Grab a party hat and balloon, as 2008 marks 120 years since Vancouver's beloved park opened to the public.

Christened Stanley Park after Canada's governor general at the time, Lord Stanley, this 400-hectare (1,000-acre) green space is Vancouver's natural jewel. Eighty hectares (200 acres) larger than its more famous New York City counterpart, Central Park, it survived a beating by severe storms in the winter of 2006-07, leading to the park's first public closure. Thousands of trees were destroyed along with large chunks of the seawall. After many labour-filled hours and numerous generous donations, the park reopened. Boasting some of the most sought-after attractions in the city, this park has it all -- and then some.

SEAWALL
An ambitious project that was started in 1917, the 8.8-km (5.5-mi) seawall wraps around the entire park and although hard hit in past storms, it is once again fully open for public use. A plaque along the wall near Siwash Rock commemorates James "Jimmy" Cunningham, the dedicated stonemason who spent more than 35 years overseeing the seawall's construction. Nowadays joggers, bikers and power-walkers share the trail with the hundreds of thousands who stop by for a leisurely stroll.

VANCOUVER AQUARIUM
Tucked inside the park is the Vancouver Aquarium, a thriving centre that also acts as a research and rehabilitation facility for animals lost or injured in the wild. Current residents include sea otters, beluga whales and thousands of other under-the-sea creatures, birds and reptiles. Take note of the Bill Reid carving at the entrance; he's the same artist whose work graces the $20 bill and the international departures area of Vancouver International Airport.

SIWASH ROCK
It's one of a kind in Vancouver: an 18-m (60-ft) sea stack. What does that mean to non-geologists? Siwash Rock is a stacked rock that was formed out of hot magma as it burst through the ocean floor. It sits prominently on the western point of the park, just alongside the seawall. Made distinct by the fir tree perched on top, it is a favourite of photographers and artists alike.

LIONS GATE BRIDGE
When strolling, biking or skating along the Stanley Park seawall, look up at the gleaming Lions Gate Bridge that connects the city to North Vancouver. The Guinness family -- yes, as in Guinness beer -- had it built for the city in 1938. The family also purchased lights for the bridge, to make it enjoyable both day and night. When crossing the bridge northbound, take a peek at the proud-looking lions guarding both sides of the entrance. Lions often seem to find their way into Vancouver: the Lions Gate Bridge and the BC Lions football team are named for the Lions, a pair of mountain peaks on the North Shore.

TOTEM POLES
Brockton Point with its totem poles is a popular spot for photos. The original totems dated back to the late 19th century, but to ensure their preservation they were hauled off to museums. New poles erected in their place represent several of BC's First Nations groups, with each pole illustrating a family lineage or story. Welcome portals by Susan Point and a team of Musqueam artists were added just last month, to represent Coast Salish heritage.

NINE O'CLOCK GUN
Along the seawall, on the eastern tip of the park, unsuspecting visitors jump at the sound of the Nine O'Clock Gun. A staple in the park for 110 years, this operational cannon marks the late evening hour with a resounding boom. Relax -- it's only noise; no real cannon balls are used. A gift from the British government, it was originally set to go off at 6 p.m. to alert fishermen that the working day was done. However, as fishermen moved farther out to sea, the gun was adjusted to 9 p.m. and kept simply as a time signal for the city -- and as a way to keep visitors on their toes.

MALKIN BOWL
Throughout the summer months, Malkin Bowl hosts outdoor concerts and Theatre Under the Stars, which captures our attention with rousing renditions of such musical classics as Annie Get Your Gun and Jesus Christ Superstar. What better way to appreciate the raw beauty of the park than to enjoy it from an outdoor theatre? So grab a seat, or pack a picnic basket and just spread out on the grass -- either way you're under the stars.

GIRL IN A WETSUIT
Confusion may be your initial reaction after spotting the sculpture of a girl in a scuba suit, perched upon a rock in the sea. Rest assured, there is method to this madness. While attempting to copy the "Little Mermaid" statue that sits in Copenhagen -- a nod to Danish fairy-tale author Hans Christian Andersen -- the city of Vancouver failed to acquire the necessary rights. Instead of scrapping the project, artist Elek Imredy threw a diving suit on the girl, complete with goggles and flippers, and "Girl in a Wetsuit" was born.

DINING
After a day of exploring, head into one of four cafés and restaurants located throughout Stanley Park. The Fish House serves up fresh seafood such as maple-glazed sockeye salmon and an ol' throwback: fish 'n' chips, from noted author/chef Karen Barnaby. The Sequoia Grill combines local ingredients with fusion flavours, while Prospect Point Café offers soup, salad and fresh coffee alongside a view of the North Shore mountains. Stanley's Park Bar and Grill satisfies thirsty customers with locally drafted beer and regional wines.