Spanish Bank are a series of beaches in the city of Vancouver, Canada, located along the shores of English Bay in the West Point Grey neighbourhood. Spanish Bank is located between Locarno Beach to the east and the grounds of the University of British Columbia to the west.
Although the first European explorers in the Strait of Georgia were the Spaniards Juan Carrasco and José María Narváez, who sighted Point Grey in 1791, the Spanish Bank were named in commemoration of the meeting of the English under George Vancouver and the Spanish under Galiano and Valdés in June 1792. While Vancouver's maps do not show the bank, Galiano's charts of 1792 and 1795 do. The Hudson's Bay Company came to call the area Spanish Bank for these reasons. The name was bestowed upon them by Captain Richards of the HMS Plumper during his survey of Burrard Inlet in 1859.
Although technically just one bank, the Spanish Bank beaches are divided into three sections: Spanish Bank East, Spanish Bank Extension, and Spanish Bank West. These beaches are backed by grassy fields, which make them popular for walks, family gatherings, picnics, soccer and volleyball games.
Spanish Bank is best known for its low tide flats, which are most prominent at Spanish Bank West. While swimming is possible at Spanish Bank East, skimboarding and kitesurfing are more popular activities at Spanish Bank West.
Spanish Bank East is situated west of Tolmie Street on Northwest Marine Drive. The beach is equipped with eight sand volleyball courts that operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. There are lifeguards on site (from Victoria Day to Labour Day), and a concession stand. A popular activity on Spanish Bank East is skimboarding in the many shallow pools and waves.
Spanish Bank Extension is to the west of Spanish Bank West on Northwest Marine Drive. There are lifeguards on site (from Victoria Day to Labour Day), but there are no concession stands or volleyball courts.
Spanish Bank West is located west of Spanish Bank East on Northwest Marine Drive. Like Spanish Bank East, this beach has eight volleyball courts, life guards on site (from Victoria Day to Labour Day) and a concession stand. However, this beach is designated as a quiet beach so no amplified music is permitted.
Spanish Banks
Events at Spanish Banks
Vancouver Hotels
Georgian Court
Discover the best of both worlds at the Georgian Court. Conveniently located in Vancouver’s downtown core, steps away from bustling Robson Street and across the street from GM Place events and BC Place events, this 180 room jewel provides deluxe hotel amenities, ample business tools and superb dining.
Centrally located on prestigious Robson Street in the heart of Vancouver’s entertainment district; only steps away from some of the finest entertainment, dining and attractions including BC Place Stadium and GM Place – home of the Vancouver Canucks!
Putting the best of Vancouver at your doorstep – fine dining, shopping and entertainment; surrounded by beautiful False Creek, close to the beach, a mini-ferry / auto ride will take you to the popular Granville Island with its colourful market and marina.
North Vancouver’s full-service landmark hotel, cradled beneath the majestic North Shore mountains; just 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver and 90 minutes from Whistler; close to all major attractions, like Capilano Suspension Bridge, Grouse Mountain, North Shore mountain bike trails and Park Royal Mall.
700 Old Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, BC V7J 2H5
This historic, boutique-style hotel offers comfort, style and value in an exceptional downtown location; immediate access to many of the city’s hot spots and tourist attractions including the Cruise Ship Terminal, Robson Street shopping and historic Gastown.
Downtown Vancouver’s most comfortable extended stay apartment styled accommodation; suites are 786 to 4,000 sq ft and boast panoramic views, close to shopping, restaurants, nightlife and major tourist destinations including Yaletown; walk to the ocean, jog along the seawall or take a mini-ferry across to Granville Island.
The only all furnished 2 bedroom apartment styled hotel in downtown Vancouver; suites are 800 to 1,000 sq ft, ideal for extended stays in the city; just minutes away from the city’s business & entertainment districts, best restaurants, shops and attractions including Granville Island and beautiful English Bay.
Downtown Vancouver’s friendliest travel apartments – studio and one-bedroom suites; centrally located in the popular West End district placing you at the doorstep of shops, businesses, restaurants and attractions including world famous Stanley Park and Canada Place.
Among the elite of North Vancouver motel accommodations, the Grouse Inn is situated at the foot of the peaceful and scenic north shore mountains. We offer you quality, warmest comfort, personal service and a convenient location that will be appreciated. We hope your stay with us will be the best and most enjoyable stay ever at a motel anywhere.
Situated on the scenic Gorge Waterway, just 5 minutes from Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour; experience the charm, comfort and warmth of home; friendly staff, serene surroundings and spacious rooms create a welcoming atmosphere for families, business travellers and groups.
Located in the heart of beautiful and historical downtown Victoria; easy walking distance to many popular attractions (Chinatown, Antique Row and Government Street), parks & gardens, specialty shops and boutiques; just a short drive from world famous Butchart Gardens; family suites available.
Perfectly located in downtown on Victoria’s beautiful Inner Harbour; close to restaurants, shopping, harbour-to-harbour seaplanes and attractions including the Parliament Buildings, Royal BC Museum and Convention Centre; across the street from Clipper and Coho Ferries Terminal; parks and beaches nearby.
Overlooking Nanaimo’s Inner Harbour, this charming “heritage” boutique style hotel blends “old world class” with all the modern conveniences to make your stay a comfortable and memorable one! You will be 5 minutes from Departure Bay ferry terminal, 20 minutes from Duke Point terminal and across from Seaplane companies in Nanaimo’s Inner Harbour.
