Top 5 Lesser Known Beaches Around Vancouver
smason
2012-09-11
Vancouver is blessed with great collection of beaches. Its sandy shores offer stunning views of the city skyline and the lording Coast Mountains.
Best of all, it isn't just the big name beaches like Kitsilano and Jericho that offer up great days at the beach. Here are five other great beaches you may have never heard of, but should definitely try.
Third Beach, Stanley Park
This hidden gem, tucked away in Stanley Park, gets lots of sun. It is plenty big enough to handle any crowds and the water boasts a nice, unmucky bottom. It makes for a nice, refreshing place to stop on a bike or rollerblade trip around the Seawall.
Buntzen Lake, Port Moody
Kudos to BC Hydro for turning this reservoir into a fantastic recreation site, with hiking, fishing and a great stretch of beach. As of press time, parking was free. Which seems too good to be true, so expect this to change.
Alice Lake, Squamish
Halfway to Whistler, this popular spot has a campground and one of the best swimming lakes you'll ever experience. The stunning glacial views don't hurt, either. Just don't tell too many people about it, we'll keep it our little secret.
White Pine Beach, Belcarra
This laidback little hamlet is only a short drive from downtown Vancouver, but it feels like a different world all together. Belcarra Regional Park offers first rate swimming in underrated Sasamat Lake. Very popular, so get there early. And, for Pete's sake, wear sunscreen.
Centennial Beach, Delta
A bit of a drive, but this terrific beach is worth it! Sand for miles, bathtub warm water, ample parking - it almost sounds too good to be true. As an added bonus, the area is fantastic for bird watching, so bring your binoculars and guide book. Or, more likely, go buy these things to bring with you.
