English Bay Tourist Information

English Bay Beach

English Bay Beach is the most popular beach in Vancouver. Joe Fortes, Vancouver’s first lifeguard, made his home at English Bay in a shack in the early 1900’s. After teaching hundreds of children to swim, he was appointed Vancouver’s first lifeguard for English Bay Beach. There is a memorial in his honor in Alexandra Park.  English Bay Beach is located smack downtown and is easily accessible by car, foot, bike or public transit. To get to English Bay Beach, walk under the Burrard Street Bridge, along Pacific Street, and you’re there! English Bay Beach is also home to the Symphony of Lights every year- one million people crowd the beach at English Bay and take part in the breathtaking fireworks display. There are three beaches in English Bay and they are from east to west: Sunset Beach (Beach Avenue), English Bay Beach (Beach Avenue between Gilford and Bidwell) and First Beach (Stanley Park Drive). There is lots of activity on English Bay Beach any time of day and night: kite flying, musicians, food vendors and lots of lively street performers. English Bay Beach is also home to the annual Polar Bear Swim every January 1st!

Features of English Bay Beach:

http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/english.htm
http://www.translink.ca/

English Bay Accommodations

English Bay is in a high population density area and there are lots if options for accommodations depending on your price range. Here are some hotel options.
Note: prices are in Canadian dollars and may or may not include applicable taxes such as the HST:

English Bay Inn Vancouver Bed and Breakfast
A little piece of heaven in the city- it’s small: 7 rooms, but so are the prices: they range from $169- $279
Check website for details on prices- they change with the seasons!
Location:
1968 Comox Street,
Vancouver B.C.
V6G 1R4
604- 683- 8002
www.englishbayinn.com

English Bay Hotel
Right on Denman street! Free cable and internet. All suits are equipped with Kitchenettes.
Prices range from $90-$160.00 per night- NOTE: No pets and No smoking
Location:
1150 Denman Street,
Vancouver, BC
V6G 2M9
604-685-2231
www.EnglishBayHotel.com

The Sylvia Hotel
One of Vancouver’s landmark hotels.  It is the only hotel right on English Bay Beach. The Sylvia was designed and built for Mr. Goldstein as a set of apartments in 1912. It was named after his daughter, Sylvia. After the depression, the apartments were turned into hotel suites. The Sylvia Hotel is also home to Vancouver’s first cocktail bar which opened in 1954. It was declared a heritage site in 1975.
The Sylvia offers unparalleled views and fantastic service. Prices for rooms and suites range from: $129-$375 See website for specifications such as:  bed sizes, room sizes, views, and bed-sits (sofa bed and kitchens)
Location:
1154 Gilford St. on English Bay,
Vancouver BC   
V6G 2P6
604.681.9321   
http://www.sylviahotel.com/

English Bay Restaurants

The Boathouse
Eat to your heart’s content while you watch the sun set on English Bay. Seafood and Steak. Also open for lunch, and brunch. There is a deck and pub as well. Child friendly. Large groups easily accommodated.
1795 Beach Avenue
Vancouver BC
V6G 1Y9
604-669-1225

Raincity Grill
A popular place overlooking English Bay Beach: for fine dining, and lunch. They also do brunch!
Features: a comittiment to regional food, tasting menu and Market Mondays which support local producers. They also do catering for large events.
Location 1193 Denman Street
Vancouver BC
604-685-7337
http://www.raincitygrill.com/

Tanpopo
If you like sushi, you’ll LOVE Tanpopo! All you can eat menu. Fabulous oysters. Located upstairs and the booths are Japanese style and have great views of English Bay Beach!
Take out also available if you want to eat on the beach at English Bay!
Location: 1122 Denman Street- upstairs
Vancouver BC
604-681-7777 reservations recommended
http://www.tanpoposushi.com/

The Sylvia Hotel
This landmark hotel has a cocktail lounge that serves pub fare as well as restaurant, bistro and patio lounge. All look out at beautiful English Bay Beach. It’s a great place for locals and non locals alike! Breakfast, lunch, Sunday Bruch, dinner and late night options.
Location: 1154 Gilford St. on English Bay,
Vancouver BC   
V6G 2P6
604.681.9321   
http://www.sylviahotel.com/

Snack and dessert places on Denman Street, just off English Bay Beach:

Delaney’s Coffee House- a local hangout with great coffee
Location:
1105 Denman Street 
Vancouver, BC
V6G 2M7 
604-662-3344
NO WEBSITE, email only: delaneyscoffee@shaw.ca

Vera’s Burger Shack- The best burger in Vancouver!
Location: 1181 Denman Street
Vancouver BC
604 681-5450

Cupcakes- After a hard day at English Bay Beach, have one of these delicious treats!
1168 Denman Street
Vancouver BC
V6G 2M9
604-974-1300
www.cupcakesonline.com

English Bay Sculptures

The Inukshuk
Constructed by Alvin Kanak.  This sculpture was commissioned by the Government of the Northwest Territories for Expo 86. The Inukshuk sculpture is located on the walking path at the foot of Bidwell Street at English Bay Beach.

Laughing Statues
Created by Yue Minjuns, these bronze statues are 7-8 feet high. Located opposite the Raincity Grill at the Foot of Davie Street and Beach Avenue.

by Melissa Montgomery