If you are tired of going to the same beach every summer, the city has no shortage of alternative places to take a refreshing dip.
Many of them are easily accessible, such as the breathtaking Kitsilano Beach or English Bay in the West End, while others might involve a bit of journey (Wreck Beach's steps are a bit of a workout).
Have a look at some of the city's best beaches to enjoy this summer.
Vancouver beaches
Kitsilano Beach
One of most city's most iconic beaches is also one of its most accessible, as it is only a short stroll from the shopping and residential area of the Kitsilano neighbourhood. You can get to it by heading to Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St.
The beach is regularly rated one of the best in Canada and sometimes the world, though locals still often debate if it's the best in or near the city.
Stanley Park Third Beach
Located at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park, this beach is famously known for its weekly drum circle, which thousands of people participate in weekly.
Vancouverite Brahm Olszynko began the drum circle in 2005, when he first moved to Vancouver from Ottawa, to honour the Tam Tams in Montreal. And, of course, "for the love of rhythm, unity and community."
While it was temporarily postponed due to the pandemic, the weekly event has seen thousands of people gather again since the restrictions have been lifted.
Spanish Banks
Located along Northwest Marine Dr west of Tolmie St., this beautiful city beach is divided into three sections.
The different parts are the east, west, and extension, and "at low tide, the water is one kilometre off shore," according to the city.
Wreck Beach
Clothing is optional here and you will likely see most people opting out of wearing any.
Known as one of the most welcoming and popular beaches in the city, many of the people that visit Wreck consider it their beach of choice.
To get to this iconic nude beach, the University of British Columbia (UBC) recommends that you "look for the steep staircases of Trail 6 at the west end of University Boulevard to find your way to beautiful Wreck Beach (part of Pacific Spirit Regional Park)."
Jericho Beach
A popular spot for sailors and swimmers alike, Jericho Beach is a popular summer spot that sees fewer crowds than some of the city's other beaches.
Located at the "north side of Jericho Park at the west end of Point Grey Rd between Wallace St and Discovery St." the city cautions that "the east side of the beach caters to swimmers and the west side to sailboats and windsurfers."
The beach is also overrun with an invasive, albeit adorable, species.
Wild rabbits hop all around the beach and adjacent park area. While you might be tempted to feed them a carrot, you can get fined a whopping $500 if you offer one of the resident buns a snack.
Sunset Beach
Located at the mouth of False Creek, Sunset Beach is close to the downtown area without seeing the huge crowds you'll find at English Bay. Access it on Beach Ave. between Bute St. and Thurlow St.
"It is close to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre and has access to the False Creek Ferry pier," according to the city.
The area also plays host to a number of events each year, including the upcoming Black Culture Celebration on June 17.
English Bay
One of the city's most popular beaches, the stunning West End gem greets flocks of visitors daily year-round. While it is crowded during the summer, it is also easily accessible from many of the city's best restaurants and bars.
Also known as First Beach, the city shore is located along Beach Ave. between Gilford St and Bidwell St. The city notes that the Stanley Park Seawall "runs along the east side of the beach."
Locarno Beach
Locals can access Locarno Beach along the seawall. It is located on "the west side of Jericho Park on Northwest Marine Dr between Discovery St and Tolmie St."
The sandy shore is the ideal place to play volleyball, swim, or have a picnic in the sunshine. There is also a shady area with tall evergreen trees nearby.
