Vancouver is known for its natural beauty, and some of the city's most stunning scenery can be found along its stretches of sandy beaches. With parks and trails, opportunities for watersports, and plenty of amenities, Vancouver's beaches have something for everyone. Here is an overview of some of the best beaches in Vancouver and what each has to offer.
English Bay
English Bay is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver. Located in the West End with views of the North Shore mountains, English Bay Beach spans over 1.6 miles of shoreline. It is conveniently located near Stanley Park, Denman Street, and the Davie Village, making it very accessible.
English Bay has fine, soft sand and the water is calm, making it suitable for swimming. There are also volleyball courts on the beach which are popular in the summertime. The beach is lined with the famous English Bay Inukshuk sculptures.
Part of what makes English Bay so great is the lively, vibrant ambiance. There are usually buskers and street performers entertaining crowds. The sunset views are also stunning. Stay to enjoy the colors lighting up the sky as the sun dips behind the mountains across the bay.
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach, also known as "Kits Beach," is another excellent option located in the Kitsilano neighborhood. The beach faces the city with views of English Bay and the North Shore mountains.
Kits Beach has over 1,000 feet of sandy shoreline. The water is fairly sheltered, so it is calm and good for swimming. There are also basketball and tennis courts next to the sand.
One of the highlights of Kits Beach is the Kitsilano Pool, an outdoor saltwater pool located at the edge of the beach. The heated pool is 146 meters long, making it the longest pool in Canada.
The beach also borders a gorgeous park with plenty of grassy areas perfect for picnicking or playing. Kitsilano Beach Park is home to a restaurant, playground, and volleyball courts as well. It has a lively, energetic atmosphere with fitness classes, yoga, live music events, and more happening regularly.
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach is located in the busy West Point Grey neighborhood. It overlooks the waters of English Bay with scenic views of the North Shore mountains.
The main draw of Jericho Beach is the amenities. There are plenty of facilities including boat launches, a fishing pier, a swimming raft, and concession stands. The waters are calm, making it a family-friendly spot for swimming.
Jericho Beach is also popular for windsurfing and sailing with Vancouver's strong breezes. Experienced windsurfers and kiteboarders can often be seen racing along the waters. For beginners, lessons are available nearby. There is also an off-leash dog park section of the beach, making it a favorite of local dog owners. Jericho Beach has paved paths perfect for walking, running, rollerblading, or cycling. Sport courts provide opportunities for beach volleyball, basketball, and tennis as well.
Spanish Banks
Spanish Banks refers to a series of sandy beaches stretching from Point Grey to the University Endowment Lands. Located along the shoreline facing West Vancouver, Spanish Banks offers excellent views across the water.
The beaches here are very wide, providing plenty of sandy shoreline for beach activities. The currents can be strong, so swimming is best done within the roped-off designated swim areas.
One of the main highlights of Spanish Banks is the Spanish Banks Extension trail that runs parallel to the shoreline. The flat, paved trail is popular with walkers, runners, rollerbladers, and cyclists. There are also plenty of beach access points along the trail.
Dog owners love Spanish Banks since there are several off-leash areas spread throughout the beaches. Volleyball, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, and kite flying are other popular activities. At low tide, there are rocky areas to explore tide pools teeming with marine life.
Third Beach
Third Beach is located in Stanley Park, providing beautiful forest surroundings along with great city views. Visitors can access Third Beach by walking, cycling, or driving along Stanley Park's Seawall.
The sand at Third Beach is soft and sandy with some rocky areas intermixed. The waters are calm and suitable for swimming when lifeguards are on duty in the summertime.
There is also a large, heated outdoor pool located right next to the beach. After swimming in the ocean, take a dip in the pool to rinse off.
Third Beach has plenty of facilities including change rooms, a concession stand, and an off-leash dog area. There are tennis courts located nearby as well. It tends to be less crowded than English Bay or Kitsilano Beach, offering a quieter beach experience.
Conclusion
Vancouver boasts some of the best urban beaches in the world. Each beach offers something different - from the lively ambiance of English Bay to the secluded shores of Third Beach. Easy access to amenities, mountain views, opportunities for recreation, and soft sandy shorelines make these beaches excellent choices to experience Vancouver's spectacular waterfront settings.
Whether you prefer combing the sand for treasures at low tide, playing a game of beach volleyball, or watching the sunset, Vancouver has an amazing beach to enjoy any style of waterfront fun.
