Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinDid you know in the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) language, Stanley Park’s Prospect Point goes by Chay-thoos, which translates to “high bank”? We’ll cover everything there is to know about this fascinating cultural and linguistic aspect of Stanley Park.
Ready for a local’s adventure? Join us and delve into the charm that makes Stanley Park’s Prospect Point a true gem.
- Time Zone
- Best Time to Go
- Things to Know
- When was Prospect Point built?
- How to Get to Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
- Where to Stay near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
- Where to Eat in and near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
- What to Do in Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
- Where to Shop in and near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
- Apps to Download for a Trip to Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST) (UTC-8)
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Prospect Point is during the summer, as the weather is warm and the park is in full bloom with colorful flowers. Additionally, you can see cruise lines sailing past and into port.
As for time of day, it’s best to visit Prospect Point early in the morning. During these times, the park is less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and enjoyable experience.
Things to Know
Currency: Canadian Dollar
Language: English
Calling Code: +1
When was Prospect Point built?
Stanley Park’s Prospect Point is the highest point in Stanley Park, where you can get up close and personal with nature and animals. Its importance lies in providing a stunning natural backdrop for locals and tourists.
A popular destination, it fosters appreciation for the city’s natural beauty, creating a memorable experience and connecting people with the splendor of the Pacific Northwest.
Stanley Park’s Prospect Point was built in 1888, thanks to Mayor David Oppenheimer. By 1889, they threw up a summer house for checking out the scene. Then in 1923, they added a signal station for ships.
How to Get to Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
By car: head to Hornby Street toward W Georgia Street. Then, take a left onto W Georgia Street and take the exit toward Stanley Park. Merge onto Stanley Park Drive and turn right.
By public transit: take the TransLink’s #19 buses will get you into Stanley Park. From there, make your way to the Bridle Trail. This trail runs from Second Beach all the way to Prospect Point.
Where to Stay near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
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 sweet view of Stanley Park, with the seawall and North Shore Mountains in sight. This 20-story tower sits right on the edge of Coal Harbor.
Rooms are spacious, and the room’s temperature control is top-notch, with big windows to catch the breeze. And don’t get us started on the breakfast buffet – it’s fantastic.
Times Square Suites Hotel
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Address: 1821 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-2223
Pricing: $
With fully-furnished suites, the Times Square Suites Hotel is right in the West End neighborhood, and it’s located two blocks away from Stanley Park.
The rooms are nicely furnished and geared for comfort, featuring a sizable fridge and cooking utensils – they even threw in some salt and pepper sachets. Having a little balcony is a nice touch, although the road noise can be a bit much.
Rosellen Suites
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Address: 2030 Barclay St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1L5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-689-4807
Pricing: $
Rosellen Suites provides the most spacious suites in Vancouver, perfect for hosting 1–12 guests. Each suite comes with a complete kitchen, separate bedrooms, and bathrooms.
Plus, it’s only 492 feet away from Stanley Park, making it an excellent choice, especially for larger groups.
Riviera Hotel on Robson
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Address: 1431 Robson St #1, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C1, Canada
Phone: +1 604-685-1301
Pricing: $
Centrally located 800 meters from Stanley Park, the Riviera Hotel on Robson is really a dime in a dozen. It has all the basics inside their suites—kitchenettes with stove tops, minifridges and microwaves.
Amenities here include 24/7 concierge, a business and personal center, and basic hotel service like coin laundry, daily housekeeping, car rentals, and 24-hour self parking.
The Listel Hotel
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Address: 1300 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1C5, Canada
Phone: +1 604-684-8461
Pricing: $
The Listel Hotel is conveniently close to fantastic restaurants, the convention center, and the central business district – all within walking distance. It’s got a cool artsy vibe, with contemporary art and rooms decked out in retro decor.
This cozy 6-floor hotel is just a 10-minute stroll from Stanley Park and boasts an on-site restaurant and a business center.
Where to Eat in and near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Prospect Point Cafe
Media credit: prospectpoint
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Pricing: $$
Prospect Point Cafe is a spot where you can buy a cup of coffee, a glass of beer, fresh oysters and salmon, and awesome views on their patio. Let us tell you, it’s not just the views that are pretty, the dishes too.
A few of our recommendations here include the poached prawns, clams and mussels and smoked salmon.
Teahouse in Stanley Park
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Address: 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-3281
Pricing: $$
Tucked away in the midst of Stanley Park, this legendary teahouse has been dishing out not only tea but also Vancouver’s finest West Coast cuisine since 1978. The building housing the restaurant exudes a delightful character and charm.
Trust us on this one – go for the salmon steak. It’s cooked to perfection and pairs wonderfully with their diverse and extensive selection of wine.
Stanley’s Bar and Grill
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Address: 610 Pipeline Rd, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-602-3088
Pricing: $$
Stanley’s Bar and Grill boasts the park’s most expansive outdoor patio, offering an extensive local menu that pairs seamlessly with some of BC’s top-notch craft beers or a chilled glass of BC wine while enjoying the view of the Stanley Park gardens.
Our absolute favorite? The Lois Lake Steelhead Salmon – it comes with fingerling potatoes, veggies, and a delightful drizzle of grainy mustard and maple vinaigrette.
Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub
Media credit: stanleyparkbrew
Address: 8901 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-681-0460
Pricing: $$$
Situated at the entrance on Beach Avenue, the Stanley Park Brewing Restaurant & Brewpub offers a menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, bowls, and a variety of craft beers.
It’s the ideal spot to savor an extensive range of beers and indulge in delicious and ample food. And let us tell you, the pretzel bites here were undoubtedly the best we’ve ever had at any brewery in the states.
Banana Leaf Malaysian Cafe
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Address: 1779 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C9, Canada
Phone: +1 604-569-3363
Pricing: $$
Banana Leaf Malaysian Cafe serves authentic Malaysian flavors that transport you straight to the streets of Kuala Lumpur.
You absolutely have to give the Beef Rendang at Banana Leaf a shot! The beef is incredibly tender, slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and flavorful coconut curry sauce.
What to Do in Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Watch Ships Come and Go
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Prospect Point is an excellent vantage point to observe colossal cargo ships making their way past. It’s a spectacle watching boats of all sizes, from small vessels to massive cargo ships, cruise through.
Enjoy a Cone of Ice Cream
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Near the lookout, you’ll find an ice cream shop – a tad pricey, but that’s par for the course in a tourist hot spot. The ice cream here is provided by Rocky Point Ice Cream, crafted in small batches with locally sourced ingredients.
Popular flavors include Salted Caramel, Earl Grey & Honey, Cookies & Cream, and Maple Walnut!
Break a Sweat Down the Hill
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
From the lookout, a path winds down the hill to the water and the seawall. It’s a bit steep, but not overly challenging.
The descent leads you directly to Third Beach and then guides you through the forest, eventually bringing you back to the parking lot at Prospect Point.
Adore the Scenic Views
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Prospect Point provides a mesmerizing view that genuinely captures the beauty of nature. The scenery from Prospect Point is absolutely awe-inspiring.
At this vantage point, visitors are treated to sweeping panoramas of the surrounding mountains, lush forests, and the glistening waters of Vancouver.
Enjoy a Nice Cold Beer on the Patio
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-669-2737
Another way to enjoy the views at Prospect Point is by ordering a nice cold local BC beer from the Prospect Point Cafe and sitting on the patio overlooking the stunning scenery.
Where to Shop in and near Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Prospect Point Trading Post
Media credit: prospectpoint
Address: 5601 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +16046692737
The Prospect Point Trading Post provides an outstanding Stanley Park shopping experience with custom-branded goods, gifts, keepsakes, souvenirs, and treats.
This gift shop is packed with incredible items, including some truly unique finds like jewelry and specialty food products with a distinct Canadian flair, such as maple syrups and smoked salmon.
At the Totem Poles
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Address: 1501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-742-0060
At the Totem Poles is a nice little gift shop that also serves coffee and snacks that can be eaten on the nearby picnic tables under the shade of mature trees.
It’s a must-go store in Stanley Park that carries amazing gifts like Indigenous art and other souvenirs to take home as a reminder of your visit to Stanley Park.
Apps to Download for a Trip to Stanley Park’s Prospect Point
Vancouver Transit Live: real time schedule of Vancouver BC’s TransLink buses.
Talaysay Tours App: indigenous-guided tour of Stanley Park’s Beaver Lake and Brockton Point Totem Park.
Uber: book a ride anywhere in Vancouver, lets you track the driver’s location in real-time on the app and provide an estimated time of arrival.
iOs | Android
PayByPhone: pay for parking spots in the city.
