Kitsilano Beach — known locally as Kits Beach — sits along the south shore of English Bay and is consistently ranked among the finest urban beaches in Canada. Stretching roughly 1.3 kilometres of sandy shoreline, it offers sweeping views of the North Shore Mountains, the city skyline, and the open waters of English Bay, making it one of the most photogenic spots in all of Vancouver.
The beach is home to the Kitsilano Pool, the longest outdoor saltwater pool in Canada and one of the largest in North America. Operated by the Vancouver Park Board, the heated pool is open from late May to early September and offers a sun-drenched alternative to the cool ocean water. Lifeguards are on duty at the beach from late May through early September as well, making it a safe and welcoming destination for families and swimmers of all abilities.
Beyond swimming, Kits Beach has something for just about everyone. Beach volleyball courts draw competitive players and casual groups alike, while tennis courts, basketball courts, and a children’s playground round out the recreational options. A wide stretch of open green space provides room to spread out, and the beachside concession and the nearby Boathouse Restaurant make it easy to spend an entire day without leaving the park.
The Kitsilano Showboat outdoor stage hosts free live entertainment on Wednesday through Sunday evenings from mid-June through late August — a beloved Vancouver summer tradition that draws locals and visitors together for music under the open sky.
The surrounding Kitsilano neighbourhood — one of Vancouver’s most celebrated, having been voted Best Neighbourhood by Lonely Planet readers for over five consecutive years — is lined with independent cafés, juice bars, boutique shops, and excellent restaurants along West 4th Avenue and West Broadway. Granville Island is a short cycle or stroll away, and the waterfront seawall connects Kits Beach to downtown Vancouver and Stanley Park, making it a natural starting point for Vancouver’s famous seawall route.
Wheelchair users can access the beach via Mobi-Mat beach access mats, and water wheelchairs are available to reserve in advance through the Vancouver Park Board. Parking is available on-site, though it fills quickly on warm summer weekends — transit via TransLink buses is a smart alternative. Dogs are welcome in designated off-leash areas nearby.
Whether you come for a morning swim, an afternoon of volleyball, a sunset walk along the seawall, or simply to sit with a coffee and watch the mountains turn pink at dusk, Kitsilano Beach delivers what Vancouver does best: outdoor beauty that’s genuinely accessible to everyone.
Address:
Kitsilano Beach Park, Vancouver, BC V6K 1N9
Lifeguards on duty:
Late May – early September
Kitsilano Pool open:
Late May – early September (heated saltwater; operated by Vancouver Park Board)
Free summer entertainment:
Kitsilano Showboat — Wed–Sun evenings, mid-June to late August
Accessibility:
Mobi-Mat beach access mats; water wheelchairs available to reserve in advance
Getting there:
By car: parking on-site (arrives early on warm days). By transit: TransLink buses serve the area. The seawall connects the beach to Granville Island, False Creek, and downtown.
