When I think of Vancouver, the first thing that always comes to mind is not the glittering skyline or the snow-capped mountains—it’s the seawall. The Vancouver Seawall, stretching over 28 kilometers, is the longest uninterrupted waterfront path in the world, and it feels like the city’s pulse. The first time I walked along it, I realized that Vancouver isn’t a city that has nature on the side; it’s a city built with nature at its core.
I still remember stepping onto the path near Coal Harbour. The air smelled faintly salty, mixed with roasted coffee drifting out from a café. Joggers passed me, their footsteps rhythmic against the smooth path. Cyclists glided by. And to my left, skyscrapers shimmered in the morning sun while to my right the water sparkled with the silhouettes of sailboats.
That was the moment I felt the fusion of city and wilderness. Since then, I’ve returned to the seawall dozens of times, walking it section by section, sometimes in solitude, sometimes with friends, and each time discovering something new.
Coal Harbour: Where Glass Towers Meet Gentle Waves
Location: Between Canada Place and Stanley Park’s entrance, Downtown Vancouver.
Coal Harbour is often my starting point. It feels urban, yet soft. The seawall here winds past glass towers that reflect the sky like mirrors, while small marinas are filled with yachts and seaplanes waiting to take off.
What Makes It Special
I once stood at Harbour Green Park, sipping coffee from a local café I’d found on Yelp Reservations, and watched a seaplane take off right in front of me. There are few places where skyscrapers, aircraft, and kayakers all coexist in a single view. The benches along the promenade are perfect for people-watching.
Cost and Booking
Walking here is free, of course. But if you want to try a seaplane tour, they usually cost between CAD \$120–\$200. I booked mine once through Viator, and it gave me a bird’s-eye view of Vancouver, the seawall looping around like a ribbon.
Travel Tip
Start your seawall walk here in the morning, when the water is calm and reflective. If you’re flying into Vancouver, I recommend booking flights early on Google Flights or Expedia Canada—I’ve often found lower fares when I plan six weeks ahead.
Stanley Park: The Iconic Heart of the Seawall
Location: 2099 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
The most famous stretch of the seawall is inside Stanley Park. Every time I walk this loop, I feel like I’m stepping into a living postcard.
Features and Sights
The 9-kilometer loop around Stanley Park hugs the shoreline, offering shifting perspectives:
- Totem Poles at Brockton Point: I always stop here. The vibrant carvings tell the stories of First Nations peoples, and standing before them connects me to a deeper history of the land. Entry is free, but I once joined a cultural walking tour booked through GetYourGuide, which helped me understand the stories behind each pole.
- Lions Gate Bridge: Walking under this massive green suspension bridge feels humbling. I once timed my visit at sunset, and the bridge glowed orange against the sky.
- Siwash Rock: A 32-million-year-old sea stack rising straight from the water, steeped in local legend. I always pause here, imagining how many generations have passed it by.
- Third Beach: This sandy stretch is quieter than English Bay. I once sat here with a picnic I pre-ordered via SkipTheDishes, watching the tide roll in as drummers gathered for an impromptu sunset circle.
Cost and Booking
The walk itself is free, though parking around Stanley Park can cost CAD \$3–\$7 per hour. I usually book parking passes in advance via EasyPark Vancouver.
Travel Tip
Stanley Park can get busy. If you’re staying nearby, book a hotel within walking distance through Booking.com or Hotels.com so you can arrive early before the bike rentals and carriage tours start crowding the paths.
English Bay Beach: The Social Hub
Location: Beach Avenue, West End, Vancouver
When the seawall curves out of Stanley Park, it spills into English Bay Beach. For me, this is the heart of Vancouver’s social energy.
Features and Atmosphere
The wide sandy beach is filled with volleyball games, sunbathers, and food stalls. The famous Inukshuk Monument, a stone sculpture, stands here—a symbol of hospitality and friendship. I once watched fireworks from this very spot during the Celebration of Light Festival, and it felt like the whole city was gathered together.
Cost and Booking
The beach is free. For events like the fireworks, though, premium viewing areas require tickets (CAD \$40–\$100), which I’ve booked before on Ticketmaster Canada.
Travel Tip
Bring snacks from a local spot. I often reserve a table at Cactus Club Café English Bay using OpenTable, then take dessert out to the sand to enjoy the sunset.
False Creek: The Urban Waterway
Location: From Science World to Granville Island and beyond
Walking the seawall along False Creek is like flipping through pages of Vancouver’s different lifestyles.
Highlights Along the Route
- Science World: Its geodesic dome glitters at the eastern end. I once spent a whole day inside, booked through Science World’s official site, and it’s CAD \$30 for adults.
- Olympic Village: I love strolling past the plaza with its sleek condos and public art, imagining the athletes who stayed here in 2010.
- Granville Island: The seawall leads straight into one of my favorite places—home to the Public Market. I always end up with bags full of cheese, smoked salmon, and pastries.
Cost and Booking
The walk is free. Entry to Science World costs extra, and market shopping is as expensive as you let it be.
Travel Tip
From here, you can hop on a False Creek Ferry for about CAD \$4–\$10, which I booked once directly at the dock but later realized I could pre-purchase on Viator. The ride gives you a new angle of the seawall from the water.
Kitsilano Beach and Beyond
Location: Cornwall Ave & Arbutus St, Vancouver, BC
Kitsilano, or “Kits” as locals call it, is where city living and laid-back beach vibes truly collide.
Features and Atmosphere
The seawall leads to sandy shores where volleyball courts, outdoor swimming pools, and grassy picnic areas stretch out. I once joined a spontaneous frisbee game with strangers and ended up chatting with them about Vancouver’s best breweries.
The Kitsilano Pool—an outdoor saltwater pool right beside the beach—is a must. Entry was CAD \$8 last time I visited, tickets available through the City of Vancouver website.
Travel Tip
Kits is also a food haven. I always reserve a table at The Naam, a legendary vegetarian spot, through Yelp Reservations. After a long walk, their miso gravy fries are pure comfort.
Jericho Beach and Locarno Beach: The Quieter Stretch
Location: West Point Grey, Vancouver, BC
When I need calm, I keep walking west past Kits.
Features and Atmosphere
Jericho Beach is wide and grassy, with space for picnics and kite flying. Locarno is quieter still, with driftwood logs scattered along the sand. I once brought a book here, leaned against a log, and listened to the waves until the sky turned purple.
Cost and Booking
Free entry. Parking fees apply but are moderate (CAD \$3–\$5/hour).
Travel Tip
If you plan to camp nearby, book sites at Jericho Beach Hostel through Hostelworld—it’s one of the few hostels with beach access.
Spanish Banks: Where the Mountains Meet the Tides
Location: NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC
Spanish Banks is one of the seawall’s most breathtaking points.
Features and Atmosphere
At low tide, the sand stretches so far out you can walk almost half a kilometer into the ocean. The mountains frame the horizon, and the city skyline feels miles away.
I once came here at dawn, and the quiet was overwhelming—just gulls, waves, and the crunch of sand under my shoes.
Cost and Booking
Free entry. Parking costs CAD \$3/hour, bookable via PayByPhone app.
Travel Tip
Bring layers. Even in summer, the wind here can be brisk. I also recommend renting a bike for this long stretch—Spokes Bike Rentals near Stanley Park offers day rates starting at CAD \$40, bookable online.
Booking Flights, Hotels, and Restaurants for a Seawall Adventure
Over time, I’ve developed habits to make my seawall walks smoother:
- Flights: I compare on Google Flights, then book through Expedia Canada or Skyscanner when I see a deal.
- Hotels: I love using Booking.com and Hotels.com. For boutique stays near the seawall, Airbnb Canada sometimes has unique waterfront lofts.
- Restaurants: I rely on OpenTable and Yelp Reservations. For harder-to-book spots, Resy works too.
- Tickets: For attractions like Science World or seaplane tours, I cross-check prices on GetYourGuide, Viator, and official websites.
Why I Keep Returning to the Seawall
Every walk along Vancouver’s seawall feels different. Sometimes I’m surrounded by the city’s buzz—rollerbladers, musicians, couples on dates. Other times I’m completely alone with the sound of waves, staring at mountains that look like guardians. The seawall is more than just a path. It’s Vancouver’s heartbeat, the line where city and wilderness hold hands.
I’ve walked it in the rain, in summer heat, in the soft fog of spring mornings. And each time, I find myself humbled by how seamlessly urban life and raw nature blend here. That’s the true gift of Vancouver: it teaches you that you don’t have to choose between skyscrapers and seagulls, cafés and cedar trees. Here, they’re one.
