Lifeguard at Third Beach. Photo: Kate Milford
As the weather starts to warm up and summer approaches, it’s time to hit the beach. Vancouver has lots of sandy shores to choose from including lots on the Pacific Ocean and a few on freshwater lakes. Here’s our list of 20 Vancouver area beaches to visit this summer.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
English Bay Beach, Vancouver
Located in the heart of downtown Vancouver on Beach Avenue, English Bay Beach may be Vancouver’s most popular stretch of sand.
English Bay Beach. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Tanya Goehring
Second Beach, Vancouver
While it’s just a short walk from English Bay in Stanley Park, Second Beach sees a fraction of the crowds. Wade into the ocean or take a dip in the heated waters of the huge outdoor pool.
Third Beach, Vancouver
Stanley Park’s Third Beach is set deep within Stanley Park, which makes it feel secluded from the hustle and bustle of the city. For a fun day trip, try biking the seawall to Third Beach instead of driving.
Sunset Beach, Vancouver
This West End beach has great sunset views, but it’s also a great place to spend a sunny day swimming or lazing on the sand. There’s also a huge grassy area just back from the beach that is perfect for picnics or throwing around a frisbee.
Kitsilano Beach, Vancouver
Also known as “Kits Beach”, this beach along Cornwall Avenue in the trendy Kitsilano neighbourhood is very popular. Don’t miss the 137-metre-long salt-water pool. It’s the longest outdoor pool in North America.
Jericho Beach, Vancouver
This Point Grey beach is a great laid-back swimming spot. Head to the west side of the beach to watch the sailboats and windsurfers.
Locarno Beach, Vancouver
Sandwiched between Jericho Beach and Spanish Banks on Northwest Marine Drive, Locarno Beach often gets overlooked. It has lots of soft sand and is backed by tall trees for shade on hot days.
Spanish Banks Beach, Vancouver
Spanish Banks is the longest beach in Vancouver, and also has the shallowest water, which makes it one of the warmer places to swim in the ocean. At low tide, the water is up to one kilometre offshore!
Paddleboarder at Spanish Banks Beach. Photo: Tourism Vancouver / Hubert Kang
Wreck Beach, Vancouver
Accessed by a long set of stairs, Wreck Beach in Pacific Spirit Regional Park has lots of soft sand. It’s also a clothing optional-beach, so expect nudity.
Trout Lake Beach, Vancouver
This small freshwater beach is located at the south end of Trout Lake in East Vancouver’s John Hendry Park. The water is shallow and warm, but be sure to check water quality advisories before diving in.
Centennial Beach, Tsawwassen
Located in Boundary Bay Regional Park, Centennial Beach is a popular destination for families. The sandy beach has shallow water and here’s a great playground too.
Crescent Beach, Surrey
Surrey’s Crescent Beach feels like a seaside getaway. Lay your blanket down on the sand, go for a swim, walk along the oceanside pathway, or fish from the pier.
Crescent Beach at sunset. Photo: Surrey.ca
White Rock Beach
White Rock’s beach is eight kilometres long. Don’t miss a stroll along the famous pier. Brave locals jump off the end into deep water.
Cates Park/Whey-ah-Wichen, North Vancouver
This popular seaside park on Dollarton Highway has pockets of sandy beach and lots of grass for picnicking. It’s also a great place to rent kayaks.
Ambleside Beach, West Vancouver
Located next to the Lions Gate Bridge, Ambleside Beach has great views of Stanley Park. Grab a spot on the sand or the nearby grass, then head into the ocean for a dip.
Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby
Located on the shores of Burrard Inlet, this park has a sandy beach and lots of grass for picnicking.
Belcarra Regional Park, Belcarra
The small beach next to the picnic area at Belcarra Regional Park is a popular spot. Go for a swim in the ocean, fish off the pier, or set up a feast at one of the picnic tables.
White Pine Beach, Anmore
Located on the shores of Sasamat Lake in Belcarra Regional Park, White Pine Beach has some of the warmest water in the Vancouver area. The parking lot fills up fast, so arrive early.
Buntzen Lake, Anmore
Huge Buntzen Lake has two sandy beaches. The large beach at the south end of the lake is popular with families and there is also a separate off-leash dog section. You’ll have to hike to reach the secluded north beach.
Alouette Lake, Maple Ridge
Alouette Lake in Golden Ears Provincial Park is a great summer destination. The large sandy beach is excellent for swimming and there are kayak rentals on-site too.
