Vancouver has a dozen great beaches, and all lifeguards in summer. As a bonus, both Second Beach in Stanley Park, and Kitsilano Beach have huge, heated swimming pools, so you can swim in the ocean or swim in a pool and look out at the ocean.
You can ocean kayak all year round in Vancouver.
Ecomarine, located on Granville Island, and during the summer at Jericho Beach as well, rents a wide assortment of one and two person kayaks. From either Granville Island or Jericho Beach, you can explore False Creek and English Bay.
Or you can rent kayaks for longer periods of time and go on a nearby ocean kayaking adventure in some of the best kayaking areas in the world.
During the spring and summer, April 1-October 31, kayaks and canoes are available in Deep Cove, located at the eastern edge of North Vancouver. From the Deep Cove dock, you can paddle up Indian Arm, an 18 km fjord/inlet with calm water surrounded by spectacular mountains.
During the summer, canoes and Kayaks are also available at Ambleside Beach in West Vancouver. From Ambleside, you can explore the mouth of the Capilano River and the West Vancouver coastline.
Lifeguards are posted on beaches until September 4.
Here's a list of prominent Vancouver beaches starting in Stanley Park and ending at UBC.
Third Beach (Stanley Park)
Second Beach (Stanley Park)
English Bay
Kitsilano ("Kits") Beach
Jericho
Locarno Beach
Spanish Banks Beach
Another fun way to explore the water is by renting a boat. At Sewell's Marina in Horseshoe Bay you can rent a powerboat and discover spectacular Howe Sound. I like to cruise up to Gibson's and grab lunch at Molly's Reach - Remember "The Beachcombers" on CBC?!?
Another boat rental place is Granville Island. Here you can explore Vancouver's False Creek and enjoy the views of Point Greay, Spanish Banks and Vancouver's stunning downtown skyline.
- NUMBER1EXPERT™ 
