Best Swimming Spots Around Vancouver

Our warm Summer days truly call for a refreshing dip in the cool Vancouver water. Keep reading to learn more about some of my favourite swimming spots and pay them a visit over the next few weeks while we still have hot sunshine all day long!

Disclaimer: Please be safe and honest with yourself when it comes to your swimming confidence & experience. Some of this water can be very cold and some pools are near waterfalls or popular cliff jumping areas. Remember that you’re swimming at your own risk and to be aware of your surroundings!

Lynn Canyon


Image courtesy of Bored In Vancouver

Lynn Canyon is one of my go-to spots on the North Shore. Not only do I love dipping my feet into the cold water here, my dog is a major swimmer and highly enjoys this spot when the water is nice and calm. As Bored In Vancouver explains, “if you want some more peace and quiet, head down the river towards the twin waterfalls. Most people tend to stick to the top of the trail and rarely venture anywhere else in Lynn Canyon.” Make sure to be cautious when heading into to the water!

Kitsilano Pool & Beach


Image courtesy of AFAR.com

Kits Beach is a definite favourite when it comes to local swimming. As Daily Hive Vancouver explains, “the beach has a designated swimming area that includes a daily lifeguard patrol, and there are plenty of other amenities to take advantage of, such as tennis and basketball courts and a playground.” This was one of my favourite swimming spots for many years, I would highly recommend checking out the pool area especially for those of you with children – the lifeguard and shallow/deep end separation provides a sense of ease.

I also love Kits Beach for hot summer days, the water is very refreshing and the beach is the perfect spot to read a book, tan, or just unwind with friends & family.

Third Beach

Third beach is one of the cleanest beaches around town according to Health Canada.

Just 10 minutes to Downtown Vancouver, Third beach is easily accessible, there’s tons of parking, and the beach always looks very welcoming (not to mention the gorgeous views at sunset).

Whytecliff Park

Whytecliff Park in West Vancouver is also a great place to go for a swim!

This is a cute little bay with a relatively sandy entrance to the water, I’d recommend bringing lunch, a blanket, and making a day of it.

Buntzen Lake


Image courtesy of Buntzen Lake

Located a 45 minute drive east of Vancouver is a nature lover’s paradise, Buntzen recreational area & lake! Buntzen Lake is flanked by Eagle Ridge/Mountain (1,240 m) to the east and Buntzen Ridge (560 m) to the west. This is the perfect swimming and tubing spot, with tons of room for everyone to enjoy. I would make a note to leave very early if you’d like to secure a spot here for the day, they are quite busy and only allow a limited amount of people in at a time to enjoy the lake.

Have these suggestions inspired you to head out for a swim this weekend? Remember to apply sunscreen, and be safe when it comes to swimming!