Pier at Belcarra Picnic Area at sunset. Photo: Belcarra Regional Park
With views of the mountains, lots of hiking trails, and both freshwater and saltwater beaches, Belcarra Regional Park has lots to offer. It’s a great nature getaway, but it isn’t far from the city. Here are our picks for the best things to do at Belcarra Regional Park near Port Moody.
Until further notice, in line with the public health order, non-essential travel into, within, and out of BC is not recommended. BC residents, let’s do our part by continuing to stay small and support local with your immediate household, in accordance with the latest guidelines.
How to Get to Belcarra Regional Park
By car: Belcarra Regional Park is located in the Village of Belcarra near Port Moody. To get there, take Barnet Highway or Lougheed Highway to Port Moody, then go north on Ioco Road. Turn left at the fourth traffic light to stay on Ioco Road. At a four-way stop, turn right onto First Avenue which becomes Bedwell Bay Road and heads into the park. Turn right at the sign to go to White Pine Beach and Sasamat Lake or continue along the road for another 5 km to reach Belcarra Picnic Area.
By bus: You can also take public transit to the park. Take the Skytrain to Moody Centre Station. Then take bus 182 to Belcarra picnic area or bus 150 to White Pine Beach (summer only).
Tips for Visiting
- The park can be busy on sunny weekends. Go early or take transit as there is limited parking.
- Use the park map to find your way around.
- Dogs are allowed in most parts of the park, but they must be on-leash. Dogs aren’t allowed at White Pine Beach.
- Be safe if you’re going on a hike. AdventureSmart recommends bringing a backpack with essential safety and first aid gear on every hike. Check the forecast and pack extra clothing for the weather. Leave a trip plan so someone knows where you are going and when you will be back. Hiking is a little different during the pandemic. Read our tips for getting outdoors during COVID-19.
Swim at White Pine Beach
Sasamat Lake is fairly small and shallow, which gives it some of the warmest waters in the Vancouver area. There are lots of pocket beaches around the lake, but the sandy area at White Pine Beach is the most popular place to swim.
Fish at Off the Pier
The long pier at Belcarra Bay near the picnic area is a popular spot for fishing. Cast your line off the dock or drop in a crab trap. Don’t forget to buy a fishing license from Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Have Lunch at Belcarra Picnic Area
With lots of picnic tables, two reservable covered picnic shelters, and a big lawn, the Belcarra Picnic Area is a great place for lunch alfresco. There are even fire rings if you want to bring your own firewood to roast hotdogs or marshmallows. With a playground and plenty of grass, it’s a great option for families.
Picnic area near the beach. Photo: Aiwize/Wikimedia Commons
Go Beachcombing
Head to the beach near the Belcarra Picnic area or walk out along the pier to spot some marine life. Look for barnacles, starfish, and mussels clinging to rocks, jellyfish gliding through the water, and crabs scuttling along the bottom. Treat the creatures with respect: be gentle if you touch anything and leave everything where you found it.
Rent a Kayak
The Tsleil-Waututh Nation’s Takaya Tours operates the Belcarra Park Paddling Centre. Rent a kayak for a few hours to explore the shoreline. You can head across the water to Deep Cove, paddle around nearby islands, or kayak up into Indian Arm.
Go for a Hike
Belcarra Regional Park has 22km of hiking trails, plus connections to trails at nearby Buntzen Lake. If you’re looking for a short, beginner-friendly hike try out the Woodhaven Swamp Loop or the Sasamat Lake Loop. Both have interesting boardwalk sections. Sasamat Lake even has a section of floating walkway! If you have a bit more time, check out the Admiralty Point or Jug Island Beach Trails. Use this park brochure to help you choose.
The view of Jug Island from Jug Island Beach. Photo: Taryn Eyton
