Kitsilano Beach Vancouver: Kits Pool, Things to Do & Visitor Tips

Kitsilano Beach: Vancouver's Classic Summer Beach

Category: Beaches | Area: Kitsilano | Cost: Free (Kits Pool has an admission fee) | Best for: Swimming, beach volleyball, families, picnics with a skyline view

Kitsilano Beach, or Kits Beach to anyone who lives here, is where Vancouver goes to be outside in summer. Volleyball games run from morning until the light fades, families spread out on the grass, joggers and cyclists loop along the waterfront, and the view across English Bay takes in the downtown skyline framed by the North Shore mountains. It's lively, sporty, and very West Coast, with an unbeatable backdrop.

Where Is Kitsilano Beach?

Kits Beach sits on the south shore of English Bay at the foot of Cornwall Avenue, between Arbutus Street and Balsam Street in the Kitsilano neighbourhood. It's just across the water from downtown and the West End, a short trip over the Burrard Bridge. The beach and surrounding Kitsilano Beach Park are managed by the Vancouver Park Board.

A Bit of History

The Kitsilano neighbourhood takes its name from August Jack Khatsahlano, a Squamish leader whose family lived along this shoreline, and the area sits on the traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh peoples. By the early 1900s the beach had become a popular summer escape for city residents, and Kitsilano Pool, which opened in 1931, has been a Vancouver landmark ever since.

Things to See and Do

Kitsilano Pool

Kits Pool is the beach's signature attraction. This outdoor saltwater pool stretches 137 metres along the shoreline, making it the longest swimming pool in Canada. It's heated, has lanes for laps, a shallow area for kids, and a view of the ocean and mountains from the water. The pool operates seasonally, generally from late spring to early fall, and charges admission. Check the Vancouver Park Board website for current hours, fees, and operating status before you go.

Beach Volleyball

Kits Beach is Vancouver's beach volleyball hub, with rows of courts on the sand that fill up fast on sunny days. Pickup games are common, and the beach hosts tournaments throughout the summer. Bring your own ball, and arrive early on weekends if you want a court.

Swim in English Bay

The ocean swimming area is supervised by lifeguards during the summer season. The water is cool even in July and August, but the gently sloping sandy shoreline makes it popular with families and casual swimmers.

Kits Showboat

On summer evenings, the outdoor Kitsilano Showboat stage near the pool hosts free community performances, from dance troupes to musicians. It's been a Kitsilano tradition for decades and is a fun way to cap off a beach day. Check the Showboat's schedule for current dates.

Play, Picnic and Sport

Kitsilano Beach Park has a large grassy area perfect for picnics, along with a playground, tennis courts, and basketball courts. Covered picnic areas and plenty of shade trees make it easy to spend a full day here with kids.

Walk or Cycle the Waterfront

The Seaside Greenway runs past Kits Beach, connecting east to Vanier Park, Granville Island, and False Creek, and west toward Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks. A walk along Kits Point at sunset, with the city lights coming on across the bay, is a local favourite.

Getting There

By Transit

Several bus routes run along Cornwall Avenue and West 4th Avenue, stopping within a few blocks of the beach. Check TransLink for current routes and schedules.

By Car

There's a pay parking lot next to the beach off Cornwall Avenue, plus pay and residential parking on surrounding streets. The lot fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early or plan on transit. Check posted signage for rates and time limits.

By Bike

Kits Beach is on the Seaside Greenway, and bike racks are available near the beach and pool. From downtown, it's an easy ride over the Burrard Bridge.

By Ferry

Small passenger ferries cross False Creek from downtown and Granville Island, stopping at Vanier Park near the Vancouver Maritime Museum. From there, it's a pleasant 10 to 15-minute walk along the water to Kits Beach.

Food and Drink Nearby

A concession stand on the beach serves snacks, ice cream, and cold drinks during the summer. There's also a waterfront restaurant right on the beach with patio seating and ocean views. For more choice, walk a few blocks up Yew Street or along West 4th Avenue, where you'll find cafés, bakeries, brunch spots, poke and sushi bars, and casual takeout that's easy to carry back to the sand.

Beach Rules and Good-to-Know Details

Smoking and vaping are not permitted on Vancouver beaches or in parks. Dogs are not allowed on Kits Beach itself, but there's an off-leash dog beach a short walk east at Hadden Park, near the Vancouver Maritime Museum. Beach fires and personal barbecues are not permitted. Rules around alcohol at Vancouver beaches have changed over time, so check the City of Vancouver's current guidelines before you bring any. Washrooms and change rooms are available near the beach.

Water Quality

Vancouver Coastal Health regularly tests water quality at Kits Beach during swimming season, and advisories are occasionally issued after heavy rain. Check the latest beach water quality reports before swimming in the ocean.

Best Time to Visit

Summer (June–September): Peak season, with lifeguards on duty, Kits Pool open, volleyball courts busy, and evening Showboat performances.
Late spring and early fall: Quieter, warm enough for picnics and walks, and much easier parking.
Winter: Peaceful and moody, with clear days offering sharp views of snow-capped North Shore mountains.
Any time of year: Weekday mornings are calmest. For sunsets, stay into the evening and watch the light change over the skyline.

Nearby Attractions

Vanier Park, a short walk east, is home to the Vancouver Maritime Museum, the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre, the Museum of Vancouver, and in summer, the Bard on the Beach Shakespeare festival tents. Granville Island is a quick walk or ferry ride away. Head west along the water to reach Jericho Beach, Locarno Beach, and Spanish Banks, and wander up to West 4th Avenue for shopping and dining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kitsilano Pool free?

No. Kits Pool charges admission, with discounts for children, youth, and seniors. Check the Vancouver Park Board website for current fees and hours.

Is Kits Pool saltwater?

Yes. Kits Pool is a heated outdoor saltwater pool and, at 137 metres long, the longest pool in Canada.

Can you swim at Kitsilano Beach?

Yes. Lifeguards supervise the ocean swimming area during summer. Check water quality reports before you swim.

Is there parking at Kitsilano Beach?

Yes, there's a pay lot next to the beach and street parking nearby, but it fills up fast on sunny weekends.

Are dogs allowed at Kitsilano Beach?

Dogs aren't allowed on Kits Beach, but Hadden Park, a short walk away, has an off-leash dog beach.

Can you play volleyball at Kits Beach?

Yes. Kits Beach has many beach volleyball courts, available on a first-come, first-served basis.

How do you get to Kitsilano Beach from downtown?

Walk or cycle over the Burrard Bridge in about 20 to 30 minutes, take a bus along Cornwall Avenue, or catch a False Creek ferry to Vanier Park and walk along the water.