Tower Beach

Tower Beach sits below the UBC campus near NW Marine Drive and the Museum of Anthropology area. Most visitors arrive by parking in a campus parkade or along Marine Drive, then walking across campus toward the Trail 3 access. Transit users travel to UBC and continue on foot in the same direction. From the trailhead, a forested stairway descends the cliff to the shore. The climb is demanding, especially on the return, so travel light, wear supportive footwear and allow time for rest stops. There is also a shoreline route linked with Acadia Beach at suitable tide and shore conditions. The beach itself is a pebble and rock shore with some sand. Ground sheets, sandals or water shoes make sitting, walking and entering the water more comfortable. Water entry is uneven and rocky, and the water is generally cool. There is no lifeguard service indicated. Check tide behaviour before settling near the waterline and keep belongings above the high-water mark. Direct sun often arrives around midday because the cliffs shade the beach in the morning. Afternoon is therefore the more reliable period for sunbathing in summer. Summer is the warmest season for a visit, while autumn through spring tends to be cooler and wetter. There are no toilets, showers, food vendors or drinking water at the beach. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, warm layers and a bag for all waste. Morning shade from cliffs and trees means temperatures can feel cool before the sun clears the bluff. A half-day visit works well for many people because of the stairs and lack of services.