About Boundary Bay Regional Park
Boundary Bay Regional Park sits along the shoreline of Tsawwassen in Delta, wrapping around the shallow, sandy waters of Boundary Bay. Metro Vancouver Regional Parks manages the site, which stretches from farmland-backed trails in the south to the sandy stretch of Centennial Beach at its northern edge. The bay itself holds international recognition as an Important Bird Area on the Pacific Flyway, and that status shapes much of how the park is used and protected, from leash rules to sensitive habitat closures during nesting season.
Centennial Beach: The Park’s Sandy Heart
Centennial Beach is the main day-use area of the park and the reason most first-time visitors come. At low tide, the water pulls back far enough to expose broad tidal flats and shallow pools that warm quickly on sunny afternoons, making the swimming here noticeably milder than at most Lower Mainland beaches. A short walk from the parking area, the sand gives way to picnic tables, a playground, and a seasonal concession stand. On clear days, the view stretches south across the water toward Mount Baker, and the beach sits close enough to the border that the Canada-US boundary line runs through Boundary Bay itself a short distance offshore.
Trail Guide
Four trails branch out from the Centennial Beach parking area, each suited to a different kind of visit. The Dune Trail Interpretive Loop covers about 0.25 kilometres and takes roughly ten minutes, winding through fragile dune habitat with signage explaining the plant life that holds the sand in place. The combined Savannah and Raptor Trails run about 4 kilometres round trip, a 1 to 1.5 hour walk through old fields where hawks and owls hunt. The 12th Avenue Dyke Trail covers similar ground, about 4 kilometres and 1 to 1.5 hours, with two elevated viewing platforms overlooking the marsh. For a longer outing, the regional Dyke Trail continues south from 17A Avenue all the way to Mud Bay, a 17-kilometre route each way that cyclists and horseback riders share with walkers; riders are asked to yield right-of-way on the shared sections.
Sweeping Views and Bird Life
Boundary Bay’s mudflats and eelgrass beds make it one of the most important stopover points on the Pacific Flyway. Tens of thousands of shorebirds and waterfowl pass through during spring and fall migration, alongside raptors that hunt the open fields through the winter months. Bring binoculars if birdwatching is the goal, since much of the activity happens well out on the flats at low tide. The same open sightlines that make the birdwatching good also make for wide views across the water, with Mount Baker visible to the southeast on clear days and the coastline curving toward White Rock to the east.
Facilities and Family Amenities
Cammidge House anchors the park’s built history. Built in 1914 near 3rd Avenue and Boundary Bay Road, the farmhouse was later moved into the park and restored, and it now operates as a bookable venue for meetings and small events through Metro Vancouver Regional Parks. Close to Centennial Beach, the Lions Playground for Children of All Abilities gives families a barrier-free play space, and the surrounding grounds hold picnic shelters, ball diamonds, and tennis courts. A seasonal concession stand near the beach sells food and drinks through the warmer months, and washrooms are available near the main parking area.
Getting There and Parking
By car, the most direct route follows Highway 99 south from Vancouver through the Massey Tunnel, then the exit toward Tsawwassen onto Highway 17. From there, turning onto 56th Street and then 12th Avenue leads directly into the park, where 12th Avenue becomes Boundary Bay Road. Two parking lots serve Centennial Beach at the end of that road, though both fill up quickly on warm summer weekends, so an early arrival or a weekday visit makes for an easier trip. Transit riders can reach the park by bus from Bridgeport Canada Line Station, followed by a short walk along Boundary Bay Road into the park; check TransLink’s current schedules before heading out, since routes and stops can change.
Low tide turns Centennial Beach into a mile of warm tidal pools, and a short walk up the dyke trades sand for sweeping views of Boundary Bay and Mount Baker beyond.
General admission to the park is free. Cammidge House can be booked for private events for a fee, and some amenities may carry separate costs, so check Metro Vancouver’s regional parks site for current details before planning an event.
Centennial Beach sits at the end of Boundary Bay Road, at 541 Centennial Parkway in Tsawwassen, Delta. It is the main day-use area of Boundary Bay Regional Park, with the two main parking lots, the playground, and the concession stand all located there.
Dogs are welcome but must stay on leash throughout the park. The bay’s mudflats and dune habitat support nesting and migratory birds, so off-leash access is not permitted.
Horseback riding is permitted on sections of the regional Dyke Trail south of the park. Riders share the trail with walkers and cyclists and are asked to yield the right-of-way on narrower stretches.
Spring and fall migration bring the highest numbers of shorebirds and waterfowl to Boundary Bay, while raptors like hawks and owls can often be spotted hunting the open fields through the winter months.
A TransLink bus connects from Bridgeport Canada Line Station to a stop on Boundary Bay Road, followed by a short walk into the park. Schedules and routes can change, so check TransLink directly before a transit trip.
Looking for more Metro Vancouver shoreline? Iona Beach Regional Park in Richmond offers a similar mix of birdwatching and open beach walks, and White Rock Pier makes for an easy add-on stop further along the coast. Browse the full Attractions guide for more places to add to a South of Fraser day trip.