Second Beach, Stanley Park

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Second Beach, on the southern shore of Stanley Park is a beautiful place that sees visitors enjoying the ocean side locale year-round.

Second Beach, one of the three beaches stretching from the most westerly point of Stanley Park to the West End is a favourite among thousands of people who live or visit Vancouver. Its stunning beach locale, swimming, rock formations, exploration during low tide, meadows, playgrounds and nearby amenities have made it a mecca for people looking for a way to escape the summer heat or spend time reading a book in the shade. The nearby seawall provides scenic walks along the southern shore of Stanley Park and connecting to pathways leading into the interior of the Park, popularizing Second Beach as a major junction and attraction.

Stanley Park's Second Beach is a popular destination in the summer months.

With its nearby amenities, the seawall, and its proximity to the city, this beach has become an oasis on hot days with its refreshing pool, beach and shady grassy area.

Second Beach throughout the year sees thousands of visitors playing on its sandy shores, exploring the uncovered rocks during low tide, or watching the sun set over English Bay. Its surrounding views have made it a popular rest stop for bikers, roller bladders, joggers and walkers making their way along the seawall while its bountiful wildlife sightings have enticed bird watchers and visitors to the park gleefully pointing out the seals staring curiously not far from the shore.

Its overwhelming popularity as an Oceanside favourite dates back to the 1880s where nearby residents trekked into Stanley Park for weekend gatherings which led to the creation of its popular pool, replaced in 1995 with a heated pool open from Victoria Day weekend to the end of the summer.

Other additions to the Second Beach area include two large playing areas for children, bike paths, public toilets, a concession stand, as well as nearby Ceperley Meadow, a picnic and sports area.

The beach itself is also swimmable, although the frigid ocean temperatures prove too merciless for some.

This is one of the many beaches in Vancouver that is staffed by a lifeguard in the summer months.

Second Beach has seen generations of families in the Vancouver region enjoying the sun, surf and sand offered at this well used Stanley Park locale, a history it continues with its ever growing popularity with both Vancouver residents and the millions who vacation in this picturesque city.