The West Side (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is The West Side?
What makes it 89% Couple-Friendly: Couples get sunset walks on Spanish Banks, Edwardian architecture strolls, romantic tea house breaks, and beach picnics; restaurants on West 4th add date-night options.
Positives:
- Mirror-like tidal flats: Low tide at Spanish Banks creates reflective beach ideal for couples’ photos
- Bird watching: Winter brings bald eagles between sea and sky at Jericho Beach
Challenges:
- Parking availability: Metered spots fill quickly near beaches; arrive early or use the Parkmobile app
- Variable tides: Tidal flats appear only at low tides; check tide schedules before visiting
What is The West Side?
- A predominantly residential district on Vancouver’s western peninsula, extending from Kitsilano through Point Grey to the University of British Columbia
- A built environment of Edwardian and Craftsman-style homes lining tree-canopied avenues interspersed with low-rise commercial corridors on West 4th and West 10th Avenues
- A coastal greenbelt encompassing Jericho Beach, Spanish Banks tidal flats and the 763-hectare Pacific Spirit Regional Park
What is so special about The West Side for couple trip?
- Enjoy beach picnics with sunset views of Lions Gate Bridge
- Share a kayak and paddle past colorful sailboats in English Bay
- Stroll cedar forest trails under towering cedars
- Relax over premium teas in the heritage TWG Tea Gallery
- Discover local art in the restored Heritage Hall
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Enough time to picnic, paddle, hike and enjoy tea without rushing
Couple-Friendly Activities in The West Side
Sunset picnic at Spanish Banks Beach:
Spread a blanket on golden sand facing Lions Gate Bridge at sunset
Tip: Bring snacks and reserve metered parking via Parkmobile app
Kayaking at Jericho Sailing Centre:
Rent a kayak and paddle along English Bay past colorful sailboats
Tip: Book online in summer and wear water shoes
Cedar forest hike in Pacific Spirit Regional Park:
Follow moderate trails under an ancient cedar canopy
Tip: Carry water, use the trail map posted at the lot entrance
Tea tasting at TWG Tea Gallery:
Sample high-grade loose teas in a heritage-style setting
Tip: Try the afternoon tea set and reserve a table on weekends
Explore Heritage Hall art space:
Browse rotating exhibits in a restored 1920s fire station
Tip: Check open hours online (usually Wed–Sun)
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to The West Side
- Time your visit at low tide: Use a tide app to plan for 1 hour before and after low tide at Spanish Banks
- Reserve rentals early: Book kayaking or windsurfing at Jericho Sailing Centre online to secure gear
- Use the Seaside Seawall: Start or end your visit with a 2 km walk for skyline and bridge views
When is the best time to visit The West Side (Vancouver, Canada)?
In winter watch bald eagles hover at Jericho Beach. In summer book water rentals early. Check tide charts for Spanish Banks’ reflective flats at low tide around sunset.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Metered parking (2 hours) | CAD 3 |
| Kayak rental (1 hour) | CAD 30 |
| Afternoon tea set for two | CAD 24 |
| Picnic groceries | CAD 30 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 87 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of The West Side
Address: West Side, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides The West Side (Vancouver)?
About The West Side
10 BEST nearby Activities
Explore Popular Things to Do
🇺🇸 United States, couple trip
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, couple trip
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!
10 BEST nearby Activities