Spanish Banks, Public beach in Vancouver, Canada

Spanish Banks is a series of three beaches in Vancouver's West Point Grey neighbourhood, on the shore of English Bay between Locarno Beach and the University of British Columbia. Spanish Bank East, Spanish Bank Extension and Spanish Bank West are backed by grassy fields, with a separated bike path and a walking path running parallel to the water.

The name comes from 1859 when Captain Richards of HMS Plumper chose it to commemorate the 1792 encounter between English and Spanish explorers in the area. This naming reflects the cross-cultural exploration that shaped the region's early history.

Spanish Bank East holds thirty sand volleyball courts, used first-come, first-served; Spanish Bank West has eight more. The name recalls the June 1792 meeting of George Vancouver's English party with Galiano and Valdés, and was given by Captain Richards of HMS Plumper in 1859. West is a quiet beach, so no amplified music is allowed.

Certified lifeguards monitor the water during summer months, while parking is readily available near different sections for easy beach access. Planning a visit around tide times can greatly enhance your experience, as conditions change significantly throughout the day.

Spanish Bank West has the most pronounced low-tide flats of the three sections, which is why skimboarding and kitesurfing concentrate there rather than swimming. The westernmost strip, Spanish Bank Extension, has little sand and is a designated off-leash area for dogs.