Archie MontroseWith eight nice beaches, eight by the ocean, and one by a freshwater lake, Vancouver is beaming with outdoor recreational opportunities. Let’s dive into some of the cleanest ones so you can enjoy a refreshing swim or relax on the sandy shores.
Whether you’re a local or a traveler hoping to experience Vancouver’s coastal beauty, this article is for you. If you’re ready to dive into Vancouver’s crystal-clear waters read on to discover our curated list of the cleanest beaches in the city.
Are the beaches in Vancouver swimmable?
Most beaches in Vancouver are swimmable during the summer months, offering refreshing relief from the heat.
Important for recreational enjoyment and promoting outdoor activity, they serve as popular destinations for locals and tourists, providing opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation by the water.
Vancouver beaches are swimmable as compared to other places across the globe. Visitors at Vancouver beaches feel safe swimming in local waters — particularly during the summer months.
Unwind with a Swim at Whyte Lake
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Website: https://westvancouver.ca/parks-recreation/parks-trails/whyte-lake-park
Address: Westport Rd, West Vancouver, BC V0N 1G0, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-925-7275
This small lake resting in the hills of West Vancouver is a nice spot for swimming. It’s a gorgeous hike through a temperate rainforest, which is about 2.5 km each way, and once you get there, just dive in.
You’ve got these towering trees all around the lake, and let us tell you, the scene is just pure beauty. Even in August, when you’d expect warmer waters, it’s still pretty chilly, but hey, totally swimmable if you’re up for it.
Pro tip: Should you plan to hike this trail, it’s a good idea to use hiking boots with toe protection.
How to Get Here
To get here, take the ferry terminal ramp to Horseshoe bay. Then, merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy and keep left to continue on BC 99. You’ll eventually find Whyte Lake on your left.
Lounge at White Pine Beach
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Website: https://www.portmoody.ca/
Address: White Pine Beach Rd, Belcarra, BC, Canada
Contact details: 604-520-6442
White Pine Beach is the go-to spot for open water swimming enthusiasts. With hardly any current and nestled snugly in a sheltered valley, the water is usually as calm as can be, just a gentle ripple here and there.
The water clarity is like swimming in liquid crystal. Plus, it’s usually warm enough to make your swim super enjoyable. Oh, and once you’re done with your aquatic adventures, there’s a simple trail circling the lake.
Pro tip:
Gas stoves and BBQ are not allowed on the beach, so make sure to pack a lot of fruits, salad, and pre-cooked meals!
How to Get Here
Head onto Inlet Drive, and take lefts at Clarke, Moody, and Murray Streets. Keep driving and turn left onto Ioco Road. Once you’re on Bedwell Bay Road, take a slight right toward White Pine Beach.
Frolic at Third Beach
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Website: https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/third-beach.aspx
Address: Third Beach, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Contact details: 604-873-7000
This naturally sandy beach is located along the western shore of Stanley Park. It’s got one of the region’s longest stretches of sand and spectacular views of English Bay.
Third Beach is the cleanest spot to take a dip in the city. It passed the water quality tests at least 95% of the time, according to The Swim Guide.
Pro tip:
At low tide, you can explore the north side of the beach and find tidepools with sea stars, mussels, sea anemones, and a hermit crab.
How to Get Here
Drive towards the exit toward Stanley Park and merge onto Stanley Park Drive. Third Beach would be on your right.
Soak up the Sun at Wreck Beach
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Website: https://visit.ubc.ca/see-and-do/gardens-and-nature/wreck-beach/
Address: 6572 NW Marine Drive, Vancouver, BC
Contact details: 604-224-5739
Wreck Beach is fairly clean. The sand would be mixed with some branches or seaweed washed up from the ocean, but overall it is well-maintained by the community.
Sure, you’ve got to brave those stairs (both down and back up), but hey, it adds to the adventure, right? Once you’re down there, the secluded vibe makes you feel like you’re miles away from the city hustle.
Pro tip:
Try to walk to the bottom of the beach. You’ll be greeted with a beautiful stretch of white sand beach and an infinite view out into the Pacific.
How to Get Here
Take a right into Howe Street and exit toward 4th Avenue. Continue onto Chancellor Blvd, and at the roundabout, stay on Chancellor Blvd and turn left into NW Marine Drive.
Revel in the Tranquility of Brunswick Beach
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Website: https://www.lionsbay.ca/community/parks-open-spaces
Address: Brunswick Beach Rd, Lions Bay, BC V0N 2E0, Canada
Contact details: 604-921-9333
Brunswick Beach is the northernmost beach in the Village of Lions Bay. If you’re itching to escape the city for a serene beach day with breathtaking vistas, this is the spot.
The water quality here is superb, with at least a 95% passing rate. Oh, and word on the street is that there are certain spots where clothing is optional, so if you’re into that, this might just be your paradise to ditch those tan lines!
Pro tip:
Parking here is free as it’s managed by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure!
How to Get Here
Take the ferry terminal ramp to Horseshoe Bay and merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy. Keep left and exit toward Brunswick Road. Stay on Brunswick Beach road, and turn right to Brunswick Beach.
Bask in the Beauty of Boundary Bay
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Website: http://www.delta.ca/
Address: Boundary Bay Rd, Delta, BC V4L 1N2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-520-6442
Boundary Bay Regional park is located south of Vancouver near the border with the United States and is a popular swimming spot. There’s plenty of beach to sprawl out on, tons of mud flats to muck around in, and a whole bunch of trails to wander.
Although, it’s a bit of a trek to get there, especially if you’ve got to navigate through the tunnel, but trust us, it’s totally worth it.
Pro tip:
If you take the Raptor trail, this will lead you to a lovely Willow tree housing blue herons sleeping in the branches.
How to Get Here
Go on BC-99 S and merge onto BC-17A towards Ladner. Take the ramp onto BC-17A and turn left onto 56th Street, then left again onto 12 Avenue.
Keep going on Boundary Bay Rd, and at the roundabout, take the exit onto 3rd Avenue. Turn right onto 67 St, then left onto 1A Avenue.
Embrace the Serenity of Lindeman Lake
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Address: Lindeman/Greendrop Trl, Rosedale, BC V0X 1X0, Canada
Lindeman Lake is a beautiful and pristinely clean spot with clear, clean, and freshwater. It’s a bright blue, super dreamy alpine lake. However, take note that the water is a bit cold.
You can also hike the trails here, which will take you a good two hours, so make sure you factor that into your day’s agenda. Once you finally arrive and lay eyes on those stunning waters, you’ll realize it was absolutely worth every step.
Pro tip:
The ground is really dry with loose dirt so it’s wise to wear good footwear tread.
How to Get Here
Go to Trans-Canada Hwy and take exit 104. Then, take the ramp for 3 Road E and turn right onto Tolmie Rd. Turn left onto 3 Rd, then left again onto Yarrow Central Rd.
Keep driving until you reach Vedder Mountain Rd. At the roundabout, take the 2nd exit. At the next roundabout, take the 1st exit.
Explore the Waters of Widgeon Falls
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Address: Greater Vancouver A, BC V0N 3Z0, Canada
Over on the northside of Pitt Lake, you’ve got Widgeon Falls, another spot that’s perfect for a refreshing swim. The water there is crystal clear and refreshingly cold—a great way to cool off on a hot day.
It’s not exactly the easiest place to reach but it’s not as tricky as it sounds. Grab yourself a canoe and some life jackets, paddle your way across the lake and up the creek, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself on a short hike to the falls.
Pro tip:
Once you’re at the falls, there’s a great spot where you can jump and explore the waters. It’s right at the edge.
How to Get Here
Take BC-1 and merge onto Trans-Canada Hwy. Take exit 44, and merge onto BC-7A. Keep right and follow signs for BC-7E. Drive straight onto Pinetree Way and turn right onto David Avenue. Turn left onto Pipeline Rd, and another right onto Or BR.
