Vancouver’s Beaches
Vancouver is known as being one of the few metropolitan cities in the world that offers safe, swimmable beaches. There are many to choose from, depending on what you want to do. There are 18 kilometers of beaches in various neighborhoods and all are accessible by car or public transit. There is also a fresh water lake within city limits- Trout Lake on Vancouver’s east side. Beaches are a great place to go summer or winter, to walk, swim, relax, read or people watch!
Kitsilano beach
The most popular beach in Vancouver is Kitsilano beach. Situated in the heart of Kitsilano along Cornwall, the beach stretches around Kits Point. There is a dog- friendly beach at Kits Point, so if you want to run your dog, that’s the place to go. Kitsilano beach (or "Kits Beach" as it’s known by locals) is home of The Boathouse Restaurant, multiple concession stands as well is an outdoor heated salt water pool. The beach is also home to a small outdoor theatre that puts on vaudeville type shows in the summer. There’s volleyball, too as well as walking and cycling paths.
Spanish Banks
If you want to be closer to nature, head west to Spanish Banks. Spanish Banks were named after the first Spanish explorers that landed in Vancouver in the 1750’s. The beaches are framed by Pacific Spirit Park and there are multiple woodsy trails (both for dogs and people) if you’re tired of baking in the sun. Look for eagles nesting and flying down onto the beach to fish. When the tide is out, you can walk out into the middle of the bay! This is also a great place for skimming, and there is a section of the beach exclusively for dogs.
Jericho Beach
Jericho beach is further east and has tables for barbeques as well as a grassy area for playing Frisbee and baseball. There are concessions stands and a small wooded nearby is laden with trails and wild rabbits. Jericho Beach is also next to the Jericho Sailing Club where boats are available for rental. Plus there is a pub on the oceanside- perfect for sipping beer and nibbling on nachos as you watch the sun set!
Stanley Park and English Bay Beaches
If you find yourself downtown on a hot day- don’t despair, just head down to one of the beaches! English Bay is the largest and busiest beach with designated dog areas. The path around Stanley Park’s seawall has now been extended right into Yaletown so you can ride a bike all the way around the seawall through English Bay and finish your journey in Yaletown. Stanley Park also has a pool at Second Beach complete with a concession stand and fantastic children’s play area. English Bay is also the place to watch the fireworks display, also known as the Celebration of Light- every July. Arrive at 6pm and reserve your spot on the beach, as you will be joining over one million others!
Here some sites with detailed information on services and amenities.
http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/index.htm
http://westvancouver.ca/Default.aspx
http://www.boathouserestaurants.ca/
http://www.ecomarine.com/contact/english_bay.html
http://www.jsca.bc.ca/
http://www.celebration-of-light.com/
http://www.translink.ca/
http://www.vancouverbikerental.com/
By Melissa Montgomery