English Bay Beach, beach in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
English Bay Beach, also called First Beach, is a sandy beach along Beach Avenue between Gilford and Bidwell Streets in Vancouver. It features a swimming raft with a large slide, two sand volleyball courts, a concession, public washrooms, and kayak rentals.
In the early 1900s, Joe Fortes, Vancouver's first self-proclaimed lifeguard, lived in a shack on the beach and taught people to swim. The current bathhouse was built in 1932, replacing an earlier structure.
The beach hosts the annual Polar Bear Swim on New Year's Day, when thousands gather to plunge into the cold water. In summer, the Celebration of Light fireworks competition draws crowds to the shoreline.
Lifeguards are on duty from late May to early September, and the beach offers an accessible pathway with Mobi-Mats and water wheelchairs. The Stanley Park Seawall runs along the east side, making it easy to reach on foot or by bike.
The beach is lined with palm trees and bright flowers, giving it a tropical look that surprises many visitors. It is also the most populated beach area in downtown Vancouver.
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