There is a saying about Vancouver. It’s the only place where you can go skiing and snowboarding in the morning, and then go swimming at the beach in the afternoon. Despite the rain, Vancouver has fantastic beaches, and there are plenty of them. Mere minutes from the downtown area, heading to the beach is second nature. But be warned. The waters are not warm, even in the heat of the summer.
Note: Some posts on this site contain affiliate links, meaning if you book or buy something through one of these links, I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). I would not recommend something if I did not enjoy it. You can read my full disclosure policy here.
I’ve never been a big fan of hanging out at the beach and soaking in the rays. I get too bored easily and need something to entertain me. Most of Vancouver’s beaches offer a variety of activities in and out of the water to entertain those, like me, who need it. Here are the best beaches in the city.
English Bay
The easiest beach to get to in Vancouver is the one at English Bay. At the meeting point of Davie St. and Deman St. in downtown Vancouver, the city opens up into English Bay and the beautiful beach. Across the water you can see Vanier park and other city beaches. Dotting the sand are logs perfect for a picnic lunch or to lean against with a good book. The beach is home to the Celebration of Lights festival which brings together various countries in a fireworks competition. No matter the season, there are plenty of people at the beach or out for a stroll along the water.
Washrooms: Yes
Concession: Yes
Activities: Kayak rentals, volleyball courts
Lifeguards: During the summer months
Kitsilano Beach
Opposite English Bay is Kitsilano Beach – known to locals as Kits Beach. This is a popular destination for a beach day due to its proximity to the vibrant Kitsilano neighbourhood. If swimming in the cold waters of the ocean isn’t your thing, Canada’s longest swimming pool is nearby. Be warned though, Kits pool is salt water which gets pumped in from English Bay.
Washrooms: Yes
Concession: Yes
Activities: Tennis courts, basketball courts, playground
Lifeguards: During the summer months
Jericho Beach
Further west from Kitsilano Beach is Jericho. This beach is the place to go to for water sport activities. The beach is split into two areas divided by a pier: one for water sports and the other for swimming. The Jericho Sailing Club and a few other companies are available to rent paddleboards, kayaks and go windsurfing. On the other side is a swimming area with a lifeguard on duty in the summer months. There is also a hostel a 2 minute walk to the waters edge. Great if you’re after a beach holiday in the city.
Washrooms: Yes
Concession: Yes
Activities: Paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, tennis courts, playing fields
Lifeguards: During the summer months
Spanish Banks
Spanish Banks is one of the largest beaches in Vancouver, especially so when the tide is low – the beach extends an extra kilometre. This beach is further away from the city, close to the University of British Columbia’s campus which offers great views of the downtown core. While you can swim, the low tides bring many to the beach to try their hand at kiteboarding and skimboarding.
Lifeguards: During the summer
Washrooms: Yes
Activities: Volleyball, BBQing, Kiteboarding, Skimboarding
Concession: Yes
Wreck Beach
Vancouver’s only clothing optional beach is located on the outskirts of the University of British Columbia’s campus. Beyond the nudity, Wreck Beach, being the most westerly point in the city, offers unobstructed views of the ocean. Perfect for taking in the sunset. Being slightly further away from the downtown core, the beach tends to be more secluded. There is an interesting vibe that draws an eclectic crowd of beach goers.
Lifeguards: No
Washrooms: Yes, but limited
Activities: Getting naked 😉
Concession: Nothing official, but there are sometimes people selling food. Cash only. The police have also been cracking down on this as well.
Do you like going to the beach? What do you do to pass the time? What are your favorite beach activities? Have you ever been to a clothing option beach?
Photos: 2 Dave M // 3 Kyle Pearce // 4 Kyle Pearce // 5 Tlaloc Xicotencati
If you’re new to Pack Me To, welcome! Stay on top of my adventures on Facebook and follow me on Twitter & Instagram.
I love Third Beach in Stanley Park!!
Ohh good one! I haven’t been in ages. It’s so hard to get to without a car.
Bicycle!!!!
…My favorite thing about going to the beach is laying out in the sun after spending some time chilling out in the water–warms me right up!!…Also, I love exploring the boardwalk!!…
Wreck Beach looks beautiful–but I don’t know if the “clothing optional” aspect is right for me!!…
You can fully keep your clothes on, no one will judge 🙂 That’s the brilliant part of being in Vancouver. Warming up in the sun after being in the water definitely works for warmer areas. Vancouver’s waters are too cold!
‘Activities: Getting naked’. Hahaha, that cracked me up. I was on my fair share of clothing optional beaches in Greece, and that was enough for me! I get bored just laying on the beach, too – I have to have a book at least.
Hurray, someone noticed it haha! I went topless for a little bit on a beach in Greece and yup, definitely enough for me. It’s just too strange for me after growing up with clothing on at all times.
What a great collection of beaches. I didn’t realize there were so many awesome beaches in Vancouver. We always seem to go during Winter time and head straight for Whistler. We need to make some time to go during the summer. Spanish Banks looks wonderful. I love the beaches but haven’t made it to a clothing optional one. Although, there is one here in San Diego.
It can be so easy to forget that Vancouver is on the coast sometimes. I always forget I can go to the beach if I want! I haven’t been to Wreck beach either, but hand plenty of clothing optional possibilities when in Europe.
I haven’t been to a beach yet in Vancouver but I’m definitely going to hit one next time I’m there (hopefully in the summer haha). I honestly never thought about the beaches in Vancouver – probably like no one thinks of visiting the beaches in Washington but they are beautiful! Who knew you guys would have a clothing optional beach? 😛