Nature
Second Beach
What It Is
Second Beach is a coastal recreational area along the southern shore of Stanley Park in Vancouver. It features a sandy beach and an outdoor pool built in 1932 that sits directly beside the ocean. Travellers visit to swim, rest by the water, and access the paved seawall path.
Getting There
From downtown Vancouver, you can reach the site on foot, by bike, or via transit:
- Walking or Cycling: Following the seawall takes 25 to 30 minutes on foot or 10 minutes by bicycle.
- Public Transit: City buses connect downtown to the park entrance, followed by a 10-minute walk (about 20 minutes total).
Time to Allow
Allow 1 to 2 hours for walking along the shore. If you plan to swim in the pool or relax on the grass, allow 2 to 3 hours.
When to Go
Summer offers the best conditions for swimming, but the grounds get crowded on sunny weekend afternoons. Go on weekday mornings to avoid crowds, or in the evening to catch the sunset.
Nearby Attractions
Several park attractions are within walking distance:
- Lost Lagoon (0.7 km): A freshwater lake with walking paths.
- Stanley Park (1 km): The central forested trails and gardens.
- Third Beach (1.1 km): Another beach located further north along the seawall.
- Vancouver Aquarium (1.5 km): A marine facility located inside the park.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors