Vancouver is known for our beautiful beaches. Whether it’s a grassy field, areas for water sports, or dog parks, each Vancouver beach has something slightly different to offer. Here is a list of some of the best beaches to catch some rays this summer.
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach, or Kits Beach, is located at the end of Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street. It is easily accessible by transit, and has a couple parking lots on site. Kits Beach is one of the best beaches for families. It has a large sandy beach, and also a great grass area. Kits Pool, a salt-water pool, is on the west side of the beach, and there are seven permanent volleyball courts setup on the east side of the beach. The courts are first come, first served, and nets are free if you provide a credit card, or identification as a deposit. There are also tennis courts, basketball courts, and a small playground. Dog lovers, don’t fret! There is also a dog park close by, with off-leash times from 6:00am – 10:00am and 5:00pm – 10:00pm. The seawall is also a popular route for runners and bikers.
Parking: Yes – paid
Sports: Volleyball, tennis, basketball/hockey, paddle board, windsurfing
Dogs: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Concession: Yes
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes
English Bay Beach
English Bay is one of the most popular beaches in downtown Vancouver for watching the annual fireworks competition, The Celebration of Light. It is located on Beach Avenue, between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street. Like Kits Beach, English Bay has a large sandy beach, and a grass area. There are two volleyball courts, kayak rentals, and also a swimming raft with a water slide. English Bay Beach is also home to Cactus Club. This location has both a seated restaurant area, and also a concession window for beach goers.
Parking: Yes – paid
Sports: Volleyball
Dogs: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Concession: Yes
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach is a great beach for watersport lovers. The west side of the beach is reserved for windsurfers and sailors, while the east side of the beach is for swimmers. Adjacent to the beach is Jericho Park. It’s a great grassy field for soccer, ultimate frisbee, picnics, and the like. There are two volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a baseball diamond.
Parking: Yes – paid
Sports: Volleyball, softball/baseball, soccer
Dogs: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Concession: Yes
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes
Spanish Banks Beach
Spanish Banks is one of the largest beaches in Vancouver. When the tide is low, the beach extends an extra kilometre. It is comprised of three sections: East, West, and the extension. The seawall that rus through Spanish Banks is great for runners, cyclists, and anyone who wants to enjoy our magnificent city views. There are numerous volleyball courts available throughout the beach. Spanish Banks is also a great location for skim boarding. Barbeques are allowed at the beach, and there are various off-leash dog areas as well.
Parking: Yes – free
Sports: Volleyball, skim boarding
Dogs: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Concession: Yes
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes
Trout Lake Beach
Trout Lake Beach is a small beach at the south end of Trout Lake, a freshwater lake. It is located at Victoria Drive, and East 19th Avenue. While the sandy beach area is smaller here compared to other Vancouver beaches, this beach is part of John Hendry Park. Here, visitors can play soccer, basketball, softball/baseball, and tennis. John Hendry also has an off-leash dog park from 5:00am – 10:00pm. Barbeques are allowed at Trout Lake.
Parking: Street parking
Sports: Soccer, softball/baseball, tennis
Dogs: Yes
Lifeguard: Yes
Concession: Yes
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes
Wreck Beach
What Vancouver beach post would be complete without mentioning our beloved Wreck? Wreck Beach, Canada’s first clothing-optional beach stretches 7.8km from the Musqueam Reserve to Spanish Banks West. You can access the beach through Trail 6 in UBC. The entrance to the trail is just off Gate 6 in UBC. Visitors will need to trek down over 400 steps to get to the pristine beach. There is no official concession, but you will be able to buy snacks and drinks from Vendors Row. Make sure you have cash though!
Parking: No
Sports: Skinny dipping!
Dogs: No
Lifeguard: No
Concession: Not officially – snack vendors are available, but are cash only
Public Washrooms/Change rooms: Yes – very limited
For more information about Vancouver beaches, visit www.vancouver.ca.
Connect with Michelle on Twitter: @michelle_au. Keep up with her on Attaining Domesticity.
Photo credit: Daniel Peckham (first image), Bill Casselmen (second image), Vancouver Info Centre (third image), Dave Rogers (fourth image), Kyle Pearce (fifth image), Iota 9 (sixth image), GoToVan (seventh image)
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