English Bay
English Bay
4.5
About
Beautiful vibrant beach that comes alive when it's sunny and warm out. Various activities such as scuba diving, kayaking and others.
Duration: < 1 hour
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Neighbourhood: Central
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4.5
2,821 reviews
Excellent
1,703
Very good
924
Average
176
Poor
14
Terrible
4
n2egypt
Dallas, TX123 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
We stayed In English Bay before embarking on a cruise, and really enjoyed our time there we. The beach area was a nice place to spend some time, and we enjoyed the laughing statues nearby. There are many restaurants to choose from in the area. Sunset at the beach was lovely and we enjoyed listening to a guitarist sitting g on the beach. We weren't out much after that, so can speak to the area safety at night, but encountered no concerns during the day.
Written 5 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chris D
New Westminster, Canada3,356 contributions
Aug 2020
When you leave the concrete jungle that is the West End and happen upon this panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean, you are probably not thinking of local history.
However, perhaps next to the Gastown neighbourhood, this is where it all began. The "English" in English Bay refers to a "meeting" in the late 1700's between British and Spanish explorers: Vancouver, Valdes, and Galiano are all names that dot the area. One of my favourite stories from the past is Joe Fortes - not the restaurant, the swimming coach and mentor. Read up on these people if you are interested in history, and imagine what this beach was like when they were here.
Oh, and marvel at the sunset, too!
However, perhaps next to the Gastown neighbourhood, this is where it all began. The "English" in English Bay refers to a "meeting" in the late 1700's between British and Spanish explorers: Vancouver, Valdes, and Galiano are all names that dot the area. One of my favourite stories from the past is Joe Fortes - not the restaurant, the swimming coach and mentor. Read up on these people if you are interested in history, and imagine what this beach was like when they were here.
Oh, and marvel at the sunset, too!
Written 13 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
moements
Smithers, Canada347 contributions
Aug 2024 • Couples
English bay is a fantastic place to go people watching on a hot summers day. It’s vibrant and bustling with activities happening everywhere. You can sit on the expansive beach, swim, bike, SUP, sit in a bar or cafe or hang out by the street art. The buildings largely remain undeveloped so give you a taste of what Vancouver was like before the massive boom.
There are amazing small, restaurants up Davie with any kind of cuisine you could want.
This area is so vibrant and full of Vancouver life!
There are amazing small, restaurants up Davie with any kind of cuisine you could want.
This area is so vibrant and full of Vancouver life!
Written 6 August 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tourist28951025169
Abbotsford, Canada27 contributions
Sept 2020
In Sept is the best time to enjoy Vancouver sunsets. Middle of the bay and behind numerous large ships anchored. Local music talent. Loud native drumming this time till 330AM! Restaurant on the beach, nearby streets, attractions. Buses, taxi, rent a electric bikes, pictures area, walking distance to Grenville Is. or Stanley Park. Safe area, busy with all sorts of activities and people. Nice beach walking area.
Written 7 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alex H
Toronto, Canada32 contributions
Mar 2019
Our hotel happened to be located in English Bay. This spot was perfect. The beach at the bay itself is large and inviting. The laughing statues were a really fun surprise to discover. The local restaurants were plentiful and varied. The location was perfect for us as it was fairly central to the things we wanted to do with our time in Vancouver. Easily get to either the west side of Stanley Park from this spot.
Written 7 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
winelover206
Seattle, WA11 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
I am amazed this is #17 on things to do in Vancouver because this beach/area is beyond fabulous! This is one of the top things we like to do when visiting Vancouver. Going during nice weather is best would go anytime of year. Parking is a complete nightmare, however, so take public transit if at all possible or an Uber. Great restaurants in the area. Go for a nice, scenic walk then enjoy a nice meal overlooking the water. You won't regret it.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MrsWYN-R
North Yorkshire, UK3,406 contributions
Sept 2022
Felt good to be out walking along the waterfront and stretching the legs as spent alot of time on a coach recently. Nice to people watch and see the locals at play - enjoying life, exercising and even practicing ice hockey. A really lovely stretch of flat pavement with great views back to the city and out to sea. Wait to see the great sunsets - nice photographic material.
Written 17 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John Q
Dublin, Ireland103 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
What a lovely place, and how nice to see so many locals using this area, even on Christmas Day.
Nice views across to Granville Island, safe walking and cycling lanes, and a few hardy souls swimming on New Years Day. I can’t wait to go back in Spring and see it come to life
Nice views across to Granville Island, safe walking and cycling lanes, and a few hardy souls swimming on New Years Day. I can’t wait to go back in Spring and see it come to life
Written 9 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ali921
Edinburgh, UK1,541 contributions
May 2022
The place to sit and watch the sunset, especially if you have a warm and dry day. Sit, relax, look at the view and let all your troubles wash away.
Nice....follow it up with cocktail in a nearby bar
Nice....follow it up with cocktail in a nearby bar
Written 15 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Evelin H
Maple, Canada515 contributions
July 2021
Beautiful area to walk around in.A must when in Vancouver . Great restaurants and coffee shops. Beautiful body of water with mountains in the background. Great to walk on that part of sea wall that goes right into Stanley Park.
Written 7 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I see this was written a while ago
Yes their are fire works happening .. Starting tonight
However that does not help you as you are not local.
Written 23 July 2016
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