Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern BC
If you’re looking to cool off this summer, the new book Swimming Holes and Beach of Southwestern BC by Alex McKeen and George Harwood offers an essential guide to the region’s best dips.
Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern British Columbia
Canadian award-winning journalist Alex McKeen and George Harwood Smith on their new guidebook Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern British Columbia: including the Gulf Islands and Vancouver Island (Greystone Books) to highlight the best places to swim for anyone and everyone.
From waders to long-distance swimmers, cold-water dippers, and beach or dock loungers.
As people flock to water at the beginning of summer, it’s important to ensure they have accurate information about the places they’re swimming. Across Canada, over 2,000 people died by unintentional drowning between 2015 and 2019, most commonly in lakes and ponds.
Alex McKeen has spent over a decade teaching swimming to kids and adults of all ages and abilities and, in the book alongside George Harwood Smith, provides thorough information on swimming safety as well as detailed descriptions of each location, including the type of swim, water depth, level of difficulty, and distance to the swim, as well as the features and amenities found there.
This summer, with the growing “Buy Canadian” movement, Canadians are scrapping their trips to the United States in favor of local adventures and vacations. Perfect for local travelers, Swimming Holes and Beaches of Southwestern British Columbia details 100 amazing places to splash, swim, and soak in southwestern BC while staying safe.
The full-colour guide also features: directions via car, public transport, bike, and/or foot; trail maps to harder-to-locate spots and photos of each swim; information on socially and environmentally responsible swimming; and facts about the social, cultural, and natural history of each swim area. Also included is level of difficulty, distance to the swim, water depth, amenities found at spots, and more.
A Few Local Spots Highlighted
Whytecliff Park and Batchelor Bay (7102 Marine Dr, West Vancouver) | Difficulty Level: Medium
“A protected ocean cove popular with scuba divers, swimmers, and seals”
Great for short or long distance swims with gradual entry into deep waters, Whytecliff Park and Batchelor Bay features 100m distance of swimming in the westernmost point of the North Shore. The park contains several amenities including washrooms, picnic tables, a playground, tennis courts, and walking trails.
Mystery Lake (Mount Seymour, North Vancouver)
Difficulty Level: Hard (for the hike in), Easy (for the water entry)
“A tranquil mountain lake for relaxin that costs only a short hike”
Mystery Lake is just about a 45 minute hike on the Mystery Lake Trail to a tranquil swim in the mountains, featuring 1.5km distance worth of swimming in shallow water depth making it a relaxing spot for a swim and a picnic. The park also has washrooms and many hiking trails to explore. Mystery Lake Trail access is located near Parking Lot 4 of Mount Seymour.
Kitsilano Beach and Pool (2305 Cornwall Ave, Vancouver)
Difficulty Level: Easy
“A fun and vibrant swim spot all year round!”
Located in the Kitsilano neighbourhood of Vancouver, Kitsilano Beach and Pool offer around 100m distance of shallow to deep urban swimming surrounded by city views. The beach and pool amenities include pay parking, public washrooms, concession, a beach mat, swimming raft Lifeguards, and water wheelchairs from Victoria Day to Labour Day. Water conditions vary throughout the year and it is recommended to always check for water-quality updates on the Vancouver Coaster Health website before swimming.
Crescent Beach (Beecher St, South Surrey
Difficulty Level: Easy
“A popular beach in South Surrey”
With over 110m of swim distance, Crescent Beach offers views of the North Shore mountains and across the bay to Tsawwassen and Point Roberts. The beach is a great spot for walking or cycling along the path and is located near plenty of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Amenities include parking, public washrooms, and a roped-off swimming area. Lifeguards on duty and wheelchairs available from from June to September.
And there are many, many more in the book. For more information on theses Lower Mainland swimming spots, and to find even more places to swim around BC, check out this new guide.
