Second Beach in Vancouver

Open from late May through Labour Day, this large outdoor pool located on the park's west side combines the best of two worlds - beach front swimming in a heated tank. The graduated depth makes this a perfect spot for young dabblers with a slide and other special features for the more adventurous. A special lengths area has been cordoned off for lap swimmers. The pool boasts one of Vancouver's best views.

This beautiful, heated pool opens from Victoria Day (third Monday in May) through Labour Day and is supervised. An admission is charged. As well, Stanley Park offers two bathing beaches, at Second Beach and Third Beach which are lifeguarded from 11:30am until dusk through the official swimming season.

Second Beach History
located in Stanley Park at North Lagoon Drive
A favourite with Vancouver pioneers when in the 1880s this was the beach to go to for church social, family groups and of course, to cool off.

This was also the site of the city's first draw & fill pool; an outer concrete wall with huge locking gates, captured the water at high tide. After a few days the water was warmer and made for lovely swimming.

At the end of each week the pool gates were opened at low tide releasing the week's supply sort of water and making ready for the next high tide of clean, cool water.

In 1995 the old pool, which failed to meet new health standards, was replaced by a new, graduated depth, heated pool. It is a beautiful facility attracting length swimmers, casual dippers and children alike.

Features
On the Stanley Park Seawall system
Concession
Washroom
Oceanside heated Outdoor Pool
Playground
Stand-alone BBQs allowed (subject to restrictions) nearby at Ceperley Meadow
Picnic Shelter (reserve)
Lifeguarded Victoria Day (late May) to Labour Day (early September)
Pay Parking

Further along the seawall lies secluded Third Beach, which is due north of Stanley Park Drive. Locals tote grills and coolers to this spot, a popular place for summer evening barbecues and sunset watching.