Locarno Beach Vancouver
Vancouver's serene Locarno Beach offers vast sandy shores, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape with accessible pathways and amenities.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Locarno Beach Vancouver
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vancouver's serene Locarno Beach offers vast sandy shores, stunning sunsets, and a peaceful escape with accessible pathways and amenities.
"The sunset was stunning from there. Great place for paddle boarding and watching the sunset."
🚗 Parking Patience
Pay parking is enforced. Arrive early on weekends or opt for weekdays to secure a spot.
🧥 Bring a Sweater
Even sunny days can be breezy. A light sweater is recommended for comfort.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Expansive Sandy Shores
Main beach area
Miles of soft sand perfect for sunbathing, building sandcastles, and long walks. The tide recedes far, revealing tidal pools.

Spectacular Sunset Views
Western-facing shoreline
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the water and mountains. A photographer's dream.

Family-Friendly Tidal Pools
Low tide areas
Discover fascinating marine life in shallow tidal pools, perfect for curious kids and adults alike.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Parking
Embrace the Elements
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Patience
Pay parking is enforced. Arrive early on weekends or opt for weekdays to secure a spot.
🧥 Bring a Sweater
Even sunny days can be breezy. A light sweater is recommended for comfort.
🐰 Respect the Wildlife
Feral rabbits are common. Please do not feed them to protect their health and habitat.
🍺 Alcohol Pilot Program
Check signage for designated areas where alcohol consumption is permitted.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Patience
Pay parking is enforced. Arrive early on weekends or opt for weekdays to secure a spot.
🧥 Bring a Sweater
Even sunny days can be breezy. A light sweater is recommended for comfort.
🐰 Respect the Wildlife
Feral rabbits are common. Please do not feed them to protect their health and habitat.
🍺 Alcohol Pilot Program
Check signage for designated areas where alcohol consumption is permitted.
🚶♀️ Explore the Path
Enjoy the scenic pathway for walking, jogging, and biking with great ocean views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Locarno Beach is praised for its vast, soft sandy shores and stunning sunset views, offering a more tranquil experience than some other Vancouver beaches. Visitors appreciate the accessible pathway for recreation and the presence of concessions. Some find the seaweed concentration by the water unpleasant at times, and parking can be a hassle during peak hours.
"Great beach, lots of sand and it spreads out as you keep walking. Less crowded than Kits Beach. Wonderful pathway, lots of people walking, jogging, and biking.
There are 2 concession stands here serving pub style food, cold drinks, and ice cream.
There is a pilot alcohol program in place in some areas, signs are clear.
Lots of bunnies around here in April and May! Many signs requesting not to feed the bunnies.
Many parking stalls available, usually you can find a spot even in peak summer. Pay parking in effect most hours of the day."
Shawn
"So amazing! If it’s under 15 degrees wear a sweater it gets windy if it’s not super sunny and cold."
Shawn Desmand
"Nice sandy beach. In some parts there’s a concentration of seaweed that smells right by the water, but you can just keep going till you get your a better part.
The sunset was stunning from there.
Great place for paddle boarding and watching the sunset.
There’s a good amount of parking space nearby. The parking is paid.
Currently the beach closes at 10 pm."
Ghazal
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Locarno Beach is accessible by car, with pay parking available. Public transit options exist, though may require transfers. Cycling is also a popular way to reach the beach via the scenic seawall path.
Yes, there is a parking lot adjacent to the beach. It is a paid parking lot, with fees in effect for most hours of the day. Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends.
Absolutely! Locarno Beach is easily accessible by bike via Vancouver's extensive seawall and bike path network. It's a great way to avoid parking hassles.
While direct transit can be tricky, you can take a bus towards the Kitsilano area and then potentially walk or take a shorter bus route. Cycling is often the most convenient car-free option.
Locarno Beach is located west of downtown Vancouver, offering a scenic escape. It's a short drive or a longer bike ride from the city center.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Locarno Beach is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. You only need to pay for parking if you are driving.
Locarno Beach is generally open from dawn until dusk. Specific park hours can vary, but it's typically accessible throughout the day. The beach currently closes at 10 pm.
No, tickets are not required for Locarno Beach as it is a public access area. Enjoy the beach freely!
Visitors are asked to respect the environment, not feed the wildlife (especially rabbits), and adhere to any posted signage regarding alcohol consumption or beach rules.
While dogs are generally allowed on beaches in Vancouver, it's always best to check current local bylaws. Some areas may have leash requirements or specific dog-friendly zones.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can swim, sunbathe, build sandcastles, explore tidal pools, paddleboard, walk, jog, and bike along the pathway. It's also a prime spot for sunset viewing.
Yes, there are concession stands offering pub-style food, drinks, and ice cream. Washrooms are also available for visitor convenience.
Locarno Beach has good swimming opportunities, especially during low tide when the water is warmer and shallower.
The sand at Locarno Beach is soft and plentiful. It spreads out as you walk, offering ample space for relaxation and activities.
Yes, picnics are welcome at Locarno Beach. There are areas with trees for shade, and the open sand provides plenty of space.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are concession stands directly at Locarno Beach serving pub-style food, drinks, and ice cream. For more options, you can explore nearby areas like Kitsilano.
Absolutely! Locarno Beach is a great spot for picnics. You can bring your own food and drinks to enjoy by the ocean.
The concession stands typically offer pub-style food, cold drinks, and ice cream, perfect for a casual beach day.
Vancouver has a pilot alcohol program in place at some beaches. Look for clear signage at Locarno Beach to determine where consumption is permitted.
While there are concessions on the beach, more extensive restaurant options are a short drive or bike ride away in neighboring areas like Kitsilano.
📸 📸 Photography
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photography. Sunset is particularly stunning here.
You can capture stunning landscapes, ocean views, city skylines, mountain backdrops, and vibrant sunsets. Wildlife, like the local rabbits, can also be subjects.
The western-facing shoreline is ideal for sunset shots. The expansive sandy areas and the pathway offer various perspectives for capturing the beach's beauty.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant cityscapes or wildlife. Don't forget a tripod for low-light sunset shots.
It can get crowded during peak sunset times, especially on weekends. Consider visiting on a weekday or earlier in the day for a more serene photography experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that parking can be a challenge on busy days, so arriving early is key. While there are concessions for snacks, bringing your own picnic is also a great option. Remember to pack layers, as the ocean breeze can be cool even on sunny days. The nearby pathway is also great for strollers or for kids to burn off energy.
🚶♀️ Active Visitors & Cyclists
Cycling is a particularly recommended way to access Locarno Beach, as it bypasses the often-difficult parking situation. You can easily lock up your bike and then enjoy the beach. The open space also makes it a great spot for beach volleyball or frisbee if you bring your own gear.
📸 Photographers & Sunset Chasers
To get the best shots, consider visiting during the golden hour. While popular, weekdays or earlier in the day can offer a less crowded experience for setting up your tripod. The vast sandy expanse, the gentle waves, and the distant city and mountain views provide a diverse range of photographic opportunities.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Locarno Beach
The beach's western orientation makes it a prime location for witnessing spectacular sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky often ignites with a breathtaking display of colors, reflecting beautifully on the water and providing a magical backdrop for an evening stroll or a quiet moment of reflection. The combination of the vast sandy expanse, the gentle lapping of waves, and the stunning visual spectacle of a Vancouver sunset creates an unforgettable experience.
Beyond its natural beauty, Locarno Beach is also appreciated for its amenities. Visitors can find concession stands offering refreshments and casual food options, as well as washrooms for convenience. The adjacent pathway is ideal for walking, jogging, or cycling, connecting beachgoers to other scenic spots along the waterfront. While parking is available, it is paid, and can be challenging during peak times, so planning your visit accordingly is advised.
Navigating Locarno Beach: Practicalities & Tips
The weather at Locarno Beach can be unpredictable. Even on warm days, a cool ocean breeze is common, so bringing a sweater or light jacket is highly recommended, especially for the evenings. This is particularly true if you plan to stay for the sunset, which, while beautiful, can be accompanied by a noticeable drop in temperature.
Locarno Beach is also known for its resident feral rabbits, particularly in the spring. While charming, visitors are strongly urged not to feed them. This helps maintain the rabbits' natural behaviors and health, and preserves the beach environment. Additionally, be aware of the pilot alcohol program; signs will indicate designated areas where responsible consumption is permitted.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit