A complete guide to Vancouver's beaches
The warm weather is officially here, so you might want to think about soaking in some sun. Luckily, there is no shortage of choice when it comes to what beach to hit up when doing so.
Here’s a complete guide to Vancouver’s beaches:
English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach – also called First Beach – is located along Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street and is the most populated beach in Vancouver’s downtown area. The Stanley Park Seawall, a popular running and biking route, also runs along the east side of the beach.
Features:
- Concession
- Cactus Club Cafe
- Public washrooms
- Kayak rentals and storage
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day until Labour Day
- Swimming raft with large slide
- Two sand volleyball courts
- Beach wheelchairs for those with physical disabilities
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach, known as “Kits” Beach, is located on Cornwall Avenue at the north end of Yew Street. The Seawall runs along side the beach and Kitsilano Pool is at the west side.
Features:
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- Tennis courts
- Basketball courts
- Playground
- Swimming raft
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
- Pay parking
- Boathouse Waterfront Restaurant
Locarno Beach
A designated “quiet” beach, Locarno Beach is located at the west side of Jericho Park on Northwest Marine Drive between Discovery Street and Tolmie Street.
Features:
- Designated quiet beach (amplified sound is not permitted)
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- Six volleyball courts
- Picnic tables
- Swimming raft
- Free parking
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
Second Beach
Second Beach in Stanley Park is located at the junction of Stanley Park Dr and North Lagoon Dr next to Second Beach Pool, an oceanside, heated, outdoor pool. BBQs can be used at nearby Ceperley Meadow and a picnic shelter can be reserved for private gatherings.
Features:
- Public washrooms
- Playground
- Stand-alone BBQs allowed at nearby Ceperley Meadow
- Picnic shelter (reservation required)
- Pay parking
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
- Heated, outdoor pool
Spanish Banks Beach
Located along Northwest Marine Drive west of Tolmie Street, Spanish Banks Beach is composed of three distinct sections, east, west, and extension. At low tide, the water is one kilometre off shore.
Features:
Spanish Banks East
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- BBQs permitted
- Picnic tables
- Eight volleyball courts
- Free parking
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
Spanish Banks West
- Designated quiet beach
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- BBQs permitted
- Picnic tables
- Eight volleyball courts
- Dog off-leash area
- Free parking
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
Spanish Banks Extension
- BBQs permitted
- Free parking
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
- Dog off-leash area
- Kiteboarding launch zone
Sunset Beach
Located at the mouth of False Creek, on Beach Avenue between Bute Street and Thurlow Street, Sunset Beach is a less populated beach close to the West End and downtown Vancouver. It is close to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and has access to the False Creek Ferry pier.
Features:
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- Designated quiet beach
- Access to the False Creek Ferry pier
- Pay parking
- Lifeguards between Victoria Day and Labour Day
Third Beach
Located at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, Third Beach is a naturally sandy beach surrounded by trees that shield dippers and tanners from urban noise. This is a great beach for quiet bathing, picnics, and watching sunsets.
Features:
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- BBQs allowed (with restrictions)
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
- Pay parking
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach on the north side of Jericho Park at the west end of Point Grey Road between Wallace Street and Discovery Street. The east side of the beach caters to swimmers and the west side to sailboats and windsurfers.
Features:
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- Playing fields
- Tennis courts
- Picnic tables
- Swimming raft
- Pay parking
- Lifeguards between Victoria Day and Labour Day
- Beach wheelchairs
- Jericho Sailing Centre
- Vancouver Youth Hostel
Trout Lake Beach
Trout Lake Beach is a fresh water beach at the south end of Trout Lake in John Hendry Park at Victoria Drive and East 19th Avenue.
Features:
- Swimming raft
- Play fields
- Concession
- Public washrooms
- Picnic area
- BBQs permitted
- Lifeguards from Victoria Day to Labour Day
- Dog off-leash area (north end of lake)
- Free parking
Wreck Beach
Vancouver’s premier nude (or “clothing optional”) beach is nestled down a winding set of stairs that, once completed, opens up to a stunning, secluded beach full of naked people.
Wreck Beach is best known for having vendors who sell snacks and drinks, as well as an eclectic mix of visitors – the people watching opportunities are endless (but please refrain from staring).
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