A Guide to Vancouver Beaches

English Bay Beach near Davie, Denman Streets

One of the most popular Vancouver beaches, English Bay attracts all types, including dog-walkers, kayakers, and couples. The historic 1932 bathhouse overlooks the beach. Nearby, find the bust of Joe Fortes—Vancouver's first lifeguard. The beach lays just steps from one of Vancouver's most populated neighborhoods, where you'll find sushi restaurants, gay dance clubs, and West End hotels.

English Bay Beach is also a launch-point for the annual Polar Bear Swim. On January 1, New Year's Day, thousands take an annual cold water swim. The first swimmers plunged into the chilly winter waters here in 1920.

Families tend to head to nearby Second Beach pool, an outdoor swimming pool with views of the ocean. Like at Vancouver beaches, lifeguards supervise the pool.

Third Beach in Stanley Park

Being screened by the forests of Stanley Park gives Third Beach an isolated quality. Families stop by to build sandcastles and spread out picnics, while those biking and walking the Stanley Park Seawall admire the views. This is one of the rare natural sand Vancouver beaches, so it has tidal pools, driftwood stacks, and rock formations to explore at low tide.

Kitsilano Beach in Kits

Kitsilano Beach attracts young people like a magnet. It's been named one of the world's sexiest beaches by Forbes Traveler magazine, but still maintains a relaxed vibe, akin to other Vancouver beaches. Nearby, the saltwater Kitsilano Pool balances out the age range at the beach—it is a favorite with kids and seniors.

Jericho Beach for Families

Originally a First Nations village, this busy beach has since transformed from logging camp to golf course to military base and now to a park. Lawns, forest, and a marina surround the natural sand beach. Jericho is a go-to for dozens of activities including sailing, windsurfing, volleyball, and tennis. The beach is overloaded with nearby amenities, including a youth hostel, live theatre, and stellar patio at the sailing club.

Hundreds of rabbits live in the park, making Jericho one of the most popular Vancouver beaches for families.

Vancouver Beaches on Point Grey

West from Jericho, beaches wrap the shoreline out to the University of British Columbia. First Locarno, then Spanish Banks East and Spanish Banks West trim the shore. Wide grassy lawns behind the beaches are filled with smoking barbecues in summer. Spanish Extension, even further west, is a dog-friendly beach. Unlike downtown Vancouver beaches, these on the city's West Side offer free parking.

At low tide you can hike along the Point Grey Foreshore to reach Wreck Beach, near the University of British Columbia. Learn more about Wreck Beach, Vancouver's clothing optional beach, and its relaxed reputation. Or, take a waterfront hike on some of Vancouver's hiking trails.