Seawall
A paved path that begins at Canada Place in the CBD and follows the coast around Stanley Park through the West End and around False Creek to Granville Island and Kitsilano. It's very popular to rent bikes or rollerblades and ride/skate the piece around Stanley Park about 9 km in length.
Second Beach Pool
A very large heated outdoor swimming pool. Alternatively you could swim at the beach or use the spray park near Lumberman's arch for no charge. There are lifeguards at both Second Beach and Third Beach.
Beaches
Second and Third beaches are spaced along the western part of the seawall in Stanley Park. Sunset Beach on English Bay is a popular place to watch the sunset and probably the best place to see the Festival of Lights.
Festival of Lights (Fireworks)
Seen one fireworks show, seen them all? Think again. Most Vancouverites come out to this event to enjoy the beach, the breeze and the hundreds of thousands of people who turn out. The fireworks themselves are just the excuse. Four shows, late July/early August. Make sure you take public transit; streets are closed and crowds are heavy.
Gay Pride Parade and Festival
Takes place on the Sunday before the first Monday in August Sunday July 31 in 2011. The parade runs along Robson Street to Denman Street to Beach Avenue, with the festival happening at Sunset Beach. This is the largest celebration of its kind in Western Canada, in 2008 attracting over 500,000 festival-goers from all over North America. Parties, arts and cultural events lead up to this colourful parade and beach side festival.
English Bay Bike Rentals
Offers top quality bikes at discounted prices including cruisers, city hybrids and tandem bikes in all sizes. Helmets and locks are complimentary with each rental. Children's bikes, training wheels, roller blades and dog trailers are also available. Convenient location offers easy access to the Stanley Park sea wall, Granville Island, False Creek and Science World. Call ahead to book for large groups at a discounted rate. Weekly and monthly rentals are available on request.
Spokes Bicycle Rentals
Offers bike rentals and guided bike tours from a fantastic location on the doorstep of Stanley Park. Various styles of bikes for adults and children, plus helmets and locks. Weekly and monthly rates also available.
Stanley Park Pitch & Putt
18 hole course set amid rhododendron gardens. Holes range in length from 40 - 100 yards.
Ecomarine Ocean Kayaking
Ocean kayak rentals right on the beach, aimed at novices and casual paddlers. Drag the kayak across the English Bay beach, into the tame water, and go. Stanley Park and False Creek are easily reachable destinations. Reservations recommended for busy times. Other locations at Jericho Beach and Granville Island.
Kayaking Tours
Ecomarine Kayak see listing above offers scheduled guided tours if you don't want to just paddle independently. Summer months only. They also have a fullâmoon tour, held 8pmâ10:30pm on July 27, Aug 23, and Aug 25, 2010. They have other tours from their Granville Island location.