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Pretty much everyone in Metro Vancouver knows about Stanley Park. It’s world famous for its dense forest, spectacular views, seawall, beaches, and fabulous trails. The park even won the title of “World’s Greatest Park” in a TripAdvisor contest. But while the park hosts millions of people every year, very few come away from their visit with any knowledge of the park’s remarkable social history.

Stanley Park is not an untouched rainforest. It was home to local Coast Salish people for thousands of years before it became a park, and even for decades afterwards. Numerous villages dotted the shoreline, including Whoi Whoi, which hosted large potlaches and from where a delegation sailed to meet Captain George Vancouver as he explored the area in 1792.

The story of the forced eviction of indigenous people from the land that would become Stanley Park is a shocking background to the park’s creation. Some mixed race indigenous and European families were able to fight back against the City’s onslaught of lawsuits, and keep their homes in the park near Brockton Point until the 1950s. Today their memory and resilience is honoured by the statue Shore to Shore, by Salish artist Luke Marston, which we visit on the tour.

The creation of the park was also about more than creating a space for Vancouverites to enjoy afternoon strolls and picnics. The land was originally intended as a military reserve, established to protect the city should the Americans decide to invade. After it became clear that wouldn’t happen, real estate developers, the Canadian Pacific Railway, the City of Vancouver, and the Federal Government all battled for control of the land. The fact it became a park illustrates the colossal power the CPR once had in Vancouver. 

Throw into the mix the tale of Deadman’s Island, stories of true crime, smallpox pest houses, buried treasure, public art, crow shoots and poetry and you’ll find that despite its beauty, there’s a lot more to Stanley Park than meets the eye!

A unique field trip for students from Grade 5 – University:

• Duration – 2 hours
• Start and end point – Outside the Vancouver Aquarium entrance by the whale fountain at 845 Avison Way

On this guided tour students uncover the history of social development, crime and law enforcement in Vancouver and how it impacts modern living. Students are guided through a 45-minute tour followed by 15 minutes of self-guided exploration. Tour content and complexity can be tailored to group needs and interests.

Our museum tours delve into the origins of Vancouver's own Coroners Court, Autopsy Suite and Morgue. Our new exhibit, "Becoming Vance" explores fascinating elements of forensic science and Canada's very own Sherlock Holmes, John Vance. 

You’ll also discover our famous True Crimes exhibit, which highlights the city’s most notorious crimes and cold cases with authentic evidence and artifacts on display. And, of course, you’ll see the city’s first morgue and autopsy suite in addition to hundreds of rare artifacts, archives and photos from our own collection.

Our museum is brimming with exciting history, exhibits and artefacts that you can’t find anywhere else in the world. A designated heritage building, it was once the Coroner’s Court, Autopsy Facility and the City Analyst’s Laboratory, making it one of the most authentic museum experiences in the world.

This Winter wrap up warm, grab your camera, and embark on this unique journey to view the spectacular bald eagles that gather in the Brackendale area of Squamish, British Columbia, every year.

As you travel the lower Cheakamus and Squamish Rivers, observe, photograph and learn about the local population of wintering eagles as our expert guides share their knowledge of the bald eagles, aboriginal legends, local area, river features, and flora and fauna with you.

Don’t forget to take in the breathtaking scenery of the Stawamus Chief, Shannon Falls, Mount Garibaldi, and the Coast Mountains of British Columbia. Enjoy your time with your friends, teachers, parents, and nature during this idyllic interpretive wildlife float and learn about the world-renowned Squamish Valley and its thriving eagle population.

Finish your Winter Eagle Float Tour at a cozy restaurant for a warm hearty meal.

Clip ‘n Climb is climbing walls meet theme park… an engaging and action packed environment that provides tons of healthy, challenging fun for everyone. We have over 25 unique climbing features all under one roof!

Following a 15 minute safety briefing and harness fitting your students will move into the climbing zone where they will climb for an hour, focussing on their fundamental movement skills and confidence in their own abilities to push the limits of their comfort zone. Clip ‘n Climb floor staff can also set challenges that will help to push student's limits.

Get a taste of what Fresh Roots is all about!  Activities will vary depending on age, size of group, and the needs of the farm, but you can expect to learn about how Fresh Roots came to be, learn about food and food systems through play, participate in farm work, and try some farm-grown food!

Boating:  Enjoy and explore the waters of on Lightning Lake with our boat rentals. Choose your adventure in a two-seater canoe, five-person Mackenzie canoe, rowboat, kayak or a stand-up paddleboard.

We have hourly and day rates available at the Boathouse (located at the Lightning Lake Day Use Area), as well as group rates for boat rentals of 6 boats or more.