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Vancouver’s best beaches in the burbs

Vancouver’s best beaches in the burbs

Need a break from the city? Time for a daytrip! Pack a picnic and discover a new favourite beach this summer. We’ve picked our top five family-friendly (and sandy) suburban destinations:

>> Best beaches for kids in urban Vancouver

Best kid friendly beaches outside Vancouver

Centennial Beach (Boundary Bay Regional Park), Delta

It’s hard to top Centennial Beach! The playground is awesome and the sand stretches for miles. While the breeze may be cool, toddler toes will be pleasantly surprised by the warmth of the shallow shoreline. Hours disappear while wading through the gentle eelgrass collecting clam shells (or masses of turreted mudflat snails). Parking is free, and the fantastic Beachside Cafe is open Wednesday to Sunday (10 am to 4 pm).

Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby

Stunning views of Burrard Inlet and passing boats make Barnet Beach a favourite place to relax and watch the world go by. Features include a sandy beach area and lots of picnic tables, as well as a concession and well-kept trails. Trains rumble past occasionally and the parking lot is a bit of walk from the beach (watch out for goose poop). Best part? This hidden gem is rarely crowded!

 Alouette Lake, Maple Ridge

Photo credit: Louise Christie in the Georgia Straight

Swimming, boating, fishing, nature trails, and camping in beautiful Golden Ears Provincial Park! Surrounded by mountains, this crystal clear, freshwater lake is picturesque. Canoe/kayak/pedal boat rentals are available, but you’ll need to bring your own food and arrive early to find parking. The beach is a mix of sand and rocks, so bring your water shoes.

Five nearby lakes

Crescent Beach, South Surrey

Spend the day strolling along the seaside gravel path, jumping off the swimming dock, and eating old fashioned ice cream cones. Sullivan Point is a great spot for a picnic, BBQ, or a game of beach volleyball. With free parking near Blackie’s Spit Nature Preserve, Crescent Beach is a relaxing daytrip (and less busy than White Rock Beach).

Garry Point Park, Richmond

Photo credit: Ehab Samy

Located beside the historic Steveston Village, this expansive waterfront park offers acres of walking trails to enjoy those incredible views of the Fraser River and Gulf Islands. Bring your fishing rod, watch the colourful fishing boats, or explore the memorial garden and marshy fields. With two concession stands, free parking, and lots of room for flying kites, it’s a beautiful family-friendly destination.

Bonus! Tucked away north of Port Moody, discover what Tri-City locals call “paradise.” En route to Belcarra Regional Park from Ioco, toss a coin and turn left for Sasamat Lake or right for Buntzen Lake. White Pine Beach (on Sasamat Lake) is one of the warmest swimming beaches in Metro Vancouver. Buntzen Lake is chillier, but the network of hiking trails is extensive and the scenery is truly spectacular. Tip: the gates close when the parking lots are full, so arrive early or be prepared to hike to the lakes!

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