English Bay Inukshuk Tours and Activities

English Bay Inukshuk which includes landscape views and a park
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Take a delicious dip in the sea before sinking your toes into the soft sand and watching the passing boats from the shorefront of this urban beach paradise.

Not far from the city centre lies this beautiful stretch of sand perfect for soaking up the sun. Take an afternoon nap, stroll the shoreline, or hire a kayak at the ever-popular English Bay which sits just a short walk from Stanley Park. Here you'll find cycling and hiking trails. Grab a bite to eat at the many cafés, bars, and shops across the road in Denman Street.

Originally established as a swimming beach in 1893 with a few shacks built along the shore for shade and changing, English Bay, as well as the nearby group of beaches known as Spanish Banks, were named in honour of an international collaboration in 1792 between Captain George Vancouver of the British Navy, and Captain Dionisio Galiano of the Spanish Navy, in charting the region for their native countries.

The English Bay affords visitors fabulous views of the greenery at Stanley Park and the towering mountains that loom large above the shore. As the day draws to an end, find yourself a place amidst the crowds to watch the sky put on a dazzling show of reds, pinks, and oranges.

Every year, an increasingly large crowd converges at the bay for two popular events. If you’re visiting in July/early August don’t miss the Celebration of Light International Fireworks Competition. The three-day carnival sees three international teams compete against each other to be the brightest spark in the largest off-shore fireworks display in the world.

If you’re around in the winter and are brave enough, take a plunge on New Year's Day into the icy waters of the Pacific at the annual Polar Bear Swim, a tradition dating back to 1920. Or just come to watch people in all sorts of costumes, fancy dress, or even their birthday suit take up the challenge of the 91-metre swim. To take part in the swim, you must register (for free) with the Vancouver Polar Bear Swim Club before the race.

English Bay is an easy stroll from downtown. It’s also accessible by bus. Street parking is available, but can be hard to find during the busy summer season.

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Top English Bay Inukshuk Hotel & Accommodation Deals

English Bay Hotel
English Bay Hotel
2 out of 5
1150 Denman Street, Vancouver, BC
English Bay Hotel
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
4.5 out of 5
845 Burrard St, Vancouver, BC
The Sutton Place Hotel Vancouver
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
4 out of 5
1133 Hastings St W, Vancouver, BC
Pinnacle Hotel Harbourfront
Best Western Plus Sands
Best Western Plus Sands
3 out of 5
1755 Davie St, Vancouver, BC
Best Western Plus Sands
The Burrard
The Burrard
3 out of 5
1100 Burrard Street, Vancouver, BC
The Burrard
Moda Hotel
Moda Hotel
3.5 out of 5
900 Seymour St, Vancouver, BC
Moda Hotel
Grand Park Hotel and Suites Vancouver Downtown
Grand Park Hotel and Suites Vancouver Downtown
3 out of 5
718 Drake St, Vancouver, BC
Grand Park Hotel and Suites Vancouver Downtown
Sylvia Hotel
Sylvia Hotel
3 out of 5
1154 Gilford St, Vancouver, BC
Sylvia Hotel
The Parker Hotel Vancouver
The Parker Hotel Vancouver
3.5 out of 5
1379 Howe St, Vancouver, BC
The Parker Hotel Vancouver
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.