Jericho Beach in Vancouver – Everything You Need To Know
Jericho Beach is a very popular summer destination in Vancouver’s Point Grey neighborhood. At Jericho, you can find incredible views of the North Shore, and the downtown skyline to the west. With the large Jericho Park sheltering the beach, there is no city noise while still being conveniently located. This beach is also popular for kayaking, sailing, and windsurfing with a watersports rental spot to the west, and the Jericho Yacht Club to the east. Jericho has everything you could need for the perfect summer day.
Even though I grew up in Vancouver, I never spent much time at Jericho Beach until I was an adult. I’ve only visited this beach a few times, but it’s definitely in my top five beaches in Van because it has incredible views, it’s very well maintained, and the large park is great for picnics or beach birthday parties. Jericho is different than other city beaches in Vancouver, like English Bay or Kits Beach because it is more family-oriented, and sheltered from city traffic by the park. It’s a great chill beach to come and enjoy the sun and sea.
Where is Jericho Beach?
Jericho Beach is located in Vancouver’s Point Grey Neighborhood, on the southern shore of the Burrard Inlet. The beach is at the northern end of the large Jericho Beach Park which includes numerous walking trails, tennis courts, softball diamonds, and other sporting fields. To the east of Jericho Beach is the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, and to the west is the Jericho Sailing Club, and Beach Kayak Center. The main entrance to the beach is at the end of Point Grey Road.
Epic views of the North Shore
The fantastic views from Jericho Beach are a major part of what makes it such a great beach. Jericho looks out over the Burrard Inlet with unobstructed views of the mountains on the North Shore, and the West Vancouver skyline. You can see Mount Cypress to the northwest, and Mount Seymour to the northeast, as well as Stanley Park, and parts of the Downtown Vancouver Skyline. You also get some pretty great sunsets to the west. With the mountains in the background and large ships in the inlet, it’s like staring at a beautiful painting all day.
Jericho Beach concession stand
The concession stand at Jericho Beach is operated by the Vancouver Parks and Recreation Board, so it shares the same menu with other concession stands in the city, like Second Beach, Third Beach, and Spanish Banks. The stand is located at the head of the beach by the main entrance. On the menu is typical concession items like burgers, fish and chips, fries, cold drinks, and ice cream. There are some vegetarian and pescetarian items available which is nice, and food is served hot, fresh, and relatively quickly. It’s a nice option to be able to pop over for some lunch on a beach day instead of packing your own.
There are a few picnic tables in front of the concession, benches along the walking path, and picnic tables in the park too. Throughout the park, there are trash cans to dispose of waste, and at the concession, there are sorting bins for compost, recycling, and garbage to more responsibly dispose of items.
Amenities at Jericho Beach
There are public restrooms and change rooms on the right side of the concession stand. There is also an outdoor shower at the edge of the beach just before the concession stand and a water fountain. While simple, Jericho has all the practical amenities so you don’t have to worry about planning bathroom breaks around your trip, packing in tons of water, or bringing any sand home with you.
What else is there to do at Jericho Beach?
Beach volleyball:
There are 2 open volleyball courts at Jericho Beach that are free to use. You can loan the net from the lifeguard station, and just have to bring your own ball.
Great swimming:
Swimming at this beach is great because the sea floor is mostly sand and small pebbles. Walking out to the water is no challenge. There is also a lifeguard on duty all summer long so you can feel safe while you swim.
Jericho Park:
At Jericho Beach Park you can do a number of activities. There are tennis courts, a softball field, a rugby field, a soccer field, and tons of walking paths to explore.
Picnic and barbecues:
Throughout Jericho Park, there are picnic tables where you can host a barbecue. There are free-to-use as well as reservation-only tables that you can reserve through the Vancouver parks and recreation website.
Watersports:
The western end of Jericho Beach is the destination for those looking for some adventure on the water. There is the Windsure Adventure Watersports location where you can rent paddleboards, windsurf boards, and skimboards. You can also sign up for lessons and passes! Next to Windsure Adventure Watersports is also Jericho Beach Kayak, where you can rent kayaks and take kayak lessons as well!
The pros and cons of Jericho Beach
It’s honestly a bit difficult to come up with any cons. The beach is not overly busy, the swimming is great, and the views are even better. The concession is an added bonus, and the walking trails in the park, sporting fields, and beach volleyball courts will keep you entertained all day. The only con I would provide is that there can sometimes be litter on the beach, or near the concession stand. This is unfortunately common at any city beach, so just clean up after yourself to help keep Vancouver beaches as pristine as possible.
FAQs about Jericho Beach
Is there parking at Jericho Beach?
Yes, there is parking for Jericho Beach at the end of Point Grey Rd, as well as street parking and additional parking lots throughout Jericho Beach Park.
Are there public restrooms at Jericho Beach?
Yes, there are public restrooms attached to the concession building.
Can you barbecue at Jericho Beach?
You cannot barbecue on the beach, but you can barbecue at Jericho Park as long as you follow the policies and guidelines for barbecuing on the Vancouver parks and recreation website.
