Figurehead. This replica figurehead matches the figurehead of the SS Empress of Japan, which was a ship that crossed the Pacific Ocean over 400 times.
There will be a good photo opportunity near the SS Empress of Japan figurehead. If you line it up properly, you can get the SS Empress Figurehead, Vancouver Seawall, and Lions Gate bridge all in the same frame.
Stanley Park - Leaving the Vancouver Seawall and Cutting Through the Park
At this point, I decided to end my walk along the Vancouver Seawall. The Vancouver Seawall does continue around the perimeter of Stanley Park, and if you choose, you can continue your hike. My final stop before cutting through Stanley Park to return to my hotel was the beach area below the Vancouver Seawall.
This beach is a great place to take one last photo before leaving the Vancouver Seawall.
I was lucky enough to see a ship passing under the Lions Gate Bridge.
If you choose to end your walk along the Vancouver Seawall, begin to walk in the opposite direction of the Seawall towards the center of Stanley Park.
You will quickly come across a map that can help you choose the best path through the interior of Stanley Park.
As you walk through Stanley Park, you will come across many great photo opportunities. The fallen tree in the photo below is one of my favorites.
It took about three hours to walk from Canada Place to the interior of Stanley Park along the Vancouver Seawall. This time would likely be decreased by quite a bit if you don’t stop to take photos. It only took about 20 minutes to cut through Stanley Park.
Stanley Park is beautiful and has some spectacular trees. You could easily spend an entire day walking the Vancouver Seawall and exploring the many paths through Stanley Park.
I hope this page was helpful and that it will provide information on how to successfully walk the Vancouver Seawall from Canada Place to Stanley Park. In my opinion, Walking the Vancouver Seawall is the best free activity in Vancouver, British Columbia.
Vancouver Seawall and Stanley Park Tours and Packages
I do not feel that a tour is needed to enjoy walking the Vancouver Seawall from Canada Place to Stanley Park. That being said, I know some people prefer to be led by a local expert. Below are some tours and packages that caught my eye that might enhance your visit. Please note that I am an affiliate of Viator, and if you purchase a tour using one of my links, I will receive a small commission. This commission is at no additional cost to you.
Prices are accurate as of November 2023.
 Stanley Park & English Bay Photography - $48.91 We'll spend three hours exploring Stanley Park and English Bay and Sunset beaches. Your tour is a picture-perfect way to experience Canada’s nature, while learning the basics of landscape photography. With plenty of one-on-one instruction, you will learn to take amazing photos whether you’re packing the latest DSLR or a camera phone. The scenic views of water, mountains, sky, and majestic trees along Stanley Park's famous Seawall look even more stunning during the golden and blue hours. You'll learn to capture your memories yourself, but I will also take and send you complimentary photos after our tour. |
 Vancouver Favourites Sightseeing Tour - $59.46 Join us on the ultimate city tour of Vancouver. We will visit the must-see locations, the lesser-known spots and the hidden gems that make Vancouver the vibrant city it is. The must-sees include visits to the famous Stanley Park, where there is one of the most impressive collections of totem poles in downtown Vancouver. We will whisk you through to Granville Island, home of Vancouver’s most famous food market. There are some hidden gems on the Island that we will most definitely point out to you. Moving onto Kitsilano Beach, known to the locals as Kits, you will be greeted with some fantastic vistas across English Bay looking onto downtown. We will then take you through to Queen Elizabeth Park, where you will have views of the North Shore mountains. The tour will continue through Chinatown, a melting pot of Asian cuisines and stores. Finally, we will end in Gastown, Vancouver’s oldest neighbourhood. Browse the streets and see the famous Gastown Steam Clock strike a note on the hour. |
 Stanley Park Bike Tour - $65.10 Cycle away from the urban noise and disappear into the woods on this 3-hour bike tour of Stanley Park. Explore the sights at a relaxed pace: First Nations totem poles in Brockton Point, Lost Lagoon, and the unexpected oasis of Third Beach, among others. Look out for bald eagles, and pedal the paved Seawall path for beautiful city and mountain scenery. Along the way, learn about Vancouver’s historical roots in the logging industry and the park’s rich ecosystems from an expert guide. This small-group tour capped at 12 people is sure to please riders of all experience levels. |
 Discover Stanley Park with a Smartphone Audio Tour - $5.89 Listen to a tour guide through your smartphone as you explore Vancouver's incredible Stanley Park! |
 Cycling the Seawall: A relaxing audio tour cycle along the Stanley Park Seawall - $5.46 No trip to Vancouver is complete without visiting Stanley Park, and there’s no better way to explore the park than by cycling the seawall, one of the most beautiful bike rides in the world! |
 Bike Tour of Downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park - $58.59 Take a 3-hour morning bike tour of Stanley Park and Downtown Vancouver. Pedal on bike paths, along the Vancouver seawall and down forest trails. The tour starts in the West End, moves through downtown to the Convention Centre and follows the shoreline of Coal Harbour to Stanley Park. The second half of the tour focuses on the history and art of the native peoples of the Pacific Northwest and the natural beauty of Stanley Park. |
 Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Vancouver by Crazy Dash - $10.40 Crazy Dash of Vancouver is a great way to see the city in a fun way! You'll use an app on your phone to submit photos of items you find around the city. For every photo you submit, you'll get points. You'll be able to see your score on the rankings after compared to all who have played across the country. All our Scavenger hunts have a live remote host to help along the way. Come out and explore with us in Vancouver. |
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