Kitsilano Beach Vancouver
Vancouver's iconic urban beach, offering sandy shores, a massive saltwater pool, volleyball courts, and stunning sunset views.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Kitsilano Beach Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vancouver's iconic urban beach, offering sandy shores, a massive saltwater pool, volleyball courts, and stunning sunset views.
"A lively coastal beach park unlike any other on the west coast, complete with basketball and tennis courts, a massive pool on the water."
🌊 Embrace the Cold Water
The ocean water is bracingly cold! Bring water shoes if you plan to swim.
🚲 Bike or Ferry for Easy Access
Rent a bike or use the False Creek Ferry for scenic travel to Granville Island.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kitsilano Pool
Adjacent to the beach
Vancouver's largest saltwater outdoor pool, offering stunning ocean views and a refreshing dip.

Sunset Views
The beach itself
Experience breathtaking sunsets over the water, a perfect romantic or peaceful end to your day.

Beach Volleyball
Designated courts on the beach
Join a game or watch locals showcase their skills on the sandy courts.
Shopping and Dining on 4th Ave
West 4th Avenue
Explore trendy boutiques, cafes, and restaurants just a short walk from the beach.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for the Best Experience
Getting Around Kitsilano
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌊 Embrace the Cold Water
The ocean water is bracingly cold! Bring water shoes if you plan to swim.
🚲 Bike or Ferry for Easy Access
Rent a bike or use the False Creek Ferry for scenic travel to Granville Island.
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Kitsilano Beach is a prime spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
🛍️ Explore 4th Ave Shops
Discover unique boutiques and cafes just uphill from the beach.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌊 Embrace the Cold Water
The ocean water is bracingly cold! Bring water shoes if you plan to swim.
🚲 Bike or Ferry for Easy Access
Rent a bike or use the False Creek Ferry for scenic travel to Granville Island.
🌅 Catch a Stunning Sunset
Kitsilano Beach is a prime spot for watching the sun dip below the horizon.
🛍️ Explore 4th Ave Shops
Discover unique boutiques and cafes just uphill from the beach.
🏐 Join a Volleyball Game
Plenty of courts available for a friendly game of beach volleyball.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Kitsilano Beach is a vibrant and popular urban beach, lauded for its sandy shores, lively atmosphere, and stunning sunset views. Visitors appreciate the adjacent Kitsilano Pool and the convenient access to shopping and dining on West 4th Avenue. However, it can get quite crowded, especially on summer weekends, and the ocean water is notably cold.
"Nice beach, crowded during weekends in summer. Can be noisy with people that don't respect the noise by-law. Great if you like the crowd and noise like in Mexico beaches. Beautiful sunsets."
K. Aite
"Beautiful sandy beach perfect for spending an evening and watching the sunset. Can get crowded during peak hours, weekends, and holidays, but is still enjoyable. Occasionally there are vendors here."
Harry Hao
"A lively coastal beach park unlike any other on the west coast, complete with basketball and tennis courts, a massive pool on the water, ample and shaded picnic areas, and a playground for the kiddos. Perfect retreat for the end of summer, well loved by locals with casual shopping and ice cream in walking distance 😋"
Giselle Role
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Kitsilano Beach from downtown Vancouver via a short bus ride on the #22 bus, which takes less than 15 minutes. Alternatively, consider using a Mobi bike share or renting an e-bike for a scenic ride along the bike lanes. Water taxis (False Creek Ferries) are also a great option, offering beautiful views as they travel to Granville Island or Sunset Beach, from where you can access downtown.
Yes, Kitsilano Beach is well-served by public transport. The #22 bus is a direct route from downtown. You can also utilize the False Creek Ferry system for a more scenic journey.
There is parking available near Kitsilano Beach, but it can be limited, especially during peak season and weekends. Arriving early is recommended if you plan to drive.
For dog owners, walking along the point to the Kitsilano Beach dog park is a great option. Many patios in the area are also dog-friendly if you plan to dine out.
Kitsilano Beach is walkable to Granville Island via the seawall path, offering great ocean views. It's also a pleasant walk to English Bay and Sunset Beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Kitsilano Beach itself is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. However, the Kitsilano Pool, located adjacent to the beach, has admission fees.
Kitsilano Beach is a public park and is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. The Kitsilano Pool has specific operating hours, which vary by season and are best checked on the Vancouver Parks Board website.
While walk-ins are often possible for Kitsilano Pool, booking tickets in advance is recommended, especially during busy summer periods, to guarantee your entry and avoid disappointment.
Kitsilano Beach is a popular spot for local events and gatherings, including fireworks displays. It's always a good idea to check local event listings for any scheduled activities during your visit.
To avoid the largest crowds, aim for weekday mornings or early afternoons. Weekends, especially during summer, can get very busy.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Kitsilano Beach offers a wide range of activities including swimming (in the ocean or the Kits Pool), sunbathing, beach volleyball, picnicking, and enjoying the playground. The nearby 4th Avenue also provides shopping and dining opportunities.
The ocean water at Kitsilano Beach is known to be very cold, even in summer. The Kitsilano Pool, a large saltwater pool, offers a more controlled and warmer swimming experience with ocean views.
Yes, Kitsilano Beach has public restrooms and a concession stand for snacks and refreshments.
Absolutely! Kitsilano Beach features a playground, ample space for running around, and the adjacent Kitsilano Pool is great for families. The sandy shores are perfect for building sandcastles.
The entire beach offers stunning views, especially during sunset. The Kitsilano Pool with the city skyline in the background, and the views from the Burrard Bridge are also popular photo opportunities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, West 4th Avenue, just a short walk uphill from the beach, is lined with numerous restaurants, cafes, and eateries offering a variety of cuisines.
Popular spots include Fable for brunch, TV Dinner for coffee, and various boutiques on 4th Ave for unique finds. For a special treat, try a Rosemary and Rock Salt Bagel from Seigels.
Occasionally, food vendors can be found at Kitsilano Beach, especially during peak season or special events. There is also a concession stand on-site for basic refreshments.
Many restaurants in the Kitsilano area have patios that are dog-friendly, making it possible to enjoy a meal with your pet nearby.
You can take the False Creek Ferry from Kits Point to Granville Island, which is a scenic and enjoyable ride. Alternatively, it's a pleasant walk along the seawall.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hour before sunset offers the most magical light for photography at Kitsilano Beach, casting a warm glow over the sand and water.
Capture the expansive sandy beach, the vibrant Kitsilano Pool with the city skyline, and the panoramic views from the Burrard Bridge. The beach volleyball courts also make for dynamic shots.
Drone usage in Vancouver parks is subject to strict regulations. It's essential to check the Vancouver Park Board's bylaws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing action shots of beach volleyball or distant cityscapes. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sky and water colors.
Consider capturing the contrast between the urban environment and the natural beach setting, or focus on the vibrant community atmosphere during busy periods. The unique architecture of the Kitsilano Pool is also a great subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing beach toys for sandcastle building and snacks for a picnic. The nearby West 4th Avenue offers casual dining options and ice cream shops, perfect for a treat. The False Creek Ferry ride to Granville Island is also a fun adventure for kids, with its own Kids Only Market.
🐶 Dog Owners
While dogs are not permitted on the main beach or in the Kitsilano Pool, they can enjoy the scenic walk around the point towards the Maritime Museum. Remember to always keep your dog on a leash where required and clean up after them.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
Explore the charming boutiques and cafes on West 4th Avenue for a leisurely afternoon. For a romantic evening, consider a picnic on the beach or a meal at one of the many restaurants nearby. The proximity to Granville Island via the False Creek Ferry also provides opportunities for exploration and shared experiences.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Kitsilano Pool
Adjacent to the pool, you'll find ample deck space for sunbathing and relaxing. It's a lively hub during the summer months, often hosting swim meets and offering a vibrant atmosphere. Remember to check the pool's operating hours and admission fees, as they can vary seasonally.
Many visitors find the pool to be a highlight of their Kitsilano Beach experience, offering a safe and enjoyable way to cool off while still soaking in the beautiful coastal scenery.
Exploring West 4th Avenue
From high-end fashion at stores like Reformation and Aritzia to unique home decor at Old Faithful Shop and Figure Lecture, there's something for every taste. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate stores like Turf, offering stylish activewear. The street is also home to numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants, making it easy to grab a coffee, a quick bite, or enjoy a full meal.
Locals and visitors alike praise West 4th Avenue for its lively atmosphere and excellent selection of shops and eateries, making it a natural extension of the Kitsilano Beach experience.
Getting Around Kitsilano and Beyond
The False Creek Ferry (Aquabus and Granville Island Ferries) offers a charming way to travel between Kits Point, Granville Island, Science World, and other False Creek locations. This is a particularly enjoyable option for families and those looking for picturesque views.
For those preferring public transit, the #22 bus provides a direct and efficient route to downtown Vancouver in under 15 minutes. Purchasing a Compass Card can offer fare discounts compared to cash payments.
Many visitors find that combining these options allows for the most comprehensive exploration of Vancouver, with Kitsilano serving as a convenient and beautiful base.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit