English Bay and Sunset Beach

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

Palm Trees Lining English Bay Beach Park
Palm Trees Lining English Bay Beach Park cc licensed photo by keepitsurreal

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: No

English 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 4.7 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating 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

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5 Star Rating A beautiful place for walking, jogging, chatting, spending the time contemplating the sunset in one of the plenty benches out there. In one point it’s connected to Sunset Beach and in the opposite direction it is connected to Stanley Park. You can go by walk or bicycle, it is always open from 6am to 10 pm the beach (sand) is smoke and pet free. Every season is a good season to visit English Bay Beach, in Summer is a MUST to do! You can sunbathing, swimming, and sunset-watching beach besides the rest of activities already described. Family friendly beach, near some tasty restaurants, supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, bike rentals, smoke shops, it’s near everything you may need! Definitely a recommended place to go if you are visiting Vancouver.
FX 666 - 2 months ago

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5 Star Rating English bay was a beautiful place to do walking, jogging, sunbathing, also picnic. Even though it's cloudy, there still has sunset. Wonderful. After sun going down immediately treated drizzle. This beautiful view was taken on 16march2025
Wini - 3 weeks ago

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5 Star Rating Second time visiting- love the neighborhood, the beach and the joy figures. Took my parents and they enjoyed it as well. Grabbed ice cream and visited Stanley park which is just a few minutes away.
B. Wesley - a week ago

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5 Star Rating English Bay Beach, located in the heart of Vancouver, transforms into a magical scene as the sun begins to set. In the evening, the golden light casts a warm glow across the sandy shore, creating a serene atmosphere that draws both locals and visitors alike. The horizon turns vibrant shades of orange, pink, and purple, reflecting off the calm waters of the bay. As dusk settles in, the beach becomes a hub of activity. People stroll along the waterfront, enjoying the gentle breeze and the sound of waves lapping against the shore. Families gather for picnics, while couples take leisurely walks, hand in hand, savoring the romantic ambiance. The air is filled with laughter and conversation, accompanied by the distant sounds of street performers showcasing their talents nearby. As the sun dips below the horizon, the first stars begin to twinkle in the sky, and the city lights start to illuminate the surroundings. The iconic views of the North Shore mountains provide a stunning backdrop, further enhancing the beauty of the scene. Many find a spot to sit on the sand or at one of the nearby benches, soaking in the peacefulness of the moment. English Bay Beach in the evening offers a perfect blend of nature and urban life, making it an ideal escape for those looking to unwind and connect with the stunning environment around them.
Subrata Das Gupta - 5 months ago

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Directions

SkyTrain Line Nearest Station Walking Time
Expo Line Granville Station1 Minute
Canada LineYaletown-Roundhouse Station2 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.

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