Metro Vancouver has no shortage of places to take a dip, including a bevy of beaches, pools, swimming holes, rivers, and water parks.
Have a look at some of the top outdoor places to cool off in and around B.C.'s Lower Mainland as the mercury rises.
Ocean beaches in Vancouver
Vancouver has a few awe-inspiring ocean shores for swimming (it is one of the main draws to the city). The popular English Bay, also known as First Beach, is located along Beach Avenue between Gilford and Bidwell streets. It is easily accessible by transit, mere steps from many of the city's best restaurants and bars. Kitsilano Beach is another iconic city beach, located a short stroll from the shopping and residential area of the Kitsilano neighbourhood.
Locarno Beach is situated on the west side of Jericho Park on Northwest Marine Drive between Discovery and Tolmie streets. Jericho Beach is between Kitsilano and Locarno beaches, with numerous resident rabbits hopping near and on it. However, you don't want to feed these furry cuties. Doing so comes with a stiff $500 fine. Spanish Banks runs along Northwest Marine Drive west of Tolmie Street, and west of Locarno. This beautiful city beach is divided into three sections and is considered a top stargazing spot.
Stanley Park Third Beach at Ferguson Point in Stanley Park is famously known for its weekly drum circle, which draws thousands.
Famously known as the city's clothing-optional shore, Wreck Beach is a haven for free-spirited folks who like to escape the downtown area. To get there, visit UBC's endowment lands and go down the steep staircases on Trail Six.
Sunset Beach is at the mouth of False Creek near the downtown area. However, you typically don't see the overwhelming crowds at English Bay.
Ocean beaches near Vancouver
Folks looking for a finer shore outside Vancouver Proper have no shortage of spots to cool off in. For example, West Vancouver's Ambleside Beach is located in a fun, creative hub with year-round festivals. North Vancouver boasts several dreamy shores, including Deep Cove, a smaller, sandy beach surrounded by trees.
In South Surrey, locals can visit Crescent Beach near Boundary Bay, and Mud Bay has a designated roped area for swimming. Alternatively, White Rock Beach, located on the northern shore of Semiamhoo Bay, is known for having warm waters and is attached to the iconic 470-metre-long White Rock Pier.
Another popular spot in the suburbs is Centennial Beach in Tsawwassen's Boundary Bay Regional Park. The shore is popular for families and is very shallow for about half a kilometre before it gets deep.
Lakes near Vancouver
The City of Vancouver has several ocean beaches, but only one freshwater lake. Trout Lake is a popular option in John Hendry Park in East Vancouver. However, it often has high levels of E. coli, and swimmers should check advisories before taking a dip.
For a nearby option, Whyte Lake is located roughly 25 minutes from Vancouver in Whyte Lake Park in Horseshoe Bay, and is accessible by a trail that cuts through old-growth cedar and fir trees. Lynn Canyon in North Vancouver is also home to the popular 30-Foot Pool on the way to the Pipe Bridge.
North Vancouver's Mount Seymour also boasts several lakes to take a dip, including Mystery, Goldie, and Elsay.
Buntzen Lake is a BC Hydro reservoir located a 45-minute drive from Vancouver. It has a designated swimming area, but sometimes currents are strong and there are no lifeguards. Sasamat Lake is located about an hour away from Vancouver in təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park and has the popular white-sand beach called White Pine Beach.
Lakes in the Fraser Valley and beyond
Golden Ears Provincial Park is a popular spot for campers and folks looking for a day trip in the Fraser Valley. It boasts the 16 km Alouette Lake, which is a popular place for a range of aquatic activities, including boating, kayaking, swimming, and much more.
Another popular spot in the Fraser Valley is Cultus Lake. The lake is large with warm water and in a scenic, forested area, and is also home to the beloved Cultus Lake Waterpark.
Located in Mission on the north bank of the Fraser River, Hoover Lake is along the Hoover Lake Trail and provides a peaceful spot to cool off. Likewise, Chilliwack Lake Park has a network of 40 km of trails, over a hundred campsites, and several lakes, including Lindeman, Greendrop, Flora, Chilliwack, and Radium.
Heading up to Squamish, Cat Lake and Brohm Lake are two refreshing spots to take a dip,
Rivers and swimming holes in the Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland also boasts several rivers and swimming holes to cool off on sweltering summer days. Alouette River cuts through Maple Ridge and is home to the popular swimming spot Davidson's Pool. In nearby Pitt Meadows, Widgeon Falls is a popular place to cool off in Pinecone Burke Park. To reach it, you'll need to paddle and hike (but it's worth the effort).
Coquitlam River is a popular choice for families and groups looking to place their chairs in the river and lounge in the cool, shallow waters. There are some areas with deeper water where it is also possible to get immersed deeply. Also, the river typically has gentle flows, several access points, and areas for lounging on the rocks along the sides.
Vedder River, also known as Chilliwack River, has several swimming spots along the way that are suitable for swimming.
Mosquito Creek is another popular swimming spot in North Vancouver, on the Mosquito Creek Trail. There are several access points where swimmers can wade into the creek for a dip along the trail.
Waterslide/Water park attractions in the Lower Mainland
The Lower Mainland is home to a handful of long-standing, popular water parks with speedy slides, obstacle courses, spray parks, and much more. There is also a great option in nearby Harrison Hot Springs.
Big Splash Water Slide Park is a water slide park in Tsawwassen with kiddie, beginner, intermediate, and advanced sliding experiences. Some are regular slides, while others are larger and used with tubes.
Bridal Falls Waterpark in Rosedale, Chilliwack, is the most accessible option in the Lower Mainland because it is located on a gentle hill and doesn't have big stairs to climb. There are a variety of slides and a waterplay area.
Cultus Lake Waterpark is massive water park with numerous body, tube, and raft slides, as well as attractions like themed spray parks and splash pads. Parents can also hang out by the water in cabanas.
Harison Watersports is a giant inflatable water park featuring an obstacle course, swings, teeter-totters, monkey bars, hamster balls, and more in Harrison Hot Springs. You can also rent bumper boats equipped with water guns that shoot up to 10 feet.
Outdoor public swimming pools in Vancouver
People looking to cool off in Vancouver have multiple options, including Canada's longest swimming pool, the iconic, saltwater Kitsilano Pool. Unfortunately, the pool hasn't opened this season due to repairs. A City of Vancouver spokesperson tells V.I.A. work is expected to be completed around mid-June, but the "exact timing will depend on how the repair work progresses."
Second Beach Pool is a popular heated option near the trails and forests of Stanley Park. It has a sloped entry for families and separated lanes for lap swimmers.
Other outdoor pools in the city include:
Outdoor public swimming pools outside of Vancouver
Outside of Vancouver proper, toasty locals can find numerous pools to cool off in. Bear Creek Pool is located in Surrey's Bear Creek, which also features several amenities, including a large playground, athletic fields, a jogging track, a skatepark, nature trails, and a fenced-in dog off-leash area.
Burnaby's Central Park pool is in the sprawling 86-hectare urban oasis, home to a forest with winding paths, quiet ponds, beautiful gardens, and Swangard Stadium. The eight-lane pool is 50 metres long with a depth of one to four metres.
In New Westminster, Grimston Park is home to one of the few remaining wading pools in Metro Vancouver. It is an ideal place for toddlers to splash, play, and cool off while gaining confidence around water.
Surrey pools include:
Richmond pools include:
Burnaby pools include:
- Central Park Outdoor Pool
- Kensington Park Outdoor Pool
- MacPherson Park Outdoor Pool
- Robert Burnaby Outdoor Pool
- Wading pools and spray parks
Coquitlam pool include:
New Westminster pools include:
Water parks and splashpads in Vancouver
Families in Vancouver looking for a quick spot to cool off on a hot day don't need to visit a pool or the beach. The city has numerous splash pads, spray parks, and wading pools.
Granville Island Water Park is free water park located next to the community centre in the popular shopping district. It pairs perfectly with a day spent shopping and exploring the peninsula. Similarly, the Stanley Park Waterpark is a spray park located in Stanley Park next to the seawall at Lumbermen's Arch, and close to top attractions like the aquarium.
Folks hanging out downtown can also cool off in the spray park in Harbour Green Park, which offers breathtaking waterfront views.
Other splash parks in Vancouver:
- Connaught Park: A splash pad located in a Kitsilano neighbourhood near an adjacent sports field and ice arena. .
- Chaldecott Park: Community waterpark with tables and benches around it in the Dunbar-Southlands area.
- CRAB Park at Portside: Located in a downtown park on the water.
- Grandview Park: This park is located along the vibrant Commercial Drive.
- MacLean Park: A spray park in the Strathcona neighbourhood.
- Norquay Park: A water/spray park in the Renfrew-Collingwood area.
- Oak Park: A small spray park in the Marpole.
- Pandora Park: Spraypark in Grandview-Woodland.
- Prince Edward Park: Water park in the Riley-Little Mountain neighbourhood.
Water parks and splash pads outside of Vancouver
People living or venturing outside the city can find many other splash parks across the region. In addition to its fabulous pool, Burnaby's Central Park is also home to a fun splash park, while Confederation Park has a 400-square-foot water play area in North Burnaby.
The Steveston Community Park is a 30-acre park with an adorable fishing village theme playground and waterpark. Coquitlam's Town Centre Park has a spray park and a beautiful lake with a trail around it.
The Outdoor Experience in the Aldergrove Community Centre features a lazy river, wave pool, and waterslides. There is also a Big Top splashpad for younger guests with water play features. The venue has special programming and theme days, such as Sip 'n Dips (a kid-free night for those 19+ when guests can enjoy local craft beer, wine, and seltzers); Dive-in Movie Nights; Youth Nights; and Family Night.
Other splash parks in Burnaby:
Other splash parks in Richmond:
- Burkeville Neighbourhood Park
- Dixon Neighbourhood Park
- King George/Cambie Community Park
- Lang (Saba/Buswell) Park
Other splash parks in Coquitlam:
- Burns Park
- Cottonwood Park
- Galloway Park
- Mackin Park
- Norm Staff Park
- Panorama Park
- Rochester Park
- Sheffield Park
- Blue Mountain Park
- Blue Mountain Pool
Other splash parks in New Westminster:
- Hume Park has new water features in its spray park and a new rubber surface made from BC recycled tires. It is located in Upper Hume Park, which has access to the access to Brunette River.
- Ryall Park
- Sapperton Park
- Queen's Park
- Grimston Park
Other splash parks in Delta:
