Vancouver Seawall
Vancouver's 22km seawall is a world-class waterfront path offering breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and ocean.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Vancouver Seawall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vancouver's 22km seawall is a world-class waterfront path offering breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and ocean.
"One of the best walks you can do in Vancouver! The Seawall offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline."
🎯 Rent an E-bike for the Full Loop
Cover the 22km with ease and enjoy the scenery without exhaustion.
🚶♀️ Walk the Entire 22km
A rewarding experience offering diverse views. Start in Kitsilano for parking.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Stanley Park Seawall
Stanley Park
The most iconic stretch, offering breathtaking views of the city, mountains, and ocean. A must-do for any visitor.
English Bay & Sunset Beach
West End
Perfect spots for a break, ice cream, or simply soaking in the vibrant city vibes and stunning sunset views.
False Creek & Olympic Village
False Creek
A lively section with modern architecture, science centers, and a bustling marina. Great for people-watching.
Yaletown Marina
Yaletown
Stroll past luxury yachts and enjoy the sophisticated waterfront atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Full Seawall Experience
Navigating Crowds and Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Rent an E-bike for the Full Loop
Cover the 22km with ease and enjoy the scenery without exhaustion.
🚶♀️ Walk the Entire 22km
A rewarding experience offering diverse views. Start in Kitsilano for parking.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling, so prioritize comfort.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun can be strong, especially on the water. Reapply often!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Rent an E-bike for the Full Loop
Cover the 22km with ease and enjoy the scenery without exhaustion.
🚶♀️ Walk the Entire 22km
A rewarding experience offering diverse views. Start in Kitsilano for parking.
👟 Comfortable Shoes are Key
You'll be doing a lot of walking or cycling, so prioritize comfort.
☀️ Don't Forget Sunscreen
The sun can be strong, especially on the water. Reapply often!
📱 Check for Closures
Before heading out, verify if any sections are closed for events or maintenance.
🔔 Use Your Bike Bell
Politely alert pedestrians and other cyclists to your presence.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Vancouver Seawall for its stunning natural beauty and urban vistas, making it a top choice for walks, runs, and bike rides. The well-maintained path, ample amenities, and diverse scenery from downtown to beaches are frequently highlighted as major positives. While popular, the experience is generally considered peaceful and scenic, suitable for all ages.
"It doesn't matter if you are a tourist or a local for many years, going to the seawall for a walk, run or ride is always a nice experience. One of the best views of downtown, surrounded by nature and with good structure (available washrooms, some benches to relax and enjoy the view, parking lots, etc). I reccomend that you do the entirety of the seawall by bike at least once so that you can enjoy the different views and places, like downtown, north van, the mountains and the beaches."
Davi Emery A Vargas
"One of the best walks you can do in Vancouver! The Seawall offers stunning views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline all in one. Great for walking, biking, or just taking it all in at your own pace. Peaceful, scenic, and perfect for all ages. Easy 5 stars!"
Dre Erwin Photography
"The seawall is always a joy to explore—whether on foot, bike, or a casual jog. It features some of the most scenic views of downtown, framed by lush greenery and waterfront. The path is well-equipped with restrooms, benches, and parking, making it an easy and comfortable outing. I suggest biking the full loop at least once to take in the diverse views—cityscape, North Shore mountains, ocean, and beaches all in one ride."
Marta Stashevska
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The seawall is accessible from various points. For Stanley Park, you can take public transit or drive and park. If you plan to walk the entire 22km, consider starting in Kitsilano for easier parking. Many visitors arrive via public transport like buses or the Canada Line to Waterfront Station for access to Coal Harbour.
Parking is available in areas like Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, and Yaletown, but can be limited and expensive, especially on busy days. Some Redditors suggest parking further out and using public transit to reach the seawall.
Yes, public transit is a great option. Buses serve areas near Stanley Park, Coal Harbour, and Yaletown. The Canada Line can take you to Waterfront Station, providing easy access to the seawall.
Absolutely! The seawall is designed for pedestrians and cyclists. Renting a bike, including e-bikes, is highly recommended for exploring its full length.
Many suggest starting in Kitsilano for ample free parking and a scenic progression. Others recommend Canada Place or the Convention Centre for easy access to downtown sections.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Vancouver Seawall is a public pathway and is free to access for walking, running, and cycling.
The seawall is open 24/7, though lighting can be limited in certain sections after dark.
Access to the Stanley Park Seawall itself is free. However, parking within Stanley Park may incur fees.
Yes, numerous bike rental shops are located near the seawall, particularly in Coal Harbour and near Stanley Park. E-bikes are also available.
Occasionally, sections of the seawall may close for events or maintenance. It's advisable to check the City of Vancouver website or the Parks Board social media for updates.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Walking the full 22km seawall typically takes 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop. +1
The seawall is generally safe, especially well-lit sections like False Creek. However, it can be quiet after dark. Running with a buddy or staying in populated areas is recommended. +1
The Vancouver Seawall is approximately 22 kilometers (about 13.7 miles) long, making it the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
Yes, pedestrians can walk in either direction on the seawall. However, cyclists are encouraged to follow posted signage for traffic flow. +1
Yes, public restrooms are available at various points along the seawall, particularly in parks and popular areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic views include the Stanley Park totem poles, the city skyline from Coal Harbour, sunset at English Bay, and the marina in Yaletown. +1
Golden hour, just before sunset, offers beautiful light for capturing the city skyline and ocean views. Early mornings can also provide a serene atmosphere with fewer crowds.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Vancouver parks, including Stanley Park. Always check local bylaws and regulations before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant mountain views. A polarizing filter can enhance sky and water colors.
Look for the iconic Gastown Steam Clock (nearby), the Vancouver skyline, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the various public art installations along the path.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚴♀️ Cyclists
🏃♀️ Runners
For early morning or evening runs, stick to well-lit and populated areas like False Creek for safety. 📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Cycling the Vancouver Seawall
Remember that while pedestrians can walk in both directions, cyclists are generally expected to follow posted signage and keep to the right. Popular rental locations are found near Coal Harbour and Stanley Park. If you're planning a longer ride, consider the total distance and factor in stops for photos or refreshments. Some Redditors suggest that the seawall can become quite busy, so early mornings or weekdays might offer a more relaxed cycling experience.
When planning your route, be aware of potential detours or closures, especially around Stanley Park. Checking local park board updates can save you time and frustration.
Walking the Seawall: A Local's Perspective
For those aiming to walk the entire length, starting in Kitsilano is often recommended due to available free parking and a gradual increase in scenic points.
While the seawall is generally safe, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings, especially during quieter hours.
Safety and Etiquette on the Seawall
For runners, especially solo females, safety is a consideration. While the seawall is generally well-populated and lit, some sections can become quiet after dark.
There have been discussions about safety concerns and crime along the seawall, with one TikTok highlighting a serious incident.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit