Jericho Beach

Located just west of Kitsilano, Jericho Beach is a well-used sandy beach and grassy park in Vancouver. It’s a great place for a picnic overlooking the water and watching sail boats in the waters of English Bay from the local Sailing Centre.

The beach is named after Jeremiah Rogers who ran a logging camp in the area in the 1860s. The beach was known as Jerry’s Cove and later renamed Jericho Beach.

There’s a dedicated parking lot (fee) and concessions stands selling everything you might need. Lifeguards are on duty from May to September at this popular and beautiful seaside location which fortunately has broad sands especially at low tide.

It’s a great beach for building sandcastles, paddling and sunbathing although you have to bring your own beach chairs or sit on one of the logs that have floated ashore. The east end of the beach is usually reserved for swimming with sailboats and windsurfers keeping to the west end. On the south side, the adjoining Jericho Beach Park has grassy picnic areas, a small lake, trees, football and baseball pitches and beach volleyball.

You may spot resident rabbits, birds and other wildlife in quieter months. There’s a flat bicycle trail running all along the water’s edge of the beach from Spanish Banks to Kitsilano.

Jericho Beach has an interesting history as home to the Jericho Beach Flying Boat Station from 1920 to 1947. It was home to the first Royal Canadian Air Force Station in BC and the old HQ building is now used by the 39 Canadian Brigade. Jericho Beach also hosts the Folk Music Festival in July.