Belcarra Park

This afternoon I went to Belcarra Park with friends for a picnic supper … it’s about 40 minutes outside Vancouver. It was such a nice day and others had the same idea but on a grander scale. We stopped at a grocery store for all the fixin’s … chicken, buns, salads, pop, mini cupcakes, etc. Yum!
Afterwards, we relaxed and then took a walk to the wharf. Lots of people were fishing and there were seals in the water.

I grew up not far from Belcarra and honestly had no idea there was a hiking trail here, right on the inlet. There is nothing strenuous or hard about the short hike we went on, but the views were great. Plenty of outlets to rocky perches overlooking the water, perfect for a picnic lunch. At the halfway point you can see Barnet Beach Park across the way. Nice way to spend a Tuesday morning!

I tried Belcarra after nearby favourite Buntzen became too crowded this summer. Although it’s far from secluded, the lake is warmer than Buntzen, relatively weed free, and can accommodate swimmers, kayakers and floaters.
White Pine Beach, located closest to the parking lot, is chock-​a-​block full during the summer and should be avoided unless tourists, screaming kids, BBQs and boom boxes are your thing.
Follow the Sasamat Lake Loop trail in either direction and you’ll find secluded mini-​beaches you can claim for yourself — although I had some tourists invade one of these private spots, actually stepping on my towel in order to get to the lake. Go figure.
Another less populous alternative is to park yourself on one of the swimming docks anchored to the floating bridge, halfway across the lake.
The Sasamat Lake Loop trail is an easy hour’s walk around the lake. There’s a concession stand open during peak hours, and flushing toilets at White Pine Beach — you’re stuck with pit toilets on the trail.
A great place to spend a summer day if you don’t have time to get further afield. You won’t be able to avoid the crowds, but a refreshing swim in this lovely lake makes it all worthwhile.

Great Metro Vancouver Park in the Coquitlam area that has a little bit of everything. You can swim, fish, picnic, bike, and horse back ride all in the same area which offers a lot of diversity. Lots of picnic tables with flushable toilets, running water, and a covered area to picnic in. Awesome alternative to Stanley Park if you want something away from the big city,