Seawall Sounds – Seven at Seven
A self-guided soundwalk
Created by Jamie Dolinko
Launch Date: May 23, 2021; 7am
View and download the map and instructions as a PDF here.
SEAWALL SOUNDS: VIEW/DOWNLOAD ROUTE MAP
Begin at 7 a.m. at the foot of Alberni Street and Chilco Street in Vancouver, on either the walking path, or bike path if cycling. Take a breath, quiet your thoughts, and prepare to listen. Head under the overpass on your right towards the Marina, and continue to your left along the seawall. The soundwalk begins here and should take approximately one hour by bike and three hours on foot.
1. The Totem Poles
The first stop is the Totem Poles to acknowledge that Stanley Park is on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territory of the Coast Salish peoples–Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), Stó:lō and Səl ̓ ílwətaʔ/Selilwitulh (Tsleil-Waututh) and xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) Nations. Take a moment to consider the sounds that have existed here throughout time. This is also a shortcut for those with mobility issues or those who may wish to avoid the small incline around the 9 O’Clock Gun and the lighthouse on Brockton Point. Approx 1.5 km. from start.
2. Sea Lions Rising
A short walk or ride under the overpass at the waterpark and public rest rooms near Lumberman’s Arch will lead you to the back of the Vancouver Aquarium. The aquarium is currently closed due to Covid, but behind the long green fence on the left, the sea creatures are alive and well. Listen for them as they wake up, and to the sounds of the crews and equipment that care for them as they begin their day. Approx 3.3 km. from start.
3. Ravine Trail Tunnel
Step off the seawall, enter a small tunnel through the arch, and within steps find yourself in an entirely different environment. The acoustics under the bridge diffuse and absorb two distinctly different soundscapes. The tunnel is easy to access off the seawall, but there is a gravel path leading further down the trail. Riding bicycles is not allowed on this gravel path so please walk your bike. Approx 3.7 km. from start.
4. Under Lions Gate
Vancouver’s iconic Lions Gate Bridge bisects Stanley Park and is a major link
connecting Greater Vancouver. The location of this sound stop provides a singular
position from which to hear but not see the mass movement of people. Listen from
underneath one of the main arteries of our metropolitan area. Approx 4.7 km. from start.
5. Tide Listening
The tide is on its way back out on the morning of Sunday, May 23rd for low tide at 10:17am. Pull up a bench, sit on a step, or walk right down to the beach and listen closely. Eagles and Pacific harbour seals abound. Approx 5.6 km from start.
6. Second Beach Industrial Sounds
Behind the natural beauty of Stanley Park are many people in many roles, landscapers, gardeners, sanitation workers, mechanics, and more. Buildings and grounds must be constantly maintained and repaired, and the work load is 24/7. Take a moment to stop behind the Second Beach concession stand and listen to the hum of machines and equipment powering the park. Approx 8.1 km. from start.
7. Echo Tunnel and Playground
These last two spots are adjacent, with the tunnel leading bikes along Lost Lagoon back to the starting point, and a paved path next to the playground leading walkers over the tunnel to the same route. Please take these final moments to consider the range of sounds you’ve noticed, and reflect on the amazing variety Stanley Park has to offer. It’s been a pleasure soundwalking with you! Approx 8.5 km. from start.
Click on the maps below to view/download PDF versions.
Photos: Jamie Dolinko, 2021.
