English Bay and Sunset Beach
English Bay and Sunset Beach are the most popular and accessible beaches in downtown Vancouver.

Who says there are no palm trees in Canada? English Bay Beach, located at the edge of downtown's West End, features not only palm trees but also expansive sandy beaches, beautiful lawns, and stunning ocean views. As Vancouver's most popular urban beach, it's a hub of activity year-round and the city's go-to spot for watching the sunset.
Why Visit English Bay?
- Iconic Sunsets: It is arguably the best and most popular spot in the city to watch the sun go down over the water.
- Vibrant Atmosphere: The beach and surrounding area are always buzzing with energy, with people walking, cycling, and relaxing.
- Seawall Access: It's a key point on Vancouver's famous Seawall, perfect for a walk or bike ride towards Stanley Park or around False Creek.
- Urban Convenience: Located right at the intersection of Davie and Denman streets, it's surrounded by shops and restaurants.
What to See & Do
- Relax on the Beach: Go for a swim in the summer, sunbathe on the sand, or just relax on the iconic logs that line the shore.
- Walk the Seawall: Stroll south to the quieter Sunset Beach or head north to connect with the Stanley Park Seawall loop.
- See the "A-maze-ing Laughter" Statues: Take a photo with the famous bronze statues of laughing figures, a beloved piece of public art.
- Watch the Celebration of Light: In summer, the beach is the main viewing area for Vancouver's massive international fireworks competition.
Food & Drink Options
- The Cactus Club Cafe: A popular restaurant right on the beach with a large patio and unbeatable views.
- Denman & Davie Streets: The streets bordering the beach are packed with restaurants, cafes, and ice cream shops, offering endless choices.
- Beach Concessions: During the summer, concession stands and food carts offer quick and easy beachside snacks.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Arrive Early for Fireworks: For the Celebration of Light, claim your spot on the beach in the early afternoon, as it gets extremely crowded. - Go for a Polar Bear Swim: If you're in Vancouver on New Year's Day, join thousands of brave locals for the annual Polar Bear Swim.
- Walk from Sunset Beach: For a more scenic approach, start at Sunset Beach near the Burrard Bridge and walk north along the Seawall to English Bay.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Stanley Park: The entrance to this world-famous park is just a short walk north along the Seawall.
- Granville Island: Take a small passenger ferry (Aquabus or False Creek Ferries) from the Aquatic Centre near Sunset Beach to this bustling market.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoEnglish Bay and Sunset Beach Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Tuesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Wednesday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Thursday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Friday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Saturday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
- Sunday: 6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Address: Beach Ave, Vancouver, BC V6C 3C1, Canada
Phone: (604) 873-7000
Official Website: English Bay and Sunset Beach
English Bay and Sunset Beach Reviews
Rated
Had an amazing time at English Bay on July 19th for the Honda Celebration of Light!
We got to enjoy the beach, a stunning drone show, and an incredible fireworks display. It was heartwarming to see people from so many different communities come together to celebrate. Though it was super crowded, the festive vibe made it totally worth it!
Vishal Sharma - a week ago
Sure! Here’s a refined version of your description:
A beautiful beach offering a unique view — city and Kits on one side and majestic mountains on the other. Right next to it is the iconic Stanley Park, which is a gem in itself. The beach is well-maintained by the city, with plenty of benches for relaxation. A variety of bars and restaurants are also nearby, making it a perfect spot to unwind.
Baljeet Singh - a month ago
English Bay Beach is a beautiful place for walking, jogging, chatting with friends, or watching the sunset from one of the many benches. One side connects to Sunset Beach, and the other leads to Stanley Park. You can walk or bike there.
The sand area is smoke-free and pet-free.
Every season is a great time to visit, but summer is a must! You can sunbathe, swim, or enjoy the sunset. It’s a family-friendly beach, close to restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, bike rentals, and more. If you’re visiting Vancouver, this is a place you shouldn’t miss!
somayeh aghajani - a week ago
Our New Year's Day visit to English Bay Beach was truly unforgettable, primarily because we had the incredible opportunity to witness the legendary Polar Bear Swim. This isn't just any beach; it's the stage for a unique and utterly breathtaking spectacle that perfectly encapsulates Vancouver's vibrant spirit. Despite the chilly winter air, the atmosphere was electric, filled with laughter, excitement, and a palpable sense of community. Hundreds, if not thousands, of brave participants, many donning hilarious costumes, gathered to plunge into the frigid Pacific Ocean. From our vantage point on the sandy beach, we had a fantastic view of the entire event, cheering on everyone as they made their dash for the cold water. It's an annual tradition that draws massive crowds, and for good reason – it’s an incredible display of human courage and eccentricity. Beyond the swim itself, the beach is clean and expansive, offering ample space for spectators and a lovely stroll along the seawall. This was more than just seeing an event; it was an immersion into a quintessential Vancouver experience. We highly recommend attending this lively New Year's Day tradition if you're in the city, even if just to watch!
T Piyo - a month ago
Wonderful place. Beautiful to be able to walk in the sun's airport in the late afternoon. Do the walking during the weekend, play sports and even have a drink. Overlooking the sea, I highly recommend incredible pairs, very close and with. Very reasonable prices.
wellington crepaldi - a month ago
Directions
SkyTrain Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Expo Line | Granville Station | 1 Minute |
Canada Line | Yaletown-Roundhouse Station | 2 Minutes |
How to get to English Bay and Sunset Beach by SkyTrain
From Granville Station take the Dunsmuir Street Exit. Walk to your right (East) along Dunsmuir Street to Richards Street and go right on Richards to the bus stop for the #6 Davie Bus. Take this bus to the terminus on Davie Street at Denman Street. English Bay Beach Park is right across the street.
From Yaletown-Roundhouse Station cross Davie Street and find the #C23 Davie bus stop to your left. Take this bus to Bidwell Street. English bay is one block northwest and across the street.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near English Bay and Sunset Beach:
Photo Gallery
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Sunset Beach as seen from the Burrard Street Bridge cc licensed photo by JamesZ_Flickr -
Beautiful sandy beach lining English Bay cc licensed photo by Arrr! -
Photo Credit: cogdogblog - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: BumFluff2009 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr