Kitsilano Beach
Price
Free
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Kitsilano Beach — Kits Beach to locals — is Vancouver's quintessential family beach day. Stretched along the south shore of English Bay with views of the downtown skyline and North Shore mountains, it's a postcard-perfect setting with genuinely excellent facilities for families.
The beach itself is a long strip of sand with calm, shallow water that's ideal for little kids to wade in, though the ocean temperature stays brisk even in August. Most families who want to swim head to Kitsilano Pool, and for good reason — it's one of the longest saltwater pools in North America at 137 meters, heated to a comfortable temperature, with designated shallow areas for kids and deeper lanes for laps. The views from the pool are absurd: mountains, ocean, and city skyline while you float.
It opens Victoria Day weekend (late May) and runs through Labour Day.
Adjacent to the beach, the free spray park keeps toddlers and preschoolers busy for surprisingly long stretches. The playground nearby is a modern, well-designed structure with climbing walls, slides, and swings — it was built for the 2010 Winter Olympics and holds up well.
The grassy field behind the beach is huge and perfect for frisbee, soccer, or just spreading out a blanket. Beach volleyball courts line the sand and are always in use on summer evenings. There are public washrooms, outdoor showers, and a concession stand, though the food is basic — smart families pack a cooler.
Kits Beach sits on the seawall, so you can walk or bike west toward Jericho Beach or east toward Vanier Park and the Space Centre. The Kitsilano neighborhood is one of Vancouver's most family-friendly, with shops and restaurants along West 4th Avenue just a few blocks away.
Parking is the biggest challenge on summer weekends — lots fill up by mid-morning. The #2 and #22 buses from downtown stop right at the beach and are the stress-free option. If you drive, arrive before 10am on sunny days.
This is the beach where Vancouver families make their summer memories. It's free (except for pool admission), accessible, and has enough going on that you can genuinely spend an entire day here without anyone complaining.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
partial
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Arrive before 11am on summer weekends to claim a good spot. Kits Pool opens Victoria Day weekend. Best weather is July-August.
Wait Times
No wait for the beach; Kits Pool may have a short line on hot summer days
Nearby Food
The Boathouse restaurant overlooks the beach with a full menu. Sophie's Cosmic Cafe on West 4th is a beloved family brunch spot. Las Margaritas on West 4th serves kid-friendly Mexican. The concession stand at the beach sells ice cream and basics.
Why Kids Love It
Kitsilano Beach is where Vancouver families go to spend a proper summer day. The beach is long and sandy with calm, shallow water that's great for wading and sandcastle building. But the real showstopper is Kitsilano Pool — one of the longest saltwater pools in North America at 137 meters, heated to a comfortable temperature and with views of the downtown skyline, mountains, and ocean.
It's like swimming in a postcard. Next to the beach, there's a free spray park that keeps toddlers and preschoolers squealing with delight, plus a genuinely good playground that was built for the 2010 Olympics with modern climbing structures and swings. The whole scene — beach, pool, playground, spray park — makes it easy to spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.
Older kids and teens play volleyball on the beach courts or toss a frisbee on the huge grassy field.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Kits Pool opens Victoria Day weekend (late May) — it's the best pool in the city for families
- The playground near the tennis courts is newer and better equipped than the one closer to the concession
- Parking fills up fast on sunny weekends — bus #2 or #22 from downtown drops you right there
- The water at the beach itself is cold even in summer — the heated pool is where most families swim
- Sunset from Kits Beach is spectacular — stay late on warm evenings
What to Bring
- Sunscreen and hats (limited shade on the beach)
- Beach towels and swimsuits for pool and spray park
- Sand toys for younger kids
- A picnic lunch and plenty of water
- A shade tent or umbrella if you have toddlers
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free (Kits Pool ~$25 CAD / ~$18 USD for family admission)
Tips to Save
- The beach and playground are always free.
- The spray park is free.
- Kits Pool has a small admission fee but is one of the best swimming experiences in the city.
- Bring your own food — the concession stand is basic and pricey.