15 best beaches in Vancouver, BC you need to visit

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From Kitsilano beach to Wreck beach, your trip to British Columbia should include a stop by the best beaches in Vancouver, BC. When it comes to being surrounded by nature, Vancouver, BC is definitely at the top of the list. First, from Stanley Park to Whytecliff Park, Vancouver offers a range of beautiful parks that have nothing to envy from Central Park. Second, Vancouver offers breathtaking mountainous landscapes and is definitely known for the variety of mountain activities it allows locals and tourists to practice whether it is summer or winter.

However, one element which strongly influences Vancouver is water. Vancouver is located on the West coast of Canada in British Columbia. It is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and if you know me, then you know that whether it is the sea or the ocean, I am a fan! Often times, the Pacific Ocean is what tourists notice first as they land at the airport which is itself an island. Water is also present in the city through rivers, creeks and islands such as Lynn Creek and Granville Island. Canadians pride themselves on having one of the best water quality in the world. As you understand, the ocean and water in general is a big deal in Vancouver!

Although I usually write about tropical or Mediterranean beaches like the best beaches in Paros, Santorini best beaches or the best beaches in Corsica, I have to admit, for the above reasons, that a trip to Vancouver, BC would not be complete without exploring its beaches and spending some time by the water. 

And we have quite some experience in that domain. Eric grew up in Vancouver and we have visited Vancouver several times now as a travel couple, once during the summer and twice during the winter. Vancouver best beaches are some of the best beaches in Canada. What’s amazing with Vancouver best beaches is that there is no wrong time to visit them. I have been to the beach every single time and loved it whether I was able to lay on the beach or whether I walked around with a hot chocolate. There is something special about beaches that just relaxes me and makes me feel at peace. While the seasons change along with the landscapes and the light, the beauty of Vancouver beaches remains the same. These beaches are also still worth visiting even when it rains in Vancouver.

Vancouver is home to several beaches. Some are isolated from the crowds and surrounded by nature while some are in the city and bustling. They all cater for different vibes and have their own perks and personality. All Vancouver best beaches have their own uniqueness but some, like Dundarave beach will definitely take your breath away. A few things you will notice on most of them are the typical wooden logs and the man made Inukshuk.

In this list, I share with you the 15 best beaches in Vancouver. But first, I would like to cover why I think going to the beach is a great activity to include in your trip when traveling on a budget.

Budget Travel

One thing I particularly appreciate with going to the beach is that it is a free activity. When traveling on a budget, it is always important to me to stay on a budget and of course, free activities like going to the beach help with that. 

Budgeting your vacation is something I highly recommend no matter what your budget looks like and whether it is a $500 or $5000 budget. Budget travel is about how you spend your money, not about how much money you spent. Budgeting allows you to anticipate the cost of your vacation so you can save money ahead of your vacation. This allows you to enjoy your trip to the fullest while doing what you actually want to be doing without having to count every cent during your vacation. After all, you don’t spend a year saving and making big efforts for your vacation to end up not being able to do anything on your vacation!

A great way to increase your travel budget is choosing to punctuate your trip with free activities. Now, some people might think that free activities are boring. But this is not true. For example, there are lots of ways to spend a day at the beach without spending a dime and have an amazing day. Most of the beaches in this list allow for lots of different activities whether those be playing sports, walking, swimming, exploring, having a picnic or watching the sunset. Truthfully, my favourite free activities at the beach are either reading a book or scuba diving. I have however included a couple of paying activities which are still very affordable (under $10). 

For more tips on how to travel on a budget, check out our 64 tips for budget travellers.

The best beaches in Vancouver

1. Dundarave: Vancouver’s best beach to watch the sunset

Dundarave beach is located in West Vancouver right next to Dundarave Park. It is definitely a gem when it comes to the best beaches in Vancouver. It is one of the best stops when driving from Vancouver to Whistler. It is for sure one of my favourite beaches in Vancouver, BC for the following reasons.

Dundarave beach is a long sandy beach which offers a beautiful view on the ocean and West Vancouver. It is a great beach to walk on whether in the summer or in the winter. The contrast between the ocean, the beach and the mountains in the background make it a must-visit beach while in Vancouver. For more incredible views, you can also wander on the Dundarave Pier at the start of the beach.

Dundarave beach is also the perfect place to visit at sunset. While the sun sets, the pink and orange colours in the sky make it a beautiful place to wind down after a long day of visiting the city. It also turns out to make up for great photos! This beach definitely offers some of the best views in Vancouver.

While visiting Dundarave beach, I recommend checking out Dundarave village which is often missed by tourists although loved by locals. 

Practical information:

• You can park on the street right behind the beach which makes it a very accessible beach
• Dundarave beach is usually quiet with mostly adults and families and therefore the perfect place to relax. 
• There are public washrooms available on site.
• Around Christmas, you can check out the Christmas tree competition at the start of the beach and vote for your favourite!

2. Second Beach

Second beach is located in Stanley Park, the green oasis in the middle of Vancouver. It is a sandy beach which offers everything you need: a picnic area with available barbecues, a food concession, and public washrooms. 

At the end of Second beach, you’ll find the Second beach pool which is a large heated outdoor saltwater swimming pool and the only Stanley Park swimming pool. 

Second beach is often overlooked by tourists and usually visited by locals, especially families with younger kids. If you are looking for some quiet time, Second beach might not be the best place for you. However, if you are looking for some fun, having a picnic and like being around families, then Second beach will definitely be a great spot.

Practical information:

• Outdoor showers are available next to the concession.
• There are two kids playgrounds right behind the beach. 

3. Third Beach: a must-see Stanley Park beach

Third beach is also located in beautiful Stanley Park and is one of the best beaches in Vancouver, often visited by tourists but also very much appreciated by locals. It is the perfect place to enjoy the beach but also to enjoy a nice walk and the views of the city.

Third beach is a sandy beach with the usual wooden logs giving it a real Canadian feel. It is bordered by a really nice promenade which you can walk, cycle or skateboard on. Going to the right of the beach, you can walk to the Siwash Rock while admiring the view on West Vancouver.

I recommend keeping your eyes open as you might be lucky enough to encounter one otter or two either laying on a rock or swimming in the water!

Practical information:

• While walking in Stanley Park, be mindful that wild animals also live there. Although they usually keep away from people, in 2021, a couple of coyote attacks were reported. Those attacks were reported as abnormal behaviours. The city has advised for people to stay away from Stanley Park until the issue is resolved. Before visiting Stanley Park, I advise checking the city’s recommendations.
• There is a parking lot right by Third beach making it easily accessible.
• There is also a concession on the left hand of the beach.

4. Kitsilano Beach

Kitsilano beach, also called “Kits beach” is located in English Bay right after the Burrard Bridge. It is a very popular sandy beach with a beautiful view on the North Shore mountains which makes it one of the best beaches in Vancouver. Usually visited by people in their 20s and 30s, you can also expect to see families and athletes.

It is indeed a great beach if you like being active. From using the tennis or basketball courts to playing beach volleyball, you will not get bored on Kitsilano beach. Kitsilano beach is home to the Kitsilano outdoor swimming pool. The Kitsilano outdoor swimming pool is a 137-metre long heated saltwater pool. It has two slides and is accessible by wheelchairs. An adult ticket costs around $7.

If playing sports isn’t your thing, Kitsilano beach is the perfect place to relax on the sand or on one of the grass areas. The beach is also only a short stroll away from stores and restaurants on West Broadway Street.

Practical information:

• Public washrooms are available on site.
• There are a couple of restaurants and coffee places right on the beach.
• There is plenty of parking spaces right by the beach which makes it easily accessible although the parking fills up quickly in the summer months.

5. English Bay Beach

English Bay beach is located right after Stanley Park and is named after the eponymous English Bay. The beach is located in downtown Vancouver which makes it one of the closest beaches to access if you’re staying in what I would call the city centre. 

English Bay beach is a sandy beach which isn’t very long. This means it can get quite busy. However, I would still recommend checking it out as it offers a beautiful view on the coast and is the perfect place to relax and take a break from walking the streets of Vancouver. 

If you don’t feel like laying on the beach, then I recommend walking the Stanley Park Seawall all the way to the left hand of the beach. There you will get the opportunity to look at the English Bay Inukshuk. An Inukshuk is a vertical mound of rocks which was originally built by the Inuit as a direction marker. You can notice small ones made of pebbles by locals and tourists on the different beaches of Vancouver. 

Practical information:

• Parking can be a bit tricky as the beach is right by the city. However, we always end up finding a spot.
• There are public washrooms available. 

6. Horseshoe Bay Beach

Horseshoe Bay is a seaside town located in West Vancouver and is an absolute must-see when visiting Vancouver. It is known for being home to the Horseshoe Bay terminal which offers ferries to the different islands such as Vancouver Island.

But it is also a marina, most often overlooked by tourists. It is shaped as a horseshoe and surrounded by tall mountains which offer an incredible view. Horseshoe Bay offers a cozy ambiance which will allow you to soak up all the Canadian feels and feel like a local.

The beach in Horseshoe Bay isn’t very big. However, it is a nice place to have a walk and check out the marina. If you keep your eyes open, you might get lucky and see a seal cruising in the water. It’s one of the beaches in West Vancouver with the best view.

While in Horseshoe Bay, you can try out one of the restaurants and try out their fish and chips. For some amazing views of the bay, we definitely recommend heading up to the Horseshoe Bay sunset platform. The Horseshoe Bay Lookout offers views on the port, the beach, the mountains and the ocean! It’s even more beautiful during summer on a blue sky day!

Practical information:

• You can find parking along Horseshoe Bay Park or on the streets in the village.
• There are public washrooms available.

7. Sunset Beach

Only a few minutes away from Downtown Vancouver and English Bay beach, Sunset beach is a sandy beach located right by Burrard bridge. 

Although it is essentially an extension of English Bay beach, Sunset beach gives out on False creek as opposed to English Bay. It is a great place to watch the sunset as its name indicates. 

In the summer months, the beach is monitored by lifeguards which makes it a great beach to go to if you’re a nervous swimmer.

Also, since the beach isn’t directly in the city centre, it is a bit less crowded than some other beaches on this list.

Practical information:

• Public washrooms are available on site
• There is a food concession right on the beach
• Parking is available in Sunset beach park. 

8. Ambleside Beach

Ambleside beach is located in West Vancouver a few minutes from Lions Gate Bridge and west of Park Royal. Park Royal is a shopping area located just a few minutes from Ambleside beach. 

You have a couple of parking options. You can either park right next to the beach in Ambleside Park. Or you can park at Park Royal and follow the walking path into the forest. The path will first take you to the promenade by the water where you can appreciate a nice view of Lions Gate Bridge which links West Vancouver and North Vancouver to Stanley Park. I have seen sea lions there so keep your eyes open just in case they would like to meet you too.

The promenade takes you to Ambleside off-leash dog park where you will for sure encounter happy puppies. As you keep walking, you will arrive to the beach. The walk from Park Royal to Ambleside beach is very enjoyable so I recommend that option.

Ambleside beach is very similar to Dundarave beach with a cool view on West Vancouver and equally as nice as Dundarave beach at sunset. It is a sandy beach and has a designated swim area monitored by lifeguards. As Ambleside beach is quite long, you will not struggle finding a spot for yourself. 

Practical information:

• Parking is available close by.
• There are public washrooms on site.

9. Wreck Beach

Wreck beach is a small sandy beach located by the University of British Columbia right off NW Marine Drive. Surrounded by trees, it sits at the bottom of a cliff. To reach Wreck beach, you will need to go down about 500 steps, and of course, back up the steps to go home! 

Wreck beach is different from all the other beaches on this list as it is Vancouver’s only nudist beach. Note, however, that you are also welcomed here if clothes are your thing. It is known to have more of a hippie and boho vibe, making it common to see a group of people playing acoustic guitar or selling their art.

When the tide is low, you can take a walk along the beach and enjoy the lush environment. However, be careful not to get stuck when the tide comes in. 

Practical information: 

• There are public washrooms on site.
• Due to the steps, this beach isn’t easily accessible.
• There are no food concessions or stores on the beach.

10. Lynn Creek Beach

Lynn Creek beach, also called Lynn Canyon Park’s 30 Foot Pool is located in Lynn Canyon Park in North Vancouver. It is a pebbled beach right under a beautiful waterfall.

To get there, you will need to park at Lynn Valley suspension bridge. From there, walk across Lynn Valley suspension bridge and enjoy the view at the waterfall. Then, follow the path in the forest. You will need to go up and down a few steps but nothing athletic. The path is easily accessible in sandals in the summer. As you approach, you will start hearing voices from people at the beach, chatting and jumping into the water from the high rocks. 

As the beach is surrounded by trees, you will not have any issues finding some shade in the summer. The water is refreshing but still enjoyable. It is also extremely clean and transparent. As the river is all pebbles, I would recommend gearing up with some water shoes so you can walk and swim without hurting yourself on the rocks. 

Lynn Canyon Park’s 30 Foot Pool is visited by both locals and tourists (who come to see the suspension bridge). It is a spot appreciated by teenagers as they can cliff jump so it might get a bit loud. 

Practical information:

• There are no public washrooms at the beach but there are public washrooms on the parking lot before hopping on the suspension bridge. 
• There are no food concessions or stores on the beach.

11. Spanish Banks Beach

Spanish Banks beach is located a few minutes away from the University of British Columbia. It is a very long sandy beach with an area for everything! If you are looking for space, this is the place to go. The beach starts with a section where you can have your dog off-leash. It also has grass areas where you can picnic and barbecue with your friends and family. The beach also has spots to play beach volleyball.

Spanish Banks is located in more of a residential area which makes it a bit quieter than other beaches on this list. It also offers an incredible view on the skyline of West Vancouver. 

Practical information:

• There are two food concessions on Spanish Banks.
• There are also multiple public washrooms available. 

12. Jericho Beach

Jericho beach is located right after Spanish Banks beach and before Kitsilano beach although it is a bit less known than those two. It is a long sandy quiet beach where you can enjoy swimming, sailing and windsurfing. There are two sections on the beach: one for swimmers and one for sailers and windsurfers. At the end of the beach, you will find the Marina, a tennis court and a swimming pool.

If you enjoy music, Jericho beach might just be the best beach for you. Indeed, Vancouver organises its Folk Music Festival on Jericho beach every July. 

Jericho beach is also know for its rabbits who roam around the bushes between Jericho Pier and Jericho beach concession stand. 

Practical information:

• There are public washrooms available on site.
• There is a concession and a couple of restaurants on site as well.

13. Whytecliff Park Beach, Vancouver best beach for diving

Whytecliff Park is located in West Vancouver, just a few minutes away from Horseshoe Bay neighbourhood. It is home to a pebble beach leading you to the Whyte Islet Park. Whytecliff Park is one of my favourite place in Vancouver as it offers beautiful natural surroundings and views on the ocean and coast. A great place to start is the Whytecliff Lookout Point. From there, you will be able to see the beach down on your left along with Whyte Islet Park.

The view at Whytecliff beach gives out perfect Canadian vibes. I wouldn’t really recommend this spot to lay on the beach and tan. However, it is a Saltwater Marine Protected Area famous for the incredible diving experiences it offers. It is also a beautiful place to walk around, relax and have a picnic. 

Fun fact, Whytecliff Park beach was chosen as a filming location for the TV show Once Upon A Time!

Practical information:

• There are public washrooms available on site.
• There are also cafés and restaurants close by.

14. Locarno Beach

Locarno beach is located between Spanish and Jericho beach and is quite the hidden gem as it is less known than its neighbours. To be honest, it is an extension of Spanish Banks but the advantage of Locarno beach is that it offers the same beauty as its neighbours without the crowds and noise. Indeed, it is a designated quiet beach which means amplified sound is not allowed. This means there will be no music or radio blasting in your ears while you relax on the sand while admiring the views. We appreciate that and that’s why it made it to the list of the best beaches in Vancouver!

Locarno beach is also located right by Locarno beach park where you can enjoy laying on the grass and having a picnic. Close by, you will also find Locarno Dog Park for your puppy. 

Practical information:

• There are public washrooms available close by. 
• Looking for food? The closest restaurant would be The Gallery Patio & Grill on Jericho beach or the concession on Spanish Banks.

15. Chesterman Beach, one of the best beaches in Vancouver Island

Okay, let’s be honest. Chesterman beach isn’t located in Vancouver as such as it one of Vancouver Island’s beaches. However, it would be a shame not to mention as it truly is one of the best beaches in Vancouver Island and one of the best beaches near Vancouver.

Chesterman beach is located 10min away from Tofino by car. It is the one beach you shouldn’t miss when visiting Vancouver Island. 

The view from Chesterman beach is truly breathtaking. On one side you get to appreciate the view on the ocean and one the other side, the view on beautiful houses hidden in the trees. Chesterman beach is a renown surf spot but don’t worry, if surfing isn’t your thing, there are lots of things you can do here. Between walking along the beach, kayaking, and paddle boarding, Chesterman beach is definitely not boring. 

If you feel like it, I recommend walking all the way to the end of the beach where you will find a section with rocks and caves which are fun to walk on and explore. 

From experience, I recommend a few layers of sunscreen so you can enjoy the experience without bad surprises when going home!

Practical information:

• Parking is available along the beach.
• There are outdoor showers available to rinse off.
• Public washrooms are also available by the parking lot.

16. Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach is located just south of Chesterman Beach on Vancouver Island. The beach is popular for surfers but also for hikers who love to hike to the secret Cox Bay Lookout. The beach is made of thin white sand and surrounded by the typical West Coast vibe. Even though Canada is not in the USA, the West Coast vibes are similar. It’s a heaven for romantic walks and relaxing in nature!

Practical information:

• Parking is available along the beach near Surf Grove Campground.
• There are toilets by the entrance of the beach.

Do you want to learn more about the best beaches in the world? We have visited quite a few beaches in Europe and North America and are happy to share! If you are planning on visiting Dublin in Ireland, you should definitely check out the best beaches in Dublin.

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