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Posted: July 25, 2017 at 12:54 pm
Swim Guide wants to help you find the best beaches in Vancouver for this August long weekend.
For the August Long Weekend 2017 Swim Guide recommends these Vancouver area beaches for their consistent excellent water quality (they passed water quality testing more than 95% of the time in 2017), and the beaches’ popularity with our users. We’ve also confirmed that these beaches are open this summer.
Happy swimming!
The Best Beaches in the Vancouver Area
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017Trout Lake Beach is a cold, narrow fresh water lake at the south end of Trout Lake in John Hendry Park at Victoria Dr. and East 19th Ave. It contains a variety of fish species and therefore is a popular fishing spot, especially for rainbow trout.
Deep Cove beach at Panorama Park is located in downtown Deep Cove and offers a rocky beach, boat launch, and picnic and barbeque area. While the park generally offers a decent amount of parking on weekdays (on the street and in the lot), on sunny weekends, you may have trouble finding space. The view from the park at the water’s edge past the pier towards the mountains is absolutely phenomenal and the view is considered to be a “local secret.” Deep Cove is the name of both the community and bay in Vancouver’s North Shore, off a branch of the Burrard Inlet called Indian Arm. The area is the traditional territory of the Tsleil-Waututh and Sḵwxwú7mesh, the Indigenous, of the Coast Salish First Nations. This popular tourist area features quaint shops and cottages along the shoreline.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Located in the core of downtown on Stanley Parks’ seawall system, English Bay is Vancouver’s most popular sandy beach for visitors all ages. Sunbathers, swimmers, kayakers and sand volleyball players frequent this stretch of beach.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Acadia Beach is located between Spanish Banks and Wreck Beach on the northwest tip of the University of British Columbia. From the parking lot there is an easy trail leading down to the beach. This beach ranges from sandy to rocky with lots of logs. There are a few places where you have to scramble over the logs. This terrain makes Acadia Beach less popular with sun bathers and perfect for walking along. There are quite a few nice spots to explore tidal pools and take photos. There is no official trail on the beach, however by wandering west you will reach Tower Beach which is marked by two WWII Watch Towers built to look for Japanese submarines. Beyond Tower Beach lies Wreck Beach, Vancouver’s only official nude beach.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Spanish Banks beaches are sandy and a popular location for swimmers and sunbathers. The vast area of tidal pools available at low tide make Spanish Banks one of the best places in Vancouver for skimboarding. Located along Northwest Marine Dr west of Tolmie St, Spanish Banks Beach is composed of three distinct sections, east, west, and extension. At low tide, the water is one kilometre off shore.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Located just north of Vancouver International Airport, Iona Beach Regional Park is a unique area of land made up of a long, narrow jetty of sand and grass along the mouth of the Fraser River. The majority of the walking route is along the beach or a sandy, unmarked trail before reaching the furthest section that is covered in logs. Sea birds are visible throughout the area as well as a fairly unobstructed view of the Georgia Straight south and west of Vancouver.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Before the arrival of European settlers, Jericho Beach was originally a First Nations village named Ee’yullmough. Jericho Beach is now known for its naturally sandy beaches and is a popular destination for swimmers, sailors, and windsurfers. Jericho Beach on the north side of Jericho Park at the west end of Point Grey Rd between Wallace St and Discovery St. The east side of the beach caters to swimmers and the west side to sailboats and windsurfers.
As West Vancouver’s gateway park, Ambleside is fully accessible and well used by both West Vancouver residents and visitors. Enjoy spectacular views of Stanley Park and downtown Vancouver. Come walk the Seawalk, visit the dog park, play beach volleyball, relax in the sand and more!
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Once known as Greer’s Beach, when it was owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway (CPR), Kitsilano Beach is now Vancouver’s most popular beach. The oceanside heated salt water pool attracts swimmers and sunbathers alike. Kitsilano Beach, known as “Kits” Beach, is located on Cornwall Ave at the north end of Yew St. The Seawall runs along side the beach and Kitsilano Pool is at the west side.
Passed 100% of recreational water quality tests in 2017
Oasis Beach is part of Wreck Beach and can be accessed along Trail 7. Trail 7 is a scenic and beautiful trail and there are waterfalls and creeks as well as foliage. The trail has recently been improved with the addition of handrails and better stairs.