Vancouver Seawall

Rating

4.8(2,868)

Price

Free

Duration

1-3 hours

Best Ages

Best for all ages

About

The Vancouver Seawall stretches over 28 kilometers along the waterfront, making it one of the longest uninterrupted waterfront paths in the world. For families, the Stanley Park section is the sweet spot — a flat, paved 9-kilometer loop with dedicated lanes for walkers and cyclists.

Kids on bikes or scooters will love the constant scenery changes: you'll pass totem poles at Brockton Point, see cargo ships in the harbor, and round a bend to find the Lion's Gate Bridge towering overhead. The path is wide enough for training wheels, and there are plenty of benches and grassy spots to stop and rest.

The stretch between Second Beach and Third Beach is especially family-friendly, with a heated outdoor pool, a massive playground, and a concession stand. If you're walking with a stroller, the entire path is smooth and flat with no stairs. Washrooms are located roughly every 2 kilometers along the Stanley Park loop.

For older kids and teens, renting bikes at one of the shops on Denman Street and doing the full Stanley Park loop takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. Time your visit for a clear day and you'll get mountain views across the water that make the whole outing feel like a mini adventure.

Age Suitability

Infants (0-1)Toddlers (1-3)Little Kids (4-6)Big Kids (7-9)Tweens (10-12)Teens (13-17)

Parent Logistics

Stroller-Friendly

Yes

Nursing / Changing

Limited

Kid Meals

N/A

Setting

Outdoor

Rainy Day

Not ideal

Plan Your Visit

Best Time to Visit

Morning or late afternoon for fewer cyclists and better light

Wait Times

No wait — open access path

Nearby Food

Prospect Point Bar & Grill inside Stanley Park has a kids menu with mountain views. The Teahouse in Ferguson Point does a great brunch. For quick bites, the concession at Second Beach sells hot dogs and ice cream.

Why Kids Love It

The Seawall is basically a giant loop where kids can bike, scooter, or rollerblade right along the ocean. They'll spot harbor seals popping up near the rocks and watch float planes land in the harbor. The stretch near Second Beach has a huge playground and a pool right next to the path, so you can break up the ride with play time.

Pro Tips from Parents

  • Rent bikes on Denman Street before entering Stanley Park — shops there are cheaper than the ones right at the park entrance
  • Go counterclockwise on the Stanley Park loop to get the best ocean views on your right side
  • Bring layers even in summer — the waterfront gets breezy, especially near Prospect Point

What to Bring

  • Helmets for kids on bikes or scooters (required by law in BC for all ages)
  • Sunscreen and water bottles — limited shade on the exposed waterfront sections
  • Snacks or a packed lunch to avoid pricey concession stand food

Cost Info

Free Admission

Estimated Cost (Family of 4)

Free.

Budget $10-15 USD for bike or scooter rentals per person if desired.

Tips to Save

  • Walk or bring your own bikes.
  • Pack snacks since food vendors along the route charge tourist prices.
  • Free parking at Second Beach on weekday mornings.

Hours & Contact

Hours

Friday
Open 24 hours
Monday
Open 24 hours
Sunday
Open 24 hours
Tuesday
Open 24 hours
Saturday
Open 24 hours
Thursday
Open 24 hours
Wednesday
Open 24 hours

Frequently Asked Questions

Tickets & Booking

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