Boundary Bay Regional Park and Centennial Beach, Delta

Situated within Boundary Bay Regional Park, Centennial Beach and the adjoining trails are the perfect spot to while away a hot summer day. The beach itself is often quieter than its Vancouver counterparts, yet has most of the same amenities that make Vancouver beaches so popular. If you can, plan to spend most of the day at the park so that you can take in all that the area has to offer. A stroll along the trails is the perfect activity to break up a lazy day at the beach. Brush up on your bird identification before you go though, since the area is popular with hawks, owls, song birds and shorebirds alike.

GETTING THERE

From Highway 99, take Highway 17 south to Tsawwassen. Turn left on 56th St. and follow 56th St. to 12th Ave. and turn left. From 12^th Ave., turn right on Boundary Bay Road and proceed until you see the park entrance on your left.

TERRAIN

Wide, flat trails of fairly compact gravel make their way across the sandy dunes and scrubby grass of the park. Expect full sun along this route as there aren’t really any trees. 

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION

Umbrella, all-terrain or anything in between.

LENGTH

Taking the 12th Ave. Dyke Trail from Centennial Beach and returning via the Raptor Trail will take approximately one hour. The route can easily be extended by continuing past 12th Ave. to make your way to the main Dyke Trail. Alternatively, near the parking lot, there are some great short looping options if you need to keep the stroller wheels turning to let junior nap a bit longer, yet don’t want to find yourself miles from the car when your little one does wake up.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES

Stroller-accessible washrooms (indoor and outhouse), benches, viewing platforms, picnic tables, a concession stand, sports field, and one of the most amazing playgrounds in the Lower Mainland. Of course, we can’t forget the beach itself. During low tide, young walkers will enjoy venturing out into the wet sand almost as far as the eye can see.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

The views from this trail are best described as stunning and expansive. On clear days, you’ll see Mt. Baker, Mt. Cheam and White Rock (among many other sights) off in the distance. The ramp-accessible viewing deck at the turnaround point of the 12^th Ave. Trail is the perfect spot to pause for a rest and take in the impressive show that Mother Nature puts on in this area.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS

Cammidge House (1914) is located near the park entrance. This beautifully restored heritage building makes a stunning backdrop for a picnic or impromptu photo shoot.

GOOD TO KNOW

Much of the parkland is a protected wildlife reserve and is not accessible by the public. While it is tempting to pluck a few flowers or pick up a piece of driftwood or two as a memento of your visit, it’s best to leave nature as you found it and stay on the trails.

IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!

Deas Island Regional Park, Delta

If you’ve never been on Deas Island, chances are you’ve at least been under it. Located atop the George Massey Tunnel, the park offers plenty of variety for its relatively compact size. The name is actually a bit of a misnomer, since the “island” has long been connected to the mainland with a roadway. If you can overlook the inaccuracy of its name, the park is a lovely spot to kick through piles of fallen leaves and enjoy a quiet afternoon stroll.










GETTING THERE
Unfortunately, this is one walk you'll pretty much surely need a car to access. From the south end of the George Massey Tunnel, take the second exit and follow the signs for River Road North. A short distance along River Road, you will see signage marking the park entrance. Turn in and park in the first parking lot.

TERRAIN
Wide, flat trails of loose gravel with lengthy sections of sand. The route winds its way through trees along the shores of the island, so expect a fair bit of shade.

STROLLER RECOMMENDATION
In general, large-wheeled strollers will have an easier time on these trails. There are significant sections of sand that would not make for easy pushing if you didn't have large wheels. Umbrella strollers are not recommended for this reason.

LENGTH
Departing from the first parking lot, the trail runs less than 5 km (return). With a few looping options, it’s easy to customize your walk depending on your available time (or how long junior sleeps).

FAMILY-FRIENDLY FEATURES
Benches, washrooms (no change tables), picnic tables and large grassy areas are all readily available. Kids young and old may enjoy watching the cars stream into the tunnel from this unique vantage point.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS
It’s not every day you get to see a shipwreck, but that’s exactly what you’ll see across the water from the southern side of the island. There is also a low tide beach located near the tip of the island which offers a spectacular spot to stop for lunch or just to watch the boat traffic along the river. The views of the Fraser River and Deas Slough are lovely from the trails, but are best seen from atop the viewing tower.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
There are a number of horse stables nearby and the community of Ladner is a short drive down River Road. On the island itself are a few heritage buildings including Delta Agricultural Hall (1894), Burrvilla, a grand home (1906), and Inverholme, one-room schoolhouse (1909). Some folks (myself included) may enjoy watching the traffic enter the tunnel under the island...that's an attraction, right?

GOOD TO KNOW
Dogs must be on a leash at all times. Bikes are only permitted on the roadways throughout the park.


IMPORTANT: Any adventure in the outdoors carries a certain level of risk. The route information and maps contained in this blog are provided as rough guidelines only and are based on just one person's experience. Baby Meets Trail and its authors are not responsible for any harm that may occur while attempting one of the posted walks. We will, however, take credit if you have an excellent time!