Vancouver is the largest city in British Columbia, home to about 700,000 people (about 2.7 million in Metro Vancouver) between the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Mountains. This guide covers Stanley Park, Granville Island, Gastown, SkyTrain transit, day trips and practical costs for visitors.
Top beaches
A ranked editor’s shortlist of the coastline worth planning a day around in Vancouver.
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- lively urban beach with sunset crowds
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Concession stand
- Seawall
- Inukshuk and sunset views
English Bay Beach
Central sandy beach on English Bay with sunset views, the Inukshuk and the Stanley Park seawall.
Editor’s tip. Arrive an hour before sunset on summer evenings to claim a spot on the sand or a log.
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- busy, sporty and social with city views
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Kitsilano Pool
- Volleyball courts
- Concession and cafe
- Playground
Kitsilano Beach
Busy beach with city views, volleyball, a heated saltwater pool and picnic lawns.
Editor’s tip. Weekend parking around Arbutus Street fills early; bus 2 or 22, or a Mobi bike, is easier.
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- relaxed, family-friendly with paddlers and sailors
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Sailing and paddling clubs
- Concession
- Parking
- Grassy picnic area
Jericho Beach
Family beach with shallow water, picnic areas and paddling and sailing clubs.
Editor’s tip. Arrive before midday on summer weekends to find parking in the on-site lot.
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- spacious and breezy with mountain views
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Concession
- Parking
- Off-leash dog area at Spanish Banks West
Spanish Banks Beach
Wide tidal flats and sand with mountain views, popular for walking and kite flying.
Editor’s tip. Check tide tables: low tide gives the longest walks, high tide is better for swimming.
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- quiet, calm and family-friendly
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Concession
- Parking
- Volleyball nets
- Playground
Locarno Beach
Quieter sandy beach with driftwood piles and a calmer family atmosphere.
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on sunny weekends because the parking area fills up.
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- scenic and relaxed with sunset gatherings
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Concession
- Picnic logs
- Sunset viewing
Third Beach
Stanley Park beach with driftwood, calm water and some of the city's best sunsets.
Editor’s tip. Arrive an hour before sunset on summer evenings to secure a log.
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- quiet, local and sheltered beside the seawall
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Seawall
- Public art
Sunset Beach
Quieter sheltered beach on English Bay beside the seawall.
Editor’s tip. Take the Aquabus from Granville Island for a scenic approach.
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- free-spirited, clothing-optional and community-run
- Clothing-optional
- Washrooms at trailheads
- Vendors on the sand
- Large driftwood
Wreck Beach
Clothing-optional beach below Point Grey cliffs, reached by steep trails.
Editor’s tip. Bring cash for the vendors on the sand and carry out all rubbish.
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- easygoing, family-friendly seaside community
- Lifeguards in season
- Washrooms
- Concession
- Parking
- Dog off-leash area
- Seawalk
Ambleside Beach
Long West Vancouver beach with a seawalk, pier and views across to Stanley Park.
Editor’s tip. Take the Blue Bus from Georgia Street to avoid weekend traffic on Lions Gate Bridge.
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- small-town waterfront with paddlers and hikers
- Washrooms
- Cafes nearby
- Kayak and paddleboard rentals
- Parking
Deep Cove
Sheltered inlet village with kayaking and paddleboarding, and the Quarry Rock hike nearby.
Editor’s tip. Arrive early on summer weekends because village parking fills quickly.
Beaches by vibe
Pick by the mood you want — quiet, social, family, or active — and we point you at where that style lives along the coast.
English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach
Lively and urban
Kitsilano Beach
Kitsilano Beach
Busy and social
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach
Relaxed and family-friendly
Spanish Banks Beach
Spanish Banks Beach
Open and breezy
Locarno Beach
Locarno Beach
Quiet and local
Third Beach
Third Beach
Peaceful with sunsets
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach
Calm
Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach
Bohemian and clothing-optional
Ambleside Beach
Ambleside Beach
Suburban waterfront
Deep Cove
Deep Cove
Small-village and outdoorsy
Things to do at the beach
Beyond swimming and sunbathing — the activities that make a coastal day in Vancouver memorable.
What to bring
A short packing list for a comfortable beach day — adjust for season and the specific spot.
- Sun protectionHigh-SPF sunscreen, hat, polarised sunglasses, light long-sleeve cover-up.
- HydrationReusable bottle, salty snacks for longer days, electrolyte sachets if it’s hot.
- FootwearWater shoes for pebble or rocky entry, flip-flops for sand, dry pair for the trip home.
- Swim & coverQuick-dry towel or sand-resistant mat, change of swimwear, light cover-up for restaurants.
- Cash & valuablesSmall notes for beach clubs and rentals; waterproof pouch for phone, keys, cards.
- ExtrasReef-safe sunscreen near protected coastline, a book, a small first-aid kit for jellyfish or scrapes.
Beach safety
Hard-earned guidance — read this before you swim, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the coast.
Critical
Swim where lifeguards are posted and follow flag warnings — green is safe, yellow is caution, red means no swimming. Rip currents are the leading beach hazard worldwide.
Caution
Watch for tide changes and marine life — jellyfish blooms, sea urchins on rocky entries, occasional shark or stingray advisories. Don’t swim alone, especially at dawn or dusk.
Tip
Reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes and after every swim. Take shade between 11 am and 3 pm — the sun is harsher than people expect, even when the air is cool.
Practical
Keep valuables out of sight or back at the accommodation. Beach theft is a small-but-real risk at busy beaches; never leave bags unattended while you’re in the water.
Common questions
Quick answers to the questions we get asked most about Vancouver’s coast.
Is English Bay Beach good for swimming?
Yes, in summer, when lifeguards are on duty. The water is cold and calm with small waves, and visitors should swim in the supervised area.
From the English Bay Beach editorial.
How far is English Bay Beach from downtown Vancouver?
About 2 km west of downtown, roughly a 25-minute walk. TransLink buses 5 and 6 stop near Denman and Davie.
From the English Bay Beach editorial.
Is Kitsilano Beach good for families?
Yes. It has a playground, lifeguards in season, shallow calm water and large lawns, although it can be crowded on summer weekends.
From the Kitsilano Beach editorial.
Is there a pool at Kitsilano Beach?
Yes. Kitsilano Pool is a large heated saltwater outdoor pool next to the beach, typically open in the warmer months.
From the Kitsilano Beach editorial.
Is Jericho Beach good for kids?
Yes. The water is shallow and calm, lifeguards are on duty in season, and the grass and picnic areas suit families.
From the Jericho Beach editorial.
Is there parking at Jericho Beach?
Yes, there is parking near the park, though lots fill on sunny weekends. Bus 4 or 44 toward Jericho is a car-free alternative.
From the Jericho Beach editorial.
Is Spanish Banks good for swimming?
Swimming is better at high tide, when water covers the flats. Lifeguards are on duty in season, and the water is cold.
From the Spanish Banks Beach editorial.
Are dogs allowed at Spanish Banks?
There is an off-leash dog area at Spanish Banks West. Leash rules apply elsewhere, so check posted signs.
From the Spanish Banks Beach editorial.