Best Places to Catch the Sunset Around Vancouver

March 29, 2021
TE
By Taryn Eyton
5 min read
City skyline at sunset with pink and purple sky, water in front, and mountains in the background.

Facing west into the Pacific Ocean, Vancouver has some spectacular sunsets. You can watch the sun go down from the beach, the mountains, or the heart of the city. How many of these gorgeous Vancouver sunset spots have you visited?

Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.

Third Beach, Vancouver

Stanley Park’s Third Beach faces due west, making it a great place to watch the sun descend into the ocean. The best way to get there is by bike, around the Stanley Park seawall. Don’t forget lights for the trip home!

Two children at the beach during sunset, one squatting near the water and the other standing with feet in the water.

Jericho Beach, Vancouver

Jericho Beach offers a unique perspective on the sunset – watch the soft glow of the setting sun light up the glass buildings of downtown Vancouver in gold, pink, and purple.

City skyline with tall buildings at sunset, mountains in the background, and boats on the water.

Wreck Beach, Vancouver

Head out to UBC, then descend the stairs to Wreck Beach to watch the sun drop into the waters of the Strait of Georgia. Bring a flashlight to help you find your way back to Marine Drive afterwards. (FYI: This is a clothing-optional beach so expect nudity.)

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Crab Park, Vancouver

Take a sunset break in the heart of downtown Vancouver at Crab Park. The glimmer of the setting sun behind the sails of Canada Place makes a great #VeryVancouver photo op.

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Sunset Beach, Vancouver

Recommending you take in the sunset at Sunset Beach in the West End is kind of a gimme. But it deserves the name! Grab a spot against one of the perfectly positioned logs, then lean back and enjoy the nightly show.

Coastal park with autumn trees, sandy beach, people walking, and tall buildings in the background under a cloudy sky.

Queen Elizabeth Park, Vancouver

Head to the viewpoint in Queen Elizabeth Park to watch the sun go down over Vancouver. You can see the city spread out at your feet and the pink and purple shine of the sunset on the North Shore Mountains.

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Whytecliff Park, West Vancouver

Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is a sunset photographer’s dream. The tiny island just offshore lights up in pinks, purples, and oranges as the sun goes down.

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Cypress Mountain Lookout, West Vancouver

Drive the switchbacks up Cypress Bowl Road to see the sunset from up high. Park at the Cypress Mountain Lookout and watch as the sunset bathes the entire city in its fiery colours.

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Burnaby Mountain Park, Burnaby

The sunset views are spectacular at Burnaby Mountain Park. It faces west into the setting sun, with the downtown skyline straight ahead of you.

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Lions Gate Bridge, Vancouver

Take a walk across the Lions Gate Bridge at dusk to enjoy a unique sunset vantage point. Gaze out across Burrard Inlet as the sun sets into the Strait of Georgia.

Curved coastal pathway along a forested cliff at sunset with calm ocean and ships in the distance.

False Creek, Vancouver

Take a walk along the False Creek seawall at dusk. The calm waters often reflect the golden colours of the sunset.

People sitting and walking near a waterfront with boats and high-rise buildings at sunset, a bridge in the background.

White Rock Pier, White Rock

Get that classic summer sunset feeling at any time of year with an evening visit to the White Rock Pier. Watching the vibrance of the setting sun on the long pier is sure to give you beach day vibes.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMgLOO8jnBD/

Lonsdale Quay, North Vancouver

One of the best ways to see Vancouver’s skyline lit up against the sunset is to head to Lonsdale Quay in North Vancouver. Enjoy the views from the front of the quay, or head to the long pier at the nearby Shipyards.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CMgMEAhM5tD/

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