12 Relaxing Beaches Around Vancouver

Here in Southwestern British Columbia, we are blessed to have many relaxing beaches within a short drive. Whether you’re going to swim, play some beach volleyball, or paint on the beach the region doesn’t disappoint with several beaches to choose from.

Many beaches are nestled around Vancouver and the downtown waterfront areas, however, if you’re living outside of the city visiting beaches around the Burrard Inlet, Fraser River, or south to Delta would be the easier option.

BC is home to the “Pacific North West” style beach.

These beaches are characterized by scenic mountain views, large logs scattered throughout the sand, and sadly, sometimes lots of rocks and seaweed.

The beaches mentioned in this post share most of these characteristics and I’ve also noted some special attributes for each beach that make it the perfect place to relax.

The swimming season in Southwestern BC is typically from May to September. If you’re just visiting in the off-season, you still may see people braving the cold waters as early as March and as late as November. Remember to always check weather conditions before heading out to the beach and pack some sunscreen!

If you’re going paddling check out these 16 things for your paddling trip to stay safe and comfortable on the water.

Need directions? See the map below for all the beaches mentioned in this post!

Crescent Beach – White Rock

Crescent Beach is the first place that comes to mind to go to relax, mostly because for me it’s my favourite on this list as well as the nearest to me. I love this beach, it’s a beautiful place to unwind and enjoy the waves rolling in. The beach is popular with families due to the shallow waters and gentle waves. During low tide, you’re able to walk pretty far out thanks to the shallow bank. This makes for long afternoon walks along the beach and towards the ocean. Once you finally meet the ocean you’ll be surprised and satisfied with how far you’ve walked.

Parking is free in designated areas along McBride Ave and some side streets. Free parking is also available at Blackie Spit Park, which is adjacent to Crescent Beach.

Tsawwassen Beach – Tsawwassen

Tsawwassen Beach is another favourite of mine to relax at. The water is shallow here so it’s easy to walk along the shoreline if you want to take photos of everything around you. The water is calm so it is also perfect for swimming or paddleboarding.

A good way to enjoy nature is by walking along the beach and looking at all the different kinds of rocks that have been washed up onto shore during high tide. Beaches around Boundary Bay are usually on the rockier side but the rocks that wash up are always beautiful, and worth collecting!

Free parking is available near Fred Gingell Park. Follow the staircase that leads all the way down to the beach. And if you’re feeling really up to it you can walk along the beach all the way to the ferry terminal. 

Centennial Beach – Delta

Centennial Beach is a great place to soak up the sun, play in the sand, and go for a refreshing swim. It is a great starting point for whatever you are looking to do, such as lunch at the Centennial Beach Café, searching through the rocks when the tide is out, or just sitting and taking in the sun and beautiful mountain views.

This beach is home to some great rocks for skipping stones and has relatively shallow and warm waters. Standing knee-deep in the ocean and skipping some stones against the backdrop of Mount Baker is the perfect place to forget about your worries and be present in the moment.

There are four large free parking lots around the Centennial Beach Cafe. No parking problems here!

Maple Beach – Port Moody

Maple Beach is a best-kept secret near Belcarra and can only be reached by foot or by bicycle from the Admiralty Point Trail. During the walk to the beach, you can’t help but take in your surroundings with your full attention and breath in the fresh air.

The beach is surrounded by rocks and cliffs on one side and a wall of trees on the other, so it feels like you’re in your own little world when you’re there.

To reach the beach, park at the Belcarra Picnic area and begin walking the Admiralty Point Trail. It’s about a 20-minute walk from the picnic area to the beach so stay present on the path and enjoy nature!

Jug Island Beach – Belcarra

Jug Island is a small island located in the Fraser River. It’s only accessible by boat, paddleboard, canoe, or kayak, after a 45-minute walk through the Jug Island Trail. Getting to this beach requires some extra effort but it feels like you’re getting away from it all when you get there!

Jug Island is not a typical Vancouver Island beach. You won’t find crowds, parking or vendors here. But if you’re looking for a quiet place to relax and explore, this is the spot for you. However, if you’re not up to paddling across the river, you can relax at the beach at the end of the Jug Island Trail.

If you’re planning on hiking down to Jug Island, make sure you have good shoes on (and maybe even a hat) because some of the trails can be muddy and slippery from rain or snow melt. Free parking is available at the Belcarra Picnic area from October 1 to May 31, pay parking is effective during the summer months.

Barnet Marine Park – Burnaby

Although Barnet Marine Park only has a small beach, I’m including it in this list as it’s still a great getaway right in the middle of Burnaby. The park has stunning views of Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains. You can also take advantage of the many walking trails that wind through the park.

The beach can be a perfect launching point for paddleboarding or kayaking, or for taking in the sunset in the evening. It’s a great place to relax and meditate near the peaceful wave and the sounds of nature.

The park is located on the west side of Barnet Highway between Royal Oak Avenue and West Burnaby, and at the base of Burnaby Mountain. The parking lot for this regional park has space for about 20 cars, and there is no charge for parking.

Kitsilano Beach – Vancouver

Kitsilano Beach, also known as “Kits” Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Vancouver, especially in the warm summer months. Located at the north edge of the Kitsilano neighbourhood, the beach faces out onto English Bay.

Kitsilano Beach has picnic tables and lots of benches and logs to sit on as well as a concession stand. Visitors can purchase snacks or drinks while they enjoy their time at the beach. Sitting down at the beach, sticking your feet in the sand and watching the waves roll in, is the perfect setting to meditate in or do a journalling exercise.

There are also two parking lots near the beach where you can park your car for a fee.

Jericho Beach – Vancouver

Located a 45-minute walk west of Kitsilano Beach, you’ll find Jericho Beach. This beach is another favourite on this list because not only is this a super sandy beach I found it to be less crowded than Kits Beach or Spanish Banks (which is further west, and also next on this list), and also a bit warmer. If I have the extra time to drive out to Jericho and it’s a perfect bluebird day, I’ll do it in a heartbeat.

Another one of my favourite things about Jericho Beach is something that’ll surprise tourists but is a well-known fact to locals. That something is the Jericho rabbits.

……Yes, you read that right, rabbits! And while they’re a cute sight to behold, these rabbits aren’t a native species.

According to the Vancouver Park Board, these rabbits are not wild and the majority of these animals were once pets. People have simply been leaving them there, and they have continued to do so for at least 20 years.

Even though this is a really sad thought, walking around Jericho you can’t help but smile and laugh at the herds of rabbits that will appear randomly in the grassy areas. I highly recommend taking a walk along the grassy picnic area between the parking lot and the beach to behold the herds of rabbits. Don’t feed the rabbits! But show them some love!

There are two parking lots near the West and East side of the beach where you can park your car for a fee.

Spanish Banks Beach – Vancouver

Another one of Vancouver’s most popular beaches, Spanish Banks Beach sits down the road from Jericho and Kits Beach, close enough to the University of British Columbia campus, and Pacific Spirit Regional Park.

I found that Spanish Bank boasts better views than Kits and Jericho, making it the perfect spot to set up a painting easel or take out a sketchbook. Artists can find inspiration and peace by taking in the North Shore and the Coast Mountains from Spanish Banks Beach.

This great expanse of sand and surf is also loved by beach volleyball players, sunbathers, swimmers, and skimboarders. There are two main areas: Spanish Banks West and Spanish Banks East. Both have parking lots, washrooms and picnic tables along with grassy areas where you can sit down or bring a blanket and just enjoy nature!

Second Beach – Vancouver

Located at the southernmost point of Stanley Park, Second Beach offers a beautiful view of English Bay and its surroundings. The beach is secluded and has a long sandy shoreline, with rock formations on one side.

The park is free to enter and there are no fees for parking. There are washrooms on site, but they can get crowded during peak hours.

The beach is ideal for people who like to relax alone as it’s not too busy or noisy. This is a great spot for an early morning run or bicycle ride when it’s still dark out, or for a midday picnic to eat lunch at the beach while jamming out to you your favourite music.

Iona Regional Beach – Vancouver

Iona Regional Beach Park is a local favourite for families, couples, and individuals alike. The beach itself is a sandy white and the water is calm and shallow for quite a ways out.

The beach stretches for kilometres, and there are plenty of picnic tables and trees for shade. You can also take a walk along the boardwalk that runs along the shoreline if you want to get out of the sun.

There is a large parking lot at Iona Regional Beach Park, giving you plenty of places to park your car.

Ambleside Beach – North Vancouver

Ambleside Beach Park has some wonderful spots to relax and offers a great view of English Bay. The beach itself is small but it has a grassy area where you can sit on the beach or under the trees. There is also an outdoor pool that you can use for free during the summer months.

The park is pretty big and has lots to offer including picnic areas, nature trails, and secluded grassy areas. There are also washrooms available on-site if you need them!

The best beaches in Southwestern British Columbia range from ruggedly natural to somewhat tropical and are perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or simply basking in the summer heat. If you’re looking for a beach to relax on after a long day of work, be sure to check out the list above to find a great beach in Southwestern British Columbia.

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