Kitsilano Beach Vancouver Open Water Swimming

“Kits” Beach hosts a huge sand beach on English Bay (as well as a supervised, heated outdoor salt water pool for when ocean conditions are unfavorable). The beach is site of the Kits Challenge race, with distances up to 6K organized by Vancouver Open Water Swim Association.

Open water swimmers typically gather early mornings (before 9AM) to avoid crowds and enjoy calmer waters.  Lifeguards are present May-September (10AM-8:30PM). Watch for boat traffic as this is an active harbor area. Water quality is regularly monitored and posted on the Vancouver Coastal Health website.

The beach is easily accessible via several bus routes (#2, #4, #7) with stops along Cornwall Avenue.