Centennial Beach (Boundary Bay Regional Park) - Delta
by Jenavieve
Activity:
Whenever Dad says we're going to a "Mystery Location," I always expect the worst - a bog perhaps or a park with no playground equipment. This time, (thank goodness), we were in for a surprise. We actually went somewhere fun--Centennial Beach. What an awesome place! Centennial Beach reminds me of Spanish Banks, only it takes five times longer to get there. It's part of Boundary Bay, which is part of Delta. If you've never been, you don't know what you're missing. Sand, sand, and more sand - as far as you're eyes can see. Luckily Mom remembered the beach toys. Coleman couldn't wait to get started on his 'sand creation.' I went hunting for shells and sand dollars, and Nathan launched his dragon kite. It wasn't long before we got too hot and made our way to the water's edge. It seemed like we were walking forever. Nathan got wet first, and started splashing me. I was about to tell on him when I realized the water was incredibly warm. I'm talking bathtub temperatures. Time for a full-blast splashing fight. Coleman even got in on the action. We must've been in the water for two hours before Mom finally enticed us out with a Popsicle at the concession stand. As we were leaving I noticed some tennis courts, volleyball nets, and dykes you could walk your dog along or ride a bike on. Dad mentioned a lot of people go bird watching along the dykes (which explains the binoculars I saw two people carrying). Mom's highlight was the washroom with a flushable toilet. Can you believe it! Anyway Centennial Beach is definitely worth the drive if you live far away, and if you don't live far away - what are you waiting for?!Age group:
People of all ages love Centennial BeachExpense rating:
For the most part Centennial Beach is free, unless you buy a popsicle at the concession stand.
:
What I think is really cool about Centennial Beach is you never get bored.
You could spend a whole week there and never run out of things to do.
If you get tired of the water, try beachcombing, or flying a kite, riding
a bike, playing tennis, volleyball, or if you get really desperate there's
bird watching.
:
Like I said before, Centennial Beach is a drive for us. It's not so bad
going there because you're looking forward to all the fun you're about
to have - but coming home.
Details:
Centennial Beach is located at 12th Avenue and Boundary Bay Road in Tsawwassen, Delta. You can get there by taking Highway 99 south from Vancouver, and turning off south at the Tsawwassen/B.C. Ferry exit (Highway 17). Turn left on 56th Avenue and then left again on 12th Avenue. This should lead you right to the park. If you want to find out more call (604) 432-6350 or visit metrovancouver.orgArea:
Centennial Beach is located in the Tsawwassen area of DeltaSeason:
If you want to go in the water, you definitely have to go to Centennial Beach in the summer. That's when the miles of hot sand turns the ocean water into a heated pool. Otherwise I suppose you could go anytime of year. Apparently you can see snowy owls in the winter.Educational highlights:
Dad said he used to go swimming at Centennial Beach before it was called Centennial Beach. In those days it was called Boundary Bay. Apparently it's really close to the American border. Dad said back then you could swim across the border. Somehow I don't think you'd get away with that now.Fun for the adult?:
If I had to pick the five most likely places we'll go this summer, one of them would definitely be Centennial Beach. The only problem is every time we go we'll have to listen to Dad telling us about the good old days of summer at Boundary Bay.
When the tide goes out there's miles of sand
Here's our kite, it's a frog, with just enough wind
When the tide comes in the water is unbelievably warm
Tired of the beach? Try a walk along the boardwalk
Mom says life's a beach