Land Acknowledgement: We gratefully acknowledge that Stanley Park is on the unceded traditional territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
As Vancouver’s first and largest urban park, Stanley Park stands as a cherished green oasis amidst the bustling cityscape. Originally a site of deep cultural significance for Indigenous peoples, Stanley Park was officially opened in 1888 and named in honour of Lord Stanley, the Governor General of Canada.
Today, Stanley Park enchants over 18 million visitors annually with its expansive 400-hectare West Coast rainforest, stunning vistas of water, mountains, and the famous Seawall. However, what if we could delve deeper into the park’s past and present to uncover additional layers of its charm?
In this post, we invite you to explore a different facet of Stanley Park through the lens of its history. Discover rare glimpses of the park’s evolution, captured in historical photographs from the Wallace B. Chung and Madeline H. Chung Collection and the Uno Langmann Family Collection of British Columbia Photographs, housed in UBC Library’s Open Collections. Join us as we discover the stories and transformations of this beloved landmark.
Entrance to Stanley Park, Vancouver, B.C. (between 1930 and 1940)
[View of people and cars entering Stanley Park.]
Hollow Tree
The Hollow Tree in Stanley Park stands as one of Vancouver’s most iconic landmarks, attracting visitors for over a century. In our open collections, you can find historical photos taken by the visitors in the 19th and 20th centuries. The stump has a circumference of about 60 feet (18.288 metres), and it could encircle even automobiles and horse-drawn carriages.
Portrait in Hollow Tree, Stanley Park (1914)
[Portrait of two men sitting in an automobile at Hollow Tree in Stanley Park.]
Team and Carriage in Hollow Tree (between 1891 and 1900)
[Portrait of two men and two women in a horse-drawn carriage at Hollow Tree in Stanley Park.]
This significant Western Red Cedar (Thuja plicata), estimated to be at least 700 years old, may no longer be alive, but its impressive hollow stump continues to be a symbol of the region’s rich natural heritage.
In December 2006, the tree suffered damage from a severe windstorm, raising safety concerns and leading to its initial plan for removal. However, thanks to the efforts of the Stanley Park Hollow Tree Conservation Society, a conservation plan was prepared in 2008 and a detailed engineering plan was approved by the Park Board in 2009. A public ceremony for the restoration was held in October 2011, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Hollow Tree.
Wildlife
Stanley Park is a dynamic habitat, hosting at least 1,500 native species, including fungi, plants, invertebrates, birds, and mammals.
Buffaloes and Calves in Stanley Park (between 1924 and 1949)
[Image of two buffaloes and two calves in Stanley Park.]
This green space supports a remarkable diversity of wildlife, with at least 500 species highlighted by the City of Vancouver. Bird enthusiasts will find joy in observing around 230 bird species that can be easily spotted in the park’s forests and along its shorelines.
Water Birds in Stanley Park (1937)
[Photograph depicts two water birds in Stanley Park.]
Swans and Canada Goose at Lost Lagoon at Stanley Park (1900?)
[Photograph depicts swans and Canada goose at Lost Lagoon at Stanley Park.]
The history of Stanley Park also encompasses its unique wildlife. Notably, it is home to one of the largest Barn Swallow nesting colonies in British Columbia. However, Stanley Park Ecology Society (SPES) notes that the park faces modern challenges, including wildlife feeding and climate change, which pose risks to its ecosystems.
Totem Poles
The First Nations Totem Poles in Stanley Park reflect the heritage of various Indigenous Nations. According to StanleyParkVan.com (2024 Guide to Stanley Park), the collection began in the 1920s when the Vancouver Parks Board began acquiring these significant totems, some of which were carved as early as the 1880s.
Returning to our open collections, we have several photos of the totem poles taken in the 20th century. The following two were used as the picture pages for the postcards.
Four Totem Poles in Stanley Park (1927)
[Photograph of four totem poles in Stanley Park.]
A Totem Pole in Stanley Park (between 1904 and 1918)
[Photograph of a totem pole in Stanley Park, surrounded by plants.]
This week’s post offers a glimpse into the rich natural and cultural history of Stanley Park. We encourage you to further explore UBC Library’s Open Collections. Thank you for being part of this journey!
