Meagen SetterDid you know that Stanley Park’s Brockton Point used to have a lighthouse keeper? Yep, that keeper put in 25 years and managed to rescue 16 folks from drowning!
From historical tales to stunning views, join us as we uncover the charm of Brockton Point Lighthouse. If you want to know more, our guide spills the stories behind this iconic landmark.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- Where is Brockton Point?
- What is the history of the Brockton Point Lighthouse?
- How to Get to the Brockton Point Lighthouse
- What to Do in the Brockton Point Lighthouse
- Where to Stay near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
- Where to Eat near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
- Where to Shop near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Brockton Point Lighthouse
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Brockton Point Lighthouse is between June and September, the summer months. Expect warm, sunny weather, and witness the park in its full bloom during this period.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
Where is Brockton Point?
Stanley Park’s Brockton Point Lighthouse stands as a historic maritime beacon, guiding ships through Vancouver’s waters. Its importance lies in its role as a navigational aid and a charming landmark.
A point of interest for locals and tourists, it contributes to the park’s maritime heritage and offers picturesque views of the harbor.
Brockton Point sits up on the north side of Coal Harbour, just a hop northeast of Stanley Park. It’s the spot that divides Coal Harbour and Burrard Inlet, about two kilometers to the east of Prospect Point.
What is the history of the Brockton Point Lighthouse?
Brockton Point Lighthouse was constructed in 1914. However, the tale of the light at this point dates back to 1890, just a year after the park was dedicated.
You see, Francis Brockton, the engineer cruising with the HMS Plumper during the British Columbia coast survey, stumbled upon a coal deposit near Vancouver. This jumpstarted the city’s coal mining industry.
Initially, the Prospect Point Lighthouse was set up to guide ships into Vancouver, but the light had a bit of a hide-and-seek game going on due to the thick forest of Stanley Park.
Back in 1890, they stuck red and white lanterns on a mast at Brockton Point. Fast forward to 1914, and bam! Brockton Point got a major makeover with the building of the tower you see standing tall today.
Colonel William Anderson was the mastermind behind the design and construction of the Brockton Point Lighthouse. Standing at 35 feet tall, the tower is propped up by arches, letting folks stroll underneath along the shoreline pathway.
Since 2006, the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board has been in charge of looking after this iconic lighthouse.
How to Get to the Brockton Point Lighthouse
From downtown Vancouver: head northeast on Seymour Street toward Dunsmuir Street. Then, take a left onto Dunsmuir, and another left W Pender Street. Finally, take the exit to Stanley Park.
From North Vancouver: Drive over Lions Gate Bridge, take a right onto Bidwell Street. Then, turn right at the first cross street onto Alberni Street. Take a right onto Denman Street and make a left at the first cross street onto W Georgia.
From YVR: drive to the Arthur Laing Bridge and keep right. Follow signs for Granville Street and keep driving into BC-9 N. Then, make a left onto W Georgia Street.
What to Do in the Brockton Point Lighthouse
Enjoy the Great Views
Address: Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6G 3E2
Phone: +1 604 681 6728
The lighthouse is an excellent vantage point to get awesome panoramic views. Look northwest, and there’s Lions Gate Bridge, check out east for Second Narrows Bridge, and glance south for downtown.
Read Up on the History
Address: Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6G 3E2
Phone: +1 604 681 6728
After soaking in the views, make sure to pause and read up on the lighthouse’s history and its role in navigation.
This plaque, put up by the Canadian Merchant Service Guild pioneers, pays tribute to seafarers and the folks who built and shaped the Port of Vancouver.
Go Biking along the Lighthouse
Address: Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6G 3E2
Phone: +1 604 681 6728
The bike path around here is smooth sailing – mostly flat, paved, and a breeze to ride with jaw-dropping views of beaches and beautiful old-growth forests. Brockton Point Lighthouse is the ideal spot to catch sight of the ships in the harbor.
This spot on the seawall is great for parking and checking out the North Shore mountains. If you’re on a bike or just taking a stroll, it’s the perfect place to halt and soak in that fresh sea air.
Stop by the Totem Poles
Address: Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6G 3E2
Phone: +1 604 681 6728
Brockton Point Lighthouse is right by the historic First Nations Totem Poles. It’s like a lineup of totem poles, each telling a story for different indigenous nations.
Every carving on these poles carries a meaning. The eagle stands for the kingdom of the air, the whale for the lordship of the sea, the wolf for the genius of the land, and the frog as the link between land and sea.
Stroll along the Lighthouse
Address: Stanley Park Drive, Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada, V6G 3E2
Phone: +1 604 681 6728
As you stroll along the seawall, keep an eye out for the Brockton Point Lighthouse. Since the point juts out, take a walk to the east side and catch some seaplane action against the backdrop of the city skyline.
Where to Stay near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
Times Square Suites Hotel
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Address: 1821 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-2223
Pricing: $
Just a couple of blocks from Stanley Park, you’ll find the Times Square Suites Hotel, a timeless building with classic Victorian architecture, complete with a charming clock tower.
The suites are roomy, set up apartment-style. And don’t miss the rooftop patio, decked out with comfy loungers, picnic tables, multiple BBQs, and stellar city views.
The Westin Bayshore
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Address: 1601 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver, BC V6G 2V4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-682-3377
Pricing: $$
The Westin Bayshore offers a view that takes in the historic 1,000-acre Stanley Park along its scenic seawall and the North Shore Mountains.
Here, you’ll find a high-end rotisserie restaurant dishing out home-style delights and live music on the weekends. Plus, there’s a classic lounge offering sophisticated international cuisine.
Riviera Hotel on Robson
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Address: 1431 Robson St #1, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-685-1301
Pricing: $$
Right in the heart of Downtown Vancouver, just 800 meters from Stanley Park, the Riviera Hotel on Robson boasts rooms with private balconies offering city views.
The upgraded suites come with balconies and full kitchens equipped with dishes and cookware. And for a touch of luxury, there’s even a penthouse suite featuring a rooftop patio and a cozy fireplace.
Barclay Hotel
Media credit: skipoc
Address: 1348 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-688-8850
Pricing: $
Situated along Robson Street, the Barclay Hotel is a classic gem featuring a vintage-style interior and a luminous lobby adorned with ample marble. Despite its age, this establishment has been well-maintained.
Considered your “home away from home,” the hotel rooms come equipped with a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, and air conditioning.
Sonder at Revival
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Address: 1771 Comox St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1P5, Canada
Phone: +1 438-795-6650
Pricing: $$
Just a 10-minute stroll from Stanley Park, Sonder at Revival offers a chic and serene environment with contemporary studio-type rooms.
Conveniently, there’s a decent-sized grocery store right by the hotel, accessible directly from the lobby. Additionally, there’s a pharmacy beneath the hotel, and pretty much all other amenities you can imagine are nearby.
Where to Eat near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
Stanley’s Bar and Grill
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Address: 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-602-3088
Pricing: $$
For a dining experience that perfectly complements classic Canadian cuisine with some of BC’s finest craft beers or chilled BC wine, head over to Stanley’s Bar and Grill, offering a view of the Stanley Park gardens.
Our recommendation? Try Lord Stanley’s burger for a satisfyingly delicious meal. This burger comes loaded with wagyu beef, thick-cut bacon, and veggies.
Teahouse in Stanley Park
Media credit: the_teahouse
Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-3281
Pricing: $$
The Teahouse in Stanley Park offers French-inspired cuisine in a charming and character-filled house.
Get the lax flatbread and stuffed mushrooms. The flatbread was a standout! Featuring house-pickled red onion, fried capers, thinly sliced lax, flakes of pecorino reggiano, and arugula on a crunchy yet tender, freshly baked flatbread.
Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub
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Address: 8901 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-0460
Pricing: $$
Situated at the Beach Avenue entrance of Stanley Park, the Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub is a fantastic spot with a pleasant outdoor setting right in the heart of Stanley Park.
It’s an excellent brewpub right on the outskirts of Stanley Park. The beers, particularly the hazys, are fantastic.
Nook
Media credit: nookwestend
Address: 781 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 2L6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-4554
Pricing: $$$
Nook is your go-to place for rustic Italian cuisine. Their commitment to using fresh and flavorful ingredients makes everything on the menu absolutely delicious.
Trust us, do yourself a favor and kick things off with their burrata and prosciutto starter, then go ahead and choose anything else from the menu. We guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Jingle Bao
Media credit: jinglebao_restaurant
Address: 774 Denman St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-428-7722
Pricing: $
Jingle Bao is a dumpling spot that serves up the finest specialty soup dumplings all day long.
Each color corresponds to a distinct flavor, making it a bit of a bummer if you’re sharing with others and can’t try them all. Still, just the sight of those vibrant colors is bound to lift your spirits.
Where to Shop near the Brockton Point Lighthouse
At the Totem Poles
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Address: 1501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-742-0060
By the Totem Poles, there’s this sweet little gift shop that doubles as a coffee spot, offering snacks perfect for enjoying at the nearby picnic tables shaded by mature trees.
This store near the Brockton Point Lighthouse is a must-visit, stocking fantastic gifts like Indigenous art and other souvenirs – the perfect way to bring a piece of Stanley Park home with you.
Prospect Point Trading Post
Media credit: prospectpoint
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +16046692737
The Prospect Point Trading Post offers a top-notch shopping experience in Stanley Park, featuring custom-branded goods, gifts, keepsakes, souvenirs, and treats.
This gift shop is loaded with amazing items, from unique finds like jewelry to specialty food products that scream Canadian, like maple syrups and smoked salmon.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Brockton Point Lighthouse
Transit: real-time bus and train information in Vancouver, including special service alerts, bus capacity predictions, and real-time vehicle location.
PayByPhone: pay for parking spots in the city.
On This Spot: explore historic photos and the modern city to show how Vancouver has changed.
Vancouver Street Trees: get information on the various species of trees that you’ll find around the city.
