Facing English Bay, Kits Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers and giggling volleyball players, and those who just like to preen while catching the rays. The ocean is fine for a dip, though serious swimmers should consider the heated Kitsilano Pool, one of the world's largest outdoor saltwater pools.

Perch on a log on a summer afternoon and catch the breathtaking view of: one of the region's signature panoramas. You'll be treated to shimmering seafront backed by the twinkling glass towers of downtown and the North Shore mountains beyond. It's one of those vistas that will have you considering your emigration options.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vancouver attractions

1. West 4th Avenue

0.42 MILES

This strollable smorgasbord of stores and restaurants may have your credit cards whimpering for mercy after a couple of hours. Since Kits is now a bit of…

2. Vancouver Maritime Museum

0.43 MILES

Teeming with salty seafaring artifacts, dozens of intricate ship models and a couple of walk-through recreated boat sections, the prize exhibit at this…

3. Museum of Vancouver

0.5 MILES

The MOV serves up cool temporary exhibitions alongside in-depth permanent galleries of fascinating First Nations artifacts and evocative pioneer-era…

4. HR MacMillan Space Centre

0.5 MILES

Focusing on the wonderful world of space, admission to this kid-favorite museum includes a gallery of hands-on exhibits (don't miss the Mars section where…

5. Vanier Park

0.56 MILES

Winding around Kitsilano Point toward Kits Beach, waterfront Vanier Park is more a host than a destination. Home to three museums, it's also the venue for…

6. City Farmer

0.57 MILES

Home of the Vancouver Compost Demonstration Garden, this fragrant, flower-strewn urban horticulture site is just a two-block walk from W 4th Ave. It's…

7. Arbutus Greenway

0.74 MILES

A former disused urban rail line that's being transformed by the city into a cool linear park, this 8.5km-long flora-fringed walking and cycling route is…

8. Burrard Bridge

0.78 MILES

Lions Gate Bridge gets all the kudos and much of the postcard space, but that's arguably due to being bookended by Stanley Park and the looming mountains…