When the sun comes out and the temperature heats up, there’s no better place to be than on a sunny beach with swimming at your fingertips. Vancouver has truly beautiful beaches– English Bay, Kits Beach, Jericho– the list goes on! But there are also great beaches and swimming holes in other parts of Metro Vancouver. As parents, it can be hard to remember which locations we have to pre-register for and which ones fill up early in the morning, and it’s nearly impossible to search for less popular swimming spots when you have a car full of hot and sweaty kids.
We’ve rounded up a list of popular beaches and hidden gem swimming holes that the whole family will love for a quick dip or a full day of swimming.
Coquitlam
White Pine Beach
Part of the largest Belcarra Park, White Pine Beach is a popular family destination for swimming in warm Sasamat Lake. It’s a very busy spot during the summer, so arrive early to carve out your space on the sand. A concession is available during the summer months.
Note: No pass is required, but if you are hoping to go during the summer on a weekend, you will need to be at the gates right when they open to secure a spot! There is
Buntzen Lake
Buntzen Lake is actually a BC Hydro reservoir that includes a family-friendly sandy beach area with bathrooms, and access to ample hiking trails throughout the park. There is a little bit of a walk from the parking lot to the beach, so bring a wagon if you are setting up for a full day!
Note: A parking pass is required from May to September 2, 2024. This needs to be booked in advance and timings are strictly monitored because of how busy this spot gets!
Coquitlam River
There are plenty of shady entry points along the Coquitlam River to wade into the icy waters or hop in for an afternoon of tubing down the river. Some common entry spots are along the trail next to Gates Park in Port Coquitlam, and just off Hockaday Park in Coquitlam.
Notes: No registration or paid parking. Just find a spot and set up your chairs for the day! Be sure to pack out whatever you bring in.
Buntzen Lake, 2024
Maple Ridge
Alouette Lake
Nestled in Golden Ears Park in Maple Ridge is the beautiful (and cold!) Alouette Lake. Several campgrounds are available for families to book ahead of time, but the day-use area is also great for a picnic, a dip in the lake, and some beach relaxation.
Note: Day-use passes are required. You can choose from two arrival/departure times: 7am-1pm, or 1pm onward. Day-use passes can be secured 2 days in advance HERE.
Whonnock Lake
Swim, fish, canoe– do it all at Whonnock Lake! A quiet, family-friendly option where kids can catch and release tadpoles and play on the sand or grassy area. Pack a picnic and spend a whole day at this beach!
Note: No permits or special parking passes are required.
Mission
Hayward Lake
If you didn’t reserve a pass for Golden Ears, Hayward Lake is a great alternative! Similar to White Pine Beach, this popular spot fills up early in the morning, so be sure to get to the gates early to secure your first-come, first-serve parking spot.
Note: The gates open at 8am so pack your bags the night before and get ready to spend the day at the beach.
Rolly Lake
Pristine and quiet, Rolly Lake offers a little bit of peace and quiet away from the busy beaches in Vancouver. Featuring a sandy beach, ample space for canoeing and, if you book ahead, a nice campground nearby!
Note: No permits or special parking passes are required.
Photo credit: Lynn Canyon Park
North Vancouver:
30 Foot Pool
If you’re looking for a unique spot to swim, look no further than 30 Foot Pool! Cold water welcomes visitors to take a quick and refreshing dip. The rocky beach area is small and dependent on the water level, so summer is the best time to visit.
Note: To get to the 30-foot pool, you will first cross a suspension bridge and then have a short 10-minute hike to the swimming hole.
White Rock:
Centennial Beach
Part of Boundary Bay Regional Park, this beach on the ocean has it all! Start your day at the huge playground, grab a popsicle at the concession stand (open during the summer), and then spend the day swimming, building sand castles, or finding the perfect shell.
Note: No permits or special parking passes are required.
Did we miss your favourite family-friendly beach or swimming hole in Metro Vancouver? Send us an email at vancouver@familyfuncanada.com and we’ll add it to the list!
Head to our Summer Fun Bucket List for more great ideas and events this summer, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to see what’s happening near you.
