With Summer in full swing, there is no better time to be out and about in Vancouver than now. While not quite the soft sandy beaches and crystal clear water you imagine whilst on vacation, the beaches in Vancouver offer a different type of charm. Backdrops of lush greenery, urban skyline and mountain make them the perfect spots for a picnic on a nice sunny day. Below is our list of the best beaches for picnics in Vancouver.
English Bay
Located in the West End, English Bay has been one of our favourite beaches to picnic in downtown Vancouver. It’s not just a beach; it’s a lively hub where the city meets the shores of the Pacific. Whether you’re laying out a picnic on the sand or opting for a grassy space overlooking the beach, there’s plenty of room to claim as your own. We love to grab our favourite takeout from nearby Denman Street or Davie Street and settle in for a spectacular sunset behind the North Shore Mountains.
Pro tip: arrive early to snag the perfect spot, especially during peak season when Vancouverites flock to soak up the sun. Whether you’re people-watching, playing beach volleyball, or simply savoring the panoramic views, English Bay serves as one of the best beaches for a picnic in Vancouver.
Kitsilano Beach (Kits Beach)
One of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, Kits beach is a quintessential visit and a hot spot for a picnic. The area features a saltwater outdoor pool (currently under construction), tennis courts and ample space for sunbathing or to hang out with friends. Whether you prefer to spread out on the sand, find a cozy spot on the grassy areas near the beach, use one of picnic tables and benches, you’ll have room to relax and enjoy your meal without feeling crowded.
We were spoiled by friends with an Amazing Co Mystery Picnic Date experience that took us around different landmarks in Kits while solving riddles and provided us local goodies and treats to set up our picnic. Ending at Kitsilano Beach, the combination of the sailboats drifting on the water and mountains in the background made it very memorable and another one of our favourite beaches in Vancouver to enjoy a picnic.
Third Beach
Within Stanley Park lies Third Beach, another great beach in Vancouver for a picnic. Third Beach offers a more tranquil experience compared to its counterparts. It’s a great spot for a relaxing evening escape from the city while watching the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.
Accessible via the scenic Seawall trail, we first came across Third Beach whilst cycling along this exact path. It has now become one of our stops whether after a short bike ride or a short walk as it promises a peaceful retreat amidst Stanley Park’s natural beauty.
A heads up: don’t forget to slip slop slap your sunscreen as the shade options here are very limited. As a beach in Vancouver, Third Beach will be a sun lover’s dream.
Sunset Beach
While exploring beyond English Bay, heading towards False Creek we discovered Sunset Beach. True to its name, Sunset beach unsurprisingly provides an exceptional display of sunsets and is a slightly quieter spot for locals to picnic in Vancouver. Whether you choose to picnic on the cozy sands or relax on the grass in Sunset Beach Park nearby, you’re treated not only to spectacular sunset views but also a variety of recreational activities, from basketball and volleyball to paddle boarding on the calm waters.
That summarises our list for the best beaches in Vancouver for picnics and sunsets. After enjoying the sunset we love to continue our adventure by grabbing food in nearby Yaletown or Davie St, which offers a range of restaurants and dining options to complete the perfect day in Vancouver. If you’re after Japanese food, downtown Vancouver near the beaches mentioned above offer a great variety of options. Check out our guide for the best Japanese food in downtown Vancouver.
*All photos taken by us with a Samsung Galaxy S21 & Pixel 5.
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