I grew up thinking of Vancouver as a city of rain, glass towers, and mountains that seemed painted against the horizon. What I didn’t expect, until I spent my first full summer here, was how much Vancouver transforms into a beach town. When the sun shines, the entire city seems to spill onto the shoreline, towels spread on the sand, volleyballs flying through the air, and kayaks gliding just beyond the breakers.
That first day I walked down to English Bay Beach, I carried nothing but sunscreen, a towel, and curiosity. I remember the warmth of the sand between my toes, the mix of salty ocean air and the aroma of food trucks lining the promenade. It was a revelation—Vancouver was not just a city of mountains and rainforests, it was a beach destination in its own right.
Over the years, I’ve come to know these beaches intimately: from the social pulse of English Bay to the family-friendly stretch of Jericho, from the athletic buzz at Kitsilano to the reflective solitude at Spanish Banks. Each has its personality, and each has given me moments of sunbathing bliss and, surprisingly, a few surfing adventures.
English Bay Beach: The Social Epicenter
Location: Beach Avenue between Gilford and Bidwell Streets, West End, Vancouver.
English Bay Beach is always my first stop. It’s the busiest, the most iconic, and the most alive.
The Atmosphere
On a summer afternoon, English Bay feels like the whole city decided to take a collective holiday. Towels cover the sand in every direction. Volleyball nets are busy with games that draw small crowds of cheering friends. The water shimmers with swimmers, paddleboarders, and kayakers weaving between each other.
I once spent an entire day here, starting with a morning dip in the brisk Pacific waters. The shock of cold gave way to a rush of energy, and as I floated, I looked back at the skyline rising behind the beach—it felt surreal to be swimming in the ocean while surrounded by glass towers. By midday, I had joined a spontaneous volleyball game, meeting people from Germany, Japan, and Brazil. English Bay has that effect—it brings the world together.
Costs and Booking
The beach itself is free. Renting paddleboards or kayaks from the beachfront shops costs around CAD \$25–\$35 per hour. I’ve booked them through Ecomarine Paddlesport Centres, but they’re also listed on Viator for pre-booking.
Travel Tip
Arrive early on weekends. By noon, every patch of sand seems occupied. I usually grab breakfast nearby, reserving at Cactus Club Café English Bay using OpenTable, so I can head to the beach with coffee and a light meal already in my system.
Kitsilano Beach: Fitness Meets Fun
Location: Cornwall Avenue at Arbutus Street, Vancouver.
Kitsilano, or “Kits” as locals call it, is where I go when I want to blend relaxation with activity.
The Atmosphere
The sand is wide, the volleyball courts are always busy, and the vibe is youthful. But what really sets Kits apart is the outdoor saltwater pool that stretches along the beach. I remember the first time I swam laps here: the turquoise water glittered under the sun, and just beyond the pool’s edge, the Pacific Ocean sparkled. It felt like being suspended between two worlds—urban luxury and wild nature.
On weekends, Kits is a place for both athletic energy and laid-back leisure. Yoga mats spread across the grass, couples picnic under the trees, and kayaks launch steadily from the shore.
Costs and Booking
The beach itself is free. Entry to Kits Pool is CAD \$8 per adult, with tickets bookable through the City of Vancouver Parks and Recreation website. Paddleboard and kayak rentals are similar in price to English Bay.
Travel Tip
Parking can be difficult here. I usually bike along the seawall to reach Kits, renting from Spokes Bike Rentals (around CAD \$40/day, bookable online). It saves me the stress of traffic and gives me more time to enjoy the waterfront ride.
Jericho Beach: Family-Friendly Retreat
Location: West Point Grey, Vancouver, at the north end of Discovery Street.
Jericho Beach is where I go for quieter days, when I want to stretch out with a book or take a family picnic.
The Atmosphere
The grassy areas blend seamlessly into sandy shores, and the waters are calmer. Families spread out with coolers, kids build sandcastles, and groups of teenagers wade into the shallows with paddleboards.
One of my most memorable afternoons here was a lazy July day. I packed bread, local cheese, and smoked salmon I’d bought at Granville Island Public Market. I stretched out under the shade of a driftwood log, read for hours, and occasionally lifted my head to watch kite surfers tracing the horizon.
Costs and Booking
Entry is free. Parking costs CAD \$3–\$5/hour, payable through the PayByPhone app.
Travel Tip
If you’re traveling with kids, Jericho is ideal because of its softer waves and open space. For nearby food, I book restaurants on Yelp Reservations, but honestly, a picnic here is the real luxury.
Locarno Beach: The Quiet Escape
Location: Just west of Jericho Beach, along NW Marine Drive.
Locarno feels more like a local secret, even though it’s well-known.
The Atmosphere
It’s quieter than English Bay and Kits, with a relaxed, almost meditative vibe. The sand is lined with driftwood logs, and families or couples often use them as backrests while gazing out to sea.
I once came here after a stressful week, needing solitude. I walked barefoot along the tide line, the cold water numbing my toes. The sounds of waves mixed with distant gull calls, and within minutes, the city’s noise melted away.
Costs and Booking
Free, with the same parking system as Jericho.
Travel Tip
Bring your own snacks and drinks. There are fewer shops here. I once booked delivery from SkipTheDishes to the beach itself, but packing a picnic is easier.
Spanish Banks: Low-Tide Magic
Location: NW Marine Drive, beyond Locarno Beach.
Spanish Banks is one of my favorite places in Vancouver, not just for sunbathing but for the dramatic effect of the tides.
The Atmosphere
At low tide, the water recedes nearly half a kilometer, leaving wide sand flats that stretch forever. I love walking out barefoot, feeling the cool wet sand beneath me, with the mountains rising to the north. It’s humbling to see how the ocean transforms in just a few hours.
I once visited at sunrise, when the tide was low and the sand reflected the pink sky like a mirror. It felt like stepping into another world.
Costs and Booking
Free entry, with parking around CAD \$3/hour.
Travel Tip
Check tide charts before coming. The low tide is when the beach feels otherworldly. For gear like frisbees or beach chairs, I sometimes rent through local shops I find on Yelp.
Wreck Beach: The Wild Side
Location: Near the University of British Columbia, off NW Marine Drive.
Not every beach in Vancouver is conventional. Wreck Beach is famous for being clothing-optional, and it’s a different kind of experience altogether.
The Atmosphere
To reach Wreck Beach, you descend a long wooden staircase into a hidden cove. The sand here feels raw, untamed, framed by cliffs and forest. It’s a world away from the polished boardwalks of English Bay.
I’ll admit, my first time here I was nervous. But the vibe is surprisingly respectful and communal. Vendors walk along the sand selling handmade jewelry, snacks, even smoothies. Drummers often gather at sunset, creating a festival-like atmosphere.
Costs and Booking
Free. Parking nearby costs around CAD \$10/day.
Travel Tip
Bring cash for vendors. And remember: while it’s clothing-optional, it’s not required. Come as you are, and embrace the freedom of this unique spot.
Beyond the City: Surfing Adventures in Tofino
Though Vancouver itself isn’t known as a surfing capital, I couldn’t resist adding a side trip. A few summers ago, I rented a car through Hertz Canada (booked on Expedia.ca) and drove five hours to Tofino, on Vancouver Island.
There, I found true surf culture: long sandy beaches, wetsuit rentals at every corner, and waves that roll in steadily from the Pacific. I took a beginner’s surf lesson at Cox Bay, costing around CAD \$90, booked through Pacific Surf School. Standing on that board for the first time, even for just a few seconds, gave me a rush I’ll never forget.
If Vancouver’s beaches are for sunbathing and socializing, Tofino is where you push yourself against the ocean. I still carry that memory every time I look out across English Bay, imagining the waves breaking just a few hours away.
Booking Platforms That Help Me Plan
After countless trips, I’ve developed a routine for booking:
- Flights: I use Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare, then usually book on Expedia.ca for Canadian routes.
- Hotels: Booking.com, Hotels.com, and Airbnb Canada are my go-to platforms. For beach proximity, I always filter by “ocean view.”
- Restaurants: I use OpenTable and Yelp Reservations to secure seats at popular beachside spots.
- Tickets and Rentals: Viator, GetYourGuide, and direct city websites (like the City of Vancouver’s recreation page) are reliable for tours, attractions, and rentals.
Why Vancouver’s Beaches Keep Calling Me Back
Each summer, I return to these beaches not just for the sun, but for the balance they represent. Vancouver is a city where mountains, ocean, and urban life collide, and the beaches are where that collision becomes harmony.
Whether I’m shoulder-to-shoulder with thousands at English Bay, floating in Kits Pool, reading quietly at Locarno, or walking barefoot across the endless flats of Spanish Banks, I feel connected to something both vibrant and calming.
The beaches of Vancouver have taught me that vacations don’t have to mean getting away—they can mean leaning into the rhythm of a city that knows how to blend nature and community seamlessly. Here, sunbathing and surfing aren’t just activities. They’re a way of life.