6 Beaches to Visit Instead of Kits Beach — Swim Drink Fish (2024)

Written By Julia Pepler

With COVID-19 restrictions slowly being lifted, Vancouverites are flocking to popular beaches in large numbers, posing a risk of a “second wave” of infections. If you’re planning on hitting the beach for some much needed time by the water, consider visiting one of these quieter spots.

After thousands of people crowded Vancouver’s popular beaches (like Kits Beach and English Bay) over the past few weekends, we’ve realized that many people aren’t familiar with some of Vancouver’s other incredible sandy spots. We used the free Swim Guide app to compile a list of beaches you can visit in and around Vancouver where you are more likely to have lots of space and keep a safe distance from others.

Despite these spots being quieter than Vancouver's most popular beaches, they can still see overcrowding! If you can, we recommend you avoid peak hours and visit the beach in the morning or late afternoon.

1. Spanish Banks

One of the largest beaches in Vancouver, Spanish Banksboasts gorgeous views of the city, mountains, and ocean. Just a little west of Jericho and Kits Beach, Spanish Banks is often less popular than its neighbours. With a dog-friendly area on the west end and expansive tidal pools to explore throughout, we highly recommend this special spot.

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Sunset at Spanish Banks. Image: Spencer Watson/Unsplash

2. Iona Beach Park

Just north of YVR airport, Iona Beach Park is spacious, with a long bike and walking path jutting out on a 4 km jetty over the ocean. With a beach, grassy trails and a dog-friendly area, this is a great escape from the city and crowds.

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Low-tide at Iona Beach Park. Image: GoToVan/Wikipedia

3. CRAB Park

Though CRAB Park is located in the heart of Vancouver, it’s often overlooked as a great waterfront destination. It offers a spectacular view of the north shore mountains, a grassy area for picnics and a small pier for watching passing ships. If you’re looking for a quick and easy trip to the water, this is the spot for you.

CRAB Park's pebbly beach with Vancouver's downtown in the background. Image: Fraser Riverkeeper

4. Crescent Beach

Located in Surrey, Crescent Beach is a large sandy beach with a spectacular sunset view over the Georgia Strait. With a great swimming environment, logs for lounging, a pier and trail area, there’s no shortage of outdoor fun to be had here. Though it’s a bit out of the way, if you’re looking for a relaxing time by the water, this is where you’ll find it.

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Migratory birds fly over Crescent Beach. Image: Kyle Pearce/Flickr

5. Oasis Beach (Trail 7)

Near UBC, Oasis Beach and trail is a great spot to get near the water, explore hidden sandy alcoves and escape the crowds. The beach trail connects to Wreck Beach'smain area with grassy pathways, small waterfalls, and marine wildlife on the way.

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6. Barnet Marine Park

Located along the Burrard Inlet in Burnaby, Barnet Marine Park is a large park with trails, a beautiful sandy beach, and great swimming. Located north of SFU and you of the city, you’ll find quiet areas to isolate with your family or friends while connecting to nature and the wildlife in the area.

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A beautiful day at Barnet Marine Park. Image: Kyle Pearce/Flickr

Spending time outdoors and near the water is proven to relieve stress and improve mental health. If you are able, we highly recommend you make time in your schedule to soak in the sounds, sights, and fresh air that these less popular beaches have to offer. If you’re looking to visit Vancouver’s hotspots like Kitsilano beach, it’s much less crowded early in the day, so you can help prevent overcrowding by visiting outside of peak hours. Ensure that you continue to follow COVID-19 restrictions and maintain social distancing measures.

Are you looking for some way to help us while you’re visiting a beach or marina? Submit your photos of people, litter/debris, and wildlife with Gassy! Gassy is our brand new citizen science tool that digests your photos and collects a database of water quality information. It’s easy to snap a pic, upload it right from your photos, social media, google storage, and more, and send it to our AI system. It’s a great tool to keep track of crowding at beaches, biodiversity, and threats to our water quality. Help us out and share your photos on Gassy today.

You can find water quality data, information about amenities, and the closest beaches to you on the Swim Guide app or website.

Banner image: Ruth Hartnup/Flickr

Julia Pepler

6 Beaches to Visit Instead of Kits Beach — Swim Drink Fish (2024)

FAQs

Why are beaches better then pools? ›

Beaches are typically located in natural settings, such as near the ocean or a lake, while pools are usually man-made and can be found in various locations such as hotels, resorts, and private homes. Oftentimes, beaches offer beautiful natural surroundings with the sand, waves, and scenery.

Why should you swim at the beach? ›

Seawater is rich in vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, sodium, calcium, chloride and sulphate that work as natural cosmetics for our skin. Those with issues such as psoriasis and eczema may see particular benefit.

What do I need to know about swimming at the beach? ›

Swimming Safely at the Beach

Always swim in a lifeguarded area. Never swim alone, regardless of your age or level of swimming skills. Keep within your fitness and swimming capabilities. Be aware of weather and water conditions and heed warnings.

What are some things you should do before swimming at the beach? ›

Apply 30 SPF sunscreen 15-20 minutes before heading out, even if it is cloudy. UV radiation still penetrates cloud cover, so don't assume you're fine just because the sun isn't shining. Make sure you are using a waterproof "sport" sunscreen that won't wash off as soon as you get in the water.

Are beaches cleaner than pools? ›

Pools are cleaner

Natural debris and pollution are just some of the contaminants in the ocean and they might even make you sick. You can't control the cleanliness of the ocean and the nearby beach, but you can control the cleanliness of your pool.

Why is it better to go to the beach? ›

Beaches are relaxing

There's simply no better place to let go of daily stress than on the beach. You can sit back and soak up the sun, watch the waves roll in, or even take a nap in a hammock strung between two palm trees. You also might be able to meet some new friends while at the beach!

Is it better to swim in the ocean or pool? ›

Pools are significantly safer than the ocean. While swimming in the ocean can be thrilling, you also face a plethora of potential dangers, such as sharks, jellyfish, and other sea creatures, unpredictable waves, and riptides that can threaten even the strongest swimmers.

Where is the safest place to swim in the ocean? ›

Swim Where Lifeguards Are Visible

If you are not an extremely confident swimmer, always swim in a designated ocean swimming area supervised by lifeguards. Stay close to shore so you can be seen and rescued quickly if needed. Not all beaches have lifeguards on duty, so people swim at their own risk.

When not to swim in the ocean? ›

To reduce your risk, don't swim too far from shore, stay in groups, avoid being in the water during darkness or twilight, don't go in the water if you are bleeding from a wound, leave shiny jewelry at home, and avoid brightly colored swimwear.

Should I shower before swimming? ›

Benefits of Showering Before Swimming

Enhancing Chlorine Effectiveness: By reducing the load of impurities, chlorine can work more effectively in keeping the pool clean. Protecting Your Skin and Hair: A pre-swim shower can also minimize your hair and skin's exposure to chlorine, preventing potential damage.

Do you need to shower after swimming in the ocean? ›

Ilyas, MD. Elevated levels of ABRs on the skin lasted for six hours post-swim, according to the study To reduce the risk of skin infections, it's best to shower shortly after you've been in the ocean. Much like with showering post-workout, a shower after the ocean washes away bacterium.

Should I wash my face after swimming in the sea? ›

Whether swimming in a pool or the ocean, it's a good idea to rinse off immediately afterward. Chlorine and salt can both be harmful to your skin.

Why is the ocean better than a swimming pool? ›

If you're one of those people that finds it hard to float, you'll be pleased to know that the ocean gives you greater buoyancy thanks to its salt content. When swimming, this means you tend to sit higher in water and floating generally requires less effort.

Is it better to swim in a pool or sea? ›

A swimming pool is safer, contains no sharks, jelly fish, dangerous rip tide currents etc. A swimming pool correctly treated contains no disease infecting bacteria, virus and other pathogens.

Is it better to swim in saltwater or pool? ›

One of the major benefits of saltwater systems is that they have significantly lower levels of chlorine than traditional chlorine systems and don't require harsh chemicals. As a result, the water is gentler on your skin, eyes and hair, and it does not fade swimwear or towels the way that chlorine pools do.

What is the disadvantage of swimming in beach? ›

As water flows from land to coastal waters, it is often contaminated by untreated sewage from boats, pets, failing septic systems, fertilizers, and spills from hazardous substances. High levels of bacteria and other chemicals in the water can cause gastrointestinal illnesses in those who swim directly in the water.

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