On This Day in History: Stanley Park Seawall

On this day in history, September 21, 1980, the Stanley Park seawall loop was officially completed. To avoid erosion around Stanley Park, work began on the first part of the seawall in 1917 thanks to the vision of W.S. Rawlings and James Cunningham’s initiatives with the Vancouver Park Board. Over the next several decades it would be reinforced, extended, expanded, and repaired.

(Left) 1920s – Archives item# CVA 99-1476. Photographer: Stuart Thomson.
(Right) 1930s – Archives item# CVA 677-762. Photographer: Burns/Miller.

Thousands of feet were added to the seawall in the 1950s and again in 1968. The final portion near Siwash Rock was completed in 1980, closing the loop. You can see a plaque commemorating Cunningham’s efforts in this location today. [source: VancouverHistory]

This 8.8km route around Vancouver’s crown jewel is one of the city’s most popular attractions that is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. It’s where you can go to get exercise, see more of the inlet and the park, or just find some peace gazing into a glistening sunset.

Photo credit: kennymatic on Flickr

Photo credit: (Left) Matzuda (Right) Tyler Ingram on Flickr

Photo credit: The Travelling Eye on Flickr

Photo credit: Tom Wiebe on Flickr. Photos in this set were contributed to the Miss604 Group on Flickr

Since 1980, the seawall has been extended outside of Stanley Park and now includes 2.2km around Coal Harbour and an 11km stretch from English Bay to Kits Beach.