Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia consists of 1000 acres of trees, trails, paved seawall for blading, walking and biking and priceless views of the downtown Vancouver core and the North Shore mountains. There are interactive play areas for children, including a water park and an outdoor pool with slides for use during the hot summer months. But experiencing the park to the fullest means checking out the various stand alone attractions within the expanse of the park. Many have historical and cultural significance to the city of Vancouver and the Province of British Columbia.
Siwash Rock is a Vancouver Legend
Canadian author, E. Pauline Johnson's most recognized work, Legends of Vancouver, originally published in 1911, tells the legend of how Siwash Rock came to be. She says the legends were told to her personally by Chief Joe Capilano, the first time the legends had been revealed to an English speaking person. Siwash Rock is believed to be the transformation of a man into stone, allowed to live forever as an 'indestructible monument to Clean Fatherhood.'
Johnson describes Siwash Rock as 'so distinct from its surroundings as to suggest rather the handicraft of man than a whim of Nature, it looms up at the entrance to the Narrows, a symmetrical column of solid grey stone.' One of the natural wonders of the park, the connection to the First Nations culture of the West Coast makes the rock even more significant and impressive to behold.
The only way to see the rock, unless by boat, is to walk around the seawall. It is hard not to be impressed by the gigantic natural monument.
Lions Gate Bridge Views from Stanley Park
The Lions Gate Bridge is not strictly part of Stanley Park though when the bridge construction got underway on March 31, 1937, a 66 foot right-of-way was cleared through the park. As well, Stanley Park's Prospect Point was home to the main construction plant during the erection of the bridge. Part of the funding for the bridge came from the Guinness family of Ireland.
In a book titled Lions Gate, Lilian D'Acres and Donald Luxton note the "Lions Gate Bridge has become an icon of the city, not only to heritage conservationists, but to citizens of and visitors to Vancouver from around the globe." The views from underneath the bridge, as seen from the Stanley Park Seawall both in the light of day and the dark of night highlight the impressive nature of this ageless structure.
Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society
During tremendous windstorms in the winter of 2006, extensive damage was done to the trees in the park. The Hollow Tree, a 120 year old landmark within the park, was also damaged. The city council fearing for the safety of residents and visitors wanted to take the tree down. The Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society was formed to raise money to save the tree, and after engineering reports and much lobbying a plan is in place to permanently secure the tree for generations to come.
After the windstorms of 2006 over $10 million was raised to reforest the park. The galvanization of people and resources to save the Hollow Tree and to repair the wind damage emphasizes the cultural and historical importance of Stanley Park to the residents of Vancouver.
Great Blue Heron Colony in the Park
Great Blue Herons can often be seen fishing along the shoreline around Stanley Park. Herons have been present in Stanley Park for over 100 years but in 2001 they actually started a breeding colony within the park. The Stanley Park Ecology Society, along with other agencies, monitors the colony which is becoming more susceptible to predation from racoons.
It is an amazing sight to see over 100 massive nests, surrounded by tennis courts, apartment buildings and restaurants; approximately 145 herons were hatched in the colony in 2009, down from a high of 183 in 2007. Due to the decline of fledgling numbers, a plan is in place to protect the base of the trees for the 2010 breeding season, preventing racoons from climbing the trees.
Totem Poles Most Visited Attraction in the Province of British Columbia
There are so many tourist attractions in the park including the Totem Poles, the Harry Jerome statue, the Girl in a Wet Suit sculpture, the Celtic Cross and so many more.
Stanley Park is much more than a tourist attraction. It is a treasure for the people of the city it inhabits who truly understand the historical and cultural significance of the many facets of the park. Since 1888 Stanley Park has defined the city and it is apparent the people of Vancouver will do whatever it takes to maintain the sanctity of its existence.
Lorah Delaney - Lorah is a native of Vancouver, British Columbia. She has a degree in Physical Education from the University of British Columbia and a ...
