English Bay

Vancouver’s most popular beach area for tanning, swimming, hanging out and sunset watching. It all happens here, in the West End of Vancouver. English Bay is in a great location with great views - summer and winter!

Things get very busy in summer - so get there early and get your spot. You may want to choose between the upper grassy area or something closer to the water on the beach - both are nice. The best way to get there is to bike, walk or bus. You can do the Stanley Park loop (from Coal Harbour) on your bike and then spend the rest of the day at English Bay tanning and swimming. The swimming is pretty good and kids will love the swim-to-dock and water slide. There is a concession for food, and there is also plenty to eat up on Denman Street (across the road).

English Bay is still popular in Winter to catch the sun’s rays. There are plenty of benches and logs to sit on. Have a stroll through the Bay and then grab a coffee and soak up any UV that you can.

Be sure to catch a few sunsets a year from English Bay - its not called “Sunset Beach” for nothing!

Annual Events:

Celebration of Light (end of July into August) - An annual fireworks display by three lucky countries. If you have never seen it before, check it out - it’s free! Things do get very busy and consider carefully whether you want to take the kids.

Polar Bear Swim (January 1) - Jump into the icy waters with greater fools - it may refresh you enough for the entire year!