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English Bay Inukshuk

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English Bay

Take a delicious dip in the sea before sinking your toes into the soft sand and watching the passing boats from the shorefront of this urban beach paradise.

Not far from the city centre lies this beautiful stretch of sand perfect for soaking up the sun. Take an afternoon nap, stroll the shoreline, or hire a kayak at the ever-popular English Bay which sits just a short walk from Stanley Park. Here you'll find cycling and hiking trails. Grab a bite to eat at the many cafés, bars, and shops across the road in Denman Street.

Originally established as a swimming beach in 1893 with a few shacks built along the shore for shade and changing, English Bay, as well as the nearby group of beaches known as Spanish Banks, were named in honour of an international collaboration in 1792 between Captain George Vancouver of the British Navy, and Captain Dionisio Galiano of the Spanish Navy, in charting the region for their native countries.

The English Bay affords visitors fabulous views of the greenery at Stanley Park and the towering mountains that loom large above the shore. As the day draws to an end, find yourself a place amidst the crowds to watch the sky put on a dazzling show of reds, pinks, and oranges.

Every year, an increasingly large crowd converges at the bay for two popular events. If you’re visiting in July/early August don’t miss the Celebration of Light International Fireworks Competition. The three-day carnival sees three international teams compete against each other to be the brightest spark in the largest off-shore fireworks display in the world.

If you’re around in the winter and are brave enough, take a plunge on New Year's Day into the icy waters of the Pacific at the annual Polar Bear Swim, a tradition dating back to 1920. Or just come to watch people in all sorts of costumes, fancy dress, or even their birthday suit take up the challenge of the 91-metre swim. To take part in the swim, you must register (for free) with the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club before the race.

English Bay is an easy stroll from downtown. It’s also accessible by bus. Street parking is available, but can be hard to find during the busy summer season.

Guide to Exploring around English Bay Inukshuk

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden

Imagine you are in Suzhou, China in this beautifully created urban oasis where architecture, rocks, plants and water provide a peaceful, harmonious setting.

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Capilano Suspension Bridge

Exhilarating walkways with stunning views of nature at its finest, make this one of Vancouver's most visited attractions, just minutes away from the city.

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Cypress Mountain

Ascend the peak that hosted the 2010 Winter Olympics at this popular ski resort in West Vancouver.

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Vancouver Aquarium

Mingle with exotic sea creatures including belugas, penguins and reef sharks in Canada's largest underwater world located within Stanley Park.

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Granville Island Public Market

This vibrant market is a colourful mix of crafts, delicious fresh food, scrumptious bakery goods and gourmet cheese, a playground for foodies and shoppers alike.

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Grouse Mountain

From unspoilt nature to theatres in the sky, this popular four-season attraction right in the city's backyard has something to offer everyone.

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Queen Elizabeth Park

Sitting at the highest point in Vancouver on an extinct volcano is this green sanctuary offering panoramic views of the city.

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Stanley Park

Recognised as one of the greatest parks in the world, well-loved for its forested walking trails, bustling beaches, manicured gardens and variety of wildlife.

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Museum of Anthropology

Browse world-renowned anthropological collections in an impressive architectural structure perched on a cliff top overlooking the ocean.

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Jericho Beach

Enjoy a peaceful swim or bask in the sun at one of Vancouver’s most secluded and picturesque beaches, which was once a logging camp.
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Pacific Coliseum

The site of world records and world-class hockey, this is one of Vancouver’s most significant stadiums. Catch a game and explore the surrounding park.
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Lynn Canyon Park

Hike along nature trails to discover the swimming holes and bridges of this scenic park surrounded by dense forests and towering mountains.

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VanDusen Botanical Garden

Get lost in a hedge maze and admire the elegant layout of this large park with a pond hidden between the trees.

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TELUS World of Science

Through exciting games and exhibits learn about science at one of Vancouver’s most family-friendly educational attractions.

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Vancouver Art Gallery

Join a guided tour of Vancouver’s major art institution to see modernist landscapes and photo exhibits. Learn about the region’s important art movements along the way.

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Kitsilano Beach

Swim in the longest pool in the country at this sandy beach with an elegant boulevard, restaurants and a watersports center.

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Canada Place

Fly above Canada’s stunning scenery aboard a flight simulator and watch a movie in the open-air cinema at this expansive entertainment complex.

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Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre

Go skating on the ice rink during the day and return at night to watch a concert or a hockey game at this historic venue.
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Lodging Near English Bay Inukshuk

See all 1,035 properties near English Bay Inukshuk

Price for 1 night 2 adults*

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront

1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
    4.0 out of 5.0
     
     
    3.0 out of 5 (1 reviews)

    Located in Coal Harbour, this eco-friendly hotel is steps away from United States Consulate and Vancouver Waterfront. Robson Street and Canada Place are also ...

    Pinnacle Hotel HarbourfrontAU$186

    Per night/room

    13 Aug. - 14 Aug.

    Pan Pacific Vancouver

    Pan Pacific Vancouver

    999 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC
      4.5 out of 5.0
       
       

      Located in Coal Harbour, this luxury hotel is steps away from Canada Place, Vancouver Waterfront and Granville Street. Vancouver Convention Centre and Harbour ...

      Pan Pacific VancouverAU$294

      Per night/room

      1 Sep. - 2 Sep.

      The Sutton Place Hotel - Vancouver

      The Sutton Place Hotel - Vancouver

      845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
        4.5 out of 5.0
         
         
        4.5 out of 5 (2 reviews)

        Located in Downtown Vancouver, this luxury hotel is steps away from Robson Square and Robson Street. Granville Street and Vancouver Art Gallery are also within ...

        The Sutton Place Hotel - VancouverAU$299

        Per night/room

        5 Sep. - 6 Sep.

        The Burrard

        The Burrard

        1100 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
          3.0 out of 5.0
           
           

          Located in Downtown Vancouver, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 5-minute walk of St. Paul's Hospital and Granville Street. Robson Street and Sunset Beach ...

          The BurrardAU$149

          Per night/room

          6 Sep. - 7 Sep.

          Century Plaza Hotel & Spa

          Century Plaza Hotel & Spa

          1015 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
            3.5 out of 5.0
             
             

            Located in West End, this spa hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Orpheum Theater and Vancouver Art Gallery. Pacific Centre Shopping Mall and Canada Place are ...

            Century Plaza Hotel & SpaAU$181

            Per night/room

            25 Aug. - 26 Aug.

            Hyatt Regency Vancouver

            Hyatt Regency Vancouver

            655 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
              4.5 out of 5.0
               
               
              5.0 out of 5 (1 reviews)

              Located in Coal Harbour, this luxury hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Pacific Centre Shopping Mall and Vancouver Art Gallery. United States Consulate and Vancouver ...

              Hyatt Regency VancouverAU$239

              Per night/room

              13 Aug. - 14 Aug.

              Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie

              Sandman Suites Vancouver on Davie

              1160 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
                3.0 out of 5.0
                 
                 

                Located in West End, this eco-friendly hotel is within a 10-minute walk of St. Paul's Hospital, Granville Street, and Sunset Beach. Robson Street and Granville ...

                Sandman Suites Vancouver on DavieAU$171

                Per night/room

                16 Aug. - 17 Aug.

                Hotel Blu Vancouver

                Hotel Blu Vancouver

                177 Robson Street, Vancouver, BC
                  4.0 out of 5.0
                   
                   

                  Located in Downtown Vancouver, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of BC Place Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Vancouver Central Public Library and Rogers ...

                  Hotel Blu VancouverAU$197

                  Per night/room

                  13 Aug. - 14 Aug.

                  See all 1,035 properties near English Bay Inukshuk
                  *Price based on the lowest price found within past 24 hours and based upon one night stay for two adults over the next thirty days. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
                  ^Eligibility requirements and conditions apply.