Vancouver
Vancouver, a magnificent city – nestled between mountains and sea – doesn’t demand wealth from those who wish to uncover its secrets. Today, I’ll witness the remarkable dance between urban sophistication and wild nature that makes Vancouver a tourist paradise.
I began my journey as the city woke up. After breakfast at the Samesun Hostel, morning greeted me with a gentle coastal breeze as I walked down Granville Street to Burrard Inlet lookout, enjoying the view to Canada Place.
Overlooking the harbor, I watched as the morning mist lifts from the water, revealing the silhouette of mountains that cradle this coastal gem. This was my first glimpse of Vancouver’s magnetic duality – a metropolis where skyscrapers reflect ancient forests in their gleaming windows.
Canada Place is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The white sail-shaped roof of the convention center, the bustling cruise terminal, and the nearby seaplane docks make this a lively and scenic starting point. From here, you can take in panoramic views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and the harbor activity.
Canada Place is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The white sail-shaped roof of the convention center, the bustling cruise terminal, and the nearby seaplane docks make this a lively and scenic starting point. From here, you can take in panoramic views of Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains, and the harbor activity.
From Canada Place I headed west along the Waterfront Promenade, also known as the Coal Harbour Seawall.
This is a beautifully maintained walking path that hugs the shoreline. Strolling along, I passed sleek yachts, luxury condos, waterfront cafés, and several public benches.
The views across the water to the mountains are spectacular, and I also found informative plaques that share bits of local history.
Continuing along the promenade, I reached the Bayshore Marina and the Westin Bayshore Hotel. This area is great for taking photos, especially with boats in the foreground and Stanley Park in the distance. There’s also an opportunity to grab a coffee or quick snack at one of the nearby cafés.
From here, the path leads into Stanley Park, beginning at Brockton Point.
This is one of the most photographed locations in Vancouver, especially because of the famous Indigenous totem poles displayed there. These beautifully carved poles represent the rich cultural history of the Coast Salish peoples and are an essential stop along the route.
Once in Stanley Park, you followed the Seawall, a nearly 10-kilometer loop that traces the park’s outer edge. This stretch offers stunning views of the Lions Gate Bridge, Prospect Point, and beaches like Second Beach and Third Beach. The seawall is divided into pedestrian and cycling lanes, so I had to care to stay on the walking side for safety. Along the way, I ound rest stops, photo opportunities, and access to forested trails, if someone likes to explore further into the park.
Eventually, the seawall brought me back toward Coal Harbour, where I found the Harbour Cruises docks and Waterwalk area. If someone is interested, it is possible to take a harbor tour, joining a whale-watching excursion, or even catching a seaplane flight. The area is vibrant with activity, with nearby restaurants and spots to relax by the water.
In total, the walk from Canada Place through Coal Harbour to Stanley Park and back to the cruise docks can cover approximately 15 kilometers if you complete the entire Stanley Park Seawall loop. If you’re short on time, simply walking from Canada Place through Coal Harbour and back is a manageable 5 to 6 kilometers.
This walking route offers a complete experience of Vancouver’s world-famous waterfront. From cultural landmarks and natural beauty to modern marinas and marine adventures, every step is filled with something to see and enjoy.