In need of a s-paw day?
Nestled in the heart of Vancouver's Stanley Park lies a forgotten relic of the city's past, the abandoned polar bear enclosure. Once a vibrant attraction at the Stanley Park Zoo, this concrete structure has stood empty since 1997, following the closure of the zoo. Now, a visionary proposal seeks to breathe new life into this space, transforming it into a Scandinavian-style outdoor spa.
The Stanley Park Zoo, established in 1888, was once a beloved destination for Vancouverites that showcased a diverse array of local and exotic animals.
The zoo's origins trace back to 1888 when Henry Avison, the first park superintendent, captured an orphaned black bear cub and displayed it in Stanley Park. This act led to the formation of a small animal collection that eventually evolved into the zoo. By 1905, the zoo housed over 50 animals, including a monkey, a seal, and a black bear. In 1961, the polar bear enclosure was constructed to house these massive creatures. The final resident, Tuk, a 37-year-old polar bear, remained in the enclosure until his passing in 1997, after which the zoo was permanently closed.
Polar bears playing in the Stanley Park Zoo. Photo: Province newspaper photo, Vancouver Public Library?VPL 42902.
It comes as no surprise that Stanley Park Zoo closed in 1993, and that polar bears such as Tuk unfortunately did not lead healthy lives. The enclosure was a far cry from a polar bear's icy and spacious natural habit.
Eager spectators watched the bears leap and play. Photo: TOAD
While the enclosure may not been suitable for wild polar bears, it could be just right for burnt out Vancouverites. Architect Tony Osborn of Tony Osborn Architecture and Design (TOAD) has proposed a transformative plan to repurpose the abandoned enclosure. Dubbed the "Polar Bear Sauna," the concept envisions a Nordic-inspired spa that honours the site's history while offering a modern wellness experience.
A rending of the polar bear closure reimagined as a Nordic spa. Photo: TOAD
Cold and hot plunge pools, utilizing the original bear pools.
A subterranean cave pool with a waterfall.
Steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation lounges.
An indoor café with a patio.
A designated space for cultural reconciliation with local Indigenous groups.
A rendering of a luxurious underground cave pool. Photo: TOAD
The proposal has garnered interest from Vancouver Park Board Commissioner Tom Digby, who commended the idea as "a creative, thoughtful way to enhance public life." However, any development in Stanley Park requires careful consideration of its co-management with the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Osborn acknowledges this and is reportedly committed to engaging with Indigenous communities to ensure the project's inclusivity.
While this Nordic spa remains a conceptual proposal, it reflects a growing trend in Vancouver to repurpose historical sites for contemporary use. The success of similar projects, like Scandinave Spa in Whistler, demonstrates public interest in unique wellness destinations. As discussions continue, the vision for the abandoned polar bear enclosure may soon transition from idea to reality, offering Vancouverites a serene space to connect with nature and history.
For those interested in the evolution of Stanley Park's polar bear enclosure, the transformation from a zoo attraction to a potential wellness sanctuary symbolizes a harmonious blend of past and future.
Get the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox.