Nothing beats diving in clear blue water on a hot summer day. Top it off with mountain views and you’ve got the perfect afternoon. Luckily, being in B.C., it’s not that hard to find beautiful swimming spots with turquoise water.
You’ll find idyllic lakes, scenic beaches and glistening water to cool off in, and some aren’t that far from Vancouver.
If you’re up for some exploring this summer, head to these six swimming spots in B.C.
Johnson Lake
Starting off strong we’ve got the lake known as the « Caribbean of the North. » It’s easy to see how it got the nickname, with its clear blue water. While it’s not exactly toasty-warm temperatures, people love going to this spot to cool off in the summer.
This place isn’t exactly close to Vancouver (a five-hour drive), as it’s set in the interior of the province – but it’s worth a trip. It’s about an hour away from Kamloops, which is a destination on its own. There is tons to explore in the region, including this scenic lake.
The wide lake is perfect for paddle boarding, kayaking and swimming, and there’s also campsites here you can book in advance.
30 Foot Pool
Alright, maybe you don’t feel like driving five hours to go for a swim, we get it. If you’re in Vancouver you can head across the bridge to North Van and find this picturesque swimming hole. Tucked away in Lynn Canyon Park this place feels like a little oasis outside of the city. It requires a bit of a walk through the forest, but it doesn’t take long to reach.
It’s surrounded by a lush forest, and the sounds of the rushing river adds a relaxing soundtrack to a swim. The water is chilly here but you almost can’t help diving into the emerald green waters.
In the summer you’ll see people laying out on the shores here relaxing and swimming, soaking in the peacefulness of the nature.
If you want to explore further there’s also a stunning suspension bridge in the park, where you can float above a scenic creek.
Kalamalka Lake
Heading out near the Okanagan region of B.C., it’s not hard to find stunning swimming spots. The area is known for it’s sunny days, dry weather, and warm lakes. While there’s lots of lakes nearby, this is where you’ll find the picture-perfect blue water.
Also, according to the Kalamalka Lake website, the water temperatures here is between 22°C and 27°C in the summer, so it’s not exactly cold.
You can just lay back and enjoy the sun, or head out onto the lake — boating, fishing, or paddle boarding.
This spot is another road trip from Vancouver, about five hours away, but it’s worth the journey for a vacation in the area.
Sooke Potholes
This spot is on Vancouver Island, which requires a ferry ride from Vancouver. It’s just 45 minutes from the city of Victoria though, so you’re not headed anywhere too remote. Driving into the park you’ll be surrounded by towering trees and lush greenery, already getting views just on the drive.
After parking you walk down to the bright green water, either to the bottom where you’ll find a shore to sit out on, or resting along on the rocky edge of the river.
The unique rock formations are what make this place special. Along the river you’ll see the deep rock pools, shaped over the course of thousands of years. You can swim along in the clear water, taking in the jagged rock walls of the canyon, mini waterfalls, and incredible rock pools along the way.
The Taylor River Rest Area
If you’re up for a Vancouver Island road trip this summer, this needs to be a spot on your list. If you find yourself driving along Highway 4 get out to stretch your legs, enjoy the picnic tables, and go for a little dip!
Set just off the highway this spot has crystal clear water and it’s a relatively hidden gem.
It’s is about three hours from Victoria, so it’s a journey to reach it. Luckily Vancouver Island is full of incredible spots to visit though, so it’s not hard to make a fun trip out of it.
This place is just an hour outside of Tofino — the popular surfing town and beach destination — so it’s the perfect excuse to visit the bucket-list destination.
Brohm Lake
This place is just an hour from Vancouver, near Squamish, so it makes for the perfect day trip destination. It’s nestled in a quiet forest that makes it feel like a secret, even though it’s a popular spot.
Trails wind their way around the area so you can go for a little hike before settling down along the shores of this lake.
After enjoying some time at the lake you can also head into Squamish for some food and shopping. The small city is packed with restaurants, bars and cute shops to check out. A bonus is that the drive to get here is along the Sea-to-Sky highway, which is beautiful.
If you’re hoping for a summer full of beauty, it’s not hard to find in B.C.! These are just some of the swimming spots, but from city beaches to remote shores, there’s a lot out there in the province.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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