Sunset Beach Vancouver

Sunset Beach: The West End's Relaxed Seawall Beach

Category: Beaches & Parks | Area: West End | Cost: Free | Best for: Dog owners, sunset walks, quiet afternoons, Seawall cyclists

Sunset Beach sits just around the corner from English Bay, where the West End meets the mouth of False Creek. It is a long, sandy stretch backed by a wide lawn and the Seawall, and it feels noticeably calmer than its famous neighbour. As the name suggests, it faces west, so evenings here are all about the light over English Bay and Vanier Park.

Where Is Sunset Beach?

Sunset Beach Park runs along Beach Avenue between English Bay and the Burrard Bridge, next to the Vancouver Aquatic Centre. The official park address is 1204 Beach Avenue.

Things to See and Do

Walk or Cycle the Seawall

The Seawall passes right through the park, so Sunset Beach is an easy stop on a walk or ride between Stanley Park, English Bay and False Creek.

Bring Your Dog

Sunset Beach Park is one of the few City of Vancouver beaches where dogs are allowed, inside the designated off-leash area. Dogs must stay on leash everywhere else in the park.

Swim in Summer

The swimming area is supervised by Park Board lifeguards in the summer season, which usually runs from the Victoria Day long weekend to Labour Day.

Catch a Ferry

Small False Creek ferries and the Aquabus stop nearby, so you can hop across to Granville Island or Yaletown.

Summer Events

The lawn hosts large free events, including Symphony at Sunset with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Getting There

On foot or by bike: Follow the Seawall from English Bay or the Burrard Bridge.

By transit: Buses along Davie Street stop a short walk from the beach.

By car: Pay parking is available along Beach Avenue and in nearby lots, but spaces fill quickly on sunny days.

Good to Know

• Public washrooms and a summer concession are on site.
• Drinking alcohol is not permitted at Sunset Beach Park, unlike some other Vancouver beaches.
• Smoking is not allowed on Vancouver beaches.
• Check Vancouver Coastal Health's beach water quality reports before swimming.

Best Time to Visit

Come in the early evening on a clear day for the sunset over English Bay. Weekday afternoons are quieter than summer weekends.

More Beaches Nearby

English Bay Beach is a five-minute walk west, and Second Beach and Third Beach in Stanley Park are a short Seawall ride beyond. Across False Creek, Kitsilano Beach is reachable over the Burrard Bridge. See all of them in our guide to the best beaches in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are dogs allowed at Sunset Beach?

Yes, inside the designated off-leash area. Dogs must be leashed elsewhere in the park.

Are there lifeguards at Sunset Beach?

Yes, during the summer lifeguard season, which usually runs from Victoria Day to Labour Day.

Can you drink alcohol at Sunset Beach?

No. Drinking is not permitted at Sunset Beach Park.

How far is Sunset Beach from English Bay?

About a five-minute walk along the Seawall.

Photo: Sunset Beach and Burrard Street Bridge, Vancouver 20240830 1 by DXR, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.