Best Outdoor Activities in Granville Island

"One of the most sought-after beaches in Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach (known as Kits Beach to Vancouver residents) is not just a beach. There’s ample green space for sunbathers and several volleyball courts established on the sand. There’s also the Kitsilano Pool, which is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, and snack options, such as Starbucks, across the road."

"Known to locals as Kits or Kits Beach, Kitsilano Beach is where you will find a lot of residents in the summertime. There’s ample park space around the beach for picnics, plus volleyball nets and Kitsilano Pool. The 137m (450ft) outdoor pool is Vancouver’s only saltwater swimming pool, open from mid-May to mid-September."

"Kitsilano Beach is one of Vancouver's favorite summertime hangouts. The wide, sandy expanse attracts buff Frisbee tossers, giggling volleyball players and those who just like to preen while catching the rays. The ocean is fine for a dip."

"A favorite beach among Vancouverites, Spanish Banks stretches along the west coast of Vancouver, far from the hubbub of the city's urban beaches. Perfect for family barbecues, letting the dog run free (in designated zones), and taking long walks, this beloved beach is best in the morning and early afternoon when low tide lets you walk far out to sea. Map to Spanish Banks"

"Located on Northwest Marine Drive about 8 km west of downtown Vancouver, Spanish Banks is possibly the most beautiful sandy beaches in the area. The beach is sandwiched between Locarno Beach and the University of BC and a cycling/walking trail connects them. It has three distinct areas: east, west and extension."

"This beach popular with residents on Vancouver’s affluent west side actually counts three beaches: West, East, and Extension. All three wind slightly north creating a magnificent view of Vancouver’s skyline and Stanley Park. It’s one of the few beaches in Vancouver with free parking."

"Jericho Beach is a lovely stretch of sandy oceanfront between the Kitsilano and West Point Grey neighborhoods—but it's so much more than that. It's home to some of Vancouver's posher facilities, like the members-only Royal Vancouver Yacht Club and Jericho Tennis Club, as well as tennis courts that are open to the public. While Vancouver's beaches can be enjoyed from shore or by taking a dip in the ocean, one of the most exciting ways to experience them is to get way out in the water."

"If you prefer simple over fancy and pretty over expensive then Jericho Beach is the best place to be at. Home to the annual Vancouver Folk Music Festival, the beach is very beautiful and suitable for swimming, windsurfing and sailing. But if you are not in the mood for an adventure then you can simply take a stroll or rejuvenate and indulge in some recreational activities such as volleyball and tennis and have the time of your life."

"An activity-lover's idyll, Jericho is great if you just want to putter along the beach, clamber over driftwood and catch stunning views of downtown. It's popular with locals on summer evenings, so expect..."

"Lined with logs for the sun spectators, this is the place to reflect on the day and take a few photos of some of the most vibrant sunsets you’ll probably ever see in your life. Sunset Beach Park is also home to an interesting art piece called Engagement, a 30 foot sculpture of two wedding rings. These were created by world famous artist Dennis Oppenheim, as part of the Vancouver Biennale."

"Sunset Beach is a popular destination, especially in the summer, but the green space behind the beach is equally as popular with locals looking for a place to play a game of soccer, meet friends and soak up the sunshine. Grab a drink from the concession stand and spread out on the grass - on a very hot day you might see someone bringing a slip N slide for everyone to slide down the hill."

"Sunset Beach Park does not put its name to shame, and the stunning sunsets you’ll see here while chatting with a friend over a few bites or brews will be worth the wait. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Kritsada Akkhapracha (@fedexfc)"

"We couldn’t write a list of the best donuts in Vancouver without including this absolute titan. We’re not going to sit here and say it’s off the charts, flavour-wise. But, there’s no denying that Duffin’s is a magical place in Vancouver, has a tremendous range of donuts to choose from, and the best value in the city by far."

"A post shared by Duffins Donuts (@duffins_donuts) on Jul 4, 2017 at 8:45am PDT. A hidden Vancouver gem, Duffin’s is open 24 hours a day and has an enticing menu full of cheap eats. Their subs sell for less than $5, they have an all-day breakfast for $4.75, and of course, fresh doughnuts."

"Their 30-year run of fresh baked and prepared in-house donuts has made them a Vancouver staple. They offer 50 varieties and also serve fried chicken, Chinese food, and torta subs and are open 24 hours a day. What more could you ask of donut shop?"

"49th Parallel is famous for Lucky’s Donuts and (in my view at least) their pretty blue mugs. Their beans are roasted in house and it very tasty. While there are a few 49th Parallel coffee shops in Vancouver, their location in Kitsilano has a beautiful patio area making it one of the cutest places to get coffee."

"Next up we’ve got a couple of spots we’ll call modern classics. This longtime brand from 49th Parallel is no joke, turning out a variety of amazing donuts using all kinds of doughs. Personally, our preferences are their old-fashioned and yeast-based donuts."

"Don’t forget you can save some money when you buy a bakers dozen of Luckys Doughnuts. *Vegan/Gluten Friendly option is also now available. #GetLucky #TheBakersDozen"

"A relatively new name in the city, Mello has opted for a pretty specific type of donut- brioche, and essentially all the filled versions. What that means for us is an array of some delicious flavours, ranging from London Fog to Black Sesame and classic Strawberry. Pro tip- you get a pretty serious discount buying a half-dozen, so maybe take these to your next small dinner party as dessert."

"Housed in the historic Wing Sang building (51 East Pender Street), which is Chinatown’s oldest building (1889), the Rennie Museum is a private collection owned by real estate mogul Bob Rennie. Local and international artists are showcased in the gallery and free tours are available to the public. Continue to 9 of 10 below."

"Hidden behind the unassuming doors of the Rennie Museum is one of Canada’s largest collections of contemporary art. Opened in 2009, the collection focuses on topics that surround identity, social commentary, injustice and appropriation. Entrance is free but the museum is only open to the public on Saturdays by appointment."

"A private museum that you have to book to get into, but definitely worth the minimal effort required. Make a story out of the exhibition, and take a main page post on the roof, it’s a win-win scenario. Definitely one of the coolest buildings you can check out in Vancouver."

"2342 Granville Street Vancouver, BC V6H 3G3 604 738 1077WEBSITE | MAP. The gallery showcases and promotes established and emerging Canadian talents"

"Go to the Museum of Anthropology to find out about the Northwest Coast First Nations people Try some candied salmon - locally caught, hot-smoked salmon glazed with maple syrup"

"A post shared by Swiss Bakery | Bakery Cafe (@swissbakeryyvr). Swiss Bakery gets a spot on this list for one specific reason- their ‘frissant’. This cross between a fritter donut and a croissant is unlike anything else you’ll try in the city, and is oh so worth it."

"It was oh so delicious 😋 #butterbakedgoods #chocolatecake #bakedgoods #vancityfoodie #vancitydesserts #chocolate #vancouver #yummy #vancouver #dessert #cake #delicious. A post shared by NaRi (@cali2vancity) on Feb 25, 2019 at 6:35pm PST. If butter is in the name, you know it’s going to be good."

"A post shared by Rosie Daykin (@butterbakedgoods) on Jan 12, 2018 at 8:16am PST. For the ultimate birthday cake hit up Butter Baked Goods’ gorgeous storefront for their nostalgic Funfetti Cake. This treat is three layers of vanilla sponge, buttercream and lots of rainbow sprinkles."

"Leave your food intolerances at the door – this bakeries’ specialty is all in the name: butter. For decadent baked goodies and a choice of full size cakes, you can’t go past this beauty. Address: 4907 MacKenzie StreetPhone: 604-221-4333Website: www.butterbakedgoods.com"

"A post shared by Suzanne (@enchantedchameleon) on Jan 16, 2018 at 7:23am PST. Cupcakes nails the classics like chocolate, red velvet, and vanilla cake – all of which are available in a variety of Insta-worthy styles. In addition to this, their iconic cupcakes are just as pretty as the big cakes and they don’t need to be ordered in advance."

"Despite a strong focus on cupcakes, Original Cupcakes is well known for their custom cakes. Not surprisingly, their most popular creation is their gigantic cupcake cake. The Barbie cake is another big favourite for birthday parties."