Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano Beach, known locally as Kits Beach, lies along English Bay near 1499 Arbutus St in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, British Columbia. It is one of the city's most popular urban beaches, with a wide stretch of sand, a grassy park behind it, and views across the water to the downtown skyline and the North Shore mountains. A wooden boardwalk and a seawall path run along the shore, used by walkers, joggers and cyclists. Beside the beach is Kitsilano Pool, a heated outdoor saltwater pool about 137 metres long, which is one of the longest in Canada and charges a separate admission fee. Volleyball courts, tennis courts, a playground, a basketball area and a concession stand supply plenty of activity, and the grassy slope serves as a gathering place for picnics and informal sports. Lifeguards are on duty during summer days, and the shallow water makes it comfortable for swimming, though Pacific temperatures remain cool even in August. A typical visit lasts one to three hours. The best photo angle is from the western end of the beach looking east toward the downtown skyline, and sunset brings crowds to the sand to watch the light over the mountains. Crowds peak on warm weekends in July and August, when the beach and the surrounding streets fill; weekday mornings and shoulder-season evenings are far calmer. Street parking is limited and often full on sunny days, so Bus 2 and Bus 22 from downtown are practical alternatives. The surrounding Kitsilano neighbourhood offers cafés, shops and restaurants along West 4th Avenue and Cornwall Avenue for food before or after a swim. Entry to the beach itself is free.