The 13 Best Places to Tan in Vancouver

If you’re looking to soak up some Vitamin D and relax in the sun, the following Vancouver beaches and parks are perfect for sunbathing and enjoying some time under the sun. Grab some sunscreen, tanning lotion – or coconut oil because we do live in Vancouver after all – and get your tan on! New to the city? Check out our guide to Nature & Sightseeing.

13. David Lam Park

One of the best urban parks in the city, David Lam Park has lots of green grass that’s perfect for sprawling out on with a great view of False Creek and Vancouver. Find your way there on Google maps.

12. Trout Lake

An East Van treasure, Trout Lake/John Hendry Park is good to visit all year-round, especially in the summer. A dog-friendly park and beach with a nice view and lots of lush, green space that’s perfect for skimping down to your bathing suit and swim trunks. Get directions here.

11. Granny’s Cove

Hidden in Capilano Canyon near the Capilano Suspension Bridge in North Vancouver, Granny’s Cove is a really cool, secluded destination frequented by younger locals looking to cool off riverside and cliff-jumping daredevils looking to take the plunge.

10. Ambleside Beach

A gem by the sea, relax and strip down at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver where you’ll be surrounded by stunning views of the ocean, and across the water – Stanley Park and the Vancouver skyline. Get directions on Google.

9. Jericho Beach

Swim, picnic, and sunbathe at Jericho Beach just west of Kitsilano. It gets pretty crowded in the summer so get there early and snag a spot by the water. Find your way on Google here.

8. Spanish Banks

A visit to Spanish Banks is a great reminder of how fortunate we are to live in a city like Vancouver. One of the bigger beaches, there’s plenty of space to lie out and bake at Spanish Banks while enjoying a spectacular view. It’s also dog-friendly, so you can bring your pooch along. Find your way there here.

7. CRAB Park

CRAB Park is one of the most unknown, underrated, and ‘chillest’ spaces in the city. Private and peaceful, CRAB Park has a large grassy area and a beach with views of the ports and a nice view of the North Shore mountains. A great little slice of Mother Nature in the city. Dog-friendly. Get directions on Google.

6. Vanier Park

A beautiful public and off-leash dog park, Vanier Park is just a short trip from Downtown Vancouver and a great venue to lay out for the day and experience a front-row view of the sunset. Find your way there on maps.

5. Harbour Green Park

If you’re in the Coal Harbour area, Harbour Green Park is a great place to lounge on the lovely green grass and watch the cruise ships and harbour planes float and fly into the city. Find your way there.

4. Kitsilano Beach

Join the endless bronzed, sun-worshipping bodies sprawled out at Kitsilano Beach. With Kits Pool on site, the dip-worthy ocean, and surrounding cafes and bars, make a day out of sunbathing at Kits Beach! Check the location on Google maps.

3. Emery Barnes Park

Escape in the city at family and pet-friendly Emery Barnes Park. It’s clean and pretty and has a few areas that are apt for lying out in the sun. Get Google directions here.

2. Second Beach and Third Beach

Whether you prefer grass or sand, Second Beach and Third Beach are both good sunbathing options. Second Beach has a more family-friendly vibe, while Third Beach appeals to a more free-spirited, hippie crowd. We like to refer to Second Beach as Wreck Beach’s little brother. Directions to Second Beach here, and Third Beach here.

1. Wreck Beach: Best place to tan near UBC

When it comes to stripping down all the way and basking in the sun, Wreck Beach near UBC is the ideal location. Heads up: It’s a clothing optional beach so if you’re not comfortable with nudity, you may want to hit up one of the other locations on this list. Find your way there.

Where to tan outside by area