Vancouver's landmark park, named after Lord Stanley of Preston, the Governor General of Canada in the late nineteenth century, boasts a history as long as Vancouver itself. Originally used as a military installation for the British to defend against impending American attack, it quickly became a protected area as the city of Vancouver was becoming forged as a frontier community. In 1887, merely a year after Vancouver become incorporated as a city, the lands were leased for the purpose of establishing the Park, and Canada's largest civil-funded park was born. By 1913, the Park had become an important tourist destination, drawing some 50,000 visitors on foot per week (the Park was still free of automobiles until the next year). By 1918, the famous 'seawall' began construction - now an enormously popular trail that circumnavigates the entire park (8.8 km) - however was not completed until 1980. Stanley Park Quickfact: 'Lost Lagoon' was named by native Indian poet, Pauline Johnson. For many years, the lagoon was simply a shallow outlet from the ocean and the water would disappear at low tide. Later, a man-made blockage was created and it now is a tranquil habitat for many animals and birds. Today, the Park is a integral part of the lives of many Vancouverites, and further establishes the city as one of the premier cities to reside and visit in the world. Take a closer look with our Stanley Park map, or see the official Stanley Park map (offsite). Read about many 2005 Stanley Park special features and 2005 press releases. Browse the Stanley Park events listings. See 1000s of photos at seestanleypark.com. Visit the splendid Vancouver Aquarium. Here is a summary of some of its many features: 1,000 acres of land 8.8 km (5.5 mile) Seawall and bike route around the Park network of hundreds of km of trails within the Park outdoor swimming pool (at Second Beach) Vancouver Public Aquarium & Zoo 2 freshwater lakes (Beaver & Lost Lagoon) four major restaurants (Ferguson Point Teahouse, Fish House, Prospect Point Cafe and Stanley Park Pavilion) HMCS Discovery, at 1200 Stanley Park Drive (Dead Man's Island) - a fascinating naval museum that many tourists are unaware of. It is also steeped in history and is an attractive spot to boot Stanley Park Quickfact: Coal Harbour was aptly named due to the fact that explorers found the shores were lined with coal. This would explain the interest that CP Rail had with the area. Of course, beyond the facts and figures, there are memorable vistas of Vancouver Island from English Bay, the port and city skyline from Brockton Point, the North Shore mountains from Prospect Point and Pacific Ocean from just about anywhere you look!