About Us

Stanley Park Officially Opens

Only two years after Vancouver was incorporated as a city, Stanley Park is opened by Mayor David Oppenheimer on September 27th, 1888.

The Pavilion Takes Shape

John Montgomery, park gardener at the time, “plants” the Rock Garden creating a beautiful setting that would later surround and complement the Pavilion, establishing it as a prime location for social and recreational gatherings.

To accommodate park visitors, construction begins on the Stanley Park Pavilion.
Otto Moberg, architect for the CP Rail chalets and lodges in Banff and Lake Louise, designs the Pavilion in a Swiss-chalet style using fieldstone and wood.
Moberg’s design not only introduced heritage charm and architectural distinction to the Pavilion but also positioned it as a landmark venue in Vancouver, blending rustic elegance with the natural beauty of Stanley Park.

A Gathering Place for All

The Stanley Park Pavilion opens to the public and quickly becomes the main gathering place within Stanley Park. As visitor traffic grows throughout the park, the Pavilion serves as a social hub—providing a welcoming space for community events, park explorers, and the increasing number of visitors drawn to Vancouver’s expanding urban green space.

Building the Iconic Seawall

Construction of the 8.8-kilometre (5.5-mile) seawall begins in 1917.
As the seawall gradually expands access around the park, visitor traffic increases significantly—strengthening the Pavilion’s position as the main rest stop, meeting point, and social hub for people exploring Stanley Park.

A Bridge to Connect the City

After one and a half years and a cost of $5,873,837, the Lions Gate Bridge opens to the public. The new bridge dramatically improves access to Stanley Park, bringing even more locals and tourists past the Pavilion and contributing to its growing popularity as a meeting spot and event venue.

A Long-Awaited Tribute

City archivist J.S. Matthews discovers an 1889 letter promising a monument to Governor General Lord Stanley. After a decade-long fundraising campaign, the monument is unveiled in 1960 and is a short 5-minute walk from the Stanley Park Pavilion

A New Chapter

The longstanding Refreshment Room, a beloved heritage space within Stanley Park Pavilion, was renovated into Stanley’s Bar & Grill, creating a casual indoor-outdoor venue for weddings, private parties, and cocktail events. The renovation preserved the room’s historic charm while adding a full-service bar, outdoor deck access, and flexible event layouts, allowing the Pavilion to host both intimate gatherings and larger celebrations seamlessly.

Restoring the Park’s Jewel

Capilano Group takes over the lease for Stanley Park Pavilion, initiating extensive interior renovations to restore the building’s heritage charm and architectural details. The updates modernized the event spaces, catering facilities, and guest amenities, allowing the Pavilion to continue its legacy as a premier venue for weddings, private celebrations, corporate events, and banquets while honoring its historic character.

Creating Magical Celebrations

Under Capilano Group’s management, Stanley Park Pavilion has become Vancouver’s preeminent wedding and banqueting venue. Careful stewardship of the Pavilion’s heritage architecture, elegant ballrooms, and landscaped gardens, combined with professional event coordination and creative catering, has allowed it to host weddings, corporate events, private parties, and milestone celebrations at the highest standard. The venue’s unique Stanley Park location further enhances its appeal, making every event memorable against a backdrop of natural beauty and historic charm.