Photo taken from a Helijet flight to Grouse Mountain, Summer 2009

Stanley Park is the Best City Park in the entire world. It’s also a very special spot for our family.

Jennifer and I were married at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, and so on the occasion of the park’s 125th birthday we spent a day wandering the trails, visiting our favorite spots, and celebrating the decision made 125 years ago to turn such a huge piece of land into a crown jewel of which cities around the world are envious.

Stanley Park was opened on September 27, 1888 as the city of Vancouver’s first official green space. Vancouver now boasts more than 230 public parks. But the city’s heart remains in the cool, lush, evergreen oasis of Stanley Park, named for Lord Frederick Stanley, Governor General of Canada in 1888.

Stanley Park is North America’s third largest urban core park, visited by more than 8 million people a year and, yes, it is the world’s best.

Here’s how we have loved it over the years:

Stanley Park has been a favorite place for runs. I have done many Team Diabetes training runs in the park. My first marathon went through the park. Jen and I did the 2008 Run for Canada in Stanley Park.

July 4, 2009. Our wedding day at Ferguson Point. Images via Carolyn Egerszegi Photography.

Fall in Stanley Park is wonderful. Big trees, huge leaves, and an 18 month old Zacharie running in total bliss. October, 2008.

2008 vs 2013. Jen walking with Zacharie at Lumberman’s Arch, and then chasing Charlie.

1981 vs 2013. Stanley Park has been an important part of my life since moving to Vancouver in 1980. My grandparents came for a visit soon after we moved and sat in the crook of a tree along the seawall just past Lumberman’s Arch. 32 years later the tree is still there, and I sat in it with my wife and family to recreate this great family memory.

Back at Ferguson Point in August 2013, celebrating at the spot where it all “officially” began.