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Over 1000 acres of trees, gardens, recreational activities
and entertainment makes Stanley Park a priority of any
visitors list. There are many trails through an untouched
wilderness, a sea wall which extends from English Bay to
Coal Harbor, 5 and a half miles walk and many open areas
to throw football or kick a soccer ball.
For
those visitors interested in more organized recreation,
there are putting greens and tennis courts. Other sports
to be seen here include archery, cricket, rugger and lawn
bowling.
Lost
Lagoon, at the entrance to park, offers shelter to 40
species of migratory birds and waterfowl, including Canada
Geese, Mallards, Wood Duck, Coots and majestic swans. The
mile-long trail encircling lagoon is a pleasant walk a
photographers paradise. Squirrels, as well as many of the
birds, get hand-outs from visitors, who are more than glad
to oblige and animals have become quite tame. Signs are
posted warning animal lovers of the appropriate foods and
bird seed is available at the connection stands.
It is
said that Stanley Park Zoo started as a bear tied to a
tree stump. From those humble origins it has come to
include primates, many species of bear, two aviaries, an
otter pool, seals, sea-lions, penguins and more.
There are three zoo areas: The main zoo, a children zoo,
where children and various animals are free to mingle and
a compound containing native North American Animals. Here
one may see wolves, mountain sheep, rabbits, bison and
often magnificent display of a peacock.
The
main attraction is Vancouver Aquarium, which has daily
shows of Killer Whales, Dolphins and Beluga Whales. As
well as shows, Aquarium has some marvelous exhibits of
marine life, both local and tropical.
For
theatre lovers, there are performances during summer
months at Theatre in the Park. No matter when one visits
Stanley Park its worth the trip.
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