The sunrise sunset. There are certain things in life that never fail to inspire awe and wonder, one of them being the sun. Since ancient times, people have been worshiping the “sun god”, often associating different deities with the magnificent star. To this day, people are still amazed by the sun, since it provides life and energy to the inhabitants of the Earth. Lovers, especially, enjoy watching the sun set below the horizon. There is something indescribably romantic about the transformation from light to dark, from day to night, which signals eternity and timelessness. Whether it’s a cool winter day or a hot summer day, there are plenty of places in Vancouver to watch the sunset.

English Bay and Stanley Park are excellent places to watch the sunset. Located a short distance from downtown Vancouver, English Bay borders downtown Vancouver along the west side. Anywhere along Beach Avenue you can have an unobstructed view of the sunset. Bring a towel if you decide to sit on the beach and some extra clothes as it can get quite cold at night. The boardwalk along Stanley Park is also a great place to watch the sunset. Park benches are available to you, although the entire dike can also be used for seating. After watching the sunset, you can easily find your way back to the city center where you can enjoy a nice meal at one of the many restaurants available.

For those who enjoy a bit of sightseeing, the Iona Jetty is a great place to watch a sunset. Located on the island of Iona, the jetty extends 4 kilometers into the Strait of Georgia and is therefore one of the westernmost locations in Vancouver. The jetty itself is a sewer pipe with gravel on top of it, making it a nice path for biking or walking. At the end of the 4-kilometre section there is a small viewpoint from where you can enjoy the beautiful view of the straight. Be sure to leave plenty of time to walk or bike to the end of the jetty before sunset, although anywhere along the jetty can still provide a decent view. In addition to watching the sunset, you can also watch planes take off and land due to the proximity to Vancouver International Airport. Iona Jetty is best accessed by car, taking the Templeton Street exit from Grant McConachie Way on the way to the airport. Be sure to park your car outside the Iona park gates as the park is closed after dark.

Another great place to watch the sunset is at the top of Burnaby Mountain. Best accessed by car taking Centennial Way from Burnaby Mountain Parkway. Burnaby Mountain Park has a comprehensive view of Burnaby and can be a spectacular destination on its own. With plenty of parking spaces, you can enjoy the sunset in the comfort of your car. After watching the sunset, enjoy a 3-course meal at Horizons Restaurant on Burnaby Mountain. You will not regret!