Iona Beach Regional Park Richmond

Iona Beach Regional Park: Richmond's Wild Jetty Beach

Category: Beaches & Parks | Area: Sea Island, Richmond | Cost: Free | Best for: Jetty walks, cycling, bird-watching, sunsets, stargazing

Iona Beach Regional Park is one of the most unusual beaches in Metro Vancouver. Just north of Vancouver International Airport, a sandy beach, dunes and ponds give way to the Iona Jetty, a roughly 4 km path that runs straight out into the Strait of Georgia. With planes overhead and nothing but sea ahead, it feels much further from the city than it is.

Where Is Iona Beach?

The park is at the end of Ferguson Road on Iona Island, northwest of YVR. It is managed by Metro Vancouver Regional Parks.

Things to See and Do

Walk or Cycle the Iona Jetty

The jetty runs about 4 km into the sea, with water on both sides. It is flat and popular with walkers and cyclists, and it is accessible.

Explore the North Arm Jetty

A second, more rugged jetty stretches northwest along the mouth of the Fraser River's North Arm.

Go Bird-Watching

The ponds and marsh are a stop for migrating birds. Watch for herons, hawks and eagles.

Watch the Sunset and the Stars

The sun sets straight out over the strait, and the treeless park is darker than most of the region at night.

Getting There

By car: Cross the Arthur Laing Bridge, turn right onto Templeton Street, and follow it as it becomes Ferguson Road to the park. There is a parking lot at the beach.

By bike: A popular route follows the same roads from Vancouver to the end of the jetty.

Good to Know

• The beach is shallow and muddy at low tide, so it is better for walking than swimming. There are no lifeguards.
• Dogs must be on leash and are not allowed near the east ponds or on the beach between Iona Jetty and North Arm Jetty.
• Rare sand dune habitat is protected, so stay on the trails.
• A wastewater treatment plant is next to the park.

Best Time to Visit

Clear evenings for the sunset, and spring or autumn for migrating birds.

More Beaches Nearby

Across the North Arm is Wreck Beach at UBC, and to the south is Garry Point Park in Steveston. See every option in our guide to the best beaches in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Iona Jetty?

About 4 km one way.

Can you swim at Iona Beach?

You can, but the water is shallow and muddy at low tide and there are no lifeguards.

Are dogs allowed at Iona Beach?

On leash only, and not near the east ponds or on the beach between the two jetties.

Photo: Iona Beach Park, Richmond (5813814475) by GoToVan, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.