Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach
Enjoy a perfect blend of culture and recreation at these two beautiful, adjacent waterfront parks.
Just a short bus ride from downtown, the connected green spaces of Vanier Park and Kitsilano Beach Park offer one of Vancouver's best day-out destinations. Vanier Park is a cultural hub with three museums and stunning city views, while "Kits Beach" is one of the city's most popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and people-watching. Whether you're looking for history and science or sun and sand, you'll find it here.
Why Visit Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach?
- Two Parks in One: Enjoy the grassy fields and cultural attractions of Vanier Park, then stroll over to the sandy shores of Kitsilano Beach.
- A Cultural Hub: Vanier Park is home to three fantastic museums, making it a great destination rain or shine.
- Iconic Vancouver Beach Scene: Kits Beach is the quintessential Vancouver summer hotspot, with a vibrant atmosphere, sports facilities, and a massive outdoor pool.
- Stunning Views: Both parks offer spectacular, postcard-perfect views across English Bay to the downtown skyline and North Shore mountains.
What to See & Do
In Vanier Park:
- Museum of Vancouver: Discover the stories and history of the city.
- H.R. MacMillan Space Centre: Explore the universe in the planetarium and science centre.
- Vancouver Maritime Museum: Step aboard the historic St. Roch Arctic exploration vessel.
- Bard on the Beach: In the summer, catch a Shakespeare play in the iconic waterfront tents (ticketed event).
At Kitsilano Beach:
- Swim in Kits Pool: Take a dip in the enormous, heated, saltwater outdoor swimming pool—the longest in Canada (seasonal).
- Relax on the Beach: Enjoy the long, sandy beach, perfect for sunbathing and swimming in the ocean.
- Play Sports: Join a game of beach volleyball on the numerous courts or shoot some hoops on the basketball courts.
Food & Drink Options
- The Boathouse Restaurant: Located right on Kits Beach, offering great food with even better ocean views.
- Kitsilano Pool Concession: A casual spot for burgers, fries, and snacks during the summer.
- Nearby Restaurants: A huge variety of cafes, pubs, and restaurants can be found a short walk up from the beach on Cornwall Avenue and Yew Street.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Go Early on Sunny Days: Kits Beach gets very busy on warm, sunny weekends. Arrive early to claim a good spot.
- Take the Ferry: For a scenic route, take the False Creek Ferries from downtown or Granville Island to the dock at the east end of Vanier Park.
- Check Festival Schedules: Vanier Park hosts major events like the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare Festival and the Vancouver International Children's Festival, which can affect park access.
Nearby Attractions (Transit-Friendly)
- Museum of Vancouver
- H.R. MacMillan Space Centre
- Vancouver Maritime Museum
- Jericho Beach Park: A quieter beach park is a short bus ride to the west.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: NoVanier Park & Kitsilano 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: 1000 Chestnut St, Vancouver, BC V6J 3J9, Canada
Phone: (604) 873-7000
Official Website: Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach
Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach Reviews
Rated out of 5
Beautiful park all year round. The park is huge and spacious, there’s lots of room to fly kites or throw a ball. I’ve seen people do yoga, practice swordsmanship, boot camps and play live music among many other things. The city views are unbeatable and you can take a ferry across the inlet to downtown. The Museum of Vancouver and H.R. MacMillan Space Centre are in the park as well. Both are a genuinely good time and worth seeing.
sean curzon - 3 months ago
I have often visited this park, and almost always, I see a lot of geese and ducks (sometimes nearly a hundred birds) on the big green lawn and in the lake. In spring, little goslings and ducklings also appear there. But the most amazing thing is that a small lake near the Planetarium gets covered with white lilies in the summer.
Natalia Melnykova - 3 months ago
If you're looking for the perfect spot to soak in stunning city views while enjoying a refreshing seaside breeze, this place won't disappoint.
The combination of urban scenery and coastal charm makes it an ideal destination for relaxation. ⛵
shikhar Rastogi - 8 months ago
The place is amazing and very beautiful. It has a distinctive monument. Next to it is the sea, and next to it there is a very beautiful lake with many ducks. As well as green trees full of place. I recommend visiting the place, thank you. Good luck.
Hani Dalati - a year ago
It was rainy day so couldn’t able to walk around fully. It does have some rental, if you like to get on water. It’s busy Bay Area. View was blocked by clouds however park is clean and well maintained. There is small beach area too,
Aalok Gautam - a year ago
Directions
| Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| #2 Bus | From Downtown Vancouver | ~2-5 Minutes |
How to get to Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach by Bus
From downtown Vancouver, catch the #2 Macdonald bus southbound on Burrard Street (e.g., from the stop near Burrard SkyTrain Station). It's a short ride across the Burrard Bridge.
For Vanier Park, get off at the stop on Cornwall Avenue at Cypress Street and walk north into the park. For Kitsilano Beach, get off the bus two stops further at Yew Street. the park is beside the stop.
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 Vanier Park & Kitsilano Beach:
Photo Gallery
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Sculptures at Vanier Park cc licensed photo by Taz -
Museum of Vancouver and HR McMillan Space Centre located in Vanier Park -
Photo Credit: VinceTraveller - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JamesZ_Flickr - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JamesZ_Flickr - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Ruth and Dave - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: JamesZ_Flickr - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Phil~ - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: albategnius - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Arbron - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: Christine Rondeau - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: wlcutler - cc license via Flickr
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