Spanish Banks Beach

Located on Northwest Marine Drive about 8 km west of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is possibly the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area.

The beach is sandwiched between Locarno Beach and the University of BC and a cycling/walking trail connects them. It has three distinct areas: east, west and extension.

The sandy beach is very flat with shallow water; at low tide, the water can be almost out of sight, about a kilometre offshore. This helps make the beach particularly safe for children to play. On windy days the beach is popular for kite-flying.

The high-rise skyline of Vancouver can clearly be seen from the beach. All three areas of Spanish Banks are on the Stanley Park Seawall System. The quietest area is the Spanish Banks Extension which permits barbecues and dogs (there’s an off-leash area). It also has a kiteboarding launching zone which is great for spectating. However, it does not have the amenities found at the other areas of the beach.

Spanish Banks East and West both have lifeguards from late May to September. There are public toilets, picnic tables, volleyball courts, water wheelchairs for disabled visitors and barbecues are permitted. There are also kiosks selling refreshments, hot dogs, coffee and ice cream. Spanish Banks West zone is a designated quiet beach which means no amplified sound is permitted.

All areas have logs for sitting on. Parking fees are charged at an hourly or daily rate (2020 prices are $3.50 per hour and $13 per day). There are also seasonal passes available. Car parks are open from 6am to 10pm and overnight parking/camping is not allowed.