This summer has been a scorcher so far. With Vancouver’s location on the ocean, the answer is obvious: hit the beach! But where to go? Here are six suggestions if you’re on the hunt for kid-friendly Vancouver beaches. So slip on a shirt, slap on a hat and slop on some sunscreen, and get ready for a day out with the family!
Six Vancouver Beaches to Visit with Kids
Spanish Banks
This gorgeous beach is quieter than most other Vancouver beaches, making it a great place to take little ones. In fact, there is even a designated “quiet beach” where amplified sound is not allowed. The sand is amazing – it stretches on and on and on. It’s the perfect place to bring a picnic lunch, spread out a blanket and build a sandcastle. You’ll find public washrooms and concession, and lifeguards are on duty.
Kits Beach
Kits Beach is one of the most popular Vancouver beaches for locals and visitors of all ages, and for good reason. The views are amazing, there’s a great playground, there’s plenty of sand, and you’re steps away from great restaurants and shopping. There’s also a gigantic, heated, saltwater pool, plus public washrooms and concession, and lifeguards are on duty. It gets busy quickly so you need to arrive early to find a good spot, and parking can be a bit of an issue.
Second Beach
This is another one of the most popular Vancouver beaches, especially for families. The pool, playground and beach are perfect for kiddos. It’s located along the Stanley Park Seawall, the location is gorgeous, and there’s concession and public washrooms. A lifeguard is also on duty. Arrive early because it does fill up fast!
Ambleside Park
Great Vancouver beaches aren’t just in the city itself. On the North Shore on of our favourites is Ambleside Park. There’s sand and a designated swimming area with a lifeguard on duty. You’ll also find an amazing playground, a waterpark, concession, public washrooms and an outdoor shower. Plus, the views are totally killer, and you’re near food and shopping West Vancouver.
Barnet Marine Park
Just off the Barnet Highway in Burnaby you’ll find one of the quietest Vancouver beaches. With plenty of shade, this is a great place to go if you don’t want to feel sun-scorched at the end of the day. There’s lots of sand, and a designated, roped-off swimming area, plus public washrooms. The views are good and there are the remains of the old logging community of Barnet, which older children will enjoy exploring.
Crescent Beach
South of the Fraser, Crescent Beach is a great place to while away a sunny day with the family. The sandy beach features a kid-friendly, roped swimming area with lifeguards on duty. There are public washrooms and an outdoor shower, and the pace is a little slower and quieter than White Rock. The quaint little community of Crescent Beach is also nearby.