Iona Beach Regional Park

Welcome to one of the lower mainland’s hidden Gems. Located in the northwest corner of Richmond, Iona Beach Regional Park is the perfect place to get outdoors and explore nature. There are great places to sit and watch the sunset after walking along the driftwood-covered shore. Iona Beach is located watch the sunset or go for a walk along the beach. This is where the north arm of the Fraser River reaches the sea, bordered by UBC to the north and YVR airport to the south. It’s a unique place to go bird watching while watching the planes approach the runways at the international airport. This is a can’t miss location for those seeking a unique Vancouver experience.

Richmond is known as the “Island City, by Nature” and this is one of our top choices to experience this natural landscape close to the city. Iona beach is the perfect example of this. There are several great trails and a 4-km long jetty that pushes out into the Georgia Straight. Especially during low tide, is a fascinating place to explore. When the tide is out, you can explore the vast mudflat without much effort. Migrating birds frequent the sandy shore here while seeking a quick meal. There are several long walks and trails here, either along the long jetty that hangs out to the south or along the banks of the North Arm of the Fraser River.

Iona Beach is one of the best places to watch the sunset or go for a walk along the beach. Located in a semi-secret location between Vancouver and YVR – Vancouver International Airport – it’s a perfect escape from the city.

What makes Iona Beach Regional Park so amazing?

This is a relatively unknown spot in the north-west corner of Richmond. I’ve always considered this a hidden gem, as many locals don’t know about it.

Iona beach is pretty amazing. Long, easy walks along the beautiful coast of Richmond, surrounded by tall grass and the massive pieces of driftwood left behind from the rising and receding tides. Some of these escaped logs create amazing (and always changing) pieces of art, imbedded into the sand. Logging and forestry have remained an important part of the continued development of British Columbia, and driftwood is a big part of this process.

This isn’t really accessible unless you have a car or choose to ride a bike (this appears to be a popular option with locals). First you have to make it to Richmond and then drive towards Sea Island, where the Airport is located. From here, you drive along the north side of the runways, past the post office and eventually you will arrive at the regional park.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, there are two choices; walk along the beach or walk along the causeway. This is the perfect place to walk out onto the sandbars during low tide to feel the sand in your toes. We think more people need to know about this spot, which is why we are featuring it today. This is our best of nature photography from Iona Beach Regional Park

Iona Beach Regional Park