McDonald Beach Park
A sprawling riverside park with a vast off-leash dog beach, picnic areas, and stunning Fraser River views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm and peaceful walks
McDonald Beach Park
Best Time
Calm and peaceful walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling riverside park with a vast off-leash dog beach, picnic areas, and stunning Fraser River views.
"Amazing views of the Fraser River and a great place to fish locally with a boat launch nearby."
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Lots of sand, especially at low tide. Good shoes are a must for comfortable walking. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Doggy Fun Zone
The sandy beach is completely off-leash for dogs. They'll love it! 🐕
Quick Facts
Rating
4.6 · 906 reviews
Type
Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Off-Leash Dog Beach
Sandy shoreline
A vast sandy expanse where dogs can run, swim, and play fetch freely. A true paradise for furry friends!
+2Fraser River Views
Riverside causeway and trails
Spectacular vistas of the Fraser River, North Shore mountains, and passing boats. Perfect for a peaceful moment.
Picnic & Watersports Hub
Near boat launch
Ideal spot for picnics with tables available, plus a boat launch for enjoying watersports like jet skiing.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Dog-Friendly Paradise
+2Waterfront Fun & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Lots of sand, especially at low tide. Good shoes are a must for comfortable walking. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Doggy Fun Zone
The sandy beach is completely off-leash for dogs. They'll love it!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim to get here early. 🚗
🚤 Boat Launch Access
There's a boat launch and pay-by-the-day parking for trailers.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Shoes Recommended
Lots of sand, especially at low tide. Good shoes are a must for comfortable walking. :athletic_shoe:
🐶 Doggy Fun Zone
The sandy beach is completely off-leash for dogs. They'll love it!
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Parking fills up fast, especially on weekends. Aim to get here early. 🚗
🚤 Boat Launch Access
There's a boat launch and pay-by-the-day parking for trailers.
🧺 Picnic Spots Available
Picnic tables are scattered throughout, some in sun, some in shade.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
McDonald Beach Park is a beloved spot for its expansive off-leash dog beach and scenic Fraser River views. Visitors appreciate the ample parking, well-kept washrooms, and opportunities for watersports and picnics. Some wish for more picnic tables, and parking can be challenging during peak times.
"Lovely beach park nearby the vancouver International Airport YVR, it has a reasonably large parking lot with washroom provided, there is a beach area that's completely off leash for dogs and trails for walking if not walking to walk on the beach. Many also bring their boats and jetski to the area, enjoying different types of watersport"
Luke L'sk
"This place is amazing !! Such awesome views of the Fraser River and a great place to fish locally. There is a boat launch as well and a pay-by-the-day parking lot for the trailers and towing vehicles. Lots of regular parking also with nicely kept washrooms. There are picnic tables right on the causeway between the Boat-launch and the River. Some in shade and some in the sunshine. There is also a walking trail that runs along the River and its perfect for dogs to go for a swim and cool off."
Neighbour Sam
"Great place to bring your dogs, lots of trails to discover, huge sandy area to play fetch & of course the shoreline to throw sticks/balls/buoys etc into the river for your furbaby to swim. Just needs more picnic tables."
Chris M
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
McDonald Beach Park is located at 3500 McDonald Rd, Richmond, BC. It's accessible by car, with a reasonably large parking lot. Public transport options might require transfers and longer travel times.
Yes, there is a parking lot, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving early is advised.
Absolutely! There's a boat launch available, with pay-by-the-day parking for trailers and towing vehicles.
Yes, McDonald Beach Park is located on Sea Island, which is where Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is situated. It's a relatively short drive from the airport.
From Vancouver, take the Arthur Laing Bridge to Sea Island. Follow signs for the airport and then look for McDonald Road. The park is at the end of McDonald Road.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, McDonald Beach Park is a public park and does not have an entrance fee. Parking is also generally free, though there might be a fee for boat trailer parking.
As a public park, McDonald Beach Park is generally accessible from dawn until dusk. Specific hours for facilities like washrooms may vary.
No booking is required for general park entry. However, if you plan on using the boat launch with a trailer, there might be a daily fee.
The main restriction is related to dogs being off-leash in designated areas. Always be mindful of park signage and local bylaws.
Yes, you can enjoy a quick walk or a short picnic. However, to fully appreciate the beach and trails, dedicating a few hours is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, picnicking, fishing, and watersports like jet skiing. It's also a fantastic spot for dog owners to let their pets play off-leash on the beach. +2
Yes, it's highly recommended for dogs! There's a large sandy area that's completely off-leash, perfect for fetch and swimming. +2
Yes, the park has washrooms that are generally well-maintained.
You'll get beautiful views of the Fraser River, passing boats, and the North Shore mountains. It's a scenic spot for relaxation.
Yes, BBQs are permitted in designated areas. It's a popular spot for picnics and gatherings.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture stunning shots of the Fraser River, boats, and the North Shore mountains. The sandy beach offers great opportunities for dog photography and sunset shots.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer beautiful soft light for photography. Sunsets can be particularly spectacular over the water.
The causeway between the boat launch and the river, the sandy beach itself, and the general riverfront provide scenic backdrops.
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws. Always check current restrictions before flying.
You might spot various seabirds along the river. The main subjects are often the boats and the natural landscape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit