English Bay Beach in Vancouver's West End neighbourhood

©John Lee/Lonely Planet

English Bay Beach

Vancouver


Wandering south on Denman St, you'll spot a clutch of palm trees ahead announcing one of Canada's best urban beaches. Then you'll see one of Vancouver's most popular public artworks: a series of oversized laughing figures that makes everyone smile. Across the street is the beach, where a summertime party atmosphere has locals catching rays and panoramic ocean views…or just ogling the volleyballers prancing around on the sand.

Be sure to snap a few photos of the beach's towering inukshuk (Inuit sculpture), south of the main area, or just continue along the seawall into neighboring Stanley Park. The beach is a popular (but crowded) spot to catch the annual Celebration of Light fireworks festival, and it's also where the city's wildly popular Polar Bear Swim takes place on January 1.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Vancouver attractions

1. A-maze-ing Laughter

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Created by Yue Minjun, one of Vancouver's most-photographed public artworks is just a few steps from English Bay Beach. Expect to see groups of smiling…

2. Stanley Park

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One of North America’s largest urban green spaces, Stanley Park is revered for its dramatic forest-and-mountain oceanfront views. But there’s more to this…

3. Roedde House Museum

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For a glimpse of what the West End looked like before the apartment blocks, visit this handsome 1893 Queen Anne–style mansion, now a lovingly preserved…

4. Stanley Park Nature House

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5. Second Beach & Third Beach

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6. Lost Lagoon

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7. Vancouver Maritime Museum

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8. Nelson Park

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A West End park beloved of local dog-walkers, this is also where you'll find the summer-long West End Farmers Market.