Kitsilano is a small Vancouver neighbourhood located just southwest of downtown, sharing a northern border with the Burrard Inlet and English Bay. With easy access to the beach, the university, and downtown, Kitsilano truly is one of the most desirable places to call home in all of Vancouver.

If you live in or near the Kitsilano area or are planning a Vancouver getaway in the near future, you’re in luck. The summertime is the best time of year to enjoy what Kitsilano has to offer. When you’re here, be sure to stop by your local dispensary to pickup some summertime essentials.

In this article we’re sharing some of the best summertime activities, outdoor adventures, and events to join in on in Kitsilano this summer.

Activities & Outdoor Fun

Kits Beach

One of the main attractions of the Kitsilano neighbourhood is the beach. Kits Beach is one of the best and busiest in the city, with beautiful views of the Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver, and the mountains across the inlet.

The beach itself stretches a couple blocks on the northern edge of Kitsilano and offers plenty of summertime activities. The Beach Park is a popular recreation area complete with a pool and nearby tennis courts. The Kitsilano Pool and concession is located on the western side of the beach, and the northeastern area has basketball courts and a beach playground.

Greektown

The Greektown section of Kitsilano is the old enclave of Greek immigrants, which has now become one of the best areas in town for food. The Greektown section is centered around West Broadway, stretching about half a dozen blocks in the middle of the neighbourhood.

There is incredible Greek food to be found all over the city of Vancouver, but these restaurants aren’t concentrated in Greektown like you’d think. Instead, Greektown has become a melting pot of flavours and international cuisine. Here’s a preview of what you’ll find in Greektown:

• Lebanese: Nuba
• Japanese: Pho Japolo
• Greek: Nostos Taverna
• Malaysian: Banana Leaf
• Thai: Thai Basil
• Afghan: East Is East
• Mexican: Tachingón
• Japanese: Iki
• Indian: Tandoori Fusion
• Chinese: HaiDiLao Hotpot

Vanier Park

Home to the Museum of Vancouver, the Vancouver Maritime Museum, and the City of Vancouver Archives, Vanier Park is located near Kits Point by the Burrard Street Bridge and across from Sunset Beach Park. This beautiful coastal park space at the edge of English Bay faces downtown Vancouver with the picturesque mountain backdrop in the background, and is wildly popular during the warmer months.

There’s lots of action happening at Vanier Park. In the summertime, boat owners pull their boats in and out of the water at the launching ramp for small craft or the nearby public marina. There are open fields for activities, wide pathways, and even a BMX bike park complete with dirt ramps, jumps, and gaps.

Vanier Park is also home to Bard on the Beach, Western Canada’s largest professional Shakespeare festival that runs from June through September every year. With an average attendance of 100,000 Vanier Park is the place to be in the summer months. Get yourself some tickets and catch world-class performances with a stunning backdrop.

Granville Island

Granville Island is a top destination for tourists and locals all year round, but the summertime here is special. Located just a few minutes on foot from the Kitsilano neighbourhood border of Burrard Street, Granville Island is a hotspot for shopping, food, and entertainment.

The Granville Public Market is a bustling indoor market for local food and art, located on the northern part of the island. It’s an excellent place to walk around and enjoy some of the best views of downtown and False Creek. There are also numerous restaurants, art studios, theatres, and retail shops.

Jericho Beach

Jericho Beach is located just west of the Kitsilano neighbourhood, accessible by just a few minutes on foot. Officially located in the West Point Grey neighbourhood, Jericho Beach is a long, sandy stretch that offers views of the Burrard Inlet, West Vancouver, and mountains.

Jericho is a classic summertime hangout with plenty of places for lounging. Plus, there’s an expansive Beach Park behind the beach complete with a trail network, tennis courts, rugby field, turf field, and picnic spots.

Local Events

Here’s a taste of the some of the events going on in Kitsilano this summer, but be sure to checkout this summer 2024 events article to find more happening across the Lower Mainland.

June 23: Greek Day on Broadway

Celebrating 50 years of community and culture, Greek Day on Broadway is the best way to immerse yourself in Greek culture in one of the most vibrant areas of the city. There will be authentic Greek food, live music, traditional dances, and family-fun activities.

July 12-14: The Vancouver Open

The Vancouver open is the marquee event of The Beach Tour, an annual beach volleyball tournament that brings together the best from around the world. Located on Kits Beach, this event is great entertainment, plus they’re always looking for volunteers.

August 3: Kitsilano Block Party

The Kitsilano Block Party is a day of fun, food, friends, and fiesta at Tatlow Park from 3-7pm. Free for all ages, there will be face painting station, colouring station, craft table, paper airplane contest, and so much more. And be ready to drink lemonade!

No summer is complete without your favourite goods from the local dispensary. Cheeky’s Cannabis has a shop right in Kitsilano on West 4th Avenue. We’ve got a huge selection of pre-rolls, edibles, concentrates and more, plus the friendliest staff in town. Stop by and say hi!