photo: Philip Tong / Flickr
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If you’re looking to soak up some Vitamin D and relax in the sun, the following spots are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying some time under the sun. Grab some sunscreen, tanning lotion – or coconut oil because we do live in Vancouver after all – and get your tan on!
photo: adventuresofedrocker.blogspot.com
13. David Lam Park
One of the best urban parks in the city, David Lam Park has lots of green grass that’s perfect for sprawling out on with a great view of False Creek and Vancouver.
photo: City Hall Watch
12. Trout Lake
An East Van treasure, Trout Lake/John Hendry Park is good to visit all year-round, especially in the summer. A dog-friendly park and beach with a nice view and lots of lush, green space that’s perfect for skimping down to your bathing suit and swim trunks.
photo: Van Mag
11. Granny’s Cove
Hidden in Capilano Canyon near the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, Granny’s Cove is a really cool, secluded destination frequented by younger locals looking to cool off riverside and cliff-jumping daredevils looking to take the plunge.
photo: Mapio.net
10. Ambleside Beach
A gem by the sea, relax and strip down at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver where you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the ocean, and across the water – Stanley Park and the Vancouver skyline.
photo: travelingcanucks.com
9. Jericho Beach
Swim, picnic, and sunbathe at Jericho Beach just west of Kitsilano. It gets pretty crowded in the summer so get there early and snag a spot by the water.
photo: Bernard Parent
8. Spanish Banks
A visit to Spanish Banks is a great reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a city like Vancouver. One of the bigger beaches, there’s plenty of space to lie out and bake at Spanish Banks while enjoying a spectacular view. It’s also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along.
photo: Philip Tong / Flickr
7. CRAB Park
CRAB Park is one of the most unknown, underrated, and ‘chillest’ spaces in the city. Private and peaceful, CRAB Park has a large grassy area and a beach with views of the ports and a nice view of the North Shore mountains. A great little slice of Mother Nature in the city. Dog-friendly.
photo: Karen Lee Colangelo
6. Vanier Park
A beautiful public and off-leash dog park, Vanier Park is just a short trip from Downtown Vancouver and a great venue to lay out for the day and experience a front-row view of the sunset.
photo: Wiki Images
5. Harbour Green Park
If you’re in the Coal Harbour area, Harbour Green Park is a great place to lounge on the lovely green grass and watch the cruise ships and harbour planes float and fly into the city.
photo: View the Vibe
4. Kitsilano Beach
Join the endless bronzed, sun-worshipping bodies sprawled out at Kitsilano Beach. With Kits Pool on site, the dip-worthy ocean, and surrounding cafes and bars, make a day out of sunbathing at Kits Beach!
photo: City Hall Watch
3. Emery Barnes Park
Escape in the city at family and pet-friendly Emery Barnes Park. It’s clean and pretty and has a few areas that are apt for lying out in the sun.
photo: britishcolumbia.com
2. Second Beach and Third Beach
Whether you prefer grass or sand, Second Beach and Third Beach are both good sunbathing options. Second Beach has a more family-friendly vibe, while Third Beach appeals to a more free-spirited, hippie crowd. We like to refer to Second Beach as Wreck Beach’s little brother.
photo: hannahsgypsytravels.wordpress.com
1. Wreck Beach
When it comes to stripping down all the way and basking in the sun, Wreck Beach near UBC is the ideal location. Heads up: It’s a clothing optional beach so if you’re not comfortable with nudity, you may want to hit up one of the other locations on this list.
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