Beaches in and near Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
There are 2 main beaches, Second Beach and Third Beach, in Stanley Park. There are also many little beaches all around Stanley Park.
The main beaches have lifeguards during the summer and are good for swimming and laying in the sun.
There are 3 beaches close to Stanley Park. English Bay Beach is the most popular beach in Vancouver. Sunset Beach is a quieter beach. For the dog-owners, there is an off-leash Dog Beach.
Second Beach
Second Beach is a small, but busy beach in Stanley Park. There is a concession and washroom facilities. During the summer there are lifeguards. People usually swim or lay on the beach on this beach.
Third Beach
Third Beach is a large, busy beach in Stanley Park. There is a concession and washroom facilities. During the summer there are lifeguards. People usually swim, or lay on the beach. Since this beach is on the westmost side of Stanley Park there are great views west of the West Vancouver and the ocean!
When the weather is nice on Tuesday evenings, there is the Brahms Tam Drum Circle where anybody can come to drum, dance, and enjoy the beats!
English Bay Beach
English Bay is Vancouver's most popular beach. Located just outside of Stanley Park, it is close to the West End and easily accessible. There is a restaurant, concession and washroom facilities. During the summer there are lifeguards, a big slide.
People usually swim, lay on the beach, or play volleyball on this beach. There are great views of English Bay from the beach.
The beach is also wheelchair accessible via mats.
Some of Vancouver's biggest events, such as the Polar Bear Swim take place here!
Sunset Beach
Sunset Beach is a quieter beach in English Bay. Located just outside of Stanley Park, it is close to the West End and easily accessible.
There is a concession and washroom facilities. During the summer there are lifeguards on duty. People usually swim, or lay on the beach on this beach.
Off-Leash Dog Beach
The off-leash dog beach in English Bay is a small beach located right next to and just below the historic Burrard Street Bridge. Nobody swims here except for the dogs!
Obviously, this is a beach where you can let your dog roam off its leash, and it is primarily used by dog owners and their dogs. Dogs are not permitted off-leash on any of the other main beaches in English Bay and Stanley Park.
Where is Off-Leash Dog Beach in English Bay?
The Off-Leash Dog Beach is on Beach Avenue between Thurlow Street and Burrard Street. It is almost under the Burrard Street Bridge.
Where can you park for the Off-Leash Dog Beach?
There is a large pay parking lot on the east side of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre which is next to the off-leash dog beach.
What else is located near the Off-Leash Dog Beach?
The Off-Leash Dog beach is right on the English Bay Seawall. The Vancouver Aquatic Centre is next to the Off-Leash Dog Beach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the main beaches inside Stanley Park (Second Beach and Third Beach) as well as nearby English Bay Beach and Sunset Beach have professional lifeguards stationed on duty natively during the busy summer season.
The dedicated Off-Leash Dog Beach is located just outside the park boundaries next to the historic Burrard Street Bridge along English Bay.
English Bay Beach features specialized non-slip mobility mats during summer, making it highly accessible for visitors utilizing wheelchairs or strollers to access the sand.