Beach sights in Vancouver
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Second Beach & Third Beach
Second Beach is an ever-busy, family-friendly area on Stanley Park’s western side, with a large, grassy playground, a greasy-spoon snack bar that also serves ice cream, and the Stanley Park Pitch & Putt golf course. It’s also close to Creperly Meadows, where free outdoor movie screenings often take place in summer. Its main attraction, though, is the seasonal outdoor swimming pool that sits on the waterfront overlooking the gently rippling waves. But if you’re craving a more relaxing hangout, head to Third Beach. A lovely sandy expanse with plenty of large logs to sit against, this is possibly Vancouver’s best sunset-viewing spot, where the sky often comes alive with …
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Wreck Beach
Follow Trail 6 into the woods then head down the steep steps to the water and you’ll find Vancouver’s only official naturist beach, complete with a motley crew of counterculture locals, independent vendors and sunburned regulars. The pants-free bunch are in a continuing battle with the University of British Columbia over the building of residential towers that threaten their privacy, so be sure to offer your support as you peel off. Time your visit well and you can take part in the annual Bare Buns Fun Run. And if you fancy connecting with other local naturists during your stay, check in with the Van Tan Nudist Club ([tel] 604-980-2400; www.vantan.ca) for events, incl…
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Sunset Beach
A chain of small, sandy beaches running along the north side of False Creek, this is a quieter alternative to the bustling English Bay spot. The walking, cycling and blading trail here – it links to the Stanley Park seawall trail if you want to extend your trek – is ever-popular in summer, especially with members of the local gay community checking each other out. Swimmers will enjoy the indoor Vancouver Aquatic Centre, and you can also catch a miniferry from here to Granville Island: a must-do, kid-friendly voyage for any visitor.
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Kitsilano Beach
Mega-popular Kits Beach faces English Bay and has a strong claim to being the city’s favorite summertime hangout. The wide, sandy expanse flanking the water here attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling volleyball players, as well as those who just like to preen while they’re catching the rays. The beach is fine for a dip, though serious swimmers should dive into the heated 137m Kitsilano Pool, one of the world’s largest outdoor saltwater pools.
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Spanish Banks
This tree-backed public beach (make sure you keep your clothes on at this one) is a popular locals’ hangout – they’re the ones jogging past in Lululemon outfits – as well as being a good spot to unpack a picnic and perch on a log to enjoy some sigh-triggering waterfront vistas. The sandy stretch was named after English Bay’s 1792 meeting between British mariner Captain George Vancouver and his Spanish counterpart Dionisio Galiano.
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English Bay Beach
A great place to picnic, gaze at the freighters moored offshore and view golden sunsets - Stanley Park beckons next door if you fancy adding a seawall hike - this is also the home of the annual Celebration of Light fireworks festival. Check out the 6m stone Inukshuk here; an Inuit sign of welcome, it was co-opted as a symbol for the 2010 Winter Olympics.
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Jericho Beach
An activity-lover’s idyll, Jericho is also great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood logs and catch stunning panoramic vistas of downtown Vancouver sandwiched between the water and the looming North Shore mountains. It’s also popular with sunset fans.
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