Vancouver Lakes

Lakes Around Vancouver

Sometimes you just need to spend some time on the water. As it turns out, when you come to Vancouver there are quite a few options for getting on, or in the water.

There are many brilliant motivations for making a trip to a lake in Vancouver this summer – the cool water for swimming, relaxing summer entertainment such as wakeboarding, fishing, or just relaxing on a raft. You’ll find that some lakes have beaches that are ideal for working on your tan. So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car with sunscreen and a cooler then make the trip on your next vacation and discover a brand new number one spot on a lake!

Nearby Lakes for Vancouver

A Day at the Lake: An Itinerary

A day trip to the lake, or a more lengthy trip provides an almost endless list of activities for families, couples, or even those looking for some quality alone time.

Any stay on or in the water gives you a full range of activities from thrilling to chilling.

Canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding. If you want a little physical activity, pack up your board of choice and chart your course to a lake near Vancouver with a boat launch and get out and soak up nature’s beauty in all it’s glory.

Go for a swim. Finding a swimming lake near Vancouver will offer all kinds of fun for the big kids and little ones, or plenty of exercise for those looking to be active in between getting that perfect golden tan. Make sure to do your research and verify that your lake has a nice swimming area and a sandy beach to spread out on before you make the trip! Admit it, even the nicest swimming pool just isn’t as much fun as a beautiful public beach on a lake near Vancouver!

Get a little crazy with the water sports. If you’ve got access to a speed boat, why not spend the day kicking up a wake demonstrating your athleticism and water sports talents? Hit the water and go wakeboarding or knee boarding as the local lakes give you a number of choices.

Checklist for a Day at the Lake

Everyone’s beach getaway will be unique depending on which lake you go to, when you go, what your goals are for the getaway. For your benefit, we took the time to make a list that will give some ideas for your watery excursion to ensure nothing gets forgotten!

The basics

If the plan is to be in the sun for most of the weekend, the list below should be a good starting point when it comes to the necessities you are likely to need.

  • Cords and a charger for portable devices
  • Towels
  • Backup clothes
  • A beach blanket and umbrella
  • A cooler and drinks
  • Plastic grocery bags (for trash and/or wet clothes)
  • Food and snacks
  • Flip flops or water shoes
  • Insect repellant
  • Sunglasses

Additional lake items

Consider the itinerary when at the water and what your party looks like, the following items might also prove useful and worth packing prior to departure.

  • Swimming goggles
  • Fishing poles
  • Something to clean up with like sanitizers or wet wipes
  • Safety gear like life jackets
  • Beach toys (buckets, shovels, football, frisbee, etc.)
  • Licenses and registration for boating and fishing
  • Corkscrew
  • Kindle
  • Bait
  • Rafts and floaties

Lake Safety

Of course spending a weekend on a lake in Vancouver can provide ample amounts of fun, you always have to keep safety in mind. A day on the lake means safety first so here are some important safety tips.

  • Always wear sunblock
  • Be aware of your surroundings and know where you are in relation to land
  • Avoid alcohol consumption before swimming, as it can impair judgment and result in drowning
  • Make sure you have a life jacket for every person on the boat
  • Stay close to shore and avoid areas with shallow water or where the current is strong
  • Always swim with a buddy
  • Keep children within arm’s reach at all times while swimming in deep water

Some More Tips

When you make a trip to the fabulous lakes near Vancouver, you’ll want to remember a couple critical items that might make your trip plan substantially more rewarding. As an example, each lake near Vancouver is going to have their own features which makes it important to consider what will make for an unforgettable trip as you plan yours.

  1. Find a marina. If you’re near the water you’ll often find local marinas where you can rent a boat. Just because you don’t own a boat to enjoy a relaxing day of fishing or taking the kids out for some wakeboarding or tubing. Asking a local will usually allow you to find options for renting the perfect boat.
  2. Research your beaches. Depending on the time of year, occasionally beaches may be really busy. To find some more space to spread out, do some digging on a variety of nearby beaches and lakes to learn about how busy they are if you want a more relaxing vibe. To get in on the party, then look for the biggest, most happening sandy party scene!
  3. Make the most of unique local resources. If you have time for a longer stay, look for local recreational areas, state parks, and campgrounds that offer the ability to camp in a spot that is right on top of the water without breaking the bank.