 Cultus Lake Enjoy the sunny shores of White Rock. Relax in the tranquil community of Crescent Beach. Swim in the waters of Savary Island - the warmest waters north of Mexico. Jet ski or boat on action-packed Cultus Lake. Take a dip in Harrison Lake and follow it up with a soak in the warm mineral pools. The best time for sunning and swimming at all these beaches is from July through September.
A word or two on your excursion:
- If travelling with pets, be aware that restrictions may apply
A word or two on safety:
- No lifeguards on duty, except where otherwise noted
White Rock
White Rock is known as one of the sunniest spots in the region and is often compared to California beach towns. Named for the large boulder deposited on its shoreline -perhaps by a long-ago glacier- this charming, oceanside community is located along an eight-km (5-mi) stretch of sandy beach. Visitors can stroll along the red-brick promenade or walk the historic pier.
Here you will enjoy everything there is to love about beach life: a bustling environment in which to people-watch, perfect sand to construct a castle and a delicious assortment of seafood - including the chance to catch your own dungeness crab.
White Rock is a one-hour drive south from Vancouver via Highway 99.
Crescent Beach
Crescent Beach sits on the eastern shores of Boundary Bay. A quieter option to White Rock's active beaches, Crescent Beach is an ideal place to spend a leisurely day. One of the best swimming beaches in the region, it also boasts terrific kayaking and crabbing. The Crescent Beach community offers an excellent selection of dining options, complete with ocean views.
For more lovely views, take the Crescent Beach walkway north along the waterfront to Blackie Spit, an area known for its bird habitat. Get comfortable on a log and watch the sun set over Boundary Bay. There is no better way to end your day.
Crescent Beach is located near the community of White Rock, which is a one-hour drive south from Vancouver via Highway 99.
A word or two on safety:
- Lifeguards on duty in July and August
Savary Island
If you find yourself in the Powell River area, a day trip to Savary Island is a must. The secluded island is situated off the northern Sunshine Coast near the town of Lund and accessible only by floatplane or water taxi.
Dubbed the "Hawaii of the North," this tiny land mass -measuring eight km (5 mi) by 800 m (0.5 mi)- is surrounded almost entirely by white, sandy beach. Its unusually warm waters make it ideal for swimming. Its shallow depth makes it a favourite among kayakers and scuba divers. It's also a pleasure walking along its continuous sandy strip - note the plentitude of tide pools, complete with jellyfish and crabs.
If the idea of leaving at the end of the day doesn't appeal, a host of B&Bs as well as rental cabins are available on the island. Because of Savary's popularity, try to make accommodation arrangements well in advance. Bicycle and scooter rentals are available on the island, though other amenities are limited.
Cultus Lake
Famous for its large freshwater lake -complete with two sandy beaches- and picturesque mountain setting, Cultus Lake is one of the most popular beach destinations in the region. It is positively hopping with beachgoers in the summer months. Four drive-in provincial campgrounds provide ample sites to set up for a night or longer.
In addition to great swimming, the area offers much in the way of boating and waterskiing opportunities. Commercial attractions in the vicinity include water slides, bumper boats, restaurants and golf courses. Cultus Lake really is fun for the whole family!
Cultus Lake is a two-hour drive east from Vancouver via Highway 1, near the community of Chilliwack.
> Cultus Lake Park website.
Harrison Lake
Sixty-km (37 mi) long Harrison Lake is the largest lake in southwestern BC. It offers plenty of opportunities for water activities, including swimming, canoeing, windsurfing, boating and fishing.
Harrison Hot Springs lies at its south end. The resort community is famed for its warm, soothing mineral pools. The community is fronted by an inviting sandy beach, which is home to excellent sunbathing and sand sculpting. Visitors can enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of snow-capped mountains from the shoreline or from any of the beachfront shops and eating establishments that dot the strip.
Harrison Lake is a two-hour drive east from Vancouver via Highway 1 or 7.
Kitsilano Beach
"Kits" Beach is a 12.6-ha (31.1-ac) waterfront park and one of Vancouver's most popular warm-weather destinations. Swimmers and sunbathers cheerfully crowd its sandy beach and heated, saltwater pool all summer long.
While the beach's active shores of sand, grass and sports courts attract beachgoers as well as volleyball, tennis and basketball players, the pool's size -almost three times as large as an Olympic pool- is well divided, allowing for swimmers of all levels. You'll also find a concession stand, change rooms, public washroom and showers for your convenience.
Kitsilano Beach is about 15 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Admission fee in effect for the pool (open summers only)
A word or two on safety:
- Lifeguards on duty in summer months
Jericho Beach
Jericho, located on English Bay's south shore, is a 54-ha (134-ac) waterfront park and beach, famous for an endless sandy strip as well as spectacular mountain and city views.
A great place for the entire family, Jericho has it all: picnic and barbeque areas, sailing and kayaking, volleyball and tennis, jogging and sunbathing all make up the active fabric of this lively landscape. The beach also has concession stands, change rooms, showers and toilets.
Jericho Beach is approximately 20 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on safety:
- Lifeguards on duty in summer months
Spanish Bank
Just west of Jericho lies English Bay's Spanish Bank. Its impressive stretch of clean sandy beach has earned Spanish Bank a place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike.
As with most Vancouver beaches, you'll find a concession stand, change rooms and public washrooms. Grassy areas abound, making a sand-free encounter with a good book possible. For those who would rather leave the beach-reading for another day, views of the city skyline and cruise ships gliding past leave much for the eye to take in.
Spanish Bank is located about 25 minutes from downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Dogs are permitted at Spanish Bank West
A word or two on safety:
- Lifeguards on duty in summer months
Wreck Beach
A clothing-optional destination, Vancouver's Wreck Beach has a personality all its own. For decades the beach has been a mecca for those sunbathers who prefer birthday to bathing suits.
Vendors' Row is unique to the beach, offering gourmet fare from falafels to English trifle and buffalo burgers. Visitors are also welcome to purchase hand-made jewellery, sarongs and even services such as a pedicure or massage.
Just when you thought your visit to Wreck Beach couldn't be more memorable, you'll hear the beat of the beach drums just before sunset - one more Wreck Beach ritual.
Access to Wreck Beach is on foot starting west of Spanish Bank, about a 25-minute drive from downtown Vancouver.
A word or two on your excursion:
- Please respect the "Clothes-Beyond-This-Point" signs
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