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When you think of Vancouver, you might imagine the city’s humming streets, the majestic mountains, or even the small cafes that cluster along its streets. But just a few minutes away from the city buzz, beaches in Vancouver BC boast some of the most spectacular spots on the planet. You might be in the mood to read a good book, enjoy a sport, or just want to watch the sunset over the sea, and Vancouver’s beaches can offer you a perfect atmosphere for all of these. So, put on your sunscreen and towel, and let’s dive into the best beaches in Vancouver, where every trip is an adventure into nature.
Top 10 Beaches In Vancouver BC
Here is a list of the 10 beaches in Vancouver, BC to soak up the sun, enjoy water sports, or simply relax by the sea.
1. English Bay Beach
Photo: Veronica Dudarev / Unsplash
The most famous beach in Vancouver is English Bay Beach, right in the West End, minutes away from downtown. It is a favourite place for locals and visitors because of its combination of natural beauty and urban comfort. You can enjoy swimming in the clear water and various other activities like volleyball and kayaking. In addition to a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean, English Bay Beach hosts a range of year-round festivals, including the Vancouver International Film Festival and the Celebration of Light fireworks display.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Between Gilford St and Bidwell St
2. Jericho Beach
Photo: Flying Penguin / Wikimedia Commons
On the north side of Jericho Park, Jericho Beach is a peaceful destination where you can spend some quality time. Jericho is known for its beautiful surroundings, and you can enjoy watching the North Shore Mountains outside. It is also a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, with windsurfing, sailing and sea kayaking being common pursuits. The seawater on the beach is perfect for a refreshing swim, and the parkland nearby is ideal for a quiet stroll or family picnic.
Best Time To Visit: March to October
Location: Point Grey Rd, Vancouver
3. Kitsilano Beach
Photo: GoToVan / Wikimedia Commons
Kitsilano Beach, also known as Kit’s Beach, is one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches. At the end of Cornwall Avenue, it overlooks the skyline of Vancouver, the North Shore Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The beach is renowned for its diverse, active community, with activities for all, including picnicking and frisbee ball games. An outdoor saltwater swimming pool is open to the public in the summer months. Its extensive lawns also make it a great place for a family picnic or a day out.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St
4. Locarno Beach
Photo: Johnson Hung / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Locarno Beach, a smaller and more intimate beach than the other ones in Vancouver, BC, provides peace for visitors. Locarno Beach, west of Jericho Park, is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and paddling. The silence here is popular with locals who want a less crowded and more secluded beach. It’s a quiet beach unlike any other in Vancouver and perfect for people seeking some privacy. The parkland can be walked or picnicked on, and the backdrop of the North Shore Mountains enhances the peacefulness of the beach.
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
Location: Northwest Marine Dr, near Discovery St
5. Second Beach
Photo: Brianna Parks / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Second Beach is inside Stanley Park, Vancouver’s largest park. This family-friendly beach has a heated outdoor pool and is great for cooling off during the hot summer months. The waves are ideal for swimming, and there is plenty of space for picnicking, playing frisbee or just lazing on the beach. Second Beach, too, is easily accessible via the Seawall and bike paths. With its laid-back atmosphere and enchanting scenery, it is ideal for families and groups of friends who want to spend the day at the beach.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Location: Stanley Park Dr & North Lagoon Dr
6. Spanish Banks
Photo: Veronica Dudarev / Unsplash
Spanish Banks is located on Northwest Marine Drive and is divided into three sections: East, West, and Extension. Each part is different; West Beach is the most popular, and the area is full of families and visitors, while East Beach and Extension are more laid back and secluded. Spanish Banks is a place to picnic, play frisbee, or simply spend your days in the sea while you take in the views of the North Shore Mountains. You can swim freely, and its serene location is a good way to take your mind off the hectic urban life.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Northwest Marine Dr, west of Tolmie St
7. Sunset Beach
Photo: Daphne Sun / Wikimedia Commons
Sunset Beach is one of the most stunning beaches in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city skyline and the Pacific Ocean. As the name suggests, the beach is famous for its amazing sunset and is a favourite among photographers and sunset fans. Just off Beach Avenue, it’s much more peaceful and laid-back than other city beaches. Sunset Beach is an excellent place for a leisurely stroll or picnic, and there are plenty of grassy spots to bring a blanket and soak in the scenery.
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Location: Beach Ave between Bute St and Thurlow St
8. Third Beach
Photo: Akos Kokai / Wikimedia Commons
Third Beach is one of the quieter and more remote beaches in Stanley Park. This is a west-facing beach, which is perfect for sunset watching and is very quiet and beautiful in nature. You can even host evening barbecues and drum circles here, especially in summer. The beach itself is surrounded by dense forest and provides a quiet space. It is a great place to walk quietly on the shoreline or simply lie down on the sand and soak up the views.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Ferguson Point, Stanley Park
9. Trout Lake Beach
Photo: Iota 9 / Wikimedia Commons
Trout Lake Beach in John Hendry Park provides a tranquil view of Vancouver’s shoreline. Though it isn’t on the sea, the beach is a quiet lakeside location with lots of space for picnicking, grilling, and relaxation. The lakeside park is surrounded by walking paths, fields, and a community garden, so it’s an excellent place for families and hikers. Trout Lake Beach is a perfect place for those who want to stay in a quieter environment and swim in the lake or walk the beach.
Best Time To Visit: June to September
Location: Victoria Dr & East 19th Ave
10. Wreck Beach
Photo: Arnold C / Wikimedia Commons
Wreck Beach is Vancouver’s biggest clothing-optional beach on the west side of the University of British Columbia campus. The shoreline provides a quiet, serene retreat with an exquisite panorama of the Pacific Ocean. The beach is reachable by steep stairs. Wreck Beach has its own natural charms and free-spirited visitors. The beach is often quieter than other Vancouver beaches and provides a more tranquil environment to sunbathe, swim, and enjoy nature. Wreck Beach is the place to come for nature enthusiasts who are seeking a personal, outfit-free beach experience.
Best Time To Visit: April to October
Location: Western tip of UBC campus
Vancouver, BC, has some of the most beautiful beaches in Canada. Whether you’re looking for a busy beach full of activities or a serene retreat filled with nature, the beaches in Vancouver, BC, have something to suit any type of vacationer. Are you looking to book your next beach vacation in Vancouver? Plan a trip with TripXL and make your beach holiday a lifetime experience.
