While perhaps a little less well-known than English Bay or the Stanley Park beaches, Sunset Beach is still a popular and great place to enjoy the summer.
Sunset Beach in Vancouver’s West End
Located near the heart of downtown Vancouver, Sunset Beach sits where False Creek meets English Bay. The beach is right next to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre, as well as the Burrard Street Bridge.
Sunset Beach might not have the same name recognition as English Bay, but the two have their similarities. They both run along the Stanley Park Seawall, making them very accessible by foot or by bike. In fact, the two km stretch of Seawall between the two beaches is a specifically designated “destination walk”.
One thing Sunset Beach does have that many other beaches in the area don’t is a ferry dock. False Creek Ferries has a stop at the beach, giving easier access to different points of interest up and down False Creek. The combination of its location and amenities makes the beach a top spot in the summer.
What to Expect at the Beach
The beach itself is nice and sandy, and while the water isn’t anything special temperature-wise (by Vancouver standards), it’s nice for those who enjoy swimming in somewhat chillier waters. From the end of May to the beginning of September there are lifeguards on duty during the day.
Sunset Beach, like other top beaches in the area, has a concession booth and public washrooms. The area is also a “designated quiet beach”, which means there is no amplified sound allowed. If you’re not a fan of loud music or other types of audio disruption, then this is a good spot for you.
Tips and Advice
TIP #1: Much of the park around Sunset Beach is a dog off-leash area. This is great for those who have four-legged friends they want to bring with them, but if you’re not a dog fan then you might want to stick to certain spots on the beach. Just know that during the summer you can expect to see some pooches running about!
TIP #2: Sunset Beach is one of the many good places to watch the English Bay Fireworks when that event is on. It’ll still be busy, but not quite as busy as English Bay.
TIP #3: The Seawall is a great place to explore, so take advantage of it when the weather is nice! You can head off to Stanley Park in one direction and to Yaletown and much further beyond in the other.
Other Information
For more information about Sunset Beach, check out the City of Vancouver‘s website.
Other articles that might be of interest include the following:
- Vancouver’s Best Beaches
- English Bay Beach
- Outdoor Recreation in Vancouver
- Vancouver Summer Activities
- City of Vancouver