Beach beers are back: Here’s where you can legally drink in Vancouver this summer

Starting May 15, Vancouver’s Alcohol on Beaches program officially kicks off its 2024 season, allowing anyone aged 19+ to responsibly enjoy alcohol at seven local beaches. The policy is in effect daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. until September 30.

The move comes after back-to-back pilot programs in 2023 and early 2024 proved successful. According to the City, it’s now a full seasonal return.

In a press release on May 15, the City of Vancouver wrote: "After successful pilots in 2023 and 2024, the Park Board approved alcohol consumption at select beaches earlier this year. The program's ongoing success depends on beachgoers being responsible and considerate of others."

Visitors are reminded to leave glass bottles and containers at home to prevent the risk of broken glass, to swap to plastic, cans, or paper-based products, and to dispose of all waste in appropriate bins or to take it home.

Here are the seven beaches where you can legally sip this summer:

• Jericho Beach

• Spanish Banks

• Locarno Beach

• Second Beach (Stanley Park)

• Kisilano Beach

• John Hendry/Trout Lake Beach

• New Brighton Beach

Glass bottles are still a no-go, so swap them out for cans, cartons, or paper-based containers — and don’t forget to toss your trash before heading home.

Vancouver also allows drinking in select public parks under a separate program, so if you’re not a beach person, you’ve still got options. Just remember: it’s all fun and games until the bylaw officer shows up.