We wait all year round for summer in Vancouver to finally enjoy our beautiful beaches.

Whether you’re looking for a private patch of sand or want to surround yourself with energetic sun-seekers, there’s a swimming beach in Metro Vancouver for everyone on this list.

Of course, it’s still BC, so don’t expect the water to be hot. Yet on a hot day, the water is inviting!

Put a dip in the ocean or a lake on your summer must-have list now.

Bathing Beaches in Metro Vancouver

1. Cates Park

This hidden beach has a small sandy shore and fantastic views. You won’t find it too crowded here and you’ll have plenty of space to settle in for a fantastic day at the beach.

• Distance from the city center: 30 minutes
• Accessible by public transport: Yes, from downtown, take the 211 or 212 bus and get off at the Dollarton highway.

Where: 4141 Dollarton Highway, North Vancouver

2. təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park

Explore the park’s trails, then relax on the beach at təmtəmíxʷtən/Belcarra Regional Park.

• Distance from the city center: 1h
• Accessible by public transport: Yes, from Moody station, take the 182 Belcarra bus.

Where: 2375 Bedwell Bay Road, Belcarra

3. Whytecliff Park

Get to Whytecliff very early if you want any chance of finding parking. But you’ll get such a big payoff if you settle here first and spend a day on its sparkling shores.

• Distance from the city center: 25 minutes
• Accessible by public transport: No

Where: 7120 Marine Drive, West Vancouver

4. Spanish banks

Although the nearby beaches of Jericho and Locarno are popular choices, if you’re looking for more privacy while swimming, go ahead and check out Spanish Banks instead. Watch out for the tide as it can rise quite far.

• Distance from the city center: 20 minutes
• Accessible by public transit: Take any bus along West 4th Avenue and get off at Tolmie St. Walk 10 minutes to the beach.

Where: Northwest Marine Drive and Tolmie Street, Vancouver

5. Wreck Beach

Wreck Beach is all about the vibe, so expect plenty of people having fun beaching on its shores. If you’ve never been to the infamous nude beach, it’s worth checking out at least once. There’s no better place to strip down for a while. Natural bathing.

• Distance from the city center: 25 minutes
• Accessible by public transport: Take any bus to UBC (#4, #44, #99, etc.) and get off at the bus loop. Walk to Northwest Marine Drive and University Boulevard, find the stairs and walk down to the beach.

Where: Northwest Marine Drive, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

6. Lake of the Alouettes

If you prefer to swim in a lake to the ocean, this location in Golden Ears Provincial Park is a good choice. This park gets extremely busy so you need to get there early for a good spot, but it’s worth it.

• Distance from the city center: 1h20
• Accessible by public transport: No

Where: Golden Ears Parkway, Maple Ridge

7. Hadden Beach

This dog-friendly beach in Kitsilano, right next to the Maritime Museum and close to Kits Beach, is perfect for a sunset swim with your four-legged friend.

• Distance from the city center: 15 minutes
• Accessible by public transport: Yes, take the #2 bus and get off at Cornwall Avenue, walk five minutes on Chestnut Street to the beach.

Where: End of Chestnut Street, Vancouver

With Daily Hive staff files.