Despite the blustery west coast weather that Vancouver typically receives in the late autumn and early winter season, this does not deter locals or visitors from visiting the iconic English Bay, a captivating ocean side with one of the most panoramic vistas of the city. It’s virtually jam-packed with people for the popular New Years Day Polar Bear Swim as well as for the internationally acclaimed Celebration of Light fireworks festival in the summer, but during the late fall/early winter when English Bay in the West End neighbourhood is less crowded does it become an interesting area that is truly worthwhile to investigate.
Start your day by waking up to a glorious autumn view of Devonian Park, a postage stamp-sized slip of green space located at the entrance of Stanley Park and flanked by Coal Harbour. They’re all at the northernmost tip of the West End, a vibrant ‘hood filled with an exciting restaurant scene along Denman St: sample bibimbap from Korea, authentic ramen from Japan, hand pies from Australia or a signature craft cocktail from one many bars and cafes with a beach side view; the dining choices are seemingly endless.
And while you’re having a stroll along this part of the seawall, stop by a few of the spectacular public art pieces right at the beach: Engagement: double engagement rings; Inukshuk: a First Nations monument, and 217.5 Arc X 13, a stylized piece of steel reminiscent of a whale’s rib cage.