The Top Things to Do in Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Vancouver’s Kitsilano – or ‘Kits’ – Beach has everything an ocean-lover could possibly want. Whether you’re into water sports, sunbathing, beachfront jogging or just dipping your toes in the water, Kits has you covered, with stunning views of the nearby mountains sealing the deal. Check out the seven best things to do at Kits Beach.
1. Take a dip in the Pacific
Swimming in the Pacific Ocean is one of the great pleasures of Kitsilano Beach. There are sections specially designated for swimming enthusiasts, so you don’t have to worry about colliding with kayaks or boats. Whether you’re a doggy-paddler or a front-crawler, the amazing views of the Vancouver skyline and the surrounding mountains are sure to enhance your swim.
2. Swerve the waves at Kitsilano Pool
The enclosed Kitsilano Pool is a good alternative to ocean swimming if you’re surf averse, though don’t let the word ‘pool’ fool you – the water here is almost as salty as that in the Pacific – but considerably warmer. Views from the open-air pool are just as lovely as from the ocean, of course.
3. Lend your ears to the annual Shakespeare Festival
This renowned Shakespeare festival takes place outdoors in Kitsilano Beach every summer. Managed by artistic director Christopher Gaze, Bard on the Beach is the largest Shakespeare festival in Canada and incorporates performances as well as creative and cultural workshops.
4. Get active
If you’re the energetic type, Kits Beach offers loads of water sports, ranging from water aerobics to kayaking. You can also play basketball or tennis. If you want to make like a true Vancouverite, while away an afternoon exploring by kayak or paddleboard.
5. Soak up Vancouver’s maritime history
With Vancouver’s history and identity so tightly intertwined with the ocean, a visit to Kitsilano Beach’s Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must. The permanent exhibits include The Avenger of the People – a detailed model of the famous French warship – and the Arnold 176 chronometer, which was used by George Vancouver when he was exploring the Pacific coast.
6. Cruise Kitsilano Beach on two wheels
Cycling is another great way to experience the area. Try starting at Kits Beach and making your way across the hip Kitsilano quarter all the way to popular Granville Island or the False Creek. Vancouver has plenty of bike rental places, some of which offer both private rentals and cycling tours along various local routes.
7. Chow down on seafood at the Boathouse Restaurant
Call ahead to bag a table with ocean views at the Boathouse Restaurant. This place’s specialties – seafood and wine sourced from British Columbia – taste even better when you’re gazing out over the Pacific. Try the spicy yam fries or the perfectly crispy calamari for your appetizer. For your main course, it has to be grilled fish, simply served with potatoes and veg.
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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
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