A sign that says drinking is prohibited on Vancouver beaches

Vancouver’s Alcohol on Beaches pilot wraps for the summer season

October 1 2024 –

Following the conclusion of this summer’s relaunched Alcohol on Beaches pilot, beachgoers are reminded that from today (October 1), the consumption of alcohol is no longer permitted on any of Vancouver’s beaches.

This summer, residents and visitors once again enjoyed the opportunity to drink alcohol at seven beaches as part of an initiative to test responsible consumption of alcohol at suitable Vancouver locations.

Staff are now reviewing the findings from the pilot, which includes feedback from the public and staff responsible for maintaining site safety and cleanliness. The findings will be shared with the Vancouver Park Board at a later date to inform future decision making around drinking on beaches.

Alcohol in parks

Park users can continue to bring and consume alcoholic beverages at 31 permanent year-round locations. 

Drinking is permitted between 11am and 9pm daily in select sites at the following parks:

  • Adanac Park
  • Balaclava Park
  • Burrard View Park
  • Elm Park
  • Fraser River Park
  • Garden Park
  • Granville Park
  • Harbour Green Park
  • Jericho Beach Park
  • John Hendry/Trout Lake Park
  • Jonathan Rogers Park
  • Jones Park
  • Kitsilano Beach Park
  • Langara Park
  • Locarno Beach Park
  • Maple Grove Park
  • McBride Park
  • Memorial West Park
  • New Brighton Park
  • Pandora Park
  • Queen Elizabeth Park
  • Riverfront Park
  • Spanish Banks Beach Park (East, Central and West)
  • Stanley Park (Lumberman's Arch)
  • Stanley Park (Southwest (near to Lawn Bowling Club) and Second Beach)
  • Sunrise Park
  • Tatlow Park
  • Vanier Park
  • Victoria Park
  • Volunteer Park
  • Woodland Park

Site maps advising where drinking is permitted can be found on park signage and on the program webpage.

Please note that while the consumption of alcohol is sanctioned year-round at these sites, drinking is not permitted at any adjacent beaches (e.g. Kitsilano Beach).

Drinking anywhere at English Bay, Sunset Beach and Third Beach in Stanley Park is not permitted at any time of the year.

Drinking responsibly

Park users are reminded to act responsibly when drinking alcohol. We ask residents and visitors to respect other park users and help keep greenspaces clean by properly disposing of trash or taking it away with them. 

In 2023, the Park Board approved the by-law prohibiting glass beverage bottles and containers at parks and beaches, in response to concerns over broken glass and potential injury.

When consuming beverages in parks (alcoholic or not), avoid bringing any glass bottles or containers, and instead bring cans, reusable and/or plastic or paper-based containers.

For more information on the Alcohol in Parks and Beaches program, visit vancouver.ca/alcohol-in-parks