Nestled in ocean pockets surrounding the urban centre, Vancouver's beaches promise clean water, sandy shores and spectacular views.
Each Vancouver beach – Jericho, Spanish Bank, Kitsilano, Ambleside, Wreck, Second and Third, and Centennial – boasts its own ambiance and personality.
Amble along the shores of Jericho, take a dip at Spanish Bank, cheer on volleyball matches at Kitsilano or appreciate the sunset at Second Beach. For those who want to bare it all, head to Wreck Beach with its birthday-suit dress code.
The best sunning and swimming months in Vancouver are June through August. Be prepared for crowds on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays during the summer months as city beaches are popular with locals.
Jericho Beach
Jericho, located on English Bay's south shore, is a 54-ha/134-ac waterfront park and beach, famous for an endless sandy strip as well as spectacular mountain and city views.
A great place for the entire family, Jericho has it all: picnic and barbeque areas, sailing and kayaking, volleyball and tennis, jogging and sunbathing all make up the active fabric of this lively landscape. The beach also has concession stands, change rooms, showers and toilets.
Jericho Beach is approximately 20 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver.
Spanish Bank
Just west of Jericho lies English Bay's Spanish Bank. Its impressive stretch of clean sandy beach has earned Spanish Bank a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
As with most Vancouver beaches, there are, change rooms, public washrooms and a concession stand. Grassy areas abound, making a sand-free encounter with a good book possible. For those who would rather leave the beach-reading for another day, views of the city skyline and cruise ships gliding past leave much for the eye to take in.
Spanish Bank is located about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Dogs are permitted at Spanish Bank West.
Kitsilano Beach
"Kits" Beach is a 13-ha/31-ac waterfront park and one of the city's most popular warm-weather destinations. All summer long, swimmers and sunbathers cheerfully crowd its sandy beach and heated, saltwater pool.
While the beach's active shores of sand, grass and sports courts attract beachgoers as well as volleyball, tennis and basketball players, the pool's size (almost three times as large as an Olympic pool) is well divided, allowing for swimmers of all levels. There are also change rooms, public washroom, a concession stand, and showers.
Kitsilano Beach is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. An admission fee in effect for the pool (open summers only).
Ambleside Beach
Ambleside Park is well loved by locals for its long, sandy beach and sunny shores. It offers sweeping views of the city, Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge, as well as fishing boats and cruise ships.
The beach's playground is a favourite with kids, while the area's terrific swimming appeals to visitors of all ages. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch, bring your own barbecue or visit the concession stand. On-site change rooms, public washrooms and showers are available.
Ambleside Park is in West Vancouver, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. There is a well-marked off-leash dog area at Ambleside.
Wreck Beach
A clothing-optional destination, Vancouver's Wreck Beach has a personality all its own. For decades the beach has been a mecca for those sunbathers who prefer birthday suits to bathing suits.
Vendors' Row is unique to the beach, offering gourmet fare from falafels to English trifle and buffalo burgers. Visitors may also see hand-made jewellery, sarongs and even services such as a pedicure or massage for sale.
And, just before sunset, listen for the beat of beach drums, a Wreck Beach ritual.
Access to Wreck Beach is on foot starting west of Spanish Bank, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, or down a long flight of stairs (Trail 6) off Southwest Marine Drive at UBC. Please respect the "Clothes-Beyond-This-Point" signs. No lifeguards are on duty at this beach.
Stanley Park's Second Beach and Third Beach
Visitors to Stanley Park's two spectacular beaches, Second and Third, are in for a treat. The beaches are named for where they fall in sequence along the seawall.
Second Beach, in the park's southwest corner, is the sunnier and busier of the two, boasting stellar views of English Bay. Just slightly rocky, the beach is popular with Vancouver locals, who also take advantage of the beach's warm outdoor pool. Third Beach, between Ferguson Point and Siwash Rock on the park's west side, is a pleasant and popular beach. Sunsets from Third Beach offer incomparable vistas.
Both beaches have concession stands, change rooms and public washrooms. Stanley Park is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver. An admission fee in effect for the Second Beach pool (open summers only).
Centennial Beach
On the western shores of Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen, Centennial Beach is renowned for having one of the warmest and cleanest soft-sand beaches in the area. Sand dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats and lagoons as well as picnic areas and several nature trails add to a memorable beach experience.
Nature lovers are also attracted to the area's wildlife reserves and internationally recognized important bird area - a critical rest stop for thousands of birds on the Pacific Flyway migration route.
The beach offers a concession stand and public washrooms. Dogs must be on leash at all times, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Centennial Beach is located in Boundary Bay Regional Park, about a one-hour drive south of downtown Vancouver via Highway 99.
Practical Points and Safety
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply on beaches
- Lifeguards are typically on duty in summer months, except when otherwise noted
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