What are the best beaches (or maybe just one beach, well, it depends on your own experience) in Vancouver, BC, Canada? You’ll explore them all, from the famous one to the hidden gem, in just this post.
Important rules you need to know when going to the beaches in Vancouver
Take only memories; leave only footprints. So, before getting to know about the best beaches in Vancouver, we suppose it would be great if you’re well-informed about the beach rules. Don’t get offended; we do it for your own sake so that you can stay away from trouble.
Here is the list of things that are forbidden on every beach in Vancouver
- Using pump-up devices in the water
- Drinking alcohol
- Smoking
- Polluting the environment
Things that are or aren’t accepted based on rules of specific locations
- Playing ball games, except in selected areas
- Fires, but barbeques are OK in containers
- Kitesurfing and kiteboarding, excluding at Spanish Banks Extension
Best beaches In Vancouver, BC You Cannot Miss
There are plenty of the best beaches In Vancouver, BC, and we know that, but still, we want to make a list so that you can save time to pick your own favorite.
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach lies on False Creek’s mouth and is easily accessible from downtown Vancouver. The beach is the perfect starting point for tourists to discover the whole neighborhood, from the Aquatic Centre Ferry Dock to Yaletown, Granville Island, and finally, the Olympic Village.
When hearing its name, you might sense its purpose, right? Not only the visitors but also the locals love to witness the spectacular nightfall at Sunset Beach.
Second Beach is a famous beach in Vancouver
There are plenty of things that attract children to Second Beach, such as building sandcastles on the shore, playing at the beach’s playgrounds, etc. But the greatest appeal is certainly the heated alfresco pool. This pool is, unfortunately, seasonally available from late spring to early fall. So, remember to check beforehand.
The specific location is at Stanley Park’s south end.
Third Beach
Believe us, it’s worth spending some time to dip your toes into the golden sand of Third Beach in Stanley Park. With the ocean in front of you and the woods behind you, your tired soul would feel at ease immediately.
Though this beach draws no crowd, there are amenities such as changing areas, restrooms, and a concession stand. You are also allowed to use barbecues here.
Don’t forget English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach presents the overlook of English Bay and the oceanside sanctuary in the vibrant Vancouver downtown. And from the hub of the city, you can easily walk there.
If you’re planning to visit in summer, consider the crowd you might encounter. As a result, seeking a spot to sunbathe or have a picnic can be a bit difficult. So, remember to arrive early.
Beach conveniences include a kayak storage zone and kayak rentals, a raft swimming platform, and two volleyball courts.
Kitsilano Beach
It would be a mistake not to mention Kitsilano Beach when it comes to the best beaches in Vancouver. Situated across from the city center through the Burrard Street Bridge, this beach signifies everything that the Kitsilano community has to present. It has the vibe of a trendy outdoorsy hub but is still unpretentious.
From swimming laps to outdoor games such as basketball, tennis, beach volleyball, etc. you can see them all here in the summer. Don’t be shy, join a game that you like and make some new friends!
Craving for a snack to recharge your battery? There is a waterfront cafe that sells snacks and ice cream. If it’s not enough, head to the nearby restaurants which are just a quick stroll from the beach. So much to see and do, right? We hope you have a good time here!
Visit Jericho Beach
This lovely beach stretches from the Kitsilano to West Point Grey areas. It’s home to posher facilities in Vancouver, for example, Jericho Tennis Club and Royal Vancouver Yacht Club.
Swimming is indeed a must thing to do when coming to a beach. However, in Jericho Beach, it’s even better if you get way out in the water. Since the beach runs the charitable Jericho Sailing Centre, everyone can access skimboarding lessons, stand-up paddleboarding, windsurfing, and sailing.
Wreck Beach
Since Wreck Beach is hidden from view at the foot of a bluff, you must descend 500 steps to reach it.
Wreck Beach offers a special bohemian vibe that draws a hippy-like crowd. It’s quite common to catch a group gathered around a guitar or even artists selling their pieces.
Walk along the seashore when the tide is low, and you’ll see abandoned towers from WWII and the local fauna and flora. But you must watch out for your step since the rocks are slippery.
Spanish Banks
Spanish Banks Beach is comparable to Kits Beach and Jericho in that it has views of the city skyline, but it is calmer due to its position in a more residential region. It’s the ideal spot to set up a picnic table and hold an impromptu BBQ, with breathtaking water views and the city.
Spanish Banks is the ideal beach for a calm promenade, with the Seawall spanning from one end of the long beach to the other, set against a stunning backdrop of screeching seagulls and yachts drifting along the water.
There is no better site to see the sunset on a clear evening than from Spanish Banks Beach. Spread a blanket and see the sun set below the horizon while the city lights flash over the harbor.
The Locarno Beach
Locarno Beach, located between Spanish Banks and Jericho Beach, is a tiny beach that is arguably less well-known than its neighbors—and, as a result, it is a bit of a hidden gem. It has the same benefits as other neighboring beaches, such as spectacular views, sandy beaches, and enough of space for a lengthy walk. Locarno Beach has it all if you’re searching for a spot to go for a walk, a game of sand volleyball, a picnic, or a game of bocce.
What are the two things it lacks? Crowds and commotion. Locarno is categorized as a quiet beach, meaning no amplified sound is permitted. Leave the boombox at home and come here to appreciate the ocean’s views, sounds, and smells. Locarno Beach also does not charge for parking, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious beachgoers.
Ambleside Beach
Ambleside Beach, like Ambleside Beach, is technically located in the District of West Vancouver rather than in Vancouver proper. Still, the extensive rocky and sandy shoreline makes it a must-see for any beachgoer.
The neighboring Dundarave Village is a charming shopping district popular with residents but sometimes overlooked by tourists due to its location. Check it out if you’re looking for a quick bite to eat before or after you hit the beach.
Dundarave is a true swimmer’s beach with calm waters and a community swimming pier. It’s an excellent choice for families, with wading pools and a playground to keep the kids entertained.
Trout Lake beach
Not every beaches in the Vancouver, BC, area faces the Pacific Ocean. Trout Lake Beach, located in the landlocked suburb of East Vancouver, is the city’s only legal freshwater beach. It’s a wonderfully tranquil haven in the heart of the metropolis.
Trout Lake Beach is positioned in a truly park-like setting, surrounded by trees and with a picture-perfect mountain backdrop. There is an off-leash area for your four-legged companion, and parking is free.
The man-made Trout Lake includes many amenities as Vancouver’s other beaches, including picnic spots, sporting fields, playgrounds, and walking trails. Still, it also has a few unique features, such as a swimming dock. Though the water at Trout Lake is still quite cold, many people consider it more swimmable than the Pacific Ocean.
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