Jericho Beach Park

The Jericho Beach Park walking trail boasts views of a thriving metropolis, while maintaining its own tranquility and diversity.

Jericho Beach Park is 46.71 hectares in area; however a walk around the duck pond and along the seawall path is only 1.45 kilometers, 0.91 miles, or approximately 2,871 steps. On average, it will take about 25 minutes to complete. With several trails and the seawall extending along the shoreline, it is easy to add distance to this walk if you are inspired and able to go further.

Located in the neighbourhood of West Point Grey, Jericho Beach Park is situated just west of Kitsilano. It can be accessed by following Pt.Grey Road past the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club, Jericho Tennis Club, and Brock House Restaurant until you reach Wallace Street where a pay parking lot marks the end of the road.

The circular walking route starts at the edge of the parking lot and continues along a gravel pathway towards the ocean. The view here is incredible. An astonishing 180 degree view from the shoreline includes: an elegant row of moored sailboats which sweeps in front of the equally impressive expanse of downtown skyscrapers. The vast green of the Stanley Park forest is prominently featured, as well as the Lions Gate Bridge extending from Prospect Point. West Vancouver is visible in its entirety, directly across the bay. Behind the towering tankers, the majestic coastal mountains and most southern islands of Howe Sound extend into the horizon, making this diverse view with its unique juxtapositions an awe inspiring point for peaceful contemplation. The walking route heads inland toward the marshy forest, and then travels east on the south side of the duck pond. This area is teeming with life, from bunnies; to turtles you are guaranteed the sight of some wild creature enjoying this healthy ecosystem before you return to your starting point.

While Jericho Beach Park boasts views of a metropolis while maintaining its tranquility, it hasn’t always been such a serene location. This area has a history of continuous redevelopment. Jericho was originally home to a native village called Ee’yullmough. In the 1860’s Jeremiah Rogers created a logging camp on the beach and logged most of Kitsilano. The site was known as “Jerry’s Cove”, which eventually evolved into what we call it now: Jericho. Rogers has been called "the greatest woodsman of them all”. He was likely the first person in British Columbia to use mechanized power instead of animals to haul logs, and he designed most of his own equipment to do so. In the early 1900s, the driftwood- strewn sand dunes of Jericho became home to The Vancouver Golf Club, the first course in the City, which was said to use tomato cans for each of its nine holes. In 1919, the National Department of Defense commandeered the land for a base, and covered the shoreline with seaplane hangars. In the early 1970s, most of the buildings were demolished and the land was turned over to the Park Board, who developed it into a beautiful community park with many amenities.

Jericho Beach Park has a large playing field area that is used for baseball, rugby, and soccer. There are five tennis courts, as well as swimming rafts, picnic tables, a concession and washrooms. Lifeguards patrol the beach from Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September). Additionally, located at the west end of the Park, the Jericho Sailing Association offers lessons, and rentals for many water sports. The public Sailing Centre is home to the fabulous Galley Patio and Grill; perfect for enjoying a casual lunch and a view of people participating in various water sports in the bay. This side of the park is accessed by Discovery Street and a pay parking lot exists here as well.

Providing diverse recreational opportunities and unparalleled views, Jericho Beach Park is a favourite destination to walk for many Vancouverites.