Best Places to Cool Off This Summer on Vancouver’s North Shore

When West Coast temperatures soar, there’s no cooler place to find some relief – without sacrificing summer excitement – than on Vancouver’s North Shore. Here are just a few ways to get out and enjoy the warmer days ahead. 

Splash Park at The Shipyards

Kids will love the spraying fountains and the climbable structures in The Shipyards, where the skating rink resides for the rest of the year. Parents will love all of the delicious lunch options available surrounding the park and the incredible views of downtown and the waterfront.

Cates Park

A Tsleil-Waututh word that means “faces the wind,” Whey-ah-Wichen is the ancestral name for the largest waterfront park in North Vancouver. So you know that ocean breeze will be at your back as you comb the beach looking for starfish and crabs at low tide, or dip in for a swim. 

30 ft pool at Lynn Canyon

This popular summer swimming spot is off the trail to the Pipe Bridge, which crosses Lynn Canyon and leads to the top of Lynn Valley Road. Sunbathe on the warm rocks or the small pebble beach before dipping into the cool water of the river. Do keep in mind, there is no lifeguard on duty; please stay safe, follow the rules, read the signage before going in, and, of course, have fun!

Photo Courtesy of @elsvancouveryouthprogram

Whyte Lake

There’s nothing like jumping into a mountain lake to cool you down, and Whyte Lake makes it easy with a lovely and picturesque hike through old growth forest. There’s a wooden boardwalk and a small dock to sunbathe on and, of course, cannonball from.

Ambleside Beach

When you want to take it easy beachside on a warm day but still want access to great restaurants and shopping featuring unique local artisans and craftspeople, Ambleside in West Vancouver is your spot. A lively main street is only steps away from the sand and grassy areas all along the ocean.

Cabin Lake

Another swimmable lake is Cabin Lake on Cypress Mountain. Although this trail is a bit more strenuous, it’s relatively short, and the peaceful calm at the lake is well worth it. There are a few large boulders on which to set up shop, or some trails around the lake to find a more private spot to enjoy.

Mystery Lake

Up Mount Seymour is Mystery Lake, which is only a short distance from the parking lot. Even if you’d rather stay dry, the shore surrounding is full of great spots to rest and picnic and take in the beautiful scenery.

Blue Pools at Lynn Canyon

We have thousands of years of high water flows in Lynn Creek to thank for the deep bowls carved into the rock that now serve as cool, clear, still water pools perfect for shaking off the heat of summer. You’ll find them in the lower part of the canyon section of Lynn Creek, easily accessible from multiple trials in Inter River Park. Ensure your safety by adhering to the rules and carefully read the signage prior to entering the pools. 

Grab an ice cream at Welcome Parlour

They’ve been doing it since 1909, so it’s safe to say Welcome Parlour has got the science of cooling down with a delicious treat down pat. Now in their new location in The Shipyards, they serve up their signature, small batch all-natural ice cream.

Photo Courtesy of @ahappyfoodielife

Grab a pint in The Shipyards Brewery District 

Much ink has been spilled on the perfect marriage of hot sun and cold beer, but with so many options for craft brewing on Vancouver’s North Shore, what’s not so obvious is where to go. Luckily, in The Shipyards Brewing District, you can happily roam from one to another, with seven breweries, a cidery, a winery and a distillery, all within walking distance. 

Photo Courtesy of @northpointbrewing

Share a fishbowl at Raglans Bistro

For the more “adventurous” imbibers, saddle up to the tiki bar at Raglan’s Bistro – with two straws – for big cocktails full of big big fun and all the tropical flavours that somehow make the most sweltering temperatures bearable.

For more information on these and other North Shore summer activities, visit vancouversnorthshore.com.