The simplest way to reach Spanish Banks from downtown Vancouver is the 44 bus from Waterfront Station, then a short walk down to the water. By road the trip to the Jericho Beach area is about 8 km and 15 minutes, and Spanish Banks sits just beyond it.
Buses from Waterfront Station to the west side beaches
TransLink lists the 44 UBC / Downtown as the express route linking downtown and UBC, and it leaves from Waterfront Station. The 4 also connects at Waterfront, and you can reach it from the Expo Line or SeaBus. The 44, 4 and 84 all pass Jericho Beach.
Spanish Banks itself is a bit trickier. The 4 and 84 stop at West 4th Avenue and Blanca Street, which is roughly a 15 minute walk from the beach. On weekends and holidays from May to September, TransLink has run a 42 Spanish Banks bus from Broadway and Alma Street every 15 minutes, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Seasonal routes get adjusted, so look at the current TransLink trip planner before you leave.
Cycling the shoreline route
The coastal ride starts at Vanier Park, just outside downtown, and follows the shore past Kitsilano Beach, Jericho Beach and then Spanish Banks. It is flat and scenic, and it is the pick for a dry summer day. Allow extra time if you stop for photos, and bring a lock for the beach.
Driving or taking a taxi to the beach
Driving works, but beach parking fills quickly on hot weekends and holidays. If you plan to arrive with a cooler, chairs and kids, a taxi drops you at the nearest access point and saves the search for a space. Taxi service in the city is covered on the Vancouver taxi page, and the taxi fare estimator gives a rough idea of the cost before you book.
Coming back
Evenings after sunset are busy at the beach, and buses can arrive full. Check the last departures on the TransLink planner for your return stop, and have a backup such as a taxi in case the bus you wanted has passed.
Parking rules, fees and hours at the beach lots are posted by the City of Vancouver. Read the signs on arrival, since they can change by season.