Vancouver and beaches? They don’t really go together but if you are in Vancouver and ask ‘Which way leads to the beach?’ you might find out that every, literally every other turn leads to it and you will be shocked to know that Vancouver is in the list of the top ten beach cities in the world. West Coast location, golden sand, stunning mountains and some really exciting watersports and outdoor activities is what you can expect to find at these beaches in Vancouver. The best part about these beaches is that these are very approachable and are always a great place to bump into locals and fellow travelers. With these many things to look upto, you need to take your call about whether you want to relax and chill at the beach or indulge in some adventure and you are all set.
10 Top Beaches In Vancouver
Here is a checklist of some of the prettiest beaches in Vancouver that you just can not miss out on your trip to Vancouver. These beautiful beaches in Vancouver offer unique experiences and you would not want to come back from here.
- Sunset Beach
- Ambleside Beach
- Kitsilano Beach
- Wreck Beach
- Jericho Beach
- Spanish Banks Beach
- English Bay Beach
- Locarno Beach
- Second Beach
- Cates Park
1. Sunset Beach
Image Credits: PamMcP for Wikimedia Commons
As the name is suggestive enough the Sunset Beach is famous for its sunsets and if you wish to visit the quietest and most secluded beach in Vancouver then this is it. The location of this beach is a plus point and gives it an edge over other beaches in Vancouver. No magnified sound is allowed on the beach as it’s a classified quiet beach but that does not mean you can not have fun here.
Location: 1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6E 1V3, Canada
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2. Ambleside Beach
One of the most famous beaches in North Vancouver, Ambleside Beach is the best place to play with your dog. So if you are someone who just can’t leave their fur-ball at home while you go for a vacation then Ambleside Beach with its huge leash-off area awaits you. With breathtaking views of the Stanley Park and a stunning skyline, Ambleside Beach is the perfect place to spend a day at. A cute little cafe along the beach and a pretty long stretch of golden sand is what makes this beach special.
Location: 1150 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B1, Canada
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3. Kitsilano Beach
Image Credits: GoToVan for Wikimedia Commons
More popular by the name “Kits” this is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, Canada and the people in Vancouver often refer to it as their version of the famous ‘Venice Beach’. Known to be as one of the most glamorous beaches in Vancouver the Kitsilano Beach is home to the longest and the only saltwater pool in Vancouver and offers spectacular views of the city, mountains and the ocean. Not just that but you will find a grassy area and can be a part of some really exciting outdoor activities.
Location: Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada
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4. Wreck Beach
Infamous for being the most notorious beach in Vancouver, Wreck Beach is a beach loved by tourists and locals alike. The laid-back and chilled out vibe of the place is something you will fall in love with and the beauty of this beach lies in its naturality and rawness. Wreck Beach is 7.8 kilometres long and is one of the prettiest beaches in West Vancouver. It’s common knowledge that this is Vancouver’s largest clothing-optional beach and attracts many tourists. Given its location, this beach also the perfect spot to witness sunset.
Location: Pacific Spirit Regional Park, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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5. Jericho Beach
If you prefer simple over fancy and pretty over expensive then Jericho Beach is the best place to be at. Home to the annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the beach is very beautiful and suitable for swimming, windsurfing and sailing. But if you are not in the mood for an adventure then you can simply take a stroll or rejuvenate and indulge in some recreational activities such as volleyball and tennis and have the time of your life.
Location: Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5, Canada
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6. Spanish Banks Beach
Image Credits: TanishaEileen for NeedPix
Tucked away from the hustle bustle of city life the Spanish Banks Beach is one of the quietest beaches in Vancouver and the best place to take a stroll and if you are visiting Vancouver with your beloved this is your escape from the world. The name ‘Spanish Banks’ honours the time when Spanish and English met on the shores back in 1792 and that adds a historical touch to this place. If you know optimal tidal conditions well, this beach is the best place for skimming. Not just that but you can also have a picnic here.
Location: Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada
7. English Bay Beach
Image Credits: Wikimedia Commons
Famous by the name ‘First beach’, the English Bay Beach is one of the most happening beaches in Vancouver. Loved by both the tourists and the locals this beach offers a bunch of food and drink options. Add to that some adventure water sports such as kayaking and you are set to go. The English Bay Beach is the venue for Vancouver’s Annual New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim and here you can always spot people swimming and sunbathing.
Location: English Bay Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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8. Locarno Beach
If you are asking about good beaches in Vancouver then Locarno Beach might not make it to the list but if we talk about the simplest and yet one of the most beautiful beaches in Vancouver then that’s a different story. Locarno Beach sits between the Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks and is a quaint and quiet beach is your refuge from the world. This beach also offers the opportunity to swim, indulge in recreational activities and swimboard so there are chances that you might find the place a little bit it crowded.
Location: Locarno Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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9. Second Beach
Home to a seasonal outdoor heated pool named Second Beach Pool, the Second Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Vancouver, Canada and also offers a playground and a picnic shelter. Be it families, couples or friends, this pretty beach is suitable for all. It is a cutesy, nice beach in Vancouver that welcomes everyone and a place that you just can not miss out on your beach trip to Vancouver. If you are interested, you can also enjoy a game of golf and refresh yourself and get rid of all your worries.
Location: Second Beach, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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10. Cates Park
Whey-Ah-Wichen which means ‘face the wind’ is the real name for this seaside park whose ancestral name is Cates Park.which is the largest seaside park in Vancouver and has everything from a playground to tennis court. This is a one of a kind of in Vancouver and here you just cannot go wrong. Be it enjoyment and adventure or indulging in some outdoor activities such as volleyball or just simply relaxing by the beach, at the Cates Park you can do anything and have a good time.
Location: 4141 Dollarton Hwy, North Vancouver, BC V7G 1A1, Canada
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Have we convinced you and do you think these are reasons enough to explore and find out why Vancouver is one of the top ten beach cities in the world. From quaint and quiet little beaches to some of the most happening ones, the beaches in Vancouver are a blessing that mankind has been bestowed upon and something you should so not be missing out on. So, if you are already imagining in your head about how great a trip to Vancouver would be, we say better take it and get to know!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Beaches In Vancouver
Are there any nude beaches in Vancouver?
Yes, you must visit the Wreck Beach in Vancouver if you are looking for a nude beach. It comes under the Pacific Spirit Regional Park. Taking a sunbath with nudity is allowed for tourists and Canadians.
What is the best time to visit Vancouver beaches British Columbia, CA?
The best time to visit beaches in Vancouver is from March to May end and from September to November. The seawater is calm during these months and the weather is mild.
Is it safe to swim in Vancouver beaches?
No, it is not safe to swim in the sea beaches of Vancouver. This is because its beachside seawater has a concentration of E-coli bacteria. However, the Spanish Banks Beach and Kitsilano Beach are good for swimming.
What are the beach sports available for tourists in Vancouver?
The tourists can opt for beach sports like Dragon Boating, Jet Boating, Kayaking, Kiteboarding, Paddleboards, Parasail, Sea Diving, Seadoos, Skimboarding, and WindSurfing.
Which beach is the best for playing beach volleyball in Vancouver?
You can find most of the beaches with tourists playing volleyball as a recreational activity. However, Locarno, Kitsilano, and Jericho Beaches are the best to see league matches and to participate in open beach volleyball tournaments.
What all beach attractions are there in Vancouver?
You can taste seafood, sunbath, explore Stanley Park, hike at Grouse Grind, visit Christ Church Cathedral, go for biking at North Shore Mountain trails and watch the sunset on the Pacific Ocean from any of the beaches in Vancouver.
Can I drink at any of the Vancouver beaches?
No, drinking alcohol is strictly prohibited at any of the beaches of Vancouver. This restriction is applied to the Canadians as well as to all tourists visiting Canada. If caught, you will be penalized by the local authority.
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A kid at heart who is the happiest when traveling and an avid reader who can talk to you about books endlessly, Japneet is someone who cannot do without chai and her love for mountains knows no bounds and quotes ‘Mujhe khabar thi mera intezar ghar mein raha, yeh haadsa tha ki main umr bhar safar mein raha’.
