Vancouver’s beaches are like the best kind of summer fling—sunny, fun, and full of surprises. I’ve spent countless weekends bouncing between Kits Beach and Spanish Banks, often while trying to juggle an ice cream cone and dodge wayward frisbees.
One time, I confidently plopped my towel down at English Bay, only to realize I’d set up right in the middle of a volleyball game. Let’s just say, the players weren’t thrilled, and I learned a valuable lesson about beach etiquette.
But hey, when you’re on the hunt for the best beaches in Vancouver, sometimes you just have to dive right in—literally!
- Explore the Vibrant Shores of Kitsilano Beach
- Bask in the Sun at English Bay Beach
- Savor a Picnic on the Grassy Areas at Spanish Banks
- Relax with a Good Book at Wreck Beach
- Enjoy a Refreshing Swim at Sunset Beach
- Immerse Yourself in the Breathtaking Scenery at Third Beach
- Gather with Friends at Jericho Beach
- Discover Hidden Coves at Locarno Beach
Explore the Vibrant Shores of Kitsilano Beach
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Address: Cornwall Avenue at the north end of Yew Street
Activities: Beach volleyball, swimming, paddleboarding, jogging along the seawall
Facilities: Outdoor pool, washrooms, concession stands, lifeguards
Nearby attractions: Kits Pool, local cafes, and restaurants
Contact details: 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am to 8pm
Locally known as Kits Beach, this spot is hands down one of Vancouver’s top urban beaches—and for good reason. Kitsilano itself is a gem, but what really makes it shine are the awesome amenities all around.
Right next to the beach, there’s a park that’s always a hit with the kids, complete with slides, swings, merry-go-rounds, and sandpits for the little ones to go wild in.
If you’re up for a scenic walk, the beach is connected to the famous seawall. It’s a beautiful route with stunning views of the ocean and plenty of fun distractions as you make your way around Vancouver’s waterfront.
Just a little west of the beach, you’ll also find the Kits Pool—a fantastic outdoor, ocean-view pool that’s open from May to September.
Pro tip:
There are plenty of fantastic walking spots along the beach! Stroll East to Granville Island for some vibrant sights or head West to Spanish Banks for stunning views that will take your breath away!
Bask in the Sun at English Bay Beach
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Address: Beach Avenue
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, cycling along the seawall, rollerblading
Facilities: Concession stands, washrooms, lifeguards, picnic areas
Nearby attractions: Stanley Park, Cactus Club Café, Denman Street shopping
Contact details: 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
English Bay Beach is a must-visit in Vancouver, especially in the summer when the evening vibe is at its best.
The sunsets here are unforgettable, with the sky lighting up in brilliant colors, the sound of the ocean in the background, and birds soaring overhead—it’s a scene straight out of a postcard.
There’s no shortage of great food, either. With food trucks and restaurants nearby, you’ll have plenty of options to grab a bite while walking along the sand.
The water is perfect for a swim, and the beach is well-equipped with washrooms, showers, and lifeguards to make sure your visit is safe and comfortable.
To top it all off, the annual Celebration of Light fireworks display adds even more charm to this stunning beach, making it a truly magical experience.
Pro tip:
Keep walking towards the end of Davie Street where you’ll see the amazing laughter sculptures!
Savor a Picnic on the Grassy Areas at Spanish Banks
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Address: Located along Northwest Marine Drive west of Tolmie Street
Activities: Kiteboarding, skimboarding, picnicking, beach volleyball
Facilities: Concession stands, washrooms, volleyball courts, picnic tables
Nearby attractions: Jericho Sailing Centre, trails for walking and biking
Contact details: 604-257-8400
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Spanish Banks is one of Vancouver’s best public beaches—clean, safe, and full of free or low-cost activities. When the tide is out, the expansive tidal flats are perfect for skimboarding, crab-spotting, or just strolling across the wide-open sands.
When the water’s in, it’s a great spot for swimming, stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. You’ll see some wind and kite surfers catching a breeze, though the wind can be hit or miss.
For land lovers, there are plenty of biking and walking trails along the beach and even leading into the nearby UBC forest.
The beach also has volleyball courts and tons of room for sports, making it a hotspot for activity—or a perfect place to simply relax with a picnic, fire up the grill, or lose yourself in a good book. With so much to offer, Spanish Banks truly have something for everyone.
Pro tip:
Make a pit stop at the Jericho Beach Sailing Club’s second-floor patio for a beer and burger—perfectly paired with views that’ll make you want to linger just a little longer!
Relax with a Good Book at Wreck Beach
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Address: SW Marine Drive
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, beach markets
Facilities: Vendors offering food and drinks, public washrooms, steep access via stairs
Nearby attractions: UBC campus, Pacific Spirit Park
Contact details: 604-628-4510
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am – 10:00pm
Wreck Beach is definitely one-of-a-kind, being the only nude beach in the lower mainland and located right by the largest university in the province.
The journey down is an adventure itself, with a series of stairs winding through the forest, eventually leading you to breathtaking views and a totally unique beach experience.
That said, a word of caution—this is a clothing-optional spot. So, if you’re not comfortable with the idea of seeing folks in their birthday suits, it might not be your scene.
Scattered across the beach are plenty of logs, perfect for sitting back, relaxing, and soaking in the view. It’s the kind of spot where you can kick back with a drink, strum a guitar, and enjoy a stunning sunset as the day winds down.
Parking is pretty limited up top along the cliffs, so taking public transit or biking is a smart move.
And heads up, the climb back up is no joke! What you bring down to the beach, you’ll have to lug back up. But once you reach the bottom, it’s like stepping into a whole other world.
Pro tip:
One essential item to leave at home is your camera! Photography is a no-go here, thanks to park regulations, so don’t forget to check those posted signs!
Enjoy a Refreshing Swim at Sunset Beach
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Address: 1204 Beach Avenue
Activities: Walking, cycling, paddleboarding, picnicking
Facilities: Picnic areas, washrooms, concession stands
Nearby attractions: False Creek, Granville Island, Burrard Bridge
Contact details: 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Sunset Beach is hands down one of the top spots to catch a sunset in Vancouver. It’s best enjoyed on a sunny day or when the sun’s at least peeking through the clouds.
The vibe here is cheerful and laid-back, making it a perfect place to unwind, whether solo or with friends.
Quieter than the busier English Bay, Sunset Beach offers a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the sunset and downtown Vancouver.
It’s an ideal spot for evening picnics or some peaceful reflection. The beach has convenient facilities like restrooms, making it easy to spend the whole day here without a worry.
Plus, from the beach, you can hop right over to Granville Island, giving you the best of both worlds in one visit!
Pro tip:
From here, hop on a charming little ferry for just $5 round trip to Granville Island, where you’ll find a delightful array of local shops run by friendly faces!
Immerse Yourself in the Breathtaking Scenery at Third Beach
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Address: 7501 Stanley Park Drive
Activities: Sunbathing, swimming, hiking along the seawall, evening drum circles
Facilities: Washrooms, picnic tables, fire pits
Nearby attractions: Stanley Park trails, seawall cycling
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 6am to 10pm
Tucked below the path and stairs lies Third Beach, a peaceful gem in Stanley Park. Whether you’re walking the seawall or arriving by car, it’s the perfect spot to take a break, grab a drink from the concession stand, or make use of the clean restrooms.
Located on the park’s western shore, Third Beach offers stunning views of outer English Bay, the North Shore, and the Gulf Islands. The soft sand is perfect for walking, soaking up the sun, or taking a dip in the ocean.
Just a short walk from English Bay and Denman Street, it’s a great spot to admire the ships waiting to enter the harbor or simply sit and meditate, surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking scenery.
Pro tip:
Just a heads-up: if you park your car in the park, keep an eye on the time and payment! They’re super strict, and it’s quite the trek back to the nearest parking lot!
Gather with Friends at Jericho Beach
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Address: 3941 Point Grey Road
Activities: Sailing, windsurfing, beach volleyball, picnicking
Facilities: Concession stands, washrooms, volleyball courts, picnic tables
Nearby attractions: Jericho Sailing Centre, trails for walking and biking
Contact details: 604-257-8400
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 10pm
Jericho Beach is a stunning park and beach along the Point Grey coastline is famous for its adorable wild rabbits, descendants of pets left behind years ago.
But there’s so much more to explore in this 47-hectare gem. From tranquil duck ponds and athletic courts to picnic areas and the popular Jericho Sailing Centre, which offers affordable rentals for everything from paddleboards to kayaks.
It’s best to avoid weekends, especially in the summer when the crowds roll in. But during the week, it’s pure bliss. With free parking and decent concessions for lunch or snacks, it’s perfect for a relaxing day out—or better yet, pack a picnic.
When the tide is low, you can wander far out onto the sand, taking in breathtaking views of the city and the mountains across the water.
Pro tip:
Just a heads up: parking can be tricky, so make sure to arrive early to snag a good spot!
Discover Hidden Coves at Locarno Beach
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Address: 4445 Marine Drive NW
Activities: Volleyball, windsurfing, skimboarding, and standup paddling, picnics
Facilities: Concession, washrooms, six volleyball courts, picnic tables, swimming raft
Nearby attractions: Seawall, Stanley Park, Jericho Park
Contact details: 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Monday to Sunday: 7am to 10pm
Locarno Beach, tucked on the west side of Jericho Park, greets you with stunning views of Downtown Vancouver and the North Shore Mountains—an immediate highlight as you stroll along the sandy shoreline.
With its expansive sandy stretches and BBQ tables right nearby, it’s an ideal spot to fire up the grill while keeping an eye on the kids as they play.
Located close to the Jericho Sailing Centre, you’ll see plenty of people gliding on the water in kayaks or paddle boards, while volleyball games heat up during the summer months. It’s also a fantastic spot for children to splash around in the water or build sandcastles.
One of the perks of Locarno is the free parking, though it can fill up quickly. Arriving around 11 a.m. is your best bet, as finding a spot after lunch can be a bit tricky.
Pro tip:
Locarno offers free parking that’s pretty easy to snag, depending on when you roll in. Aim to arrive around 11 AM for the best shot at scoring a spot!