On the morning of Sunday, June 29, 2025, Betsy, Dan, and I were up early.
In a few hours, our group would be leaving the Sylvia Hotel and transitioning to a Holland America ship.
We wanted to explore Stanley Park a little more before departing.
A quiet, bright blue sky greeted us as we left the hotel.
Stanley Park opened in 1888. It is Vancouver’s “first, largest, and most beloved park.” (City of Vancouver) I can tell you there is much for residents and visitors to love about this park.
The size alone, 400 hectares, adds to this wonderment. A hectare is larger than an acre. A conversion to acres is 988.
Situated in a natural West Coast rainforest as you might expect there is lots of green to see.
And of course there is lots of water to view too. Visitors are aided by the Seawall trail for stunning panoramas of English Bay. “This seaside greenway is the world’s longest uninterrupted waterfront path.” (City of Vancouver)
With the guidance of Betsy and Dan, we secured our bearings and started out.
One of the first places we came across were the gates to the HMCS Discovery. Located on Deadman’s Island, this naval reserve facility also features a naval museum.
Next, we came across a section of totem poles. Some were singular others formed a group. All were unique and colorful.
The water views capture everything from a statue of a girl in a wet suit to cargo ships passing under a suspension bridge.
Additionally, there are assorted historical memorials positioned throughout the park.
My favorite is Governor General Lord Stanley from October 1889. Inscribed at the base of the statue are these cherished words: “To the use and enjoyment of people of all colours, creeds, and customs for all time. I name thee Stanley Park.”
With an eye on our watches, we worked our way back to hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, we attended to the final details of our packing. This was followed by checking out and waiting for our two Uber cars to arrive.
We experienced no traffic snarls in getting to the terminal. Our check-in on the ship was trouble free too.
No time was wasted in finding our rooms. We completed the mandatory safety orientation, found our way to lunch, and started exploring the ship.
The crawl for the big ship out of the harbor was slow, but there was lots of activity with float planes and other watercraft in motion.
Seemed like the afternoon rolled by quickly, and we were back in a dining room for dinner.
After dinner, we took a walk on deck three for a couple of loops.
I guess we weren’t too weary as we found our way into a 60s music trivia contest. Our team tied with another team for first place, but we lost in the third tie breaker.
We shook off this setback with more exploring of the ship and stopped along the way for assorted live music.
When we returned to our room, we sat out on our balcony to enjoy the sunset and some unexpected whales. Passengers who were outside cheered their brief appearance.
I wonder what tomorrow will look like.
I think to myself, how lucky I am to be here.
I wonder more about the inscription on Lord Stanley’s statue. That was in 1889. I loved his inclusion.
Why is this concept still a struggle for us today?
Vancouver treated us well.
Thanks for your hospitality.
might be baloney 