So Often we think of Vancouver for its many neighborhoods and diverse areas, and rarely do we look at one place to visit. Today I dare to challenge that idea by looking at one place that is as diverse as the whole.

Behold the beauty of Stanley Park! Believe it or not, Vancouver’s Stanley Park is larger than New York’s Central Park. With 400 hectares of breathtaking beauty to cover, you’re going to want a guide to this recreational paradise. If your feeling overwhelmed, here’s our list of seven things you must do on your visit to Stanley Park.

Vancouver Aquarium

The popular beluga whales at this conservation and research centre have some friendly and adorable competition in the freshly arrived African penguins, which have waddled their way into every local’s heart. The Aquarium’s newest residents join more than 50,000 creatures from the land and sea, including frogs, jellyfish and sea otters. Book an animal encounter to get up close with critters in an interactive training session. The Vancouver Aquarium is located 1.2 km into Stanley Park, east of Pipeline Road.

The Seawall

If you only have a few hours to explore, we suggest tackling all or part of the 8.8-kilometre section of the seawall that circles the perimeter of Stanley Park. Don’t forget your camera, because you’ll see fantastic views of downtown Vancouver, Burrard Inlet, the North Shore Mountains and the Lions Gate Bridge. You’ll see some cool landmarks, too. Look for the lovely “Girl in a Wetsuit,” a modern-day mermaid sculpture and the 32-million-year-old Siwash Rock rising from the water.

The Totem poles

First Nations culture is an important part of both Stanley Park and Vancouver. Parts of the park were the former site of a First Nations village. The totems and gateways at Brockton Point were carved in the late 1880s and replaced with lookalike versions in the 1980s to keep the originals preserved. Brockton Point is at the far eastern tip of Stanley Park, about 2.3km from the Georgia Street entrance.

Lost Lagoon

Despite its name, this lagoon is easily spotted near the base of the park, just west of the Georgia Street entrance from downtown Vancouver. Before the Stanley Park Causeway was built in the 1920s, the tide flowed in and out of the pond, leading local poet Pauline Johnson to write “Ode to the Lost Lagoon”-which likely gave the pond its name. This is a good spot to see duck, geese, swans and other wildlife strutting by.

Stanley Park Horse-Drawn Carriages

The best way to see the Stanley Park highlights is on this narrated tour loved by kids and adults alike. Horses clip-clop by Deadman’s Island, the Lions Gate Bridge, Lumberman’s Arch, totem poles, vistas of downtown Vancouver and many of the park’s other must-sees sights.

The Miniature Train

Future Train enthusiasts and adult rail fans can board the miniature train for a leisurely ride in Stanley Park. Travel the 2 km of track and tunnels as you tour the rainforest. Themed trains each season make for a diversity of experiences: in spring, get onboard the Easter train; in summer, experience First Nations culture on the Spirit Catcher Train; in October, get spooked on the Ghost Train; and in winter, celebrate the holidays aboard the Bright Nights Train as you ride past the Stanley Park’s two million twinkling lights. In any season it is a magical ride.

The Beaches

Stanley Park’s beaches are super spots to sit back and appreciate the water views. In summer, bring a towel to stake your claim at popular Second Beach on the southwestern side of the park. Nearby is a seasonal, heated infinity-style pool, perfect for warming up after a chilly dip in the ocean. Further north, at Ferguson Point, you’ll find Third Beach—one of Stanley Park’s lesser-visited gems, which offers charming views of West Vancouver and English Bay.

Whatever the season Stanley park has something for everyone. It is a truly magical part of our fair and wonderful city and a place that needs to be seen to be appreciated.