A recent article in the Vancouver Sun offers a great rundown Vancouver’s many beaches, from rustic Third Beach in Stanley Park to the urban sands of English Bay. What the article doesn’t do, however, is rate them. What’s the best beach in the city? The worst? Which beaches consistently earn rave reviews from sun worshippers? Which disappoint?
Rating beaches is a tricky proposition, of course. Everyone looks for something different in their beach experience. Some people love the energy at Kits Beach; other find the crowds and noise unbearable. For the right person, clothing-optional Wreck Beach and its anything goes, bare-buns-’n-all attitude is a perfect fit. But lots of people might find the scenery down there a bit uncomfortable (On hot days, there can be some pretty shocking sunburns).
So, I thought I’d just put the question out there: What’s Vancouver’s best beach and why? I know that Vancouverites are passionate about their beaches – I’m hoping to get some passionate answers.
To start things off, I’d like to make the case for an unlikely candidate, which happens to be just a bit outside of Vancouver: the beach at WhyteCliff Park in Horseshoe Bay. Whytecliff Park is about 30 minutes by car from downtown Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway. The park itself is a unique nature preserve located on a rocky stretch of Howe Sound coastline. There are more than a dozen acres of picnic spots, trails along the coastal cliffs and incredible views of the Sound.
The beach itself is quite small, a narrow crescent of rough sand bordered by cliffs on one side and boulders and forest on the other. But it is exactly this wild, rugged quality that makes WhyteCliff Park’s beach so unique. Although it’s a short drive from the city – and very popular on the weekends – it still feels natural, untamed and just a bit dangerous.
Lots of visitors stake out sunbathing spots on the cliffs above the beach. Daredevils jump from rocky ledges into the calm waters below. The truly adventurous can swim across a narrow channel (or hop from boulder to boulder at low tide) to reach an uninhabited rocky island next to the beach. Seals can often be found lazing in the sun here, and the island’s far side offers solitude and wide open views of the water.
Whytecliff Beach definitely isn’t for everyone – especially people with young children or those with mobility issues. But if you like your beach on the wild side – and are looking for something close to Vancouver – Whytecliff offers a unique oasis.
There are plenty more beaches in Vancouver to choose from, however. Please make a case for your favorite beach by leaving a comment below.
11:27 am
I have long been a fan of Locarno Beach. I appreciate the convenient parking and the flat, well-groomed sandy beach. There are also facilities close at hand (food & restroom) and the views are to die for. First there is the dramatic Vancouver Skyline, Stanley Park silhouetted against the majestic North Shore Mountains. One does not even need anything else – a book or videogame will pale in comparison to the scenery and people watching. Although all of Vancouver’s beaches are wonderful, I enjoy Locarno which finely embraces both the urban and rustic aspects of this great city.
5:03 pm
William – Thanks for pointing out Locarno Beach, which often gets overlooked as it’s sandwiched between Spanish Banks and Jericho Park. Here’s a link for those who may not be familiar with the beach: http://vancouver.ca/parks/rec/beaches/locarno.htm
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