Jericho Beach Park
Price
Free
Duration
2-4 hours
Best Ages
All ages
About
Jericho Beach is the beach Vancouver families choose when they want space, calm water, and a more relaxed vibe than the busier downtown beaches. Tucked on the city's west side between Kitsilano and Point Grey, it combines a wide sandy beach with a massive park that has everything families need for a full day outdoors.
The beach itself faces north, sheltered from ocean swells by the headlands of West Vancouver. The water is calm and stays shallow for a long way out from shore, making it one of the safest wading and swimming beaches in the city for young kids. The sand is good for castles, and the beach is wide enough that you'll find space even on warm summer weekends.
Behind the beach, Jericho Park stretches for several acres of green space. There's a playground suitable for a range of ages, sports fields (soccer, baseball, tennis), and plenty of flat grass for picnics, kite flying, or running around. The duck pond at the eastern end of the park is a reliable toddler destination — ducks, geese, and sometimes herons provide entertainment.
The Jericho Sailing Centre at the east end of the beach rents kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and sailing dinghies, adding water sports to the options for active families. The Galley Patio and Grill at the sailing centre serves casual meals with water views.
Jericho Beach connects to the seawall, which runs west to Locarno and Spanish Banks beaches — making it possible to walk, bike, or stroll to even more beach space. Going east, the seawall continues to Kitsilano Beach and beyond.
Parking is available in the Jericho Beach lot, which is free but fills up on hot summer weekends. Arriving before 10am on sunny days is wise. Alternatively, the #4 and #84 buses stop within walking distance.
For families who want a genuine beach day without the downtown crowds, Jericho is the answer. It's free, spacious, and offers more variety (beach + park + playground + pond + water sports) than most other Vancouver beaches. Pack a picnic, bring the sand toys, and plan to stay a while.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
partial
Kid Meals
Available
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Summer mornings for calmer water and easier parking. The beach faces north, so afternoon sun is pleasant. Less crowded than Kitsilano Beach on summer weekends.
Wait Times
No waits — open public beach and park
Nearby Food
The Jericho Beach concession operates in summer with basics. The Galley Patio and Grill at the Sailing Centre serves casual waterfront meals. West 4th Avenue in Kitsilano (5-minute drive) has dozens of family restaurants.
Why Kids Love It
Jericho Beach is the family beach that locals don't always share with tourists. It's more sheltered and family-oriented than English Bay, with a wider sandy beach, calmer water, and a huge grassy park stretching behind it with playgrounds, sports fields, and a pond. The beach itself has a gradual entry — the water stays shallow for a long way out, which makes it ideal for little kids to wade and splash safely.
The park behind the beach is massive, with a playground that keeps kids busy, soccer and baseball fields, tennis courts, and plenty of room to fly a kite or throw a frisbee. The duck pond at the eastern end of the park is a toddler magnet. On summer evenings, the atmosphere is relaxed and communal — families barbecuing on the grass, kids chasing each other between the beach and playground, and the mountain views turning golden in the late light.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Less crowded than Kits Beach — a locals' favorite for family beach days
- The water stays shallow far out from shore — ideal for toddlers and nervous swimmers
- The duck pond on the east side of the park is a hit with toddlers
- The Jericho Sailing Centre rents kayaks and SUPs if you want to get on the water
- Combine with a walk along the seawall west to Spanish Banks for an extended outing
What to Bring
- Beach towels, swimsuits, and sand toys
- Sunscreen and hats
- A picnic — there are tables and grassy areas perfect for it
- A kite — the open field behind the beach gets good wind
- Binoculars for birdwatching at the pond
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
Free
Tips to Save
- Everything is free.
- Bring your own food and beach gear.
- The concession stand operates in summer.
- Free parking is available in the park lot (limited on summer weekends).
- The Jericho Sailing Centre rents kayaks and paddleboards at reasonable rates.