Being a Beach Bum in Vancouver

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.

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

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