Jericho Beach is one of the most visited beaches in Vancouver. Bordering the southern shores of English Bay, Jericho teams up with Locarno Beach Park and Spanish Banks Beach Park to form a three-kilometer ongoing stretch of beautiful sandy shoreline.
When the tide is low, it seems as if the sand extends forever, beckoning hordes of visitors to go picnicking, cool off with a swim, see wildlife, and soak up the excellent views.
Jericho Beach fronts a gorgeous, expansive view over Howe Sound, the North Shore mountains, and downtown Vancouver. Visitors of all ages will have plenty of recreational opportunities to be occupied for hours, from rugby to baseball, from a turf field to a kayak center.
Where Is Jericho Beach Located?
Jericho Beach is located between the North foot of Discovery Street and West of Alma Street. On the east, Jericho borders Kitsilano, while Locarno Beach is almost adjacent.
Jericho Beach Address: Point Grey Rd, Vancouver, BC V6R 1B5.
Features and Facilities at Jericho Beach:
- Jericho Beach Park
- Concession
- On-leash area for dogs at the park
- Public washrooms
- Playing fields
- Tennis courts
- Picnic tables
- Swimming raft
- Pay parking
- Lifeguards (available between Victoria Day and Labour Day)
- Water wheelchair (two attendants needed to operate, available Victoria Day to Labour Day)
- Jericho Sailing Centre
- Hostelling International – Vancouver Jericho Beach Hostel
- Vancouver Youth Hostel
- Beach volleyball nets
What Is Jericho Beach Famous for?
Back in the days prior to the arrival of European settlers, Jericho Beach was a First Nations village named Ee’yullmough. Today, the beautiful public beach is famous for its extensive, uninterrupted sun-kissed shoreline, attracting a great number of swimmers, sailors, windsurfers, and beach-goers of all ages.
The beach swathes around a famous namesake park featuring a small pond, grass lawns, trees, and picnic tables. There’s also a popular biking and walking trail encircling Jericho Park before leading you along the water’s edge. Meanwhile, ardent swimmers, sailors, and windsurfers like to stick to the east side of the beach.
6 Best Things to Do at Jericho Beach
Play Sports and Watch Wildlife at Jericho Beach Park
Located on the north side of West 4th Avenue between Wallace and Discovery Streets, the park is dotted with multiple sports fields including rugby, turf, and baseball. The treed copses and ponds throughout Jericho Beach park offer a multitude of recreational activities that fit all types of parkgoers.
The mesmerizing greenery enclosed by narrow trails and wildflowers makes it a perfect base to unwind and soak in the ocean view. Wildlife-watching is another big hook for nature enthusiasts. An abundance of waterfowl and passerines chills out on the shore, walk by the marsh, or hide away behind the shrubs. And of course, you’ll find plenty of bunnies hanging out all around too.
If you go out with kids or hang with friends, there are plenty of open sports fields for rugby, turf, and baseball.
Windsurf, Sail, Paddle, and Kayak
Swimming is fun, but sailing with Jericho Sailing Centre makes it a lot more thrilling. Welcoming the strong northwest winds every year, the westernmost shore along Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks is a household name for ardent windsurfers. On the windiest days, the waves can reach a whopping height of over two meters. This impressive wave condition makes it a top call for intermediate and advanced windsurfers to set sail and pull ahead.
To find the windsurfing area, head to the west end where you see sailboats docking by the shore under the auspices of the popular Jericho Sailing Center.
Get on a small naturally powered craft and learn how to brace the waves, row, paddle, or register for a camp. They also offer affiliated clubs and co-ops operating out of their facility for those looking for regular access to English Bay without boat ownership required. Rentals, season pass, paddle for women, race series, private lessons, and tours are also available.
Friendly reminder: windsurfers must stay 300 meters away from the swimming beach area for safety reasons.
Play Volleyball
There are two volleyball courts available at Jericho Beach on a first-come, first-serve basis. Reservation is not required unless you book for a league practice or tournament. There is no time limit for volleyball court use at Jericho Beach. Players should bring their own poles, net, and ball.
Live It up with Vancouver Folk Music Festival
The annual music festival is hosted every July, becoming one of the most awaited cultural events in Vancouver. It gathers thousands of local folk music enthusiasts pouring down the beach and swaying to their favorite jam.
Over the years, the Vancouver Folk Music Festival has become one of the premier music festivals in the Lower Mainland, lasting for three days over the long weekend and featuring notable artists from over 60 countries.
Tickets must be purchased in advance in person or through one of their authorized ticket outlets.
In-Person: VFMF Box Office – #230 – 275 East 1st Avenue, Vancouver, BC (1 1/2 blocks east of Main Street).
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Take on the Waterfront Cycling and Hiking Path
The path runs around Jericho Beach Park forming a loop that lingers to the shoreline of Jericho Beach. It then teams up with Spanish Banks to make a complete seawall route. You can take on a shorter route of only 1.41 kilometers around the park itself to see the duck pond before slowing down at the seawall path. A short hike like this takes no more than half an hour.
Or if you’re looking for a more epic route, then take on an entire 9-kilometer out-and-back trail with an elevation gain of 41 meters. It extends along the shoreline so you can just add in the distance if you’re able to go further.
Throw a Picnic or BBQ on the Beach
Jericho is one of the prettiest beaches close to downtown where you can throw a tarp for a grassy picnic or BBQ at one of the waterfront tables. The picnic sites can be found around the park near the East parking lot.
Alternatively, you can hang around the Jericho Beach pier and watch the freighters in the harbor, enjoy the sunset, or soak in the views of the North Shore mountains.
Is Jericho Beach Dog-Friendly?
Dogs are not allowed on the beach itself but in Jericho Beach Park only. They must be kept on a leash.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Jericho Beach?
The best time to visit Jericho Beach is during the summer months when the weather hovers around 20°C to 22°C. July also marks the annual arrival of the Folk Music Festival, an outdoor multistage music festival on the third weekend of July.
Can You Swim at Jericho Beach?
Yes, it’s safe to swim at Jericho Beach in most cases. However, you can double-check to see if there are any reports from Vancouver Coastal Health about beach closure due to unsafe levels of E. coli bacteria.
Watch out for speedy cyclists that race along with Jericho and the trails, especially at the narrow sections. Other than that, stay well clear away from the Jericho Pier when swimming because fishers cast lines as far as possible.
Where Can You Park at Jericho Beach?
There are multiple paid parking lots around Jericho Beach Park and down the W 4th Ave. They are a few steps away from the shore. Beach parking lot fees are effective from 6 am to 10 pm.
Overnight parking is not permitted.
Parking Rates:
1 Hour CAD 3.60
Max CAD 13.30
6 Months CAD 113.27
Is Parking at Jericho Beach Free?
No, the parking fee at Jericho Beach starts from CAD 3.60 an hour.
Where Are the Bunnies at Jericho Beach?
The bunnies usually gather under the bushes near Jericho Bear and the Jericho Beach concession stand. They’re feral bunnies so be careful and try not to pet them for their safety and your own.
Where to Stay in Kitsilano
Check out other attractions and exciting things to do in Vancouver:
- Best beaches in Vancouver
- Family-friend places to go
- Best restaurants in downtown Vancouver
- Best hikes in Vancouver
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