Vancouver’s famous urban oasis might be better known for its seawall and giant trees, but the Stanley Park beaches are criminally underrated.
These aren’t flashy surf scenes or party zones, but if you want low-key, beautiful, and ridiculously accessible waterfront, you’re in luck.
If you’re down for some sun, views, or just peace and quiet, keep reading.
🏖️ Stanley Park Beaches
Vancouver flies under the radar as a summer beach city, which always surprises visitors. Mountains steal the spotlight, yet the shoreline holds its own.
Warm evenings stretch late, the air stays fresh, and the water glints just enough to pull people down to the sand.
I still remember friends from Europe laughing when I suggested a beach day here, then changing their tune once shoes came off, and towels went down.
Even better, many of Vancouver’s best beaches can be found right next to the downtown core—including right in Stanley Park. Here’s a quick list below before we take an in-depth look at each:
- Second Beach: Best for family hangouts
- Third Beach: Sunset chaser’s favourite spot
- English Bay Beach: The social scene classic
- Brockton Point: Views without the crowds
- Stanley Park Seawall Stops: Rocky dips with a view
- Zeus Beach: Secret sunbathing nook
- Lost Lagoon Shoreline: Not for swimming, still lovely
☀️ Visiting Vancouver during the summer months? Check out our list of the 21 Vancouver summer activities.
Second Beach
This one’s right near the outdoor Second Beach Pool and has been a go-to for Vancouver families for decades, thanks to calm waves and nearby concessions and picnic areas.
The vibe’s laid back — think kids building sandcastles, lifeguards on watch, and plenty of logs for sitting.
Great for groups or people who want to stay close to bathrooms and food stands.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing ice cream from the concession stand and watching rollerbladers zip by.
Third Beach
Third Beach sits tucked under a hill of trees and has built up a cult following for its unbeatable sunsets and chill atmosphere.
It gets busy late afternoon, but it never feels too crowded because it is the furthest from downtown.
People bring instruments, play frisbee, and lie back in the sand till the sky goes pink and orange. I like to stop here during a bike ride around the Seawall.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Catching a drum circle at sunset if you’re there in summer.
English Bay Beach
Technically just outside Stanley Park, English Bay is still the best-known beach in the area and sits right at the park’s edge.
It’s buzzy and busy, full of volleyball games, rental bikes, and beachgoers. Not ideal for solitude, but perfect if you like energy and people-watching.
The waters are a bit calmer than Third Beach, making it my favourite swimming spot of the bunch. Just watch out for your fellow beachgoers!
⭐ Don’t leave without: Grabbing something from the Cactus Club Café and eating right on the beach.
Brockton Point
This isn’t a beach you go to for tanning — but it’s still one of the most scenic corners of Stanley Park, especially in the morning.
It’s quiet, with benches and small rock areas where you can sit near the water. Best for folks who want to relax or sketch the skyline.
It’s a great spot for some peaceful reflection after checking out the Aquarium or the nearby Stanley Park totem poles.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Taking a photo with the historic lighthouse and gazing out toward the Lions Gate Bridge.
Lumberman’s Arch Water Park
This area is not technically known for its beach, but the Fox’s Den Splash Park, a favourite with kids.
Near the water park and playground, there is a little beach that often gets overlooked, but it’s perfect if you’re visiting Stanley Park with kids.
There’s space for strollers, shaded picnic areas, and usually fewer people. It’s not for swimming, but still great for a snack break or breather.
⭐ Don’t leave without: A nap in the grass right behind the logs.
👧🏻 Visiting with the family? Check out our list of the best things to do in Vancouver with children.
Stanley Park Seawall Stops
The seawall has loads of rocky little ledges and mini-beaches where people sneak in for quick dips or peaceful views.
These aren’t sandy, and most aren’t official beaches, but they’re lovely in their own way. I’ve stopped mid-bike ride to just lie on a rock.
I’d recommend renting a bike and circumnavigating the entire park. You can stop at any of the spots on our list, or maybe even find your own!
⭐ Don’t leave without: Picking a random quiet spot and just sitting for ten minutes with no phone.
Siwash Rock Cove (Zeus Beach)
Near the iconic sea stack, this small cove isn’t marked as a beach, but people have been sunning themselves here for years.
It’s rugged and usually empty, unless someone’s out with a book or camera. You’ll feel like you’ve found a secret.
It’s located halfway between the Lion’s Gate Bridge and Third Beach. Come here for the amazing views of West Vancouver and the Salish Sea.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Snapping a photo of Siwash Rock with the sun setting in the background — it’s gorgeous.
Lost Lagoon Shoreline
You won’t be swimming here, but it still counts. The lagoon has some of the calmest water in the park, perfect for photos or quiet thinking.
I like walking around here early morning. You’ll see swans, turtles, river otters, herons, and a lot of photographers. It’s meditative, not splashy.
If you rented a bike in Coal Harbour, this is a great stop on your way back after completing the Seawall.
⭐ Don’t leave without: Looking for the heron colony across the lagoon in the trees.
Stanley Park Beaches FAQ
Which Stanley Park Beaches are best for swimming?
Second Beach and Third Beach are the best for swimming, thanks to their calm waters and lifeguards on duty during summer.
Are the beaches in Stanley Park good for kids?
Yes, especially Second Beach and Lumberman’s Arch. They have shallow areas, restrooms, nearby snacks, a pool, water parks, and playgrounds.
Can you bring dogs to beaches in Stanley Park?
Some areas, like the Dog Park near Stanley Park Brewing and the Seawall, allow dogs on a leash, but they’re not allowed on official swimming beaches.
To find a dog beach, you’ll need to continue east along the Seawall on the English Bay side to Sunset Beach, near the Burrard Street Bridge.
What’s the quietest beach in Stanley Park?
Third Beach on a weekday morning offers the most privacy and space to relax, with few people around. But come peak hours in the summer, all Stanley Park beaches are quite busy.
Do the beaches in Stanley Park have food nearby?
Yes. English Bay and Second Beach have food stands and nearby restaurants, including Cactus Club Café, the Teahouse in Stanley Park, and Stanley Park Brewing.
What’s the best beach for watching the sunset in Stanley Park?
Third Beach wins this one. People literally gather for the view, and the whole crowd claps when the sun goes down. English Bay Beach is also incredible, plus, it’s more accessible to downtown.
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