Iona’s Beach | Two Harbors

Iona Beach Regional Park, located in Richmond, British Columbia, is a distinctive and expansive natural area renowned for its long sandy jetty stretching into the Strait of Georgia, rich wildlife habitat, and scenic coastal environment. Covering approximately 763 hectares, it offers visitors a peaceful retreat just minutes from the urban center of Vancouver, combining unique geological features with diverse ecosystems.

Geographic and Natural Characteristics

Iona Beach Regional Park is situated on a man-made sand and gravel jetty, created originally to serve as a protective barrier for the nearby Vancouver International Airport. The park extends about four kilometers into the Strait of Georgia, forming a narrow landform that separates the waters of the North Arm of the Fraser River from the open ocean. This geographical formation creates a remarkable natural habitat and a striking visual landscape with sweeping views of the water, distant Vancouver Island, and the North Shore Mountains.

The park’s environment is marked by sandy beaches, tidal flats, and a variety of ponds and wetlands. These diverse habitats support a wide range of flora and fauna, including migratory birds, marine mammals, and native plant species. The intertidal zones and salt marshes provide essential feeding and nesting grounds, especially for birds migrating along the Pacific Flyway.

Wildlife and Birdwatching

Iona Beach is internationally recognized as an important bird habitat. It is a critical stopover point for migratory shorebirds, waterfowl, and raptors, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and naturalists. Species commonly observed here include great blue herons, bald eagles, hawks, Canada geese, sandpipers, and many species of ducks.

The park’s ponds and marshy areas serve as resting and feeding sites during migration seasons in spring and fall, attracting thousands of birds. Occasionally, seals can be spotted in the adjacent waters, adding to the richness of the wildlife viewing experience.

Recreational Opportunities and Trails

Visitors to Iona Beach Regional Park can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities centered around its unique landscape:

Iona Jetty Trail: This is the park’s signature feature-a well-maintained gravel and concrete jetty extending roughly four kilometers into the Strait of Georgia. The trail is flat and wide, making it suitable for walking, jogging, cycling, and birdwatching. The jetty offers unobstructed panoramic views of the ocean, mountains, and surrounding islands.

North Arm Jetty: A less developed and quieter sandy jetty about three kilometers long, providing a more secluded experience for visitors seeking solitude and natural surroundings.

Bridle Path: Running parallel to Ferguson Road, this approximately two-kilometer multi-use trail passes through grassy and marshy areas, offering views of McDonald Slough to the east and Iona Beach to the west. It’s popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists.

Beach Areas: The park’s beaches, located above the high tide line, consist of sandy shores dotted with driftwood logs that serve as informal seating and picnic spots. These areas provide opportunities for relaxing, photography, and enjoying ocean breezes.

Scenic Views and Unique Experiences

One of the highlights of Iona Beach Regional Park is its spectacular sunset views. On clear evenings, the sun sets over the Strait of Georgia, painting the sky with vibrant colors and casting golden light across the water and distant Vancouver Island. This makes the park a favorite spot for photographers and romantics.

Additionally, due to the park’s proximity to Vancouver International Airport, visitors can watch planes take off and land overhead, adding a dynamic contrast between nature and technology. This “plane spotting” element is a unique attraction for aviation enthusiasts and families.

Visitor Amenities and Regulations

The park is open daily, with typical hours from early morning until late evening, though exact opening times vary seasonally. Parking is available near the park entrance, which provides access to the main trails and facilities.

Amenities at Iona Beach Regional Park are modest, reflecting its natural focus. There are washroom facilities located near the parking area, but no other built facilities such as picnic shelters or cafes exist within the park boundaries.

To protect the sensitive habitat, several regulations are in place:

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, and they are prohibited near the ponds and certain beach areas to avoid disturbing wildlife.

Activities such as smoking, vaping, use of cannabis, flying drones, alcohol consumption, campfires, and plant collecting are prohibited within the park.

These rules help preserve the park’s ecological integrity and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Access and Location

Iona Beach Regional Park is accessed via the Iona Island Causeway, which connects Richmond to the park’s jetty. From Vancouver, visitors cross the Arthur Laing Bridge into Richmond, then follow Templeton Street which becomes Ferguson Road and continues onto the Iona Island Causeway leading directly into the park.

Its location near Vancouver International Airport makes the park an easily accessible destination for residents and tourists seeking natural coastal scenery without leaving the metropolitan area.

Summary

Iona Beach Regional Park stands out as a remarkable blend of natural beauty, ecological significance, and recreational opportunity within a largely urbanized region. Its extensive sandy jetty, vital bird habitats, and scenic vistas provide visitors with a peaceful, scenic environment for walking, cycling, birdwatching, and relaxation. The park’s proximity to the airport adds a unique feature of plane spotting, while strict conservation measures ensure the protection of its sensitive ecosystems. For those seeking a refreshing coastal experience close to Vancouver, Iona Beach offers a distinct and memorable escape.