Are you looking to go play outside and enjoy some time by the water? Metro Vancouver has so many great ocean, river and lake-front choices the whole family will love, and we’ve rounded up our favourites. Make a plan with you kids to visit some of the best waterfront parks in Metro Vancouver!
Como Lake Park
Coquitlam
(700 Gatensbury Street)
This lakefront park is an oasis of nature in the suburbs with fun for the whole family.
Why it’s great for families:
Como Lake Park has a playground, fishing including an annual fishing derby for kids, walking trails, and spots for picnics. There’s also a wetland viewing area and boating for those with boats with non-combustible engines. Tip: The City of Coquitlam asks that you not feed the geese or ducks.
Golden Ears Provincial Park
Maple Ridge
(24480 Fern Crescent)
This lakefront park provides many opportunities to interact with nature as a family along Alouette Lake.
Why it’s great for families:
This park allows camping, and barbeques and boasts playgrounds as well as a boat launch for fun times on the water. The water is great for fishing, and trails can be explored on foot or on horseback. There are lots of spots for picnics and trails suitable for those who enjoy hiking. Parking is paid.
Westminster Pier Park
New Westminster
(16th Street)
Overlooking the Fraser River, this park in the city has recreation options for all ages.
Why it’s great for families:
Concession is available in case the kids gets hungry, there’s a spray park, 2 playgrounds geared towards pre-school kids and lots of picnic spots (including accessible picnic tables.) There are volleyball and basketball courts and public art installations to start conversations about the arts. You can walk along the boardwalk or take in the elevated viewpoints to see things from a different perspective.
Old Orchard Park
Port Moody
(600 Block Bentley Road)
This oceanfront park is quite near Rocky Point Park but has amenities and charm of its own.
Why it’s great for families:
The kids will love the adventure playground and there are spots for picnics as well as a sandy beach to enjoy the waterfront. You can cycle, hike and swim, leaving lots of options to get active and play outside.
Rocky Point Park
Port Moody
(2800 Block Murray Street)
Port Moody’s best-known park is oceanfront and boasts a wide range of family friendly activities.
Why it’s great for families:
There is a spray park, a boat launch, skateboard park, bike trials park (WRITER NOTE this is not a typo it is a trials park, not trails), hiking trails, outdoor pool, and spray park. There are food vendors including their famous ice cream selection. Parking is free.
Middle Arm Waterfront Park
Richmond
(7411 River Road)
This oceanfront park in Richmond is 1.5 kms long and is in a unique urban setting.
Why it’s great for families:
There are 3 accessible playgrounds and lots of spots for a picnic. There are two piers where kids can try their hands at fishing. Rowing regattas can be watched from the shore and there’s a water feature (what kid doesn’t love fountains?)
New Brighton Park
Vancouver
(3201 New Brighton Road)
Enjoy this oceanfront park with your family while you gaze on the beauty of the North Shore and Burrard Inlet.
Why it’s great for families:
New Brighton Park has 2 playgrounds, a heated outdoor pool, walking trails and spots to picnic. There’s a concession in case you don’t have time to pack your own picnic and spots to play soccer and tennis. There are off-leash dog areas so you can bring four-legged members of your family along for the ride.
Stanley Park
Vancouver
(Beach Avenue)
This much loved ocean front park is bursting with family friendly amenities.
Why it’s great for families:
Stanley Park is home to the Vancouver Aquarium, the Stanley Park train, four playgrounds (Second Beach, Ceperley, Miniature Train and Rose Garden), picnic areas, a water park, restaurants and concession options, and an outdoor pool (at Second Beach.) Explore the park on bicycle, horse drawn carriage, shuttle trolley or tour bus. Famed totem poles invite conversations of other cultures and you can walk along the sea wall or explore the many trails.
Cates Park
North Vancouver
(Dollarton Highway)
This oceanfront park is a much-loved gem for families in North Vancouver & beyond.
Why it’s great for families:
As North Vancouver District’s largest seaside park, Cates Park offers 6 km of waterfront trails that wind past sandy beaches and through a mixed forest of Douglas-fir and bigleaf maple. Viewpoints of tranquil Indian Arm to the north and busy Burrard Inlet to the south. tennis courts, trails, playgrounds, beaches, picnic shelter, a concession, and a display of native totems and a canoe offer year-round recreation with a cultural flavour.
John Lawson Park
West Vancouver
(Foot of 17th Street)
This gorgeous oceanfront park is a favourite spot for picnickers, swimmers and families.
Why it’s great for families:
John Lawson Park is the mid-point of the West Vancouver Seawalk, and a lovely place for a waterfront stroll. And with a new splash park and playground, it’s a great place for kids to spend a day outdoors. The playground includes a whimsically updated pirate ship, modern playground equipment and walkways in and around the playground. And the pier has long been a favourite spot for boat watchers and sunset gazers.
Co-founder of Healthy Family Media and the Healthy Family Expo, Kay is an adventurer & Ironman triathlete, as well as mum to an active 11-year-old. Originally from Montreal, she has been proud to call British Columbia home for over 15 years. Whether running, hiking & biking in the mountains or creating healthy meals in the kitchen, Kay is always up for something new. Her contagious enthusiasm & zest for life mean we’re never quite sure what she’ll be up to next, but we’re sure that it will be an amazing adventure!
