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9 of the Best Sunset Spots in Vancouver You MUST Visit At Least Once
Working a 9-to-5 in Vancouver meant I spent the remaining golden hours hurriedly trying to get home. I didn’t realise that the city features some of the most fantastic sunset views in Canada until I decided to take a shortcut one day and saw the sun dip below the horizon.
It got me thinking that I’ve been seeing the sunset at street level all this time, which didn’t give the golden hour justice at all. Since then, I’ve been collecting the best sunset spots in Vancouver, whether from my friends’ recommendations or my discoveries.
With that said, I could honestly say that these viewing spots aren’t created equal, so I checked out every single one and compiled the best ones where I had a magical time! Let’s get started!
Sunset Beach Park
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Address: 1204 Beach Ave.
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Sunset Beach Park wouldn’t be named this way if it didn’t offer some of the most spectacular views of the golden hour. However, we still feel like its name doesn’t give justice to the sight of the sun slowly setting along the horizon of False Creek.
There are various viewing points across the park, but you should head to the titular beach itself for the most unobstructed views. Plus, nothing beats admiring the sunset while being serenaded by soft waves crashing along the shore.
It’s also located at the edge of Downtown Vancouver, so if you want to escape the city lights and noise, this is a great place to check out before heading home. You won’t have to worry about crowdedness as well, as it’s one of the less populated beaches in the city.
Pro tip:
There is a paid parking area on the park’s premises, making it accessible for self-driving. If you want to commute, however, you can easily do so by riding the 023 English Bay Bus and leaving at WB Beach Ave @ Bute St.
Kitsilano Beach
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Address: 1499 Arbutus St.
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Kitsilano Beach is one of the busier spots in Vancouver, but it doesn’t make it less worthy of a visit due to its unmatched views of English Bay. These views only get better around 5:00 PM when the sun’s rays bleed over the bay’s horizon.
We also recommend Kitsilano Beach Park as it’s more than just a vantage point! For starters, you can swim in both the beach and the outdoor natural pool to cool down during summer.
Furthermore, you can also engage in various activities, such as beach volleyball and cycling. Once the sun starts setting, you can find a space on the sandy beach and bask in the views.
Pro tip:
Don’t miss out on exploring the seawall for more scenic views! This is best explored on bikes, as it can connect you to nearby spots like Vanier Park.
Grouse Mountain
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Address: 6400 Nancy Greene Way
Contact details: +1 604-980-9311
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Cost:
- Adult (19 to 64 years old): CAD82
- Senior (65+ years old): CAD72
- Youth (13 to 18 years old): CAD62
- Child (5 to 12 years old): CAD42
- Tot (0 to 4 years old): Free
- Family (2 adults, 2 children): CAD209
If you want to accompany your sunset viewing with something adventurous, then Grouse Mountain should be on your radar. For starters, to reach the peak, you must first conquer a 2.83km trail, which requires you to make approximately 2,830 steps, so prepare your cardio!
Alternatively, you can take the easy and more breathtaking path by riding their gondola, which offers 360-degree views of the mountain range. Regardless, the journey will be worth it once you see the sunset from the peak, which by the way is Metro Vancouver’s highest point.
However, these aforementioned ways to scale the peak barely scratch the surface of what Grouse Mountain has to offer in terms of activities. For instance, you can also try mountain biking, zip-lining, paragliding, and wildlife watching.
Pro tip:
If you visit during summer and you just want to gain access to the sunset and nothing more, you can purchase their Sunset Special admission for only CAD29. The caveat is that it’s only available from 6:00 PM!
Third Beach
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Address: Ferguson Point, Stanley Park
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Website
When you visit Stanley Park, it’s a must to visit Third Beach once you’ve explored every attraction. This beach is fairly underrated compared to the others in Vancouver, which is great because it doesn’t get too crowded even on the weekends.
It’s also viable to swim in the beach’s waters thanks to its calmness, but be sure to check the weather conditions beforehand. Plus, it’s great for sunset-watching because you can just pick one of the many gigantic logs on the sand as your seats!
The views offered here don’t just consist of the beautiful Burrard Inlet, but the skyline of West Vancouver as well! Furthermore, there are several interesting rock formations along the shores, such as the massive Siwash Rock—you’ll see why legends say that it’s a man turned into stone!
Pro tip:
You can also admire the sunset at the Teahouse in Stanley Park, which is located right by Third Beach and Ferguson Point. Aside from offering views, this place also serves fresh seafood like halibut, salmon, and sablefish.
Lonsdale Quay
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Address: 145 Chadwick Ct #22
Operating hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Lonsdale Quay is one of the top viewing points if you’re looking for waterfront sunset scenery in North Vancouver. It’s one of our favourite vantage points, in general, because it combines the views of the calm waters of Vancouver Harbour and the skyline of Downtown, Vancouver.
There’s also something about sitting on a pier and admiring the sunset that feels different compared to seeing it from a park, mountain, or a rooftop. Moreover, you’ll get to see massive ships passing through!
You can also climb the tower to get an even better view of Downtown, Vancouver! Moreover, we recommend exploring the rest of Lonsdale Quay Market to discover local goods, including artisanal wines, leather goods, kitchenware, and pastries.
Pro tip:
After watching the sunset, you can head straight for dinner at Hellcrust Pizza. This parlour offers massive and flavourful pies at affordable prices, and best of all, they have a branch at Lonsdale Quay Market!
Cypress Mountain
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Address: 6000 Cypress Bowl Rd.
Contact details: +1 604-926-5612
Operating hours: 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Cost:
- Eagle Chair Day Ticket: CAD21
- Scenic Ride Day Ticket: CAD31
Cypress Mountain is widely known as a ski resort, but by summertime, it becomes one of the best spots in West Vancouver for sunset viewing. From the moment you hop on their lift, you’ll immediately be in awe of the magnificent views of the mountain range.
The two main mountains you’ll be admiring during these rides are Black Mountain and Mount Stratchan, which become even more stunning during the sunset. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll see some godrays emanating behind the mountains!
Of course, we also recommend visiting this place during the wintertime, as it becomes more alive then. Here, you can take on various slopes and shred through tracks using your skis and snowboards, or learn the fundamentals through their lessons.
Pro tip:
Make sure to head to the bathroom while you’re at the base! The facilities become more scarce as you scale the mountain.
Lighthouse Park
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Address: 4902 Beacon Ln.
Contact details: +1 604-925-7275
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
We included Lighthouse Park on this list because it lets you hit two birds with one stone, i.e., seeing a national historical site and admiring a breathtaking sunset. We say it’s historical because this lighthouse has been in existence since 1914.
Seeing the massive lighthouse tower over the cliffside is a memorable spectacle in itself! However, seeing the unobstructed views of the sun setting on the endless body of water looks like an otherworldly sight.
Another reason you may want to visit this spot is to observe majestic birds, such as eagles and cormorants, living their best lives. You can find these creatures while chilling at the park or while trekking its many hiking trails.
Pro tip:
The free public parking area at Lighthouse Park can fill up quickly, especially during sunny days. Be sure to arrive minutes or even hours before sunset to secure a free space!
Queen Elizabeth Park
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Address: 4600 Cambie Street
Contact details: +1 604-873-7000
Operating hours: Daily from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Queen Elizabeth Park is one of the most charming places in Vancouver, thanks to its vibrant greenery and flora. Sitting on one of its park benches will make you feel like you’re not in the middle of a bustling city!
Exploring the park is a treat, as it features several attractions to discover—from flower beds to statues, and of course, the iconic clock. You can also find the Bloedel Conservatory here, which houses various exotic plants, koi fish, and birds.
Of course, it wouldn’t be on this list if it didn’t feature a fantastic sunset! During this specific time of the day, the park will be dazzled with orange rays emanating through the trees—plus, you’ll have the luxury of viewing the North Shore Mountains from afar.
Pro tip:
You can also explore the neighbouring parks, Hillcrest, Riley, and Oak Meadows Park, to make the most out of your itinerary!
Whytecliff Park
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Address: 7102 Marine Dr.
Contact details: +1 604-925-7275
Operating hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Cost: Free
Website
Whytecliff Park looks exactly like those framed photos in IKEA showrooms, with its rocky shores, beautiful calm waters, and towering trees. However, its most iconic feature is its islet, which features the stunning Strait of Georgia as its backdrop when viewed from the park.
We love admiring the sunset from this park because of its serenity, thanks to it being on the edge of West Vancouver. You can either watch the sunset from the rocky shores or at one of the driftwood pieces found along the beach.
The calm waters along Whytecliff Park also feature some of the most pristine marine bodies in the country, which is why it’s a premier diving spot.
Pro tip:
After exploring the park, you can head straight to Troll’s Restaurant before getting into your car. This place offers a wide variety of hearty Western dishes that are perfect for refuelling your body after a relatively tiring hike.
