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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The area
Neighborhood: Central
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Restaurants
2,225 within 3 miles
Attractions
504 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
2,818 reviews
Excellent
1,700
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 September 5, 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, Canada3,216 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 August 13, 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.
Tourist28951025169
Abbotsford, Canada27 contributions
Sep 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 September 7, 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 January 7, 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, WA6 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 February 15, 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, UK3,321 contributions
Sep 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 October 17, 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, Ireland105 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 January 9, 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, UK1,460 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 June 15, 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, Canada508 contributions
Jul 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 July 7, 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.
Jonique Life
Australia1,607 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
This is an excellent place to cycle and enjoy before going into Stanley Park. The statues are really cool and amazing views! It’s an easy walkway to follow also which is quite flat!
“Jonique Life” If you find value in our reviews please consider following our social media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as we highlight magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
“Jonique Life” If you find value in our reviews please consider following our social media outlets on Facebook and Instagram as we highlight magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
Written June 30, 2023
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.
Matt H
Edmonton, Canada
Is there fireworks at English BAy
catherinemK1338XG
Richmond52 contributions
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.
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