You want to go to the park but the kids want to go to the beach? Happily Lacarno Beach Park is the best of both worlds.  

The park part of the equation boasts picnic tables to serve as picnic central, large shady maple trees and usually a lovely breeze off the beach. It’s still close enough that with a few quick steps you’re on the beach and can take in the sun, paddle in the water and then walk to either the Jericho Sailing Center (check the Jerico Sailing Center article) or Spanish Banks (check the Spanish Banks article) if you so choose.

It’s a great place to use as a jumping off point in any season for a fabulous view of Vancouver and a decent walking and biking trail out to UBC or all the way back to downtown. If you choose downtown, the trails starting here will take you all the way to False Creek, around Science World, out to English Bay, all the way around Stanley Park and terminating in downtown but this will take you hours. I find it best to select a log to park myself on and enjoy the view.

While the weather is now getting a bit rainy and grey, the views are still wonderful and the walk/bike paths are in still in use as well. There is something wild about this area when the weather sets in. The feel of this area changes with the seasons.