The historic naval station located on Stanley Park's Deadman's Island (actually a peninsula) has a long history as both a First Nations' burial ground and, later, as a cemetery for European settlers struck down by smallpox. It became a naval base in the 1940s.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vancouver attractions

1. Stanley Park Seawall

0.22 MILES

Built between 1917 and 1980, the 8.8km seawall trail is Vancouver's favorite outdoor hangout. Encircling the whole of Stanley Park, it offers spectacular…

2. Cricket Pavilion

0.22 MILES

Brockton Oval's historic cricket pavilion ensures this pocket of Stanley Park will forever feel like an English country village.

3. Totem Poles

0.28 MILES

This handsome collection of totem poles clustered at Brockton Point is one of Stanley Park's busiest visitor lures. Arrive early or late on summer days to…

4. Nine O'Clock Gun

0.3 MILES

An old British canon that was installed in Stanley Park to help locals keep time over a century ago, this near-legendary gun is still fired off at…

5. Coal Harbour Seawall

0.43 MILES

An idyllic 2km waterfront stroll from Canada Place to Stanley Park, this is a perfect way to spend a sunny afternoon. En route you'll pass the landmark…

6. Jack Poole Plaza

0.49 MILES

Recalling Vancouver's 2010 Olympic Winter Games, this handsome waterfront public space is the permanent home of the tripod-like Olympic Cauldron. The…

7. Vancouver Aquarium

0.52 MILES

Stanley Park's biggest draw is home to 9000 critters – including sharks, wolf eels and a somewhat shy octopus. There's also a small, walk-through…

8. Lumberman's Arch

0.56 MILES

A chunky wooden structure erected here in 1952 to recognize BC's logging industry; the nearby grassy swathe is an ideal spot for picnics.