English Bay Inukshuk

With over 18 kilometres of urban beaches only a stone’s throw from the city centre, it’s no surprise that English Bay is a magnet for swimmers, water-sports enthusiasts and those who simply want to lie back and soak up the sun’s rays.Perched prettily off the northwest coast, this lovely bay is synonymous with golden sands and spectacular scenery. There’s history here too as this area and the adjacent Spanish Banks were named in honour of the collaboration between the British Navy captain, George Vancouver and his Spanish counterpart, Captain Galiano in the late 18th century.A pristine coastal paradise, English Bay is made up of a number of top-quality beaches including the gorgeous English Bay Beach and is located conveniently along Beach Avenue between Gilford Street and Bidwell Street. Relax with a book, top up your tan or simply lie back and enjoy the entertaining parade of exhibitionists as they prance up and down.If frying on hot sands does not appeal, take comfort in the knowledge that there are plenty of other attractions in this area. Make your way over to the Spanish Banks and try your hand at skim-boarding. On the way, why not stop off at Jericho Beach and take to the seas in a kayak? Alternatively, nip over to Stanley Park and hike or bike your way around the 22-kilometre Seawall where the views are out of this world. All this is sure to work up an appetite and happily there is no shortage of excellent cafés and restaurants along the nearby Denman Street.During the year, English Bay holds a number of popular events. Every summer, visitors flock here for the Celebration of Light festival. This is the largest off-shore fireworks display in the world and is absolutely mesmerising. During the winter, the beach becomes the focal point for the annual Polar Bear Swim. Held every New Year’s Day, thousands of swimmers plunge into the not so warm waters. If this sounds like fun and you’re brave enough, why not try it in the nip?!