Looking for the best beach photo locations Vancouver has to offer? Whether you’re planning a cozy engagement session, a playful family shoot, or a romantic beach elopement, the Lower Mainland is packed with beautiful, natural backdrops that will elevate your photos.
As Vancouver photographers, we’ve explored every corner of the coast, from city beaches to hidden lakeside gems. This guide covers our absolute favourite spots for beach photography across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.
Table of Contents
Third Beach – Stanley Park, Vancouver
Tucked into Stanley Park, Third Beach offers a mix of forest and ocean in one quiet location.
- West Coast beach right on the ocean
- Glowing sunset views
- Close to downtown but feels remote
- Beautiful walking trails and seawall
See Stanley Park photo galleries
Second Beach – Stanley Park, Vancouver
Second Beach offers a scenic blend of sandy shoreline and views of English Bay, making it a great option for couples or families wanting a city-meets-nature backdrop.
- Conveniently located with ample parking nearby
- Great sunset views over the bay
- Perfect for summer evening shoots
- Steps away from wooded park trails
Vanier Park – Vancouver
Vanier Park is a scenic and flexible beachside park near Kitsilano with panoramic city and mountain views. It’s ideal for couples or family photos with a splash of urban charm.
- Stunning skyline and marina views
- Grassy lawns meet sandy shores
- Great light during golden hour
- Dog beach to bring along your pet
Check out Vanier Park sessions
Spanish Banks – Vancouver
One of the most iconic beach locations in Vancouver.
- Wide, open rocky beach at low tide
- North Shore mountain backdrop
- Great for kids and pets
- Incredible sunsets
Check out Spanish Banks galleries
Sunset Beach – Downtown Vancouver
Sunset Beach lives up to its name. Located near the seawall, it offers city-meets-nature vibes with the perfect golden glow for laid-back lifestyle sessions.
- Warm light over English Bay
- Soft sand, easy access
- Urban skyline nearby
- Romantic and casual
See recent Sunset Beach shoots
Jericho Beach – Vancouver
Jericho Beach has a relaxed, youthful energy with long stretches of sand, scenic views, and plenty of room to play. It’s perfect for lifestyle family sessions or laid-back couples looking for casual fun.
- Open beach and grassy picnic areas
- View of the downtown skyline and North Shore mountains
- Sailboats, volleyball nets, and logs for seating
- Glorious soft light in the evening
Browse Jericho Beach gallery highlights
Whytecliff Park – West Vancouver
Whytecliff Park is a rugged West Coast gem, featuring cliffs, tide pools, and dramatic ocean views overlooking Howe Sound. It’s ideal for adventurous portraits, engagements, or elopements.
- Cliffside views and rocky islets
- West Vancouver’s classic coastal scenery
- Forest-meets-ocean vibe
- Glowing sunset light
Ambleside Park – West Vancouver
Ambleside Park offers city and mountain views all in one spot. With sand, driftwood, and the Lions Gate Bridge in the distance, it’s a unique blend of nature and urban.
- Beautiful bridge and skyline backdrop
- Driftwood and sandy beach elements
- Soft golden-hour light
- Easy to access from downtown
Explore Ambleside Park sessions
Cates Park – North Vancouver
This North Shore spot is full of character. With forest trails, cozy coves, and rocky beaches, Cates Park is great for couples and families looking for variety and calm.
- Wooded trails meet the waterfront
- Less crowded than other North Van spots
- Great light in the evening
- Perfect for casual, candid photos
Porteau Cove – Squamish
Right off the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Porteau Cove is a dramatic, windswept beach with rocky shores and sweeping views. Ideal for bold elopements or editorial-style sessions.
- Mountain and ocean combo
- Great for cloudy or overcast days
- Wild, dramatic energy
- One of the most cinematic spots on the list
See dramatic sessions at Porteau Cove
Barnet Marine Park – Burnaby
Perfect for a rustic or moody beach vibe with a touch of industrial history.
- Industrial textures meet West Coast nature
- Forested trails nearby
- Great for cloudy or sunny days
- Easy to access and park
Check out Barnet Marine Park Photos
Buntzen Lake Beach – Anmore
Another lake beach that feels like the ocean. Buntzen Lake offers calm water, forested surroundings, and mountain views. Perfect for nature lovers, maternity sessions, or families.
- Quiet, peaceful vibe
- Great reflection shots
- Works well in all seasons
- Easy hiking trails nearby
Crescent Beach – South Surrey
Crescent Beach boasts a small-town charm and calm waters, making it an ideal location for capturing relaxed and natural lifestyle photos.
- Beautiful golden hour skies
- Long beach walkways and wooden pier
- Pet and kid-friendly
- Quiet and peaceful during the week
Browse Crescent Beach sessions
Iona Beach – Richmond
Minimal, modern, and windswept — Iona Beach is a dream for couples looking for open space and soft pastel skies.
- Dramatic symmetry on the jetty
- Soft dunes and textures
- Perfect for golden hour or moody skies
- Peaceful and quiet
Golden Ears Provincial Park – Maple Ridge
Golden Ears might be a lake, but it gives total beach vibes. It’s a stunning option for adventure elopements or creative couple sessions.
- Turquoise lake water with forested edges
- Wide sandy beach area
- Beautiful sunrise and sunset light
- Ideal for paddleboards or picnic setups
Golden Ears adventure sessions
Harrison Hot Springs Beach – Fraser Valley
This destination-style beach offers epic views of Harrison Lake and the surrounding mountains.
- Beaches with mountain views
- Town charm meets lake serenity
- Quiet mornings and sunsets are pure magic
- Nearby trails and waterfalls
What to Bring for Your Beach Photos
Want to make your session more personal or fun? Here are a few ideas to bring along:
For Couples
- A cozy blanket
- Champagne or picnic setup
- Sunglasses, hats, or layers
- Your pup
- Meaningful keepsakes
For Families
- Sand toys and bubbles
- Kites or balls for playful moments
- Beach snacks and a soft blanket
- Neutral-toned or matching outfits
- A change of clothes
For Elopements
- Bouquet or floral crown
- Mini picnic or sparkling wine
- Lanterns for fun dusk photos
- Portable speaker for a first dance
Tips for Planning Your Beach Shoot
We will guide you through the best times and locations to choose for the style of photos you want.
- Time it right: Some beach locations are amazing at golden hour (1–2 hours before sunset) for the best light. See Best Times For Photoshoots in Vancouver
- Check tides: Some beaches disappear at high tide or expand at low tide. See tide charts
- Dress for the weather: Rain, cold, heat, make sure to dress appropriately. Check out The Weather Network
- Let loose: Some of the best photos happen when you’re laughing and barefoot
Book Your Beach Photo Session
We specialize in capturing natural, vibrant images at the most stunning beach photo locations Vancouver and the Lower Mainland have to offer. Whether you want a quiet lake session, a mountain-meets-ocean vibe, or a fun family beach day, we’ll help make it unforgettable.