Vancouver has more beach than visitors expect. A dozen swimmable beaches sit within the city limits, from family-friendly Kitsilano to clothing-optional Wreck. This is where locals actually go.
The Classics
Kitsilano Beach is the city's social beach — volleyball courts, the heated outdoor saltwater pool, and a young crowd. English Bay is the in-town option, walking distance from downtown hotels with the best people-watching. Third Beach in Stanley Park is the locals' choice for sunset.
For Adventure
Wreck Beach below UBC is clothing-optional, runs along 7 km of forested coastline, and is reached via the famous 473 stairs down the cliff. Spanish Banks offers the widest beach in the city at low tide and the best kite-surfing.
Hidden Coves
Trail 6 at Wreck Beach is the quietest stretch. Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver (a 25-minute drive) offers tide pools, cliff jumping and the largest marine reserve in the area. Lighthouse Park, also in West Van, has rocky inlets perfect for solitude.
Vancouver's beaches are the city's quietly best-kept feature. Choose one for sunrise, one for the day, and one for sunset.
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