6 of the best sunset viewing spots in and around Vancouver, ranked

Aug 9 2022, 4:30 pm

Now that the sun is here and in full swing, Vancouver is in summer mode — meaning our lives now consist of Birkenstocks sans socks, beach days, BBQs, and yes, you guessed it, sunset viewings.

And no matter the occasion — from sipping refreshing beers with friends at a stunning lookout spot to family fun-filled beach picnics — watching the day’s curtain close is one of the simplest ways to celebrate the warmer months and the gorgeous city in which we live.

And if you’re looking for the perfect brew to accompany you, we suggest trying Stanley Park Brewing’s SunSetter Wheat Ales, which are essentially summer in a can.

So, in honour of the summer’s highly anticipated arrival, we’ve ranked our top six favourite spots in and around the city to catch the colours of the sky dance.

6. Lighthouse Park

Sunset at Lighthouse Park in Vancouver

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Jutting out right where the Howe Sound meets the Burrard Inlet, Lighthouse Park offers a unique view of the sun setting over the western horizon while its colours linger on the silver of the city — bonus: this spot is also easily accessible by transit.

Within the park are various lookout spots including some sandy beaches and rocky points (such as Juniper Point) to set up camp and watch day change to night. We recommend arriving early, touring through the trails and varied terrain, and scouting out the many side paths that lead down to the water’s edge until you find the spot that calls to you for the evening.

5. Third Beach

Couple watching sunset at Third Beach in Vancouver's Stanley Park

LeonWang/Shutterstock

Third Beach’s west-facing vantage point makes it an unreal spot to watch the sun bid farewell. It’s the epitome of a prime Vancouver sunset-watching location — a long, sandy beach tucked inside Staley Park with the only thing separating the sand and trees being the seawall that runs through it.

As you watch the sky, the ocean’s surface, and the glimmering windows of buildings lining the North Shore change colour, and cue your time to crack open any of Stanley Park Brewing’s SunSetter Wheat Ales (Peach, Pineapple, or Mango) so that your beer matches the picture-perfect setting before you.

4. English Bay Beach

Sunset over English Bay in Vancouver

Lijuan Guo/Shutterstock

A Vancouver classic location for catching sunsets (it’s what English Bay is all about, really) there couldn’t be a better place to bring some beers and sushi down to. Even though English Bay (also known as First Beach) is the most populated beach area of Vancouver’s downtown — that’s honestly part of its charm. It’s bright with the energy of people having picnics, playing music, sauntering over from the nearby bars, and passing through on seawall strolls.

3. Cypress Lookout

Sunset from Cypress Lookout over Vancouver

Adam Melnyk/Shutterstock

Want an even better view of all the sunset touches? Go up a mountain. This popular lookout spot on the windy way up to Cypress bowl gives gawkers a wide-spanning view of our gorgeous metropolis all the way over to the mouth of the Howe Sound. Your only concern up here will be not wanting the sunset to end, as you could never have enough time to take all of this view in.

2. Whytecliff Park

Sunset at Whytecliff Park near Vancouver

Pierre Leclerc/Shutterstock

Whytecliff is undoubtedly a top spot for a chilled evening of sunset watching. While this park is definitely no secret to the public and gets crowded on a sunny Saturday, its resting place all the way at the end of West Vancouver provides an inherent feeling of calm. With so many different points in the park to stake your claim via picnic blanket or box of beers, there’s room for all who choose to come and gaze out towards Bowen Island and beyond.

1. Horseshoe Bay Lookout

Sunset over Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver

Charlie Grinnell/Shutterstock

This not-so-secret spot is arguably the best drive-up viewpoint in all of Vancouver. The wooden platform along the side of the old highway (now Horseshoe Bay Drive) offers Horseshoe Bay’s best views of the Howe Sound from a perch. The spot is marked by a sign that reads “Residential Area. Avoid Using Engine Brakes,” where you’ll see a little path to climb and the platform before you.

If you do visit, just make sure to take your trash with you afterwards. We most definitely recommend bringing a Sunsetter to crack for the show, make sure to pack it out.

Ready for all the sunsets to be seen from across our beautiful city this summer? Make sure to pick up a SunSetter Fruit Stand pack before embarking on your viewing excursion, featuring all three SunSetter beers boasting ripe flavours of peach, pineapple, and mango and bold Citra hops.

To learn more about Stanley Park Brewing’s SunSetter Wheat Ales and where to purchase them near you, visit stanleyparkbrewstore.com.

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