4 beaches near Vancouver: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf
Canada may not seem like your first choice for a beach vacation. Although this vast country has one of the longest coastlines in the world, it's more popular for skiing and other cold-weather activities than it is with sunny days on the beach.
But Canada does indeed have some great beaches, and if you want to spend some time by the ocean, Vancouver, Canada's warmest major city, may be the best place to do it in the entire country. You’ll enjoy the temperate (although sometimes rainy) Pacific climate, and the absence of harsh winters common in the rest of Canada experiences. Luckily, summers can be bright, sunny, and surprisingly hot.
The same can't be said for the water, though. This isn't the Caribbean, and the waters of the Pacific Ocean don't get much above 11°C/52°F even in the height of summer. That's great for cooling off on a hot day, but if you plan to spend a lot of time in the water - maybe doing watersports like diving, kiteboarding, or windsurfing - a wetsuit may be a good idea at any time of year.
Vancouver offers a great range of beaches, from busy urban playgrounds lined with restaurants where locals go to strut their stuff in the summer months to more isolated coves that will feel much further from the city than they really are. With the Pacific Ocean at your feet and the North Shore mountains rising above downtown Vancouver, it's easy to find a beautiful beach that fits your needs.
4 awesome beaches near Vancouver
The city is known for its cultural diversity, and when it comes to Vancouver's beaches, diversity is also the name of the game. Without going far from the city, you can enjoy everything from a sandy beach great for people watching and playing sports like beach volleyball to secluded beaches surrounded by old-growth forest, and even North America's largest clothing-optional beach. Most of the beaches on this list are easily accessible via public transport, too, so you don't need to worry about parking. Here are our picks for the best beaches in Vancouver:
English Bay Beach
English Bay Beach is one of the most easy-to-reach beaches in the entire city, especially from downtown Vancouver. It’s a 15-20 minute walk from most central locations, making it a great option for a stroll. Alternatively, public transit takes about 10-15 minutes from various parts of the city. For those driving, parking is available nearby, but because it gets busy, try to plan to use transit instead.
This iconic Vancouver beach is a must-visit for its stunning city-meets-nature vibe. You’ll be treated to panoramic views of the ocean, framed by the lush greenery of Stanley Park on one side and the modern skyline on the other. The golden sands and calm waters make it a perfect spot for sunbathing or swimming, especially in the warmer months. English Bay Beach is also home to vibrant sunsets, often drawing locals and tourists alike to watch the sky turn brilliant shades of pink and orange. In the summer months, this is one of the most popular beaches in the city, so it can get quite crowded. But in the off-season, you can easily find space to spread out.
Beyond the beach itself, there’s a seawall path ideal for biking, jogging, or simply taking a scenic walk along the waterfront. You’re also near Stanley Park, where you can explore lush trails or rent a bike for a loop around the park. If you’re visiting in winter, English Bay hosts the famous Polar Bear Swim on New Year’s Day, a quirky, fun event that attracts adventurous swimmers from all over. Additionally, nearby Denman Street offers a variety of cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore when you’re ready for a break from the beach.
Make the most out of your day at English Bay Beach
Maybe you've just arrived in Vancouver with a few hours to spare before you can check into your accommodation. Or maybe it's your last day in the city, and you've checked out of your hotel but still have some time before heading to the Vancouver Airport. You want to enjoy English Bay Beach, soak up the sun, and stroll around, but you're stuck with your luggage - what do you do?
This is where luggage storage services come in handy! Instead of dragging your bags along with you, you can drop them off at one of the convenient luggage storage spots located throughout the city. Many of these locations are just a quick detour away from English Bay, allowing you to ditch the baggage (literally!) and maximize your time.
By storing your luggage, you're free to enjoy the beach like a local - hands-free and fully immersed in the moment.
Wreck Beach
Wreck Beach is located near the University of British Columbia (UBC) campus, about a 30-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. Bus #044 frequently runs from central Canada Place to UBC, taking roughly 45 minutes. Once you arrive at UBC, a short but steep hike down a series of steps through a lush forest leads you to the beach - so be prepared for some light exercise!
Wreck Beach is a truly one-of-a-kind destination in Vancouver, known for its natural beauty and its clothing-optional policy, making it a popular spot for those seeking a more liberated beach experience. The laid-back, bohemian atmosphere, complete with local vendors selling snacks and handmade crafts, adds to its charm. It’s a peaceful retreat from the city, and because of its secluded location, it feels like a hidden gem.
In addition to sunbathing and swimming, Wreck Beach is a great place for nature lovers. The surrounding trails provide opportunities for hiking and bird-watching, and the sunsets here are simply spectacular and perfect for ending a day at the beach. While Wreck Beach doesn’t have the same level of nearby amenities as English Bay, its remoteness is part of its appeal, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Plus, if you're heading back to downtown Vancouver, you can also check out Spanish Banks Beach and Kits Beach along the way.
Make your day at Wreck Beach easier
Heading to Wreck Beach for a relaxing day but worried about the long hike down and back up with your luggage? The simple solution is to book our luggage storage services. With storage locations available in the UBC area, you can easily drop off your bags before venturing down the steps to the beach.
Third Beach
Third Beach sits within Stanley Park, Vancouver’s famous green space, and is easily accessible from downtown. It’s about a 15-minute drive from the city center or a pleasant 30 to 40-minute walk or bike ride along the scenic Seawall. Public transit can also get you close, with buses stopping at various points near Stanley Park, followed by a short walk.
Third Beach is a lesser-known Stanley Park option, offering an escape from the busyness of the nearby West End. What makes it truly special is its secluded, peaceful vibe, surrounded by lush forest and stunning, uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by tall trees that are often home to wildlife like bald eagles, this log-strewn beach feels like a secluded paradise far from civilization, even though it's only a short bus ride from the city.
Beyond lounging on the beach, Third Beach’s location in Stanley Park offers plenty of activities. You can take a walk or bike ride along the Seawall, explore the park’s numerous trails, or visit nearby landmarks like the iconic totem poles or the Vancouver Aquarium. If you’re visiting in the summer, you might stumble upon one of the spontaneous drum circles that gather at sunset, which is another fun way to end your beach day.
Jericho Beach
Jericho Beach Park is located in Vancouver’s West Point Grey neighborhood, about a 20-minute drive from downtown. It’s also accessible via public transit, with buses from central Vancouver taking about 30 minutes. If you're cycling, the scenic route along the Seawall and through Kitsilano makes for a great ride. Spokes and Cycle City are popular bike rental places in the city.
Jericho Beach is a family-friendly haven that blends stunning views with a relaxed atmosphere. Unlike some of the busier city beaches, Jericho offers a more tranquil setting, with plenty of grassy areas for picnicking, making it ideal for those seeking a calm escape. The beach’s shallow waters are perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking, and you can rent equipment right on-site. What makes Jericho Beach stand out are the unbeatable views of West Vancouver, the North Shore mountains, and downtown Vancouver. The beach also hosts the Jericho Sailing Centre, so water sports enthusiasts will enjoy a trip here.
There’s more to Jericho than just sand and water. You can explore the nearby Jericho Park, which has walking trails and bird-watching spots, or enjoy a casual game on the beach volleyball courts. There are also picnic tables and barbecues if you want to make a day of it with friends and family. If you’re visiting during the summer, you might catch the Vancouver Folk Music Festival in mid-July, an annual event that brings musicians and crowds to the beach for live performances in a stunning outdoor setting.
Maximizing your time at Jericho Beach
Planning a day at Jericho Beach but not sure what to do with your luggage if you’re in between check-in and check-out times? No problem! You can take advantage of luggage storage options nearby, allowing you to stash your bags before heading to the beach. With your hands-free, you can fully enjoy all that Jericho has to offer - whether it's an impromptu paddleboarding session or a leisurely picnic with panoramic views.
Vancouver certainly isn't short of beaches. Along with the ones on this list, there's also Kitsilano Beach, Sunset Beach, Second Beach, Spanish Banks Beach, and even inland beaches such as Trout Lake Beach (although swimming is not recommended here). That means even though the city has a lively vibe, you can always find a beach escape not far from the center of town. Leave your bags behind with Bounce, and you can sample as many of the great beaches in Vancouver as you like, luggage-free.