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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.

Art is all around us, including on the farm!  Try your hand at making root veggie stamps, painting with leaves, making veggie collages, or other plant-based art projects.  Exact projects will vary depending on plant availability.

Interpretive programs: Join Manning Park Resort’s Naturalists and guest speakers for entertaining and educational programs at the Lightning Lake Amphitheatre, the Alpine Meadows, and at various locations throughout the park. Interpretive programs are available by request for groups.

Nordic: At Manning Park Resort, Nordic skiers can explore over 60 km of classic and skate ski groomed trails, as well as 160 km of backcountry trails. This is cross-country skiing at its finest—in forests and valleys, with a scenic mountain backdrop. Equipment rentals and lessons are available. The Nordic Centre also offers guided cross-country skiing and snowshoeing tours. 


Snowshoeing at Manning Park Resort is a fun and adventurous way to get into the park. With access to over 300km of trails for individuals of all abilities, individuals new to snowshoeing can follow marked trails through the surrounding forest.  Equipment rentals are available.

Guided excursions: We offer both day and evening excursions with our friendly and knowledgeable guides. Prices are based on group numbers, and packages are available with or without rental equipment.

Ice Skating: Ice skating at Manning Park Resort is available to all our guests when our outdoor rink is open. We also have everything you need to rent for a day of skating or a rousing game of hockey, including skates, hockey sticks, helmets and soft pucks. To protect guest safety, hard pucks are not permitted on the rink.  See our friendly staff at the Nordic Centre for all equipment rentals. Please note that access to the outdoor rink is weather dependent. The ice rink can be reserved exclusively by request.