Nurin Merchant poses for a photograph on the bike route in Stanley Park, as a cargo ship passes under the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph by Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
To all residents of Vancouver and anyone visiting the city, whether alone or with family — and with a few weeks left before schools reopen — I highly recommend biking around Vancouver’s Stanley Park. You can ride your own bike or rent one from several great rental shops near the start of the bike route. My dad and I rented bikes from Stanley Bike Rentals on 786 Denman Street, one of several highly recommended rental shops on literally the same block.
If you’re driving, I suggest using Safeway’s indoor parking lot on Robson Street, which is just around the corner. We chose to upgrade to a lighter bike for just $1.00 more and opted for a 3-hour rental at $10.00 per hour for each bike, so we could fully enjoy the route. The rental included a helmet, a basket in the front and a lock. Since we had biked the path a few years ago — but in a much shorter time — we decided against an e-bike, as the route we planned was mostly flat. However, if you plan to take detours along the way, an e-bike may be a better choice if you are not a regular cyclist due to the sloping trails on those routes. While the circular route was congested for the first few hundred metres, it became less congested after about 500 metres. The route, with the exception of the first 200 metres, is one-way and runs anticlockwise. There was a lot of discipline by bikers, young and old alike, and there was a separate lane for pedestrians. There were 3 or 4 places along the route where we had to dismount as the shorter sections are shared by pedestrians and cyclists.
A view of Vancouver downtown from a water taxi, July 29, 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Crows eagerly contemplate their catch along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A view of the Pacific Ocean from the bicycle path at Stanley Park, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A large artistic representation of the FIFA World Cup soccer ball atop Science World in Vancouver, July 29, 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
My dad and I share a passion for photography, particularly when it comes to capturing the beauty of both land and sea animals, and nature in general. During his visit to Vancouver, I wanted to take stunning photos of the city’s breathtaking views while also photographing the diverse wildlife in its oceans. One way we decided to enjoy the park was by renting a bike for three hours. In this post, I will share images from our amazing bike ride around one of the most beautiful and unique parks in the world, renowned for its close proximity to the ocean. I’ve also included pictures of other enjoyable activities we did during his short but exciting visit to Vancouver.
~~~~~~~~
Grey heron along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Grey heronalong Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Seal wades through the water along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A seal’s catch of the day along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Seal along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Starfish found under rocks along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Seagull holding a starfish in its beak at Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant/ Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Seagull holding a starfish in its beak at Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A seagull holds a starfish in its beak at Stanley Park, Vancouver, while another seagull approaches to scavenge the feast, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
The original catcher, left, allows the scavenger to take its catch along Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Crows share a tender moment at Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
Tour boats and tankers share the waters near Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A seaplane flies over the waters at Stanley Park, Vancouver, July 30, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
The Nitobe Memorial Garden, an authentic Japanese garden situated on the campus of the University of British Columbia (UBC), offersa tranquil setting that embodies harmony, culture, and the beauty of nature, July 27, 2026. Photograph: Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
An interior view of East is East restaurant, located on West Broadway in Vancouver, where Nurin treated her father, Malik, to a delightful array of rich flavours and meticulous cooking techniques inspired by the cultures along the ancient Silk Route, including the culinary traditions of India, Afghanistan, and Persia. July 27, 2026. Photograph by Nurin Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A sculpture on the grounds of the Granville Island Market honouring the late US President Jimmy Carter, July 29, 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
~~~~~~~~
A fantastic fruit and vegetable stall at Granville Island Public Market, July 29, 2026. Photograph: Malik Merchant / Simergphotos.
Date posted: August 7, 2026.
____________
Dr. Nurin Merchant and her dad, Malik, at the Nitobe Memorial Garden, UBC, Vancouver.
About the Author: Dr. Nurin Merchant, who was born in Ottawa, aspired to be a veterinarian from a young age. To pursue her dream, she completed her undergraduate degree in Biological Science at the University of Guelph. Afterward, she returned to Ottawa for a year to volunteer with several organizations, including the Rideau Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and the Therapeutic Riding Association of Ottawa-Carleton. She earned her veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College in April 2019. Nurin is passionate about helping both people and animals. In her spare time, she enjoys creating personalized greeting cards for friends and family, spending time in nature and photographing its beauty, and, of course, spoiling her rabbit, Canela.
