Who doesn’t love a man with abs in nothing but short shorts? I know I do.
If you want that you don’t have to look far, Vancouver was voted one of the top ten “beach” cities in the world by National Geographic Magazine along with Barcelona, Spain; Cape Town, South Africa; Honolulu, Hawaii; Nice, France; Miami Beach, Florida; Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Santa Monica, California; Sydney, Australia; and Tel Aviv, Israel.
“Canada’s most adventurous metropolis is home to ten beaches, from the family-centric Jericho to the clothing-optional Wreck Beach, many of which offer commanding views of the Vancouver skyline and majestic North Shore Mountains,” a recent article in the magazine reads.
“It’s a pretty impressive list of city beaches,” said Emily Armstrong, manager of travel media relations. “It’s quite the honour to be included.” Armstrong said she hopes the ranking will attract more international visitors. “It’s a pretty well-read publication and I think that just helps build awareness,” she said. “I think people are often surprised to find out how many great beaches there are in Vancouver.”
Are Vancouverites surprised?
“It’s really beautiful. We have mountains. Our beaches are really clean. We’re respectful of our environment. We put our garbage away all the time,” say April and Carolyn, who were out enjoying the beach on a beautiful Tuesday afternoon.
In addition to enjoying the beach bods you wont have to worry about the smokers around you. All Vancouver beaches and parks are now smoke free, as of Wednesday, July 28, 2010.
The full smoking ban covers all parks, beaches, and outdoor park board facilities such as golf courses. Vancouver Park Board commission Ian Robertson says smoking will be banned because of extremely dry conditions. He says the ban is an “early warning” because it effectively advances the implementation of a permanent smoking ban that is due to begin in September.
Vancouver Beach Map
Each Vancouver beach boasts its own ambiance and personality. Some of the most popular beaches are:
Jericho Beach
Jericho, located on English Bay’s south shore approximately 20 minute car ride from downtown Vancouver, a waterfront park and beach, famous for an endless sandy strip as well as spectacular mountain and city views. A great place for the entire family, Jericho has: picnic and barbeque areas, sailing and kayaking, volleyball and tennis, jogging and sunbathing, concession stands, change rooms, showers and toilets.
Spanish Bank
Just west of Jericho lies English Bay’s Spanish Bank. Its impressive stretch of clean sandy beach has earned Spanish Bank a place in the hearts of local residents and visitors alike. There are, change rooms, public washrooms and a concession stand. Grassy areas abound, making a sand-free encounter with a good book possible. Spanish Bank is located about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver. Dogs are permitted at Spanish Bank West.
Kitsilano Beach
“Kits” Beach is the most popular warm-weather destination in Vancouver.. All summer long, swimmers and sunbathers cheerfully crowd its sandy beach and heated, saltwater pool (well divided, allowing for swimmers of all levels). The beach’s active shores of sand, grass and sports courts attract beach goers as well as volleyball, tennis, and basketball players. There are also change rooms, public washroom, a concession stand, and showers. Kitsilano Beach is about a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. An admission fee in effect for the pool.
Ambleside Beach
Ambleside Park offers sweeping views of the city, Stanley Park and Lions Gate Bridge, as well as fishing boats and cruise ships. The playground is a favourite with kids, while the area’s terrific swimming appeals to visitors of all ages. Feel free to pack a picnic lunch, bring your own barbecue or visit the concession stand. On-site change rooms, public washrooms and showers are available. Ambleside Park is in West Vancouver, about a 15-minute drive from downtown Vancouver. There is a well-marked off-leash dog area at Ambleside.
Wreck Beach
A clothing-optional destination, Vancouver’s Wreck Beach has a personality of its own. For decades the beach has been a mecca for those sunbathers who prefer birthday suits to bathing suits. Vendors’ Row is unique to the beach, offering gourmet fare from falafels to English trifle and buffalo burgers. Visitors may also see hand-made jewelery, sarongs and even services such as a pedicure or massage for sale. And, just before sunset, listen for the beat of beach drums. Access to Wreck Beach is on foot starting west of Spanish Bank, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver, or down a long flight of stairs (Trail 6) off Southwest Marine Drive at UBC.
Stanley Park’s Second Beach and Third Beach
Visitors to Stanley Park’s two spectacular beaches, Second and Third, are in for a treat. The beaches are named for where they fall in sequence along the Seawall. Second Beach, in the park’s southwest corner, is the sunnier and busier of the two, boasting stellar views of English Bay. Just slightly rocky, the beach is popular with Vancouver locals, who also take advantage of the beach’s warm outdoor pool. Third Beach, between Ferguson Point and Siwash Rock on the park’s west side, is a pleasant and popular beach. Sunsets from Third Beach offer incomparable vistas. Both beaches have concession stands, change rooms and public washrooms. Stanley Park is within easy walking distance of downtown Vancouver. An admission fee in effect for the Second Beach pool.
Centennial Beach
On the western shores of Boundary Bay in Tsawwassen, Centennial Beach is renowned for having one of the warmest and cleanest soft-sand beaches in the area. Sand dunes, salt marshes, tidal flats and lagoons as well as picnic areas and several nature trails. Nature lovers are attracted to the area’s wildlife reserves and internationally recognized important bird area. The beach offers a concession stand and public washrooms. Dogs must be on leash at all times, and there are no lifeguards on duty. Centennial Beach is located in Boundary Bay Regional Park, about a one-hour drive south of downtown Vancouver via Highway 99.
So if you want to check out some of Vancouver’s best beaches, head on down because they’ve been voted one of the top ten city beaches in the world.
Absolutely brilliant post guys, been following your blog for 3 days now and i should say i am starting to like your post. I am from Germany. Vancouver looks beautiful.