Ross Laird on Vancouver's best beaches
By rosslaird on July 6, 2004 - 4:17pm
Vancouver has some of the best beaches on the west coast of the Americas: vast, open beaches, small beaches, secret beaches. But most people — even locals who have lived here for many years — are familiar only with the big kahuna beaches: Spanish Banks, the Stanley Park beaches, Wreck Beach. There's a great deal more to explore. Here are my votes for the best beaches (and other waterfront landmarks) in various categories:
Best beach in the Lower Mainland
Centennial Beach. No question about it. But if you live downtown, or on the north shore, you've probably never heard of it. On the east side of the Tsawassen peninsula, running in a great swath of white sand all the way down to Point Roberts, Centennial beach is a wonder. The tidal flow from Georgia Straight slides alongside the shore, keeping the water fresh and lively. The sand is identical in texture and color to the Molokai beaches of Hawaii. Amenities are minimal, but so are the crowds. (Follow Highway 99 south through the tunnel, take the ferries exit, follow the signs for Tsawassen, enter the town, turn left at the mall.)
Best beach in central Vancouver
Most votes in this category would go to Spanish Banks — and that's almost my vote as well. But for the best experience, you need to go west from Spanish Banks, past the final parking lot and slightly up the hill toward UBC. Nowadays, the roadside sign on the hill says Pacific Spirit Park, but old-time locals know this area as Foreshore park (sometimes spelled Forshore). Park in the gravel lot, follow the trail down to the shore, and walk west about 10 or 15 minutes.
