The small beach near the southern tip of Deas Island. Photo: Taryn Eyton
Deas Island Regional Park is a hidden oasis of nature on the shores of the Fraser River nestled between Delta and Richmond. It’s a great spot for hiking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and more.
How to Get to Deas Island Regional Park
By car: From Vancouver, take Oak Street south into Richmond where it becomes Highway 99. Stay on Highway 99 through the George Massey Tunnel. Take exit 28 (the second exit after the tunnel) onto Highway 17A, then make the first left onto River Road. Continue for 2.5 km then turn left onto Deas Island Road into the park.
By Public Transit: Take the 640 bus from Scott Road Station to the Deas Island Road and River Road stop.
Tips for Visiting
- Visit the park website and use the park map to plan your trip.
- The park opens at 7 a.m. each day and closes in the evening. Closing times vary with the season. Check opening hours on the park website so you don’t get locked in.
- Dogs must be on-leash throughout the park.
- Smoking, vaping, cannabis, drones, alcohol, and collecting plants are not allowed.
- There are washrooms at the Riverside Picnic Area on the west side of the park and at the Fisher’s Field Picnic Area in the centre of the park.
- Be safe in the park. 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.
- Read our tips for safe summer hiking in Vancouver.
Go For a Hike
Did you know you can hike right over the George Massey Tunnel? The trails in Deas Island Regional Park lead along the shores of the Fraser River to some spectacular viewpoints. It’s hard to believe that cars are whizzing by underground! Use our guide to hiking at Deas Island to plan your route.
Photo: Metro Vancouver
Have a Picnic
With a beautiful setting next to the Fraser River, Deas Island Regional Park is a great place for a picnic. There are picnic tables throughout the park and lots of grassy areas to spread out blankets. There is also a covered picnic area at Fisher’s Field in the centre of the park that is available by reservation.
Photo: Metro Vancouver
Paddle a Boat
If you bring your own watercraft, you can paddle the quiet waters of Deas Slough on the southeast side of the island. You can launch from the floating dock at the east end of the park, but be sure to check the recreational use schedule posted in the park. If you want to learn to row, join the Delta Deas Rowing Club which holds lessons and practices on the slough.
Rowers with Delta Deas Rowing Club. Photo: Metro Vancouver
Go Fishing
With lots of shoreline and a pier, Deas Island is a great place to fish the waters of the Fraser River. Make sure you get a Tidal Sport Fishing License from Fisheries and Oceans Canada first!
Photo: Metro Vancouver
Learn About Local History
Deas Island is an important spot in Vancouver’s history. In the 1870s it was home to the largest salmon cannery on the Fraser River, owned by John Sullivan Deas, a Black man from South Carolina. The island still bears his name today. The park is home to several historical buildings, moved to Deas Island for preservation. The Inverholme Schoolhouse, Delta Agricultural Hall, and Burvilla, a Victorian-style house, all date from the late 1890s and early 1900s. Interpretive panels throughout the park explain local history.
Burvilla. Photo: Metro Vancouver
Watch for Wildlife
While Deas Island is located next to a busy highway, it is a haven for wildlife. Climb the steps of the viewing tower on the Tinmaker’s Walk trail to look down at the river and the surrounding trees where you can spot eagles, hawks, and woodpeckers. Wander along the Dyke Loop Trail and Slough View Trail to see if you can spot rabbits and small songbirds hiding in the brambles. Or trek along the Island Tip Trail to watch for curious seals eyeing you from the waters of the Fraser River.
Photo: Metro Vancouver
