Vancouver and the surrounding regions are blessed with dozens of amazing beaches. Below is a list of the top beaches in Metro Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

STAY SAFE AT VANCOUVER BEACHES

As of March 25th, 2020, most Lower Mainland beaches remain open. At some of them, however, parking facilities have been closed in an effort to discourage too many people from hanging out and getting too close together. Most playgrounds, skate parks and basketball, volleyball and tennis court facilities are also closed until further notice.

If visiting a beach, be sure to maintain appropriate social distancing. That means staying at least 2 metres away from people who aren’t members of your immediate household. Also, don’t play Frisbee or ball sports that require players to touch the same equipment. Walking, cycling and jogging are good activities. Whatever you do though, avoid touching your face and wash your hands as much as possible!

To learn more about the impact of the virus on parks and other places of interest in the Lower Mainland, see Vancouver COVID-19 Event Cancellations & Facility Closures.

The Lower Mainland’s Top Beaches

The top sandy beaches along the region’s ocean shores include: English Bay, Kitsilano, Jericho, Locarno, Spanish Banks, Stanley Park’s Second Beach and Third Beach, Crescent Beach (in South Surrey near White Rock), and Ambleside (in West Vancouver).

Wreck Beach near UBC is also one of Vancouver’s most beautiful beaches, although it’s a little different and not for everyone, given that clothing there is optional.

The best lakeside beaches in the Lower Mainland include: Alice Lake up the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Alouette Lake at Golden Ears Provincial Park, and both Cultus Lake and Harrison Hot Springs in the Fraser Valley.

Click on any of the following photos to learn about specific beach locations.