Alan ‘Bo’ BorensteinAs I stood on the shores of English Bay Beach, I felt an irresistible urge for fresh coastal adventures. West Vancouver, just a short drive away from downtown, seemed like the perfect solution to this yearning.
Now, let’s set our sights on the west and dive into an exploration of the top 11 beaches that West Vancouver has to offer.
West Vancouver Centennial Seawalk
Address: 2240 Bellevue Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1C6, Canada
Phone: +1 604-854-8710
Operating Hours: Daily 24 hours
Website
The West Vancouver Centennial Seawalk is a captivating 2.7-kilometer coastal pathway that winds along the stunning shoreline of West Vancouver.
Starting at Ambleside Park, it offers breathtaking views of the Burrard Inlet, Lions Gate Bridge, and the North Shore Mountains. The well-maintained route accommodates pedestrians and cyclists and is accessible for all ages.
Connecting to Ambleside Beach and Dundarave Beach, you’ll discover benches, viewpoints, and informative plaques along the way, providing historical insights.
Pro tip:
The path is lined with cafes and restaurants, including Mangia e Bevi, an Italian restaurant just a minute’s drive from the Centennial Seawalk, and is also a convenient pit stop if you’re headed to Lighthouse Park.
Ambleside Beach
Address: Argyle Ave, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1A4, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7275
The Ambleside Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline boasting a unique blend of natural beauty and urban convenience, with the Burrard Inlet, the mountains, and the iconic Lions providing a dramatic backdrop to the scene.
The beach features a long, sandy shoreline with plenty of room to lay out a blanket and soak up the sun.
The crystal-clear waters of the Pacific Ocean, which connect to the Burrard Inlet, gently lap at the shore, inviting swimmers and waders to cool off during the summer months.
Ambleside Beach is not just about sun and surf, though. It offers a range of amenities to enhance your visit, particularly in the Ambleside Park Centennial Fountain, where picnic areas and playgrounds are located.
The West Vancouver Seawall offers scenic walking and biking paths that gracefully meander along the waterfront. This route not only allows you to enjoy the stunning coastal views but also provides a leisurely way to explore the surrounding area.
Pro tip:
For those seeking a quieter ambiance during the Celebration of Light, Ambleside Beach is an excellent alternative to the bustling English Bay Beach.
The view from this beach may be partially obstructed by Stanley Park, but the reflections of the fireworks on the water add an enchanting dimension to the experience.
Dundarave Beach
Address: 25th Street. West Vancouver. Canada.
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Dundarave Beach, the charming little pair of Ambleside Beach on the other end, marks the beginning of the Centennial Seawalk.
Located in Dundarave Village, a delightful seaside enclave in West Vancouver, it’s brimming with artisan shops, markets, and eateries.
Dundarave Beach, a cozy 50-meter strip of shoreline, boasts coarse sand and an abundance of logs. Regardless of the season, there’s ample space for play, well-maintained walking paths, and panoramic views of Vancouver, the Lions Gate Bridge, and the Burrard Inlet.
With water quality passing the test 95% of the time, it’s an ideal spot for swimming. Even better, the swimming dock, damaged by a severe storm in early 2022, reopened in June 2023.
Pro tip:
If you plan your visit to Dundarave Beach in August, you can also partake in the Dundarave Hoedown, a lively block-party-style event in West Vancouver.
In 2023, it unfolded on Marine Drive between 24th Street and 25th Street in charming Dundarave Village.
Altamont Beach Park
Address: 2930 Park Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1E9, Canada
Altamont Beach Park, tucked away along West Vancouver’s coastline, offers a serene and less crowded beach experience. Located near Altamont Creek, it features rocky shores perfect for tide pool exploration and marine life observation during low tide.
With the Pacific Ocean stretching before you and the majestic Coastal Mountains as a backdrop, the views are simply breathtaking.
Additionally, the West Vancouver Seawall is easily accessible, offering a scenic route for leisurely strolls or bike rides along the coastline.
Pro tip:
From Vancouver, it takes approximately 17 minutes by car to get to Altamont Beach Park via BC-1A/BC-99 N and Marine Drive.
Whytecliff Park
Address: 7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2T3, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7275
Operating Hours: Daily 7:00 am – 10:00 pm
Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is a stunning beach destination renowned for its rocky shoreline and captivating views of the Howe Sound and Coast Mountains.
This crescent-shaped beach features unique tidal pools perfect for marine life exploration during low tide. You can easily walk across the rocks and reach the Whyte Islet, a small rocky island that always makes for good pictures.
Divers flock to Whytecliff Park for its underwater wonders, including an artificial reef and vibrant kelp forests. Novice and experienced divers alike can explore the rich marine ecosystem of the Pacific Northwest.
On land, hiking trails lead to scenic viewpoints, and there are picnic areas for enjoying meals surrounded by nature.
Whether you seek adventure or tranquility, Whytecliff Park offers a range of outdoor experiences by the sea, making it a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts in West Vancouver.
Pro tip:
You can always hit the Sea to Sky Highway and make it a road trip. After Whytecliff Park if you’re driving up to Squamish, you can drop by Porteau Cove Provincial Park, Britannia Mine Museum, Shannon Falls, and more.
Sandy Cove Park Beach
Address: 3966 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1N5, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 24 hours
Sandy Cove Park Beach offers a serene coastal retreat. This sandy beach is perfect for sunbathing, picnics, and family-friendly swimming.
The beach features a mix of sand and pebbles, along with the typical assortment of rocks and driftwood. During low tide, the beach is quite large and wide.
Just be aware that the beach slopes toward the water. If you’re with kids, make sure they can balance on their own, and be ready to catch any rolling beach items.
Pro tip:
Finding Sandy Cove beach can be a bit tricky, so here are clear directions: Drive west on Marine Drive, about one to two miles past Dundarave Beach. Keep an eye out for a small bridge and a street named Rose Crescent.
Once you spot them, park your car either on Marine Drive or Rose Crescent. Then, follow the short trail underneath the bridge to reach Sandy Cove beach.
Caulfeild Park
Address: 4712 Dogwood Ln, West Vancouver, BC V7W 1J1, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7275
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 24 hours
The waters near Caulfeild Park are a local favorite for summer swimming. However, it often goes unnoticed, making it less crowded even when visitors pass by en route to Lighthouse Park.
Located about seven kilometers south of Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver, you can easily access the park via Marine Drive.
Key landmarks include the Point Atkinson Tide Gauge at the western end and Stearman Beach at the eastern end. In between, you’ll discover trails and sandy beaches to explore.
During low tide, the sandy beaches are interspersed with rocky areas from end to end. However, at high tide, the beach disappears entirely, leaving only forest and water, with very few rocky areas.
Parking can be a challenge, especially on hot sunny weekends. You have to be open to the idea of parking somewhere else, like Whytecliff Park that’s 15 minutes away.
Pro tip:
In case you’re searching for this park to avoid getting lost, ensure you spell it correctly as “Caulfeild,” with the last syllable spelled as such, and not like “field.”
Parthenon Park
Address: 5536 Parthenon Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7W 2V7, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 24 hours
Compared to the other beaches on our list, the beach at Parthenon Park is undoubtedly small. The waters are also shallow, but if you’re planning to lie down and sunbathe during the sunny days, this is still a worthwhile spot to visit.
The area is shaded by pine trees, offering a chance to relax while enjoying views of the North Shore mountains. There are limited amenities on site, so it’s one of those ideal destinations for soaking in the peaceful surroundings.
Pro tip:
If you’re driving to Parthenon Park, you’ll find parking on nearby streets and at Eagle Harbour Park, which by car is 4 minutes away. If you’re taking the bus, catch the #250 Horseshoe Bay.
Access to the beach is via a set of stairs.
West Bay Park
Address: 3482 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC V7V 1N2, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Operating Hours: Opens Daily 8:00 am – 11:00 pm
West Bay Park, also known as Radcliffe Avenue Beach, offers a small sandy and pebbly shoreline and is a cool spot to unwind.
Tucked between the lavish mansions of West Vancouver, the park provides a peaceful setting with views of Downtown Vancouver, the Burrard Inlet, and the tranquil ocean.
Benches are conveniently available for those who want to enjoy the views while having a quick snack.
Be sure to check the tide before your visit. Low tide provides more beach space to enjoy.
Pro tip:
West Bay Park is just a 20-minute drive from Vancouver. You only have to follow Marine Drive coming from BC-1A/BC-99.
If you’re using public transit, hop on the #250 Horseshoe Bay, which takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Disembark at WB Marine Dr @ Creery Ave and walk a short distance to West Bay Park.
Tall Trees Park Beach
Address: Gleneagles Pl, West Vancouver, BC V7W 3A1, Canada
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Situated between Lighthouse Park and Whytecliffe Park, Tall Trees Park bears a striking resemblance to both. Its beach is modest in size and consists of a blend of sand and pebbles.
This charming spot offers an excellent vantage point for witnessing stunning sunsets in a quieter setting compared to Dundarave Beach. If you’re looking for a beach providing a sense of privacy while remaining open to all beachgoers.
Pro tip:
While not readily accessible by bus, a few two-hour parking spots are available for your convenience.
Stearman Beach
Address: West Vancouver, BC, V7W CA
Phone: +1 604 925 7200
Stearman Beach takes its name from the Stearman biplane, famously used for pilot training during World War II.
What sets this beach apart is its distinctive rock formations, a picturesque backdrop that’s a delight for photography enthusiasts.
The shoreline is equally intriguing, so if you’re visiting with children, they can have ample space to let their imaginations roam when they need a break from the water.
Now, Stearman Beach has limited amenities and the lack of shady spots can be on top of the list of what’s needed here. It does have bathroom facilities, however, and dogs are welcome on the beach.
Pro tip:
Similar to Caulfeild Park beach, Stearman Beach is off the beaten path, so you won’t have trouble finding a spot.
When it comes to parking, Stearman Beach offers street parking options for visitors. Parking is generally free, but make sure you’re not blocking driveways.
