


Old Orchard Park Beach
About
Old Orchard Park Beach is a picturesque sandy beach along the Burrard Inlet that perfectly combines swimming, playground fun, and waterfront relaxation. With calm, shallow waters ideal for young swimmers, expansive grassy areas for picnicking, and a well-equipped playground, this Port Moody gem offers everything families need for a full day of outdoor adventure.
Highlights
- ✓Sandy beach with gentle, calm swimming area perfect for nervous or beginner swimmers
- ✓Well-maintained playground with equipment suitable for various ages
- ✓Covered picnic shelters and BBQ facilities for family gatherings
- ✓Scenic waterfront views across Burrard Inlet with mountain backdrop
- ✓Grassy areas ideal for games, kite flying, and relaxing while kids play
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive before 11am on summer weekends to snag prime parking and shaded picnic spots, as this popular beach fills up quickly on sunny days.
- 2.Bring water shoes as the beach has a mix of sand and small pebbles, making entry and exit more comfortable for little feet.
- 3.Pack your own food and drinks as there are no concessions on site, but excellent covered picnic tables and BBQ facilities are available for family meals.
- 4.The water stays relatively calm thanks to the inlet location, making it safer for younger swimmers than ocean beaches, but lifeguards are not on duty so supervise closely.
- 5.Explore the scenic trail that runs along the waterfront connecting to nearby Rocky Point Park for extended adventure with older kids.
Best Time to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings from June through August for the warmest water and smallest crowds. Early evenings (4pm to 7pm) also offer beautiful sunset views across the inlet with fewer families, though water may be cooler.
What to Know
Parking is free but limited, especially during peak summer hours. The beach has washrooms and change facilities, but no food vendors, so plan to bring all snacks and meals. The playground and beach are easily accessible from the parking lot.
Seasonal Notes
While the park is open year-round, swimming season is best from late June through early September when water temperatures are warmest. Spring and fall offer pleasant weather for playground visits and beach walks without crowds. Winter visits are possible but chilly, though the playground remains accessible.
Nearby Eats
Head to nearby Moody Centre (5 minutes away) for family-friendly options like Rocky Point Ice Cream or try Browns Socialhouse Port Moody for casual dining with kids menus. The Heritage Mountain area also offers various quick-service restaurants within a 10-minute drive.
More Activities Near Port Moody
White Pine Beach
White Pine Beach offers families the perfect combination of soft sandy shores, calm waters, and excellent amenities including a well-equipped playground and picnic facilities. This peaceful waterfront spot in Port Moody provides a relaxing escape where kids can build sandcastles, wade in the water, and enjoy outdoor play equipment while parents take in beautiful mountain and inlet views.
White Pine Beach
White Pine Beach offers families a perfect blend of sandy shoreline, calm swimming waters, and excellent playground facilities on the shores of beautiful Burrard Inlet. The natural sandy beach is ideal for sandcastle building, while the adjacent playground and grassy picnic areas provide plenty of space for kids to explore and parents to relax with stunning mountain views.
Quarry Rock Trail
Quarry Rock Trail is a rewarding 3.8 km round-trip hike that's achievable for active families with kids who love adventure. The moderately challenging trail winds through beautiful coastal forest before opening up to spectacular panoramic views of Indian Arm from a rocky bluff, making the effort worthwhile for children who can handle some elevation gain and uneven terrain.
Noons Creek Hatchery
Noons Creek Hatchery offers an incredible hands-on nature education experience where kids can witness the amazing life cycle of salmon up close, completely free of charge. Children are fascinated watching thousands of spawning salmon navigate the creek, while volunteer guides share captivating stories about Pacific salmon and the local ecosystem in an interactive, kid-friendly way.