Stanley Park, as we all know it, is a lush green park which offers us a welcome break from the urban landscape surrounding it. Stanley Park is a thriving rainforest whose sprawling 400 hectares contains scenic trails, sandy beaches, historic landmarks and the famous Vancouver Aquarium. But did you know that underneath the beauty and splendor of the national historic sight lies a complex, exciting past filled with famous crimes, secret cemeteries and bizarre public art.

Forbidden Vancouver is currently offering walking tours, sharing these secrets with the public through a new experience, Secrets of Stanley Park, a 2.5 hour walking tour that covers the parks scenic stretch of the seawall, roams winding trails and wanders amid towering old growth trees. Along the way, guides relay harrowing stories about crime, persecution, military installations, poetry, scandals and even murder. These tours are fun and interactive, while jam packed with fascinating historical, architectural and cultural information. Secrets of Stanley Park is designed for the adventurer who wishes to forgo a simple stroll in the park and instead take a deeper dive into the forest.

This is the perfect time of year to tag along on the tour. The park is bright and cheery with its orange, red and yellow leaves, making it a photo worthy trip at every turn.

Learn about the reason the park was open, how the Lions Gate Bridge was built on beer and what really went down on Deadman's Island. 

Secrets of Stanley Park runs on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 2pm to 4:30pm until the end of November. The start and end point is just outside the Aquarium.