Iona Beach Regional Park

Located just north of Vancouver International Airport, Iona Beach Regional Park is a unique area of land made up of a long, narrow jetty of sand and grass along the mouth of the Fraser River. The majority of the walking route is along the beach or a sandy, unmarked trail before reaching the furthest section that is covered in logs. Sea birds are visible throughout the area as well as a fairly unobstructed view of the Georgia Straight south and west of Vancouver.

From the parking lot, walk between the building and to the right where there is a sign. The area is not clearly marked but continue along the beach looking for signs of a trail made by the footsteps of others. The first section follows the shoreline along the beach as the middle section of the jetty is private property.

Once you pass the industrial area, you can either choose to continue along the shoreline or walk more inland where the grassy area sometimes shows a trail made from others who have walked on this area. The park is often quite windy and it can feel as though walking is a challenge if you are walking directly into the wind.

Eventually you will reach the end of the path and an area where the trail descends onto hundreds of logs that have washed up along the shoreline. You can continue to the end point but watch your footing along the logs as they are often slippery and sometimes move slightly when you step on them.

Once you have reached the end of your walk, turn around and retrace your footsteps along the beach, making your way back to the parking lot area.