Summer is a great time to explore the beautiful beaches that Metro Vancouver has to offer. The long days mean these beaches offer scenic views of the horizon that make for great photos and memories! While there are lots of popular beaches in the Lower Mainland, we compiled this list of some stunning beaches that could possibly be our cities’ best kept secrets. We also tell you how to get there by transit, so all you need to do is grab your beach towels, lather on that sunscreen and jump on transit your family!
Turns out, even in the 1930s, the print edition of The Buzzer suggested some great beaches in Vancouver to beat the heat!
Which is your favorite beach? Did we miss any other secret beaches? Let us know in the comments below!
Note: Beach timings and swimming conditions may be affected due to the weather. Check each beach’s website for exact details.
1. White Pine Beach
Location: Sasamat Lake, Port Moody Transit: Bus 150
White Pine Beach on Sasamat Lake in Port Moody is a family-friendly beach that has great walking trails, a beach area, swimming in the lake, and a floating bridge. Take advantage of our increased service to White Pine Beach during the summer and hit this great spot!
2. Barnet Marine Park
Location: 8181 Barnet Road, Burnaby Transit: Bus 160
Probably the only beach in Burnaby, Barnet Marine Park is located on the Burrard Inlet and offers ocean swimming and crab fishing. Whether you prefer an early morning walk, or views of the setting sun, this park and beach have something for everyone.
3. White Rock Beach
Location: Marine Drive, White Rock Transit: Buses 361, 362
White Rock’s famous pier on the West Beach, where kids can be seen diving from low-level docks. The beach is known for its stunning views of sunrise and sunset. Families with kids in strollers can walk along the promenade and enjoy views that are hard to come by in city lights.
4. Centennial Beach
Location: 541, Centennial Parkway, Delta Transit: Bus C89
If you want to avoid crowds, then Tsawwassen’s Centennial Beach is the place to be! Boundary Bay Park has a number of activities like volleyball and tennis courts, along with trails for equestrian riders and hikers.
5. Ambleside Park Beach
Location: 1150, Marine Drive, West Vancouver Transit: Buses 250, 253
This beach in West Vancouver has a duck pond, skate-park, picnic shelter and tables, and a waterpark among other amenities. Lifeguards are on duty during the swimmer and dog-owners will appreciate the off-leash doggie park.
6. Buntzen Lake
Location: 5000 Sunnyside Road, Anmore Transit: Bus 179
Located north of Anmore and a 30-minute drive from Vancouver, Buntzen Lake is paradise right here in Metro Vancouver. The lake is an active hydroelectric reservoir that used to be one of Vancouver’s main source of electricity! Our increased service to Buntzen Lake during the summer makes is easy for you to explore this hidden gem.
7. Panorama Park
Location: Panorama Drive, North Vancouver Transit: Buses 211, 212
One of the small parks in the Deep Cove area of North Vancouver, Panorama Park affords views of the scenic Indian Arm inlet and the Deep Cove Marina. Visitors can enjoy their time at the beach, have barbecues and there’s also a children’s play area.
8. Crescent Beach
Location: Sullivan Street, South Surrey Transit: Buses 351
Enjoy swimming, beach volleyball and scenic trails at this beach. Visitors can enjoy two roped off areas for swimmers of all ages. Dogs are not allowed at this beach except in the off-leash area at Blackie Spit Park.
9. Cates Park/ Whey-Ah-Whichen
Location: 4141 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver Transit: Buses 211, 212
The water here has low tide that is perfect for kids to explore. Picnics are popular here and there’s a concession stand as well. Check out the summer concert series that are held here.
If you are not a beach lover, don’t worry. Here are some farmers’ markets in Metro Vancouver that offer some delicious eats. You can also hit these popular ice cream spots if you love your sundaes. Another way to beat the heat is to splash at these family-friendly spray parks. Remember, you can take advantage of our increased service to many popular summer attractions to get out and about. Tap to Pay provides you with an option to pay for your transit fare — just tap your contactless Visa or Mastercard credit card and be on your way. Remember, Compass Card is still your best option for reduced fares.
Author: Tanushree Pillai
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