Vancouver

Parks and Recreation

Stanley Park is the most famous park in Vancouver. Its 405 hectares (1,000 acres) of parkland were leased from the federal government in 1886. Named after Lord Stanley, Governor General of Canada when the park opened in 1888, it plays host to an estimated eight million people each year. Tourists enjoy the park's lush forest, pitch and putt golf course, many beaches, heated ocean-side swimming pool, 8.85-kilometer (5.5-mile) seawall walk that circles the perimeter of the park, and the Vancouver Aquarium. Lost Lagoon, another popular area in the park, is a freshwater pond, home to many resident and migratory birds throughout the year.

The 53-hectare (130-acre) Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most beautifully maintained public parks in the world. It receives nearly six million visitors a year. It is known for its lush gardens and view of the city. There are 169 parks and public recreation programs in Vancouver.