Vancouver's largest urban park has been included in a ranking of the top attractions in the world.
Stanley Park, the sprawling 400-hectare oasis, is considered one of the best urban parks in the world, with over 500,000 trees and a breathtaking seawall -- the world's longest uninterrupted waterfront path.
Beloved by locals, the "Crown Jewel of Vancouver" topped a recent list of key stops for tourists visiting the city, where cyclists can enjoy stunning views of the "rainforest, beaches and gardens."
TripAdvisor has released its annual travellers' choice "best of the things to do" which includes the top selections in multiple categories, including overall experiences; attractions; amusement and water parks; bucket list experiences; cultural and historical tours; family-friendly experiences; food and culinary experiences; nature and outdoor experiences; sailing and day experiences; snorkeling and water sports; and wine experiences.
The Basilica de la Sagrada Familia, a jaw-dropping church located in downtown Barcelona, Spain, claimed the top spot on the list of the best attractions. As one of architect Antoni Gaudi’s most famous works, it has famously been under construction since 1882. In one day, tourists can visit this breathtaking attraction as well as one of his other popular creations, nearby Park Guell.
Constructed in 70 C.E. by the Flavian emperors, the Colosseum in Rome came second on the list. The report's authors note that it is the largest amphitheatre ever built, designed to house over 50,000 people.
The Anne Frank House came third, which is a museum dedicated to Jewish wartime diarist Anne Frank. The Dubai Fountain came fifth, boasting water that shoots as high as 500 feet.
The iconic Empire State Building rounded out the top five, rising 1,454 feet from the ground to antenna and featuring "the only 360-degree open-air vantage point of Midtown."
Stanley Park was ranked 22nd on the list, with the report's authors highlighting that it is the third-largest park in North America, drawing a staggering eight million visitors annually.
Top Attractions in the World
- Basilica de la Sagrada Familia
- Colosseum
- The Anne Frank House
- The Dubai Fountain
- Empire State Building
- Musée d'Orsay
- Eiffel Tower
- Trevi Fountain
- Central Park
- Plaza de Espana
- Duomo di Milano
- Parque del Milano
- Kilmainham Gaol Museum
- Acropolis
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Center
- Iguazu Falls
- Angkor Wat
- Gardens by the Bay
- Iolani Palace
- Jardin Majorelle
- Museo Nacional de Antropologia
- Stanley Park
- Taj Mahal
- Petra
- Les 7 Cascades
While no B.C. places were included in the top overall experiences in the world, Niagara Falls in Ontario landed in the 17th spot.