Tucked along the western edge of Stanley Park at Ferguson Point, Third Beach is the most secluded of the park’s three ocean beaches. With a wide stretch of natural sand, tree-shaded picnic spots, and sweeping views across the water toward West Vancouver and the North Shore mountains, it offers a quieter and more relaxed experience than the beaches closer to downtown. Whether you’re after a long sunset picnic, a summer swim with the family, or a scenic stop on a Seawall stroll, Third Beach delivers every time.
Before you visit: Hours, fees, rules, water quality, and seasonal services at Third Beach can change without notice. This page is updated regularly, but always check the City of Vancouver, TransLink, and Vancouver Coastal Health websites directly for the most current information before heading out.
Why Third Beach Stands Out
Third Beach earns its reputation as Stanley Park’s best-kept secret. It sits further from the park entrance than First or Second Beach, which means it draws a more local crowd and rarely feels as packed as English Bay on a hot summer weekend. The beach faces west, making it one of the top spots in the city for watching the sun go down over the Strait of Georgia.
The sand here is wider and more open than Second Beach, giving you real room to spread out. A row of old-growth trees lines the back of the beach, providing shade and a natural sound buffer that cuts the city noise almost entirely. You genuinely feel like you’ve stepped away from Vancouver without having to go very far at all.
What to Expect When You Arrive
Third Beach has a small concession stand that sells snacks, drinks, and ice cream during the warmer months. Picnic tables are scattered near the tree line, and clean washroom facilities are available on site. The beach itself is open and gently sloping, which makes it easy for families with young children to set up close to the water.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer swimming season. The City of Vancouver’s Parks Board confirmed that lifeguarding services will continue at nine outdoor beaches in summer 2026. Confirm exact patrol dates and hours at the City of Vancouver website before heading out, as schedules can change.
The ocean water in Vancouver stays cool year-round, so swimming is most comfortable between July and early September when surface temperatures are at their warmest. Always swim within the patrolled area when lifeguards are present.
A note on water quality: Vancouver Coastal Health regularly monitors and posts beach water quality advisories. It’s worth checking before swimming, especially after heavy rainfall.
Best Time to Visit
Summer is when Third Beach truly comes alive. July and August bring the warmest weather, and the beach sees its heaviest use on sunny weekend afternoons. If crowds aren’t your thing, aim for a weekday morning or show up in the early evening when families start heading home and the light turns golden.
Late May and June offer a sweet spot: the weather is often pleasant, parking is easier to find, and the beach is far less congested than peak summer. September can be equally lovely, with warm evenings and almost no lineups at the concession.
Third Beach is open year-round. In the off-season it’s a peaceful spot for a walk along the Seawall, and the stormy winter views of the ocean are something else entirely. Just dress for the weather.
Sunset-watchers take note: Third Beach faces almost due west and delivers some of the most spectacular evening skies anywhere in Vancouver. Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot on the logs or beach grass.
How to Get to Third Beach
Third Beach is reachable on foot, by bike, by car, or by transit to the park entrance. It sits along the Seawall on the western side of Stanley Park, roughly halfway around the perimeter loop from the main Georgia Street entrance.
On foot or by bike: Walk or cycle along the Stanley Park Seawall from English Bay Beach. You’ll pass Second Beach along the way, and Third Beach appears about 2.5 km from the English Bay entrance. It’s a scenic, mostly flat route with ocean views the whole way.
By car: Enter Stanley Park from the main West Georgia Street entrance and follow Stanley Park Drive. Turn onto the Third Beach road to reach the pay parking lot. Parking fills up quickly on summer weekends, so arriving early makes a big difference. Parking fees apply; check current rates at the City of Vancouver website.
By transit: TransLink’s Route 19 (Stanley Park) runs to the park entrance at Stanley Park Drive and Pipeline Road, near Lost Lagoon. From there, Third Beach is about a 2.5 km walk along the Seawall. There is currently no bus service that circulates inside the park, though TransLink is consulting on a future seasonal route. Check TransLink for current schedules.
TransLink is in the process of consulting on a potential new seasonal bus route along Stanley Park Drive, which could begin as early as Summer 2027. Check TransLink’s website for the latest status.
Nearby Things to Do
Good to Know Before You Go
Plan Your Visit
Third Beach is open year-round and there is no charge to access the beach. Pay parking is available at the Third Beach lot on Stanley Park Drive. The concession and lifeguard services operate seasonally. Always verify current hours, water quality, and beach conditions through the official sources linked below before you head out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, accessing Third Beach is free. There is no admission charge to enter the beach or Stanley Park itself. However, if you drive, parking at the Third Beach pay lot on Stanley Park Drive does have a fee. Check current parking rates at the City of Vancouver website before you go.
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer swimming season. The Vancouver Parks Board confirmed lifeguarding services will continue at nine outdoor beaches in summer 2026, including Third Beach. Exact patrol dates and hours can change each year, so always confirm the current schedule at the City of Vancouver’s beach page before swimming.
Dogs are not permitted on the sand at Third Beach. They are allowed on the Stanley Park Seawall paths but must remain on-leash. If you want a beach visit with your dog, check the City of Vancouver for a list of off-leash areas within the park.
Vancouver operates a seasonal Alcohol on Beaches program that permits responsible drinking at select beaches during the warmer months. The rules and permitted locations are reviewed annually. Always check the City of Vancouver’s alcohol in parks page for the current season’s rules before bringing alcohol to the beach.
Take TransLink Route 19 to the Stanley Park entrance at Stanley Park Drive and Pipeline Road, near Lost Lagoon. From there, follow the Seawall west and south toward English Bay, then continue past Second Beach — Third Beach is roughly 2.5 km from the park entrance along the Seawall. There is currently no bus service that runs inside the park, though TransLink is planning a future seasonal route. Check translink.ca for the latest.
Third Beach is a popular swimming spot in summer, with lifeguards on patrol during the swimming season. The ocean water in Vancouver is cool year-round, with the warmest temperatures generally between July and early September. After heavy rainfall it is worth checking current water quality advisories from Vancouver Coastal Health before swimming.
Third Beach faces almost due west, making it one of the finest sunset-watching spots in the city. Summer evenings between June and September offer the longest and most colourful sunsets. Arrive 30 to 45 minutes before sunset to claim a good spot on the logs or beach grass. Weekday evenings tend to be quieter than weekends.
There is a concession stand at the beach that sells snacks, drinks, and ice cream during the warmer months. For a full sit-down meal, the Teahouse Restaurant at Ferguson Point is a short uphill walk from the beach and has a patio with ocean views. Concession hours are seasonal, so it is a good idea to bring snacks in case it is not open when you visit.