Umbrella and Beach Chair Rental in English Bay Approved for Summer

Image courtesy of John Spade | Flickr.com

For shade-seekers who still enjoy relaxing in the sand, good news was just announced! The Vancouver Board has officially approved a private company to rent out beach chairs and umbrellas at Vancouver’s most iconic beach: English Bay.

“The Vancouver Shade Company” has been approved to rent out beach chairs and umbrellas for those looking to enjoy a day at the beach without the threat of sunstroke. The company may also provide other items, including beach toys and sunscreens. This is a great option for people who don’t want to lug a big umbrella onto the bus (or a plane for that matter)!

The Shade Company will be part of the two-year pilot through the 2016 and 2017 summer seasons. Prices have yet to be finalized but would include options for hourly, half day, full day, and evening rentals.

Image courtesy of Julius Reque | Inside Vancouver Flickr Pool

In order to minimize the footprint of the service on English Bay, the company will deliver its service in a small mobile tent that will set-up and taken down each day. Beach chairs and umbrellas will be set up at random locations on the beach selected by customers.

But, the service does not have exclusive use to a designated area on the beach, so sunbathers can still set up their own beach umbrellas wherever they choose.

According to the Vancouver Park Board, this pilot program will be a great introduction to a new service, enhance convenience for travelers and sunbathers, and deliver additional sun protection in a beach with limited shade options.

Photo credit: Kenny Louie | Flickr.com

The service will also be considered at other beaches in the future, depending on the merits of each location. Park board chairwoman Sarah Kirby-Yung said, like the zipline installed last summer in Queen Elizabeth Park, a beachside rental is “fun and fresh,” which she said is the goal of introducing new activities and services to the city’s public spaces.

Here’s hoping we have a beautiful, sunny summer like last year so we can enjoy these beach chairs to the fullest!

The Vancouver Shade Company has not set up a website or Facebook page yet, so stay tuned for more pricing details and contact information.