Locals and tourists flock to Vancouver's beaches during the summer, making it difficult to find parking or significant space on the crowded shores.
Beach-goers looking for alternatives to the city's most iconic shores, such as Kitsilano or English Bay, have their pick of several secluded areas and other big beaches.
Vancouverites willing to travel outside city limits also have their pick of sandy shores across the Lower Mainland.
Have a look at where you can enjoy a refreshing dip this summer.
Beaches in Vancouver
English Bay
English Bay is a that welcomes flocks of visitors daily year-round to its sandy shore. While it is crowded during the summer, it is also easily accessible by transit and steps from many of the city's best restaurants and bars.
Also known as First Beach, the city shore is located along Beach Avenue between Gilford and Bidwell streets. The Stanley Park Seawall runs along the east side of the beach.
Locarno Beach
Locals can access . It is located on the west side of Jericho Park on Northwest Marine Drive between Discovery and Tolmie streets.
The sandy shore is the ideal place to play volleyball, swim, or have a picnic in the sunshine. There is also a shady area with tall evergreen trees nearby.
Kitsilano Beach
One of most city's most iconic beaches is also one of its most accessible, as it is only a short stroll from the shopping and residential area of the Kitsilano neighbourhood. You can get to it by heading to .
Stanley Park Second Beach
in Stanley Park is located at the junction of Stanley Park Drive and North Lagoon Drive next to the outdoor Second Beach Pool, which runs along the ocean and is heated.
Barbecues can be used at nearby Ceperley Meadow and a picnic shelter can be reserved for private gatherings.
Stanley Park Third Beach
Located at , this beach is famously known for its weekly drum circle, which thousands of people participate in weekly.
Vancouverite Brahm Olszynko began the drum circle in 2005, when he first moved to Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»from Ottawa, to honour the Tam Tams in Montreal. And, of course, "for the love of rhythm, unity and community."
While it was temporarily postponed due to the pandemic, the weekly event has seen thousands of people gather again since the restrictions have been lifted.
Jericho Beach
A popular spot for sailors and swimmers alike, is a popular summer spot that sees fewer crowds than some of the city's other beaches.
Located at the "north side of Jericho Park at the west end of Point Grey Rd between Wallace St and Discovery St." the city cautions that "the east side of the beach caters to swimmers and the west side to sailboats and windsurfers."
The beach and surrounding park are overrun with invasive rabbits. While you might be tempted to feed them a carrot, you can get fined a whopping $500 if you offer one of the resident buns a snack.
Sunset Beach
Located at the mouth of False Creek, Sunset Beach is close to the downtown area without seeing the huge crowds you'll find at English Bay. Access it on Beach Avenue between Bute and Thurlow streets. Concession is open from 7 a.m. to dusk.
has lacy black locust trees and large lawns.
Wreck Beach
Clothing is optional here and you will likely see most people opting out of wearing any.
Known as one of the most welcoming and popular beaches in the city, many of the people who visit Wreck consider it their beach of choice.
To get to this iconic nude beach, the University of British Columbia (UBC) recommends that you "look for the to find your way to beautiful Wreck Beach." The famed beach is part of .
Spanish Banks
Located along , this beautiful city beach is divided into three sections.
The different parts are the east, west, and extension, and "at low tide, the water is one kilometre off shore," according to the city.
Beaches in Metro Vancouver
Ambleside Beach
Ambleside Beach in West Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»has sweeping views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver. It is located at Argyle Avenue and is easily accessible from adjacent , which runs from the Lion's Gate Bridge to the bottom of 13th Street.
It has sandy beaches and a designated swim area monitored by lifeguards in the summer. The Boat Shed concession is open from 7 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Beach-goers can access the area by 13th Street, off Marine Drive and then by turning left onto Argyle From 13th Street. Public transit also stops on Marine Drive.
There are also tennis courts, the Keen Lau Fitness Circuit, and the Ambleside Par 3 Golf Course nearby.
Cresent Beach
is located in South Surrey next to Boundary Bay and Mud Bay and is a popular place to enjoy water sports and activities on land, including beach volleyball and hiking on nearby trails. Beach access areas are located on Beecher, Sullivan, and Target streets.
Lifeguards are on duty at Sullivan Point and there are two roped-off areas for swimmers.
Centennial Beach
in Tsawwassen has an expansive stretch of powdery soft sand with plenty of space to explore, including the nearby , with expansive hiking, horseback riding, and biking trails. It is an ideal place to go bird watching or view other wildlife.
The beach is located at 570 Boundary Bay Road. A pilot program is underway for the busy spot.
​An area of Centennial Beach with "spectacular views" can be for small outdoor events or ceremonies for up to 75 guests, but only during the off-season (Labour Day to Victoria Day).
White Pine Beach
Located in Belcarra Regional Park in Port Moody, is located on Sasamat Lake, offering a refreshing oasis for locals looking to take a freshwater dip.
The surrounding area has a network of hiking trails and the sandy shores are home to a "rich variety of marine life."
