The beating sun.
The sizzling pavement.
The forlorn cry of a falcon in the distance…
It is HOT.
You might be a few beads of sweat away from officially becoming a part of the furniture, but before you accept this fate, we implore you to visit Vancouver’s North Shore first! Cool, fresh, clear, it’s all a mere 12-minute Seabus ride away from Downtown Vancouver. A seaside community dotted with mountain springs, the North Shore is filled with that sweet, sweet nectar of the earth. Two parts hydrogen, one part oxygen, the old classic recipe that we dive into until the heat melts away and your whole body feels a whole lot lighter.
Grab your suit and meet us at some of the best swimming spots in BC for a safari of pure refreshment!
Lakes, mountain ponds, scenic beach fronts, the North Shore has the true answer to all your woes of humidity, and they all involve taking a running start, a battle cry, and the most satisfying plunge of your life.
Important before you go: While some of these swimming spots are pretty straightforward to reach, a few of them will require a bit of walking through nature paths. Light trekking to be sure, but it never hurts to make a point of being sure-footed. “Playing like a local” is how we put it on the North Shore: being prepared, being responsible, and knowing the conditions before you even lace up your shoes. You can get helpful tips for your outing by taking our North Shore Like A Local pledge.
30 Foot Pool | Photo Credit: IG @_gratefulday
30 Foot Pool, Lynn Canyon
A beautiful forest pool, perfect for relaxed lounging in the sun, you’ll feel like an unbothered sea lion as you perch on one of the large warm stones that dot the area. If your plan is to hike the canyon, this makes for a very refreshing conclusion to your itinerary. Nothing like soaking in mountain water after you’ve pushed up the incline!
Cabin Lake | Photo Credit: IG @cricrifrixibee
Cabin Lake, Cypress Mountain
With a mirrored surface, this tucked-away pool on Cypress Mountain gorgeously reflects the lush surrounding nature. The midway point on the hike up to Eagle Bluffs, you could easily spend the afternoon here and decide to finish the pathway another day. Dive right in or wade out to the large partially submerged rock and push off from there. Gliding into the centre of the pool, you’ll feel like you’re floating somewhere between the sky and the lake ripples. A peaceful, zen experience that only takes about a 45-minute walk to reach.
Ambleside Beach | Photo Credit: IG @:danypulpin
Ambleside Park
An inviting beach, plenty of room to lounge on your towel, and one of the best views of the Vancouver skyline. This is one of our most popular local summer spots to wile away the hours and watch ships come in. For families with little ones, this is an accessible spot with lots of visibility, so you can keep an eye on everyone while still soaking up the ambient lull of the waves. And afterwards, you’re not too far from the nearby ice cream shops and restaurants.
Sandy Cove Park
Quaint, private and nestled between two rocky points, this little beach is a tranquil oasis if you’re looking for something a bit more low-key. While it might require a bit of planning to get there, as the signage along the way doesn’t explicitly say “Sandy Cove Beach”, if you know where you’re going, this summer spot is one of the true hidden gems of the area. The beach itself is at the end of a long series of stairs, so keep that in mind if you or someone you’re with has mobility limitations or if you’re planning to bring a stroller!
Whytecliff Park | Photo Credit: IG @k.grahamphotography
Whytecliff Beach
A popular spot for scuba diving, you’ll notice all kinds of marine life on your visit here, including sunbathing sea lions lying on the beach. This sprawling beach feels like it stretches into the horizon, with the centrepiece being a massive rock formation covered in lush greenery. On a humid day, the water here is a tonic of rejuvenation, an excellent option when the forecast calls for a hot one.
