Bounding the backside of the library is Haro Street. If we walk across Denman Street to our left when we get to Haro, we begin our journey through the most tranquil corner of the West End on our way to Stanley Park. Heading west past Vina Vietnamese Restaurant, we slip into the cool shade of the canopy of trees and away from the bustle of Denman. Immediately you can see the appeal to living in the area: you get the convenience and excitement of living near the middle of the city while nearly having the quiet and quaint setting of a peaceful suburb.

 About 200 metres from Denman Street, on the right side, we see another nice example of brickwork at 'The Arlington,' a low-rise apartment building from the first half of the century. Further up this well-groomed street we find the 'Buchan Hotel' nestled next to Guilford Square. This area also shows off how old and new reside side-by-side in the jumble of architecture that makes up the West End.

We'll just continue to the corner of Chilco and Haro, where we will get a small glimpse of Lost Lagoon in Stanley Park - don't worry, we'll be there in a second! We're first going to hang a left onto Chilco, pass by 'The Chatalaine' on our right (more fine bricks) and then take the next right onto Barclay again. Note the interesting droopy trees along Chilco past Barclay.

This portion of Barclay is just a skip and a jump to Stanley Park and as we near the end of the street, we are confronted by probably the newest and possibly the 'funkiest' tower in the West End on our left at 2088. Very chic!

Stanley Park

Here we are at Lagoon Drive. Crossing at the crosswalk, it's a right and then an immediate left (where the 'Pooh Corner Daycare' sign is) to enter the park trail. We have created a broader history of Stanley Park complete with detailed maps of walking and biking trails, the seawall and all the park's amenities should you wish to explore further.

About 50 meters in, we have the option to go one of two routes. One route takes us straight down the path before us and allows to peek in at the golf course and check out heaps of squirrels. The other option takes us down to the lagoon to observe the birds and wildlife along with great views across the lagoon. Unless you're in a hurry or don't like water, I'd say the choice is clear!

 RIGHT:

 take the path to your right, down the slight decline and then the immediate left and you'll see the lagoon. There's a bit of wildlife info near the water's edge where we are going to bear left and walk with the water to our right side. The Lagoon got its name from native Indian poet Pauline Johnson, as, for many years, the lagoon was simply a shallow outlet from the ocean and the water would disappear at low tide. A man-made blockage enclosed the lagoon for good and now it is a nature reserve where you'll see multitudes of geese, ducks, the odd swan, herons and various other fowl residing.

Note also the fountain across the way, built during the Depression oddly enough.

As we start our lagoonside stroll it is likely that you will encounter a number of raccoons - now so accustomed to being around people and being fed by them, they will march confidently up to your feet even if you just glance in their direction. Unless you taunt them, they are perfectly harmless and will continue on their cute way if you ignore them. *Try not to walk too late at night near the lagoon as there are coyotes living in the park and this area is not well lit.*

Follow the path along until it hits the concrete bridge over the stream - this is also where our trail converges with the 'straight-ahead' trail.

STRAIGHT AHEAD:

follow the paved path down under the trees. You can nip into the little side-trails over to the low timber fencing and check out the golfers. If you've never seen squirrels before, you may think that Vancouver has an epidemic of these tiny furry things, as zillions of them seem to roost around here. About halfway along this trail on your left you will come across a beautiful (though slightly hidden) flower garden which is really quite amazing and unexpected.

Head over the bridge and then bear left noting the weeping trees and the Japanese-style setting around the stream. About 100 metres up this path to the left is a lovely wooden bridge. This little field is a photographer's dream during the winter when the fog starts to drift in on a regular basis, and it takes on a surreal, painterly quality.