Kitsilano Beach

Vancouver is famous for its beaches and among its numerous beaches the most popular one is the Kitsilano Beach. Apart from the ocean front and beach themselves that pull in hordes of tourists and natives, Kitsilano is also well known for its cafes, outdoor exercise equipment walking trails, and lots more. The scenery itself is something that could inspire you to write several pages about. From Kitsilano the Vancouver city looks like a shimmering jewel tucked away against the backdrop of the mountains.

During summers, the Kitsilano Beach is a hip and happening spot. Sunbathers, swimmers, adventurers, laid-backers, volleyball players, tennis players, Frisbee players, and even non-players make a beeline for the beach. You can spot children making sand castles, families enjoying a cozy picnic, teens flirting with gorgeous hunks, and guys keeping a lookout for beautiful babes. Some work on their tans while others work on their bodies. Whatever it is you want to do or not do here, you will be sure to find a place for it.

This public beach was, once upon a time, a private property and was known as Greer’s Beach and Sam Greer, a non-native settler, owned it. He was unfortunate enough to challenge the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR) for rights to the land, a battle that he eventually lost. Much later, private citizens got together to raise money to buy back the land from the CPR. The Vancouver Park Board leased additional lots to create popular Kitsilano Beach Park, locally also known as the Kits Park. The heated seawater swimming pool forms the main attraction of this park. At 137 meters, it is the longest outdoor pool in Canada. This park is a delightful place to be, no matter what the season – great to soak up the sun in the warmer months and fun to walk around, cycle and walk your pet dogs in the cooler months.

Yet another attraction at Kitsilano Beach is the restaurant located on the beachfront “Watermark.” This upscale restaurant has been serving delicious food to its patrons for more a hundred years. Their wine cellar is extensive and the food is traditional and contemporary seafood. The patio can accommodate up to 180 people and it’s enclosed and heated to make it a great place to dine all through the year. However, having a meal at this restaurant means enjoying more than world-class cuisine. It means enjoying the “panoramic vistas of English Bay and beyond to the Gulf Islands and North Shore mountains.” One can imagine how romantic such a setting would be – the perfect place to impress that special someone.

Kitsilano Beach is the perfect place for families, kids, youngsters, teenagers and adults because there is something for everyone to do here.