A secluded stretch of water welcoming one of the best sunsets in Vancouver, Third Beach is a less-busy oceanfront located on the west side of Stanley Park and Vancouver Seawall.
It marks the beginning at the scenic Ferguson Point on the north and ends up at Second Beach on the south. Fewer facilities are offered but that doesn’t take away the fine charm of Third Beach. Looking out to the playful landscape of the English Bay, the North Shore, and the Gulf Islands at a distance, Third Beach is a great getaway to suntan, go picnicking, and celebrate the young nights out with Brahms Tam Drum Circle every summer.
Check out more things to do at Third Beach below.
Where Is Third Beach Located?
Third Beach is located at Ferguson Point on the west side of Stanley Park. The wide sandy shoreline is pressed against the lush old-growth forest, creating a beautiful setting looking out to the ocean and North Vancouver skyline.
What Is Third Beach Famous For?
Quiet and secluded, Stanley Park’s Third Beach is a perfect hideout near the city core for beach-goers and tanners seeking a shield from the city buzzes. On any given sunny day, Third Beach becomes a popular spot for sunset watching as the sun slowly disappears behind the bustling cityscape.
The log-strewn shoreline welcomes locals seeking a pleasant afternoon picnic every weekend, while seasonal festive events such as the Brahms Tam Drum Circle takes place every Tuesday evening from spring to fall.
Third Beach teams up with the Second Beach further south to become the west section of the famous, extensive Vancouver Seawall for joggers and cyclists.
5 Best Things to See and Do at Stanley Park’s Third Beach
1. Watch Sunset
With the sun casting its flamboyant glitters on the ocean, Third Beach is known as one of the best spots in Vancouver to watch a beautiful golden sunset. Sit on a log at the lovely sandy expanse and admire the silhouettes of a tree and ships in the distance.
Sunset at Third Beach is even more gorgeous when summer comes. By 7 pm, the horizon puts on a dramatic canvas with a pyrotechnic color splashing on the sky. However, keep in mind that sunset can appear as late as 10 pm in summer.
Don’t forget to bring your tarp and picnic baskets! That’s how you enjoy the sunset and feel fully connected to the old forestry at the back.
2. Swim, Sunbathe, and Picnic on the Beach
Hang with your loved ones in a secluded, open setting and check out what’s going on by the sea and enjoy the views of outer English Bay, the North Shore, and the Gulf Islands. Summer is the best time to celebrate everything Third Beach has to offer.
A breezy afternoon suntanning on the sand, taking a dip in the ocean, or building castles with your kids are all simple happiness to help you enjoy little pleasant moments in life.
3. Rest Up on the Seawall at the Siwash Rock
If you come to the Third Beach from the east, Siwash Rock is one of the first things you’ll encounter. The lonely storied rock formation rising out of the sea becomes a well-appraised symbol of the seawall, making friends with the lonely tree on top.
Many cyclists rest up by the rock, snapping away this iconic natural attraction and the vastness of English bay with all the cargo ships in the background.
4. Celebrate Summer Evening Drumming with Brahms Tam Drum Circle
As the locals attest, Brahms Tam Drum Circle is one of the most expected events in the year settling at Stanley Park’s Third Beach every summer and autumn.
Going strong for 17 years, Brahms Tam Drum Circle gathers tens of drums and hundreds of people listening and dancing to the beats on the peaceful summer Tuesday evenings between May and September. It’s free to join and everyone who loves a good time with cheers, music, and laughter can attend.
A little reminder to give you a heads-up: there will be some herbs being smoked occasionally by other attendees so it’s not a completely family-friendly experience to tag your kids along.
5. Dine with a View at Stanley Park’s Teahouse
Just steps away from the scenic Ferguson Point, Stanley Park’s Teahouse is a household name in town offering a fine-dining experience in a relaxing, welcoming space. Teahouse is known for its excellent servings of refined seafood and New Canadian cuisine served with brunch and cocktails from the bar.
The Teahouse is perched up the hill just north of Third Beach. It’s surrounded by an ample park that brings in a gorgeous vista year-round. During the day, you will be embraced by a sweeping wraparound vista of the colorful landscape in this West Coast rainforest.
In spring, summer, and fall, all the monument trees add to the charm of the place while winter snow makes it even more beautiful to look at when the year comes to an end.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Stanley Park’s Third Beach?
The Third Beach boasts an impeccable setting during sunset. Summer is the best season to watch the sunset if the gorgeous view is where your heart is as it’s the brightest although fall and winter are counted too.
However, summer sunset can be as late as after 9 pm so plan your trip accordingly.
Essential Tips to Know Before Visiting Third Beach
- No beach volleyball is available at Third Beach as there is no court set up and not much space.
- No watersport rentals are offered nearby.
- Swimming is welcoming at Third Beach but it’s not the most popular thing to do here. Safety is not a problem but lifeguards are only on duty during the summer. Stay close to the shore as it gets very deep further offshore. Plus, the water temperature is not very pleasant to soak your body in. At the end of summer, the average water temperature here is recorded as around 17°C or 20°C at max during very hot periods in July and August.
- Third Beach offers beach concessions but it has fewer facilities compared to Second Beach.
- Public washrooms are available.
- BBQ on the beach is allowed but subject to restrictions.
- Fishing or harvesting of bivalve mollusks such as clams, oysters, and mussels is not permitted.
Parking at Stanley Park’s Third Beach
EasyPark Lot 62: Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Rate: $2.75/$3.75 per hour
Stanley Park Tea House: 7501 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 1Z4
Rate: $2.75/$3.75 per hour
Hollow Tree: Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2
Rate: $2.75/$3.75 per hour
Frequently Asked Questions about Stanley Park’s Third Beach
Can I Swim at the Third Beach?
Yes, swimming is allowed at the Third Beach with the lifeguard on duty during the summer. Check out the water temperature before going as it can get really cold even in the summer. Other than that, don’t swim out too far from the shore or you are in very deep currents.
Which Vancouver Beach Is Least Crowded?
Third Beach is one of the most secluded beaches near the downtown core if you don’t want to venture out too far. Otherwise, the Spanish Banks Beach and Acadia Beach on Northwest Marine Drive are other less-busy beaches to enjoy.
Third Beach is a must-stop for visitors and locals alike to Stanley Park as well as the famous Seawall. Check out more things to do in this part of Vancouver for insightful tips and pan your next get-away: