Top 7 Nature & Parks in West End, Canada

August 1, 2021 Franklyn Hardiman

Vancouver was founded as “Gastown” by an Englishman with a penchant for beer and storytelling. Today Gastown is a historic section of the Canadian metropolis, and the lively pubs still reflect the area’s former status as a sort of community drinking center. The city’s forests, grand parks, and impressive suspension bridge beckon travelers to explore them, as do the city’s shops and museums. Relive the glory of the 2010 Winter Games with visits to Olympic venues and the marvelous Olympic Cauldron.
Restaurants in Vancouver

1. English Bay

1795 Beach Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1Y9 Canada +1 604-358-4259 [email protected] http://www.tourismvancouver.com/do/explore/vancouver-beaches
Excellent
60%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,795 reviews

English Bay

Beautiful vibrant beach that comes alive when it's sunny and warm out. Various activities such as scuba diving, kayaking and others.

Reviewed By PookyCake - Victoria, Canada

I was initially a little hesitant to write reviews for “English Bay” and “English Bay Beach,” thinking of both as one and the same, but I suppose on a technical level they’re different. For example, one could say that the latter is but a small component of the former. A beach versus the general area. It’s kind of like “Inner Harbour” and “Victoria Pier” in, well, Victoria. The Victoria Pier is but a small segment of the beautiful Inner Harbour. Thus, this review won’t focus so much on the beach (that’s a separate review) and instead will comment upon the general area known as English Bay. What we know as English Bay basically consists of the south side of Burrard Inlet, extending from Point Grey to Prospect Point. Vancouver’s Best Places puts this within the context of nice, flowery language when they say English Bay is “the body of water where the shores of Vancouver meet the Pacific Ocean.” Beautiful! But did you ever wonder where “English Bay” gets its name? Well, the name harkens back to the days of the British Empire and celebrates the “meeting” of captains Vancouver, Galiano and Valdes in the area (1792). I’m actually surprised there’s been no social movement, or discussion at the city level (that I’m aware of, anyway), to have the “colonial” name changed to something more reflective of this place and space. But then, time has to take its time ;) Even though English Bay is very much an urban setting, it remains one of my favourite places in the city. With its picturesque views, palm trees, lovely beach and desirable amenities, there’s plenty to keep you coming back for more. Indeed, as part of Vancouver’s West End (see my earlier review), it is home to a literal mosaic of people and restaurants – cultural diversity at its best. For my part, I’ll readily admit that English Bay Beach, while lovely, has never really been my focus whenever I’ve visited this area. Instead, I’ve been more interested in the shops and restaurants. There’s Cactus Club on the beach; Three Quarters Full in bustling Denman Place Mall; the newly opened and fantastically named Chicken World; good eats in the historic Sylvia Hotel and a whole host of others. I’m still sad that the Boathouse Restaurant – their flagship location at the time – closed up shop in the Fall of 2018. Many a beautiful sunset, meal and memory were had there. Beyond good eats, English Bay has much culture and art to offer us. As you walk along the Seawall from Stanley Park, you’ll inevitably come upon the Expo ’86 Inukshuk and, a short distance further, Oppenheim’s interesting “Engagement” sculpture. Just across the street from English Bay Beach, in Morton Park, you’ll come across Minjun’s “A-maze-ing Laughter” sculpture which is sure to make you smile . . . before you “awake” to its more serious message and undertone. For much of November, you can also experience the lovely Lumiere at night. The installations help to provide moments of “light” in these challenging times. My personal favourite from this year’s exhibit was the “Eugenia” tree. I’m sure “Davie” the grizzly would’ve been impressive, but he wasn’t lit during the two evenings I visited (boo). There’s also the Celebration of Light fireworks in July and August . . . In short, English Bay is so much more than a popular beach. It’s a place rife with history and culture. In many respects, I’d say it demonstrates – along with the West End – some of Vancouver’s best qualities.

2. English Bay Beach

1795 Beach Ave West End, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1Y9 Canada
Excellent
52%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 513 reviews

English Bay Beach

Conveniently located near downtown, this beach is a popular place for sunbathing.

Reviewed By dlmerrill55

Start at the Sylvia Hotel ...walk west on the sea wall .! Notice the many languages around you ....very good people and dog watching ... Cut north and walk around the pond ...then east to Denman Street.. Walk down Denman st back to the Sylvia ...Enjoy a breakfast , brunch and snack in their beautiful restaurant or lounge with the best view

3. Sunset Beach

1204 Beach Ave, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 1V3 Canada
Excellent
44%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 138 reviews

Sunset Beach

Reviewed By TV2451

You need very warm weather to take a dip here, a rare occurrence. It's a beautiful beach offering great views of the city and the waterfront, and along the great waterfront walkway.

4. Barclay Heritage Square

1440 Haro St (Bordered by Broughton, Barclay and Nicola Streets), Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1G1 Canada
Excellent
11%
Good
61%
Satisfactory
22%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 18 reviews

Barclay Heritage Square

Park containing nine historical houses.

5. Morton Park

1800 Morton Avenue, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 1Z1 Canada
Excellent
39%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
26%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 31 reviews

Morton Park

Reviewed By WilsonLin - Coquitlam, Canada

Really fun park to check out if you're in the area. It's great spot for photos. I highly recommend checking it out if you're already at the English Bay Beach.

6. Nelson Park

1030 Bute, Vancouver, British Columbia V6E 1H8 Canada http://covapp.vancouver.ca/parkfinder/parkdetail.aspx
Excellent
0%
Good
56%
Satisfactory
44%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

3.5 based on 9 reviews

Nelson Park

7. Stanley Park Cycle

768 Denman St, Vancouver, British Columbia V6G 2L5 Canada +1 604-688-0087 http://www.tourismvancouver.com/activities/cycling-mountain-biking/biking-in-stanley-park/
Excellent
0%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
33%
Poor
0%
Terrible
34%
Overall Ratings

2.5 based on 3 reviews

Stanley Park Cycle

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