Walking Vancouver's Iconic 28km Seawall in One Day

Getting ready to record my walk at Science World in Vancouver

The Vancouver Seawall is a scenic, uninterrupted pathway that runs along Vancouver's waterfront, offering stunning views and a great way to explore the city's natural beauty.

The route is flat and easy in terms of trajectory but hard in terms of distance.

Starting from Spanish Banks and ending at the Vancouver Convention Center, the Seawall covers approximately 28 kilometers.

We completed the Seawall in reverse to finish the last leg in Downtown at the end of the hike. I predicted that we would walk more than 28 km, and I would be knackered at the highest level.

I was proven right, which you see more of in the video below.

Why one day?

We fancied a challenge, and as the route is flat, I am pretty confident we could complete it without problems.

This wasn’t a race; we stopped off for brunch and checked out a few trendy cafes for coffee.

I outline key points of interest along the walk to give you the whole experience of walking the Seawall and perhaps encourage you to see a part of it when you next visit Vancouver.

Let’s dive into some details below.

Watch my episode on walking the full length of the Vancouver Seawall today!

Where to start the Vancouver Seawall?

Traditionally, most people begin their Seawall adventure at the Vancouver Convention Center, which is situated Downtown, very close to Waterfront Station, which you will probably know as the Skytrain to the airport starts and finishes there.

Most people only complete the first part of the walk, which carries on into Stanley Park from the Convention Center. This is still around the 10km mark for a walk—nothing to be sniffed at!

However, a heap of Seawall passes through English Bay towards Science World before continuing to Kits Pool, which many people would see as the end. Still, the path carries on for another five kilometers to Spanish Banks.

Due to our living location being fairly close to downtown by bus, we wanted to start in Spanish Banks and finish downtown so we could get home quicker to rest those achy feet.

Getting to Spanish Banks is a mission by public transport; for us, it was three buses, but for people in Downtown, it is two buses. Whichever way you start, you will have a great walk. On reflection, I do have a recommendation on which way to do it, but you will have to read on for that!

Why should you walk the Vancouver Seawall?

This is one of the most iconic sites in Vancouver to see!

The best thing about it is that it passes many other areas of interest, which I will cover below, so you can walk just part of it and still tick off some other activities on your itinerary.

Moreover, the whole path is flat, so it is easy on the knees and feet. There are heaps of amenities along the way if you need them, and lots of transport options if you want to opt out, apart from Stanley Park, but I will get into that below.

Vancouver Seawall route and key points of interest.

1. Spanish Banks

The journey begins at Spanish Banks, a series of beaches along English Bay's shores. This area is popular for its sandy beaches, picnic spots, and calm waters, perfect for kayaking and paddleboarding. The Seawall here is more of a gravel path, ideal for walking and cycling.

Tip: If you end your walking journey here, beware of the limited public transport options. There is one little bus that goes into Kitsilano every thirty minutes, so be sure to chill on the beach and keep an eye on the bus near the Spanish Banks Loop.
Thoughts: I love Spanish Banks. The beach has so much space for you to spread out, and if you are driving, there is parking, which is now paid parking. There are some amenities but not loads in terms of restaurants or cafes, so make sure you bring a picnic or snacks to chill out on the beach. There are stunning views of the North Shore, Stanley Park, and the downtown area. Dreamy.

2. Jericho Beach

Continuing along the Seawall, you'll reach Jericho Beach. This area offers beach activities, a sailing club, and grassy fields. The city skyline and the North Shore Mountains are particularly striking from here.

Tip: This is an extension to Spanish Banks, which are so much more of the same but a little closer to more civilization. Check out the rabbits who chill in this area, but don’t feed them and ensure your dog doesn’t attack them. Many grassy areas are here to get set up for a barbecue.
Thoughts: This is another popular area for hanging out at the beach, but it is a tad busier as it is closer to Kitsilano; make sure you get there early to get a parking spot if driving. If you are into your volleyball, games are happening here every weekend.

3. Kitsilano Beach

Next is Kitsilano Beach, commonly known as "Kits Beach." This vibrant area is a hub for outdoor activities, including volleyball, swimming, and sunbathing. The Kitsilano Pool, a saltwater outdoor pool, is also a popular attraction.

Tip: Kitsilano as an area will be a whole new video from me in the future, as it is one of my favorite areas in Vancouver. Kits, as it is known, is very popular with young professionals, families, and students as there is trendy 4th Avenue for bars, restaurants, cafes, and then the beach. It's a great place to hang out for a day.
Thoughts: Where do I start? I have given a brunch recommendation below, as this is five kilometers from Spanish Banks, and we got hungry. Be sure to check out Platform 7 for a great coffee up on Broadway. Sophie’s Cosmic Cafe does my favorite brunch in Vancouver on the 4th, and Las Margaritas does great cocktails for a Mexican-themed bar. An area full of leafy streets, trendy cafes, tasty brunches, idyllic parks, easy access to beaches, and great transport links into downtown Vancouver.

4. Vanier Park

As you head east, the path leads to Vanier Park, home to several cultural attractions, including the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the H.R. MacMillan Space Centre. The park also offers great views of False Creek and downtown Vancouver.

Tip: This is a great area to run as the path is relatively flat and snakes the water giving you awesome views in both directions. If you run in the opposite direction of this route for our walk, you will start to see English Bay, Stanley Park, North Shore, and even Vancouver Island in the distance.
Thoughts: On the walk, this felt like the end of the first quarter or so as we turned the corner and faced downtown. This park is very popular for music performances, picnic spots, and organizing watersports. A lot of paddleboarders and kayakers depart from this part, as there is a boat ramp into the harbor.

5. Granville Island

After Vanier Park, you can cross the False Creek inlet to reach Granville Island. This vibrant area is famous for its public market, artisan shops, theaters, and restaurants. It's a lively cultural and culinary hub.

Tip: One of the top things to do in Vancouver on Google. This island has everything you need, and I would advise going during the week if you can, as the weekends get busy. You need time to wander the markets and the breweries here.
Thoughts: This will be another video, too, as there are heaps to see and do on Granville Island. My personal favourite is to get a Lees Donut or an ice cream and find a bench on the outside facing the water, a lot of great views to take in while you chomp away on your food.

6. Yaletown and False Creek

The Seawall then continues along False Creek, passing through the trendy Yaletown neighborhood. This area features a mix of modern residential buildings, parks, and dining spots. It's a great place for a leisurely walk or bike ride.

Tip: Vancouver is pretty boring for a night out, but if you want an area where you can grab a few beers at some cool hip breweries next door to some chic Asian restaurants, then Yaletown is your area.
Thoughts: If I could choose anywhere in Vancouver to own an apartment tomorrow, it would be in Yaletown, as this area is super trendy. You are within walking distance from the Seawall, walking distance from the metro to the airport, next door to all the cool spots, and pretty close to downtown. However, one problem is that the cool modern apartments go for millions, so it is impossible, I am afraid unless you are a boomer.

7. David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park

As you move along, you'll pass through David Lam Park and George Wainborn Park. These parks offer beautiful green spaces and are perfect for relaxing, playing sports, or enjoying the views of False Creek.

Tip: If you don’t want to walk all the way from Granville Island to here, grab the shuttle boat, which you can pay for with your card; quite a few dotting up and down the harbor.
Thoughts: This is the part of the Seawall I have explored least, but when we hit this area, we hit the 14 km mark, which technically, for us, was halfway through the Seawall walk (we had done more before the walk). It was nice to chill out on the bench, speak into the camera with a Coke and some Reeces, and have a great view of the harbor. My memory of this walk is when my hip started to ache.

8. Sunset Beach and English Bay Beach

The Seawall then reaches Sunset Beach and English Bay Beach, popular spots for sunbathing, swimming, and watching stunning sunsets. The area is bustling with activity, especially in the summer.

Tip: Hook Restaurant has a really nice patio overlooking the bay; if you get there for happy hour, then there are great prices on food and drink.
Thoughts: Another area of downtown Vancouver that I love, with stunning sea views, Stanley Park, and the harbor, is a great place to hang out. Many people finish here when biking around the Seawall in Stanley Park, as it is one-way only, starting on the Vancouver Convention side. So, people park their bikes up, grab a drink, and sit at the beach. English Bay probably has the best beach in metro Vancouver, too, and it rivals Spanish Banks. Most water or Vancouver night activities take place here, so note this place in your diary.

9. Stanley Park

One of the most iconic sections of the Seawall is in Stanley Park. The park's portion of the Seawall is a 9-kilometer loop around the park, offering breathtaking views of the ocean, mountains, and city skyline. Key highlights include the Vancouver Aquarium, Brockton Point Lighthouse, and the iconic Siwash Rock.

Tip: This is in-and-out, so you will need to commit when walking the route, and you won’t be disappointed with 360-degree views of the city; if you are biking, it is one way, so grab a bike at Denman Street on West Georgia Street and start your bike ride there.
Thoughts: I have walked it often in my Vancouver life and love it almost every time. This time was different as we had to finish our epic walk with a fully committed walk with a guaranteed 8-10 km left, which was tough. There are great stop-offs at Sunset Beach and Third Beach if you need that dip in the water, but this park is Vancouver’s most famous activity. A flat walk in the summertime, getting views all the way around, is a great free activity in Vancouver (if you are walking).

10. Coal Harbour

Exiting Stanley Park, the Seawall continues along the Coal Harbour waterfront. This area is known for its marinas, luxury condos, and beautiful views of the North Shore Mountains. The Vancouver Rowing Club and the Vancouver Convention Centre are prominent landmarks here.

Tip: If you fancy splashing out on a seaplane to get stunning views of British Columbia, this is where you can get scenic flights with Harbour Air.
Thoughts: This part of the walk is a popular haunt for lunch or after-work walks as it is very close to the downtown business area and transport links. There are many places to grab a drink and enjoy the marina views.

11. Vancouver Convention Center

The Seawall journey concludes at the Vancouver Convention Centre. This iconic building features a striking design and is a hub for major events and conferences. Nearby, you can also see the Olympic Cauldron from the 2010 Winter Olympics.

Tip: Keep an eye on the Convention Center for events, as this is one of the biggest spaces for them. I once went there for a travel expo, and it was pretty cool.
Thoughts: We made it to the Convention Center after our 28 km walk; I was so tired. This area is always busy with tourists, especially as the cruise ships dock here, and I only tend to go there for events or a quick snap of the North Shore. The views are sensational from here, so make sure you get your camera ready to marvel at the mountains in the distance; it never gets boring.

Three cafe recommendations along the route.

Cafe Zen on Yew

Café Zen on Yew is a cozy and laid-back breakfast and brunch spot located in the Kitsilano neighborhood of Vancouver, specifically on Yew Street, close to Kitsilano Beach. Known for its casual atmosphere, friendly service, and hearty portions, it has been a local favorite for many years.

Café Zen is renowned for its classic breakfast and brunch offerings. The menu includes a wide range of options, from traditional eggs benedict to fluffy pancakes, omelets, and French toast. They are particularly famous for their eggs benedict, which comes in various styles and with a choice of different toppings.

This was our breakfast of choice on this day.

2. Convivial Cafe

Convivial Café is a charming and cozy spot in Vancouver known for its inviting atmosphere and focus on community. The café's name, "convivial," perfectly captures the essence of the place—it’s designed to be warm, friendly, and a hub for social interaction.

The café offers a diverse menu with a focus on quality, locally-sourced ingredients. They serve a variety of coffee drinks, from classic espresso-based beverages to creative seasonal offerings. In addition to coffee, Convivial Café is known for its selection of teas, freshly baked pastries, and light meals, including sandwiches, salads, and breakfast items.

A perfect stop-off for coffee near the Cambie Bridge.

3. Breka Bakery & Café (Denman Street)

Just a short walk from the Seawall near Stanley Park, Breka is a popular 24-hour bakery and café offering a wide variety of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. It's a convenient stop for a quick treat.

We love visiting Breka as the cakes are sensational, we didn’t on this occasion but you definitely should when visiting Vancouver.

Scan the Skyscanner QR code below to book your Vancouver flight today, or use the tool below!

Skycanner - click to book now! — Scan this QR code or click the picture for a link to book your flight today!

Some essential tips for navigating Vancouver.

The journey

Vancouver Airport is a major international hub, and when you arrive, you will be 25 minutes by train from downtown. Most people tend to stay in Downtown or Yaletown when visiting Vancouver and these areas are great spots to be based in when walking the Seawall.

ESim or SIM card providers

In Canada, I would stick with the ESim option as phone plans are silly expensive here; I use GigSky, which you can order here. They offer very competitive rates with popular perks such as free use of 100 in an emergency, no internet required to update your app with a new plan, and customer service options if you need to talk to someone.

Language

English is the main language; however, if you speak French or Mandarin, you can find tour operators who could help with this type of trip in Vancouver.

Book your Vancouver accommodation today!

Booking.com

Summary of Vancouver’s Seawall

The Vancouver Seawall is a fantastic way to experience the city's diverse neighborhoods, natural beauty, and cultural landmarks.

Whether you're walking, cycling, or rollerblading, it's a must-do activity for both locals and visitors.

Do you need to do it in one go? Hell no, but we fancied a challenge.

If you do it one go, I would advise doing the opposite of what we did, as that last leg in Stanley Park was brutal. Stanley Park is a commitment and that is much easier at the beginning rather than the end.

If you covered the seawall over a weekend, you could pick out some trendy cafes, awesome brunch spots, markets, activities, and beach stops to really make it a full weekend.

But what a challenge. Here are some stats for you.

43,000 steps, 34.51km walked, over 2000 calories burned apparently, one brunch, two coffees, 4 buses, one damaged hip, three cruise ships, one guy biking the wrong way on the seawall, one bottle of coke consumed, and stunning views.

What more could you want on a day out in Vancouver?