Beat the Heat at These Local Watering Spots

July 23, 2013: Nothing quite says summer like a day at the beach and Vancouver has a lot to choose from. We all know of the popular ones like English Bay and Jericho Beach. But if you fancy a change, here are some lesser known beaches to check out:

1) Locarno Beach, Vancouver

Located west of Jericho Park, Locarno Beach is a fun family friendly spot to hit up this summer. With its soft sands and spectacular mountain views, it is the perfect place to unwind and relax. It’s also a designated quiet beach (no loud music allowed!) During low tide, you can enjoy a muddy walk onto the sandy flats, observe little fish in the pools or try skim boarding. Or walk over to the sand volley ball courts for a game or two. Hungry? Head down to the concession stand for a bite or better yet, bring a picnic basket. There are lovely picnic sites close to the beach, under a canopy of trees. There is also a children’s playground and an off leash area for dogs just a block south from the beach.

2) White Pine Beach, Port Moody

For a refreshing swim in a lake, head out to White Pine Beach in Belcarra Regional Park. Another great family friendly spot, White Pine Beach is situated on Sasamat Lake – one of the warmest lakes in the lower mainland. Its clean, fresh water makes it perfect for swimming or for just floating on a raft or tube. It has shallow entry, making it ideal for families with kids. Plus, the sandy beach is great for building sandcastles. If swimming isn’t your thing, there’s a wharf for fishing and scuba diving. There are also numerous hiking trails around the lake to choose from. White Pine Beach tends to be busy on the weekends so be sure to arrive there early to grab a good spot!

3) Barnet Marine Park, Burnaby

Barnet Marine Park has Burnaby’s only salt water beach. Large and sandy, it is an ideal swimming spot. There are also opportunities to canoe or kayak here. If you’re not in the mood for swimming, go explore. There is quite a bit to see here. On the east side of the park, there is a dock for fishing or for just watching the boats go by. Take a stroll along the shoreline and enjoy the spectacular views of Burrard Inlet. Keep an eye out for the marine and bird life along the way, if you’re lucky you might just spot an eagle! Interested in local history? The park is located on the site of an old logging community. Be sure to check out the large concrete mills near the picnic area.

4) South Beach, Maple Ridge

South Beach is a beautiful sandy beach with a roped off swimming area. Situated on Alouette Lake, it makes for a fun family outing. The lake is popular for a variety of water activities like windsurfing and water-skiing. Canoes, kayaks and pedals boats can also be rented on the weekends. As it is located in the Golden Ears Provincial Park, there are numerous trails to hike and if you’re looking for a weekend getaway, there are three campgrounds to choose from!

By Tarana Rana, Editorial Intern for DARPAN Magazine