Deciding between the mountains and the sea? Well, you don’t have to choose when you’re in Vancouver. Just next to the Pacific Ocean, with mountains close by, Vancouver is bountiful in its nature offerings. While you certainly should explore both sides, here are the best beaches to take a dip in.
Second Beach (Stanley Park)
Second Beach is no ordinary beach. As part of Stanley Park’s sea wall, it is a favorite amongst families for being in very close proximity to an outdoor swimming pool which features a small water slide. There is also a sandpit playground area with swings and open fields for sports.
Entertainment facilities aside, enjoy views of the mountains in the distance and of English Bay.
Kitsilano Beach
Popular for its salt-water swimming pool along its banks, Kitsilano Beach is located at West Broadway, which features many local unique shops, adding to the atmosphere and liveliness of the beach. It is a short walking distance away from Granville Island which features a popular food and art market.
It is also the site where the annual Shakespeare Festival is held in the summer and home to the Museum of Vancouver, H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, and Vancouver Maritime Museum.
Insider tip: The Space Centre has a 360 degrees viewing point of the beach, and the Museum of Vancouver features a cool neon sign exhibition which is perfect for photographs.
English Bay
With palm trees lining the paths, and vintage-British street lamps, this is possibly my favorite beach. For some laughs, take pictures with the A-maze-ing Laughing Figurines at the entrance. If you are into water sports, you will enjoy the swimming raft with a large slide. The area is also surrounded by cool shops and open terraced bars.
Wreck Beach
Up for a physical challenge? You will have to descend a long wooden staircase through a forested area at the University of British Columbia (UBC) before you reach the beach. The staircases (there are two separate staircases) also happen to be the only way out of there too so be prepared for the physical labor.
Yet, many people will make the effort as nude beaches are not common and your clothes are optional at this relatively private shore. In fact, this is the most famous nude beach in North America. P.S. Do be mindful when taking photographs as those who are naked may get angry!
Many also use the beach as camping grounds to smoke marijuana (which is legal in Canada), so it may not be your thing. However, during sunsets, the waters look like clear glass, enchanting all who see it.
Jericho Beach
The beach with the most chill-vibe would probably be Jericho Beach. A little further off from Kitsilano Beach, it has shallow water and a long stretch of a sandbank. Little ones will enjoy building sandcastles here.
The Vancouver Folk Festival to commemorate folk music is also held here in July annually, so you can chill out to your favorite songs (if you are a fan).
I shall honorably mention the Ambleside Beach for its dog-friendly park.
Beach life is a big part of the locals’ lifestyle and some even head to the beaches during their lunch break to relieve their stress. There really is nothing better than relaxing to the sound of waves breaking, especially if you are on vacation. Take a break from crossing all those items off your list and just enjoy the sea!
