Siwash Rock, Vancouver: Parking, best times & Stanley Park visitor tips

Siwash Rock is a solitary volcanic sea stack rising from the waters off Stanley Park’s seawall, visible between Third Beach and the Prospect Point Lookout. This guide lays out how to reach the rock and its lookout, the park’s access logistics, nearby facilities and what you need to know to plan a first-time visit.

It includes transport options, opening hours, parking details, accessibility and frequently asked questions for practical trip planning.

History and overview of Siwash Rock

Siwash Rock stands just offshore of Stanley Park as a basalt sea stack formed roughly 32 million years ago when magma intruded through softer sedimentary layers and later resisted erosion that removed the surrounding rock. The result is a distinctive column rising above the water near Third Beach that has become one of Vancouver’s well-known natural features.

The rock also has deep meaning in Indigenous traditions. Locally it is known by the Squamish name Slhx̱i7lsh, meaning ‘he is standing up’, and Squamish stories tell of transformation and responsibility connected with the stone. While its English-language name derives from Chinook Jargon, there are ongoing conversations about renaming the site to better reflect local First Nations’ heritage and language.

How to get to Siwash Rock

Siwash Rock is best accessed on foot or by cycle along the Stanley Park Seawall. From downtown Vancouver, follow the Seawall west past Coal Harbour toward Second Beach, Third Beach and then the section near the rock. The route along the seawall is mostly paved and level, offering views of water, trees and skyline as you walk.

If you prefer to start closer, park at one of Stanley Park’s interior lots such as the one near Third Beach or Ceperley Playground, then walk a few minutes along park trails and shoreline paths to reach the seawall by Siwash Rock. There is no dedicated public transit stop right at the rock, so combining buses to the park entrance with walking or cycling is the most reliable option.

Parking at Siwash Rock

There is no dedicated parking specifically for Siwash Rock. Paid parking is available at several lots throughout Stanley Park under EasyPark management, and these lots are valid for use throughout the park so long as your ticket covers the zone and time. The closest lots for a visit near the rock are those at Third Beach and nearby park amenities, from which you can walk along the seawall to reach the viewpoint. Parking fees vary seasonally and by duration, so check local signs or apps for current rates.

Opening hours at Siwash Rock

Siwash Rock is within Stanley Park, which is typically open from 06:00 in the morning to 22:00 at night. There is no separate admission or ticketing for the rock itself, so you can visit any time during park hours. Beyond these times, park access is usually restricted for safety. Path surfaces around the seawall and nearby lookout are visible in daylight and best enjoyed in firm daylight conditions.

Best time to visit Siwash Rock

Early morning or late afternoon often bring gentler light and fewer people on the seawall path. These quieter periods provide good conditions for photography and can make the walk along the shoreline more relaxing. Spring through autumn generally offer mild temperatures, but even in cooler months the park’s paths remain accessible and scenic if you dress for the weather. Avoid strong wind or stormy conditions, as coastal paths can be slippery.

Facilities at Siwash Rock

There are no facilities at the rock itself. Nearby Third Beach and other parts of Stanley Park provide public washrooms, benches and picnic spaces. Stanley Park’s network of paths and signage helps you combine this stop with other attractions such as Prospect Point viewpoints, beaches and forest trails. Cafés and restaurants are located around the park’s edges if you need refreshments after your visit.

Accessibility at Siwash Rock

The Stanley Park Seawall route to Siwash Rock is paved and relatively level, making it suitable for visitors using wheelchairs, mobility aids and families with strollers. This is part of what makes Vancouver such a great city for outdoor exploration.

Some interior paths and lookouts require gentle inclines or have gravel surfaces, so if you have specific mobility needs consider starting closer at Third Beach or other accessible entry points and consult park maps before arrival.

Nearby attractions

• Third Beach and picnic areas
• Prospect Point viewpoints
• The Stanley Park totem poles.
• Second Beach and children’s pool
• Vancouver Aquarium

Practical questions about visiting Siwash Rock