New Brighton Park Beach Vancouver

New Brighton Park: East Vancouver's Waterfront Beach and Pool

Category: Beaches & Parks | Area: Hastings-Sunrise | Cost: Free (pool admission extra) | Best for: Families, dog owners, outdoor swimming, mountain views

New Brighton Park is East Vancouver's own waterfront park on Burrard Inlet. It has a small beach, a heated outdoor pool, big lawns and wide views of the North Shore mountains, with working port cranes and ships adding to the scenery. It is far less crowded than the west-side beaches, which is exactly why locals like it.

Where Is New Brighton Park?

The park is at 3201 New Brighton Road in Hastings-Sunrise, at the north end of Windermere Street just north of Hastings Park and the PNE.

A Bit of History

New Brighton is one of the oldest public spots on Vancouver's waterfront. The park keeps the name of the Brighton House hotel, built here in the 1880s.

Things to See and Do

Swim at New Brighton Pool

The heated outdoor pool usually opens from mid-May to early September. It has 25-metre lanes and a sloped, beach-style entry that suits young children and wheelchair users.

Relax on the Beach

The shoreline has small sandy and pebbly beaches facing the mountains, good for a picnic or watching ships come and go.

Let Your Dog Run

A large, fenced off-leash area sits at the west end of the park. The east beach is also open to off-leash dogs from October 1 to April 30, outside the summer season.

Explore the Restored Shoreline

A shoreline habitat restoration project has added a salt marsh to the park, attracting birds and fish.

Getting There

By transit: Buses along Hastings Street stop a short walk south of the park.

By car: Free parking is available, but it fills up on hot days when the pool is open.

Good to Know

• The park is closed from 10 pm to 6 am.
• Washrooms, a playground, picnic tables and a summer concession are on site.
• The beach does not have lifeguards. Swim in the pool for supervised swimming.
• Rail lines and port facilities are close by, so expect some industrial noise.

Best Time to Visit

Summer is best for the pool. Clear autumn and winter days are lovely for a walk, with fresh snow on the mountains across the inlet.

More Beaches Nearby

For another East Van option, try freshwater Trout Lake Beach. Closer to downtown, CRAB Park has a small beach on the same inlet. Find more in our guide to the best beaches in Vancouver and Metro Vancouver.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is New Brighton Pool open?

It usually opens in mid-May and closes in early September. Check the Park Board for the current season's dates and admission.

Are dogs allowed at New Brighton Park?

Yes, in the fenced off-leash area at the west end, and on the east beach from October 1 to April 30.

Can you swim in the ocean at New Brighton?

You can, but there are no lifeguards on the beach and water quality varies, so check Vancouver Coastal Health reports first.

Photo: New Brighton Sunset (2408793004) by Kenny Louie from Vancouver, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.