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15 BEST Beaches in Vancouver, Canada

15 BEST Beaches in Vancouver, Canada

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Vancouver, BC, is truly a paradise for outdoor lovers. It’s one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline, with sandy beaches, tide pools, and tall mountain peaks. Although most people don’t immediately think of Vancouver as a beach destination, it actually is! 

As a local, I know beaches are Vancouver’s best-kept secret. I love packing a beach blanket and a good book to relax on the coast. And if you’re on a romantic honeymoon in Vancouver, a beach picnic is the perfect way to celebrate. For those that prefer physical activity, there are also opportunities for beach hikes, swimming, paddleboarding, and kayaking.

What I love about Vancouver’s beaches is that they’re accessible to everyone. Families with kids can rest assured that many beaches have lifeguards on duty in the summertime. Plus, several even offer water wheelchairs so that everyone can enjoy a salty splash in the sea.  

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, a stroll along untouched coastlines, or hoping to spot some whales, we’ve got you covered! Below, we’ve created a guide to the best beaches in Vancouver, BC – and all from a local perspective!

So, pack your beach bag and check out our list of the 15 best beaches in Vancouver, Canada.  

The BEST Beaches in Vancouver

1. Kitsilano Beach

Bailey poses for a photo at Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Welcome to Kits!
Bailey enjoys a drink at Kitsilano, Beach, Vancouver
It’s my go-to for drinks and the sunset!

Kitsilano Beach is an iconic beach and an absolute must-visit spot for anyone vacationing in Vancouver. Travel magazines even call it one of “the 10 best beaches in the world.” It’s our all-time favorite beach in Vancouver and is loved by locals and tourists alike. If you happen to be spending four days in Vancouver, you could easily enjoy an entire day here!

Kitsilano Beach, also known locally as Kits Beach, is popular for good reason. It’s one of the trendiest spots to spend a sunny summer day in Vancouver and can get quite busy. During peak season, the beach is full of locals playing games, drinking, and just having a good time. The atmosphere is electric!

Kits Beach is full of fitness options, including playing tennis at the beachfront courts, shooting hoops, and beach volleyball. There’s also a saltwater pool to swim laps in if that’s your thing! For families with kids, there’s a playground so your little ones can have fun. However, when I visit, I love simply relaxing with a cold beer in hand (which is actually allowed!).

Four-legged family members can enjoy the designated dog area at Kits Beach. No leashes are required! So your pup can run free and straight into those waves. When we came, we loved watching the dogs play in the water – they looked like they were having the time of their lives!

But the Kitsilano area is more than just a beach. It’s a neighborhood filled with trendy bars, places to eat, and shops. Some of our favorite Vancouver restaurants are in Kitsilano. As such, we recommend going for a sunset stroll on the coast and then heading out for dinner and drinks afterward.

If you love seafood and fantastic views, I highly suggest The Boathouse Restaurant. The restaurant has the best view of the beach, and I’ve spent many sunsets up there enjoying cocktails and seafood. The restaurant is reasonably priced, especially for its location.

Ramen from Ramen Danbo in Vancouver, BC
The famous Ramen from Danbo!
Seafood dish at the Boathouse Vancouver
The Boathouse

Another place in downtown Kits, a 15-minute walk from the beach, is Danbo Ramen. It’s well-known as one of the best ramen restaurants in Vancouver, and we absolutely love it! You need to book in advance, and there is often a 45-minute wait, so plan ahead.

There are also lots of other activities in Kitsilano, including the waterfront public swimming pool, kayaking, and biking. In the summertime, I love stopping by the Kits Farmers Market to check out the local produce, food stands, and coffee.

If you’re a nautical fan, you’ll enjoy the Maritime Museum. You can buy admission tickets for $14 CAD to explore the decks of the famous St. Roch, the first ship to sail the Northwest Passage. There are several artifacts and exhibits on board, as well as a children’s area.

Plenty of amenities make this a perfect stop for every type of traveler – there are bathrooms and changing rooms on-site as well as concession stands that sell ice cream and snacks.

For people with limited mobility, there is a Mobi-Mat path making it easy to access the water via wheelchair. Kits Beach has water wheelchairs available for rent, but it’s a good idea to reserve them ahead of time as the beach is so popular. You must reserve the water wheelchair 24 hours ahead by filling out an online form.

There are two parking lots at the beach, Arbitus/McNicoll, and another near Cornwall Avenue. However, the parking at Kitsilano is almost always limited, especially when the weather is nice. Instead, we think it’s best to bus, Uber, or bike instead of trying to park. 

Related Read: Beaches aren’t the only places to exercise or stroll in the city. If you want to go on a chill hike, check out these easy hiking trails around Vancouver.

2. English Bay Beach

English Bay Beach, Vancouver
English Bay Beach is also a vibrant place!

English Bay Beach is another excellent spot for a beach day. What I like about this beach is that it’s close to downtown Vancouver. It offers a gorgeous natural retreat just moments from the bustling West End neighborhood. If you’re only in Vancouver for a couple days and staying downtown, you’ll find it super easy to walk, bike, or take the bus to English Bay Beach.  

English Bay Beach is quite expansive – so although it does get busy, you should still be able to find your own sandy spot to relax. You can spread out and do your own thing, or enjoy sports at the beach.

When we visit, we often play volleyball at one of two volleyball courts. You can also rent kayaks at English Bay Beach or even store your own kayak if you’re planning on staying in Vancouver for a while. If you have kids, they’ll love the floating swimming platform. They can climb the slide and glide right into the ocean!

This beach is accessible to almost everyone, with Mobi-Mat wheelchair access and water wheelchairs available for rent. Like the other Vancouver beaches, you’ll need to reserve a water wheelchair ahead of time online. Restrooms and changing facilities are available onsite as well.  

After you’ve had your fill of the beach, head to nearby Cactus Club Café English Bay for a bite. The menu is delicious and with a location right on the beach, it’s a perfect spot for a cocktail. It’s open daily from 11:30 am – midnight and once in a while, we come here to take advantage of their happy hour (from opening till 5 pm) or share a bottle of wine for half-price on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Make sure to check out the Inukshuk Monument, located in a grassy park area near the beach. Created by Alvin Kanak in 1987, the monument is constructed from granite and represents an ancient symbol used for navigation by the Inuit cultures.  

3. Sunset Beach

Los Amigos Taqueria tacos at sunset beach, Vancouver
Los Amigos Taqueria tacos at Sunset Beach, Vancouver

As the name implies, Sunset Beach is one of the best places in Vancouver to watch the sun sink below the horizon. When we came here, we grabbed tacos, sat in the sand, and saw some absolutely breathtaking colors at sunset.

Sunset Beach is close to downtown Vancouver, which means there’s easy access by public transportation or Uber. If you’re staying near False Creek, it’s even walkable.  

Sunset Beach isn’t super sandy, but it is a great place to relax on a bench and watch the water. The Hornby St. Dock is nearby, where you can hop on the Aquabus water taxi to explore iconic destinations like Granville Island, Olympic Village, Lonsdale Quay, and the Yaletown neighborhood.  

The well-loved Seawall path runs along Sunset Beach, so you’re sure to see plenty of bicyclists, walkers, and joggers. If any of these activities sound fun, this beach is the perfect jumping-off point! 

If you’re a budding photographer, there’s even a golden hour photography tour that stops here! It’s one of the best Stanley Park tours we’ve found and you’ll get tips on how to take gorgeous photos in that evening light.

Sunset Beach is an ideal place to go for many leisure activities. While people-watching here, I’ve noticed others picnic, paint, or read a good book. What I especially love about this particular beach is that it’s a designated quiet zone. There isn’t much noise or activity, making it a wonderful place to relax!

After you’ve thoroughly enjoyed a colorful sunset, you can walk to nearby Davie Street for a variety of fun bars and eateries. Davie Street is a great place to experience Vancouver’s nightlife, so plan on staying out for a while!  

Related Read: Another spot we love to catch a sunset near Vancouver is from the pier while visiting White Rock, BC!

4. Jericho Beach

Bailey relaxes at Jericho Beach in Vancouver  
If you need me, I’ll be here!
Jericho Beach in Vancouver during summer

If sailing is on your Vancouver bucket list, Jericho Beach is the perfect place! The pristine sandy beach is easily accessible from the Vancouver neighborhoods of Kitsilano and West Point Grey.

Sailing, water sports, and tennis are the major activities on this beach. It’s home to the elite Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and the Jericho Sailing Centre. This beach offers the perfect opportunity for anyone to try out sailing, regardless of skill level or previous experience.

Visitors to Jericho Beach can also rent windsurfing equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and skimboarding equipment. And if you aren’t comfortable with these water sports, you can take classes here too.

Not quite ready for a big adventure on the sea? Jericho Beach is still an excellent spot for a relaxing beach day with soft sand and plenty of space. Lifeguards are on duty during the busy summer days, and the sand is soft. There are some tennis courts open to the public that are separate from the members-only club. 

If you’re looking for a bite to eat, head to D.I.C.E.D Discovery. This place offers “breakfast, burgers, and beer” in a casual environment. It’s just a short walk inland and is open from around 9:30 am – 5 or 7 pm, but their schedule does vary so check online before venturing over. When we ate here, we sat at the outdoor picnic tables and had amazing sandwiches.   

Jericho Beach does get crowded on nice days, and parking is extremely limited. Like most beaches in Vancouver, we recommend taking public transportation or Uber!

Related Read: Just across the Strait of Georgia from Vancouver is the beautiful coastal city of Nanaimo. Read more about things to do and places to see in Nanaimo here!

5. Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach, Vancouver
This is one of my favorite beaches in Vancouver!

If you want to free yourself from inhibitions, head to Wreck Beach. This is Vancouver’s only clothing-optional beach, making it a popular spot for nudists or anyone who wants that full-body tan.

Nude beaches are much more common in other parts of the world, especially Europe. So although nudity isn’t mandatory, I’d recommend heading here only if you feel comfortable in such an environment.

The beach itself is amazing – it’s well off the beaten path and requires a decent walk to access the sandy shoreline. It’s located near the University of British Colombia, so visitors will head to campus before walking down a path and descending a steep 500-step staircase. The beach is located at the base of the cliff at the bottom of the stairs.  

Wreck Beach is popular among students and bohemian types. Despite the journey to get there, it’s often full of people sunbathing and relaxing throughout the day. Sometimes you’ll find local artists and vendors selling handmade crafts and musicians playing acoustic music.

It’s also a popular place for beach parties throughout the warm months – although technically they are not allowed.

The rocky shoreline is very interesting during low tide and a great place to view some historical ruins from WWII. Roughly 300 meters (984 feet) north of Wreck Beach, you’ll see the Point Grey Battery Ruins. These two graffitied towers once served as lookout points.

Along the walk, make sure to keep your eyes open for wildlife. When we visited this beach, we spotted plenty of plant, animal, and bird life as well.

Overall, if you aren’t scared of seeing naked strangers (or want to enjoy a nude swim in the sea!), it’s well worth a visit! 

6. Deep Cove Beach

View of the beach from Panorama Park in Deep Cove
Not a bad place to spend a few hours!

Deep Cove Beach is another one of our favorites in Vancouver, especially when we want to relax and avoid crowds. It’s not nearly as lively as some beaches closer to downtown. When we stayed here, it felt like a very chill beach town with beautiful views of lush green mountains.  So, if you’re hoping to escape the hustle and bustle (and beach party vibes), we suggest coming here!

The calm waters of the cove offer the perfect opportunity to try out kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Swimming feels safe here, so you can bring your whole family and spend a day in the water.

The beach can be found on the eastern tip of North Vancouver and runs along a small village also called Deep Cove. The village is incredibly picturesque and some of the most expensive homes in all of Vancouver can be found there. I’d recommend saving some time to wander the streets and see the architecture during your visit. 

There are many other fun things to do in Deep Cove aside from hanging out at the beach. It has some exceptionally pretty parks, and during the summer they often host live music performances for free. There is also a small local theater, some quaint boutiques, and even nice hiking trails all within walking distance.

If you come early, stop by Honey Doughnuts & Goodies (our favorite!) for snacks, brunch, or coffee. They’re open 6 am – 5 pm daily and while Honey’s menu options change, they keep some delicious staples. If you see the maple bacon doughnut – I wouldn’t hesitate to try it!

After enjoying the water, we recommend heading to the Arms Reach Bistro for a tasty meal. Their menu blends local and Mediterranean cuisine with cocktails, mocktails, and wine. They’re open weekdays from 12 pm – 9 pm and on weekends from 11 am – 9 pm. We came here for brunch and had their tasty Giggle Juice and a smoked steelhead Benedict – everything hit the spot!

7. Second Beach

Sunset at Second Beach, Vancouver

Whenever we visit Second Beach, we immediately feel immersed in nature. It’s located right within the lovely Stanley Park and is popular among families with kids, nature lovers, and those that want a peaceful environment.

Forests surround the beach, so you can hear the sound of the waves while also forest bathing. It’s the best of both worlds! Plus when you look over the water, you can take in gorgeous views of the Burrard Inlet and English Bay.  

If kids need a break from swimming, they can play on either of Second Beach’s two playgrounds. Adults will love the heated outdoor pool – plus, it has two slides to keep kids busy.  

After swimming on the beach, we usually head to Stanley Park Brewing for a nice cold beer and dinner. There’s a great patio and the burgers can’t be beat. If you’re a craft beer fan like us, you’ll adore the extensive draft list. They’re open Monday to Thursday from 11 am – 9 pm, Friday 11 am – 10 pm, and on weekends from 10:30 am – 9 pm.  

Summer Cinema outdoor movies at Stanley Park

On Tuesdays in the summer, you can catch Stanley Park Summer Cinema, which serves as an outdoor movie theater projected onto a giant screen right on the beach. It’s one of the best free things you can do in Vancouver

They start when the sun goes down, usually around 8-9 pm, but you’re going to want to get there early with your picnic blankets and deck chairs to secure a good spot. 

The movie nights are held in Ceperley Meadow which is across the street from Ceperley Park, and next to Second Beach in Stanley Park. There are a few food trucks nearby where you can get all your favorite movie snacks like hotdogs and popcorn. 

The films they show are different every week but they’re always a classic! Think movies like Grease, Jaws, Top Gun, and Indiana Jones!

Related Read: Enjoy views of the beaches in Vancouver from out on the water one of our favorite boat tours and cruises in Vancouver!

8. Third Beach

Third Beach, Stanley Park
The beautiful Third Beach!

Third Beach is also in Stanley Park and is just north of Second Beach. While we love both beaches, the walk between the parks is absolutely stunning and a must when visiting. This gorgeous hike in Vancouver has some of the best coastal scenery we’ve found. So when we come here, we combine a relaxing beach day with some light physical activity. 

Another one of our favorite things about Third Beach is that it’s surrounded by lush forests. Despite its proximity to the city of Vancouver, visitors feel totally immersed in nature during their beach day. Natural sand, plenty of wildlife, and quiet beachgoers make this an ideal place for a relaxing day.  

Even though you’ll feel like you stumbled on a wild beach, there are plenty of facilities. Restrooms and changing rooms are available on-site, and there is a decent-sized parking lot (available with a fee) and barbecues if you want to have a picnic. There is also a concession stand for drinks and snacks.  

If you’re visiting earlier in the day, brunch at the nearby Teahouse in Stanley Park is a must. The iconic teahouse is walkable from the beach, and the menu includes seafood, cocktails, and brunch. It’s open Thursday/Friday from 4 pm – 9 pm and on weekends from 11 am – 9 pm. We came for a tasty weekend brunch and enjoyed gorgeous views of English Bay and the North Shore Mountains while we ate. 

9. Spanish Banks Beach

Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver
Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver

If you’re looking for all the amenities without the crowds, head to Spanish Banks Beach. It’s convenient to the city and located near the West Point Grey neighborhood. However, its vast size means there’s much more room to spread out than other popular beaches in the area.  

Spanish Banks Beach has a huge expanse of soft sand, perfect for sunbathing, relaxing, or tossing a frisbee around. During low tide, the beach seems even bigger, and the tide retreats a full kilometer! There are three separate sections (east, west, extension section) to Spanish Banks Beach, and they’re all awesome. No matter where you choose to post up, you really can’t go wrong.  

Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months from late May through early September. Even though we’re decent swimmers, it’s still nice to feel safe! Plus, with eight volleyball courts, you’ll rarely have to wait if you’re looking to play a game.  

Other amenities include public restrooms, changing facilities, and plenty of picnic tables. There are barbecues available if you want to grill and have a picnic on the beach. Concession stands are open during warmer months, and there are often plenty of food trucks to choose from on nice days.

If you’re traveling with a dog, you’ll love the large off-leash area where dogs can run free and enjoy the beach. Water wheelchairs are available for reservation if needed.  

Unlike many other beaches, there are several parking lots along NW Marine Drive, so parking should be easy. This makes Spanish Banks Beach an excellent choice for families traveling around Vancouver by car.

Related Read: Spanish Banks Beach is a great road trip stop! If you’re traveling to Alberta, check out more fun stops between Vancouver and Calgary.

10. Locarno Beach

Bailey poses for a photo at Locarno Beach, Vancouver
There’s so much room here!

Locarno Beach is another favorite for locals and tourists because it’s a large sandy beach surrounded by tall pine trees. It’s located just east of Spanish Banks Beach. It’s also along the Stanley Park Seawall, making it easy to bike between beaches.

Locarno Beach is the place to go for travelers looking for a relaxing day of nature and quiet! We love spending time here because it’s another designated quiet beach. Vancouver has a few of these, and Locarno is the best. Since it’s so quiet, we love listening to the ocean, and sometimes we even take a nice beach nap here.  

When we’re not resting, we love swimming at Locarno Beach! The water is ideal for swimming, and there is an inflatable dock offshore. Lifeguards are also on duty throughout summer to keep you extra safe.

Other amenities include public bathrooms, picnic areas, and barbecues. There are six beach volleyball courts to choose from. It’s also a popular beach for windsurfers so bring your gear or simply watch others windsurf.

Like Spanish Banks Beach, you’ll usually find this area full of food trucks on nice days. There is a decent size parking lot, and parking is free.

11. Acadia Beach

Acadia Beach is the ultimate off-the-beaten-path beach. If you enjoy less crowded destinations, we highly recommend this beach! You’ll be immersed in nature, and if you’re lucky, you just might have this beach all to yourself. Acadia remains one of Vancouver’s best-kept secrets, and even locals often opt for some of the busier beaches.  

Even if you’re sharing the beach with other adventurers, it’s always quiet and peaceful.

If you’re up for a hike, check out the trail along the coastline. It’s 3.2 km (2 miles) each way, and starts in Acadia and ends in Wreck Beach. This easy hike takes about one hour and 30 minutes to complete the round trip to Acadia Beach – and you can skip the Wreck Beach staircase if you don’t have the energy!  

The area is incredibly popular with nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. You’ll likely spot some trail runners along the path, but most of the time it stays quiet. Dogs are permitted if they are on a leash.  

You can visit Acadia Beach year-round to take in the views, but keep in mind that some parts of the shoreline might be inaccessible during high tide. The most challenging part of the hike is traversing the beach rocks – they can be slick so watch your step.  

12. Trout Lake Beach

Trout Lake Beach , Vancouver
Trout Lake Beach, Vancouver

Trout Lake Beach is different from the other beaches because it borders a freshwater lake rather than a salty sea. This lake is at the mouth of the Trout River and offers many opportunities to get up close and personal with the gorgeous natural beauty in Vancouver.  

I don’t usually swim off Trout Lake Beach because I prefer the ocean, but for those who might enjoy a freshwater swim, it’s a great option. Lifeguards are on duty throughout the summer. There is a large inflatable dock on the water, and you’ll often see kids jumping off into the water all day long.

Instead of swimming, I usually visit Trout Lake for the park – it’s a wonderful place to enjoy a nice walk in nature. There’s an off-leash dog area on one end and an enclosed ice-skating rink on the other. Ice skating is a great activity if you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter! From April to August, the Trout Lake Rink has a dry floor with other activities like hockey and shows.

There are also some lovely open fields if you’re looking to play sports, and it offers a nice change from all the sand.

Amenities at Trout Lake Beach include public restrooms, picnic areas, and concession stands for snacks and drinks. There are also water wheelchairs available, but it’s a good idea to reserve them ahead of time as it’s a popular spot.  

13. Dundarave Beach

Dundarave Beach, Vancouver
Dundarave Beach, Vancouver from above!

West Vancouver also has a beach worth visiting! Dundarave Beach is located right next to Dundarave Park so you can enjoy both the beach and the park all in one go!   

The famous Centennial Seawalk begins within the park. Featuring more than 50 meters (164 feet) of expansive sandy beach, Dundarave is a favorite for visitors. and as a local, I love to return again and again. I think this spot has some of the best ocean views in all of Vancouver. 

The public restrooms here are open throughout the year, even in winter. So if you visit Vancouver in December and it’s too cold for a swim, you can still walk and enjoy the coastline along Dundarave Beach.

If you come during the warmer months, you can take a dip in the refreshing water! There is a concession stand with snacks and drinks if you get hungry.  

After enjoying the natural beauty, I recommend heading to Beach House Restaurant within the park. The patio overlooks the Howe Sound so you can have dinner or drinks with a view.

It’s open for lunch and dinner every day, as well as brunch on weekends. This local eatery’s menu includes fresh oysters and sustainable seafood, and when we went, I had a fantastic steak. There’s also an extensive wine list with options from around the region.  

Related Read: Beaches are just one of the awesome attractions in Vancouver. To see even more of this beautiful city in a short time, check out the best Vancouver city tours here!

14. New Brighton Beach  

New Brighton Beach is one of our top picks for anyone traveling with kids. The beach itself is lovely, with plenty of sand and gorgeous views. The park that borders the beach offers so much to do – especially for little ones!

New Brighton Park has a heated public swimming pool which stays open from May until early September. It’s ideal for children because of the sloped entry. There’s also a section to swim laps if you’re looking for somewhere to train. The pool can be accessed after paying a small fee of around $6 CAD.

There are plenty of picnic areas, and it’s an ideal spot to pack a nice lunch and enjoy a gorgeous day soaking up the sun by the water.  

If you’re looking to get some exercise, bring along a ball and enjoy the on-site soccer fields. There are playgrounds for the kids to enjoy and concession stands available if you forget to pack a lunch or end up staying later than you planned.  

Dogs aren’t permitted on the beach, but there is a large fenced grassy dog park that locals love. Other amenities include public restrooms and ample parking.  

15. Tower Beach 

Tower Beach, Vancouver
Tower Beach, Vancouver Photo credit: Margarita_Young Depositphotos

Tower Beach is very similar to Wreck Beach (minus the nudity). It’s a bit secluded and off the beaten path which is part of its allure.

It’s just to the north of Wreck Beach, and the hike between the two is stunning and one of our favorite ways to enjoy the wild Vancouver Coastline. It’s well worth experiencing this hike, and once you get to the beach, it’s very secluded. It’s one of my favorite places to go to watch the sunset and a perfect romantic thing to do while in Vancouver!

Tower Beach is rarely as crowded as the more easily accessible beaches near downtown. You’ll have no problem finding a little slice of beach paradise all to yourself. As such, it’s an ideal place to spot wildlife and is very popular among bird watchers.  

Due to its remote location, there aren’t any amenities here. Be sure to pack some snacks and plenty of water and be aware that no lifeguards are on duty if you decide to swim.  

Other Things to do While You’re in Vancouver

View out the window of a sea plane over Vancouver, Canada
View from a seaplane!
Bailey walks on the Lynn Canyon suspension Bridge, Vancouver
Lynn Canyon

Vancouver is a city filled with tons of things to do and see. So while you’re here, be sure not to miss some of the top attractions and activities:

  • Whale Watching – Without a doubt, one of the most popular tours in Vancouver is whale watching. Set off from the city on a half-day on the ocean looking for whales. If you’re lucky, you might even see Orcas (also known as Killer Whales.) This whale-watching tour is a ton of fun, and at only about $200 CAD it is good value too!
  • Ride in a Seaplane – One of our favorite memories in Vancouver was riding in a seaplane. Taking off and landing on the ocean is super exciting, and then the views from the air are breathtaking. This seaplane ride lasts for 20 minutes and costs $160 CAD. It departs and returns to Coal Harbour in downtown Vancouver. The best part is that seaplane tours in Vancouver operate all year round, so even if you’re visiting Vancouver in the winter you can take to the sky!
  • Eat ALL the food! – Vancouver is a foodie destination. Showcasing cuisine from all around the world in top-rated restaurants, you really need to make an effort to eat out a few times while in Vancouver. For breakfast, Jam Cafe or Medina are our go-to’s. For Asian cuisine, you can’t pass up Minami for sushi or Danbo for Ramen. You can also join this highly-rated food tour that takes you to some of the city’s best restaurants in the area of Gastown.

Where to Stay in Vancouver

Hyatt Regency Vancouver
Photo credit: Hyatt Regency Vancouver

Vancouver is one of the most popular cities in Canada. The fact is that in the summer and winter, the city books up very fast. Booking your hotel or hostel well in advance is the only way to secure the best place to stay for you!

Some great hotels and hostels in Vancouver that we love are:

Hyatt Regency Vancouver – $$$

The Hyatt Regency Vancouver has the perfect location halfway between Stanley Park and Gastown. It’s a great base to explore the downtown neighborhoods as well as beaches like English Bay, Sunset Beach Park, and all the beaches in Stanley Park!

As you can imagine, it’s a luxury stay in a large hotel chain that is very highly reviewed! It has an outdoor hot tub, a gym, a Starbucks on-site, and is within walking distance to many restaurants and sights.

Rooms start at $233 CAD and are clean, spacious, and very well-kept. So if you can afford to spend a little more, we recommend treating yourself to this hotel! You can check availability, prices, and book your stay here.

Times Square Suites – $$

For a beautiful hotel close to the beaches in Stanley Park, you should opt for the Times Square Suites. It’s very hard to fault this hotel, and we think the location is amazing. It’s only a 10-minute walk from English Bay Beach as well!

Plus, the suites are spacious yet have a cozy feel with kitchenettes and gas fireplaces. This hotel feels luxurious yet still affordable, with prices starting at $196 CAD when you book ahead online.

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach – $

HI Vancouver Jericho Beach Hostel is a fantastic budget choice if you want to enjoy several beaches in Vancouver. It’s less than a 15-minute walk from Jericho, Locarno, and Spanish Banks beaches. They have plenty of opportunities to meet others at their on-site cafe, lounge, games room, and TV room.

This hostel is perfect for backpackers on a budget and is relatively cheap (bunks in dorm rooms start at $26 CAD). They offer dorm beds in mixed or single-gender rooms as well as double, triple, and family rooms. To snag this deal, you’ll want to reserve a room on Hostelworld.com or Booking.com!

Renting a Car in British Columbia

A rural road with Mt Currie in the background
Road trips are the best way to explore Canada!

If you’re arriving in British Columbia via plane, then I can’t recommend getting a rental car enough. British Columbia is a large province, and traveling between the best places to visit in BC requires transport. Although you can use public transport on some occasions, this means your trip will not only require more time but more planning.

Car rental in Canada isn’t relatively cheap, but it’s not that expensive either, especially if you get a budget car. The cheapest car with a pick-up and drop-off in different locations is around $100 CAD per day. The price does vary though, depending on the time of year. For car rentals, I use the website Discover Cars. It’s a search engine with lots of deals with good customer service. In fact, I’ve used Discover Cars all over the world, including in Chile, New Zealand, and Australia. Read my honest review of Discover Cars here for more details!

Another popular option is to rent a campervan or motorhome (only for the brave in winter). Using Motorhome Republic, you can search hundreds of deals across multiple companies to pick a great vehicle and the cheapest price. Having a motorhome is a stunning way to see Canada and you can often camp for free or very cheap in the most beautiful places imaginable! Read my tips on using Motorhome Republic here before you book!

Thanks for reading!

Bailey takes a selfie at Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver
Thanks for reading!

So now you know Vancouver’s best-kept secret! This city has many great beaches, and as a local, I’ve spent time at all of them. I hope this list has helped you pick which one suits you best to enjoy a lovely beach day on Vancouver’s coastline.

To learn more about traveling around the country, read my other blogs about Canada here. And if you’re sticking to Canada’s West Coast, I’ve selected some articles for you below!

10 Things to Know BEFORE Booking a Helicopter Tour in Vancouver

11 Things to KNOW About Horseback Riding in Pemberton, BC

The 4 BEST Whistler Tours from Vancouver

15 Things to KNOW about the Richmond Night Market, Vancouver