Things to Do in Tsawwassen: Beaches, Parks, and Ferry-Day Ideas

On this page

1. Tsawwassen in a nutshell
2. The main attractions
3. Plan by how much time you have
4. Parking and getting around
5. Before you go
6. Frequently asked questions

Tsawwassen in a nutshell

Tsawwassen is the southernmost community in Delta, tucked between Boundary Bay to the east and the Strait of Georgia to the west, with the US border and Point Roberts just to the south. Most visitors see only the causeway to the ferry terminal.

The town behind it has a proper beach, kilometres of flat waterfront trail, a handful of family parks, and a large shopping centre. Nothing here is a full-day attraction on its own; the appeal is in stringing a few together around a sailing.

Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal1 Ferry Causeway, Delta, BC V4M 4G6 Google Maps Apple Maps

Everything below is a short drive from the terminal. If you are staying in the area before an early ferry, see where to stay before the Tsawwassen ferry and our 3-bedroom suite in Tsawwassen.

The main attractions

Centennial Beach and Boundary Bay Regional Park

Centennial Beach, at 300 Boundary Bay Road, is the local beach and the anchor of Boundary Bay Regional Park, a Metro Vancouver regional park on the east side of the peninsula. At low tide the sand and mud flats stretch a long way out, which makes it better for walking and wading than swimming.

The park has walking trails, picnic areas, a playground, washrooms, off-leash areas for dogs, and a seasonal beach café. There is a parking area at the beach; check the signs for any current fee.

The Boundary Bay dyke walk

From Centennial Beach a flat gravel dyke trail runs along the shore of Boundary Bay. It is popular with walkers, runners, and cyclists, and with birders, since the bay is a stopover for migrating shorebirds. There is no destination as such; walk out as far as time allows and turn back.

Fred Gingell Park and Tsawwassen Beach

On the west side of the peninsula, Fred Gingell Park is a bluff-top viewpoint with picnic tables and a long staircase down to Tsawwassen Beach. From the top you look across the water toward the Gulf Islands and, on a clear day, can watch the ferries leaving the causeway. Parking is on the residential street above, so be considerate of neighbours.

Diefenbaker Park

A neighbourhood park near the town centre with a playground, a waterplay area for summer, and a disc golf course. It is the easiest stop with young children if you have half an hour to spare.

Tsawwassen Mills

Tsawwassen Mills, at 5000 Canoe Pass Way, is a large enclosed shopping centre on Tsawwassen First Nation treaty lands, about 5 km from the ferry terminal along Highway 17. It has a food court and a wide mix of shops, and it is the obvious answer to a wet afternoon or a missed sailing.

Hours vary by day and on statutory holidays, so check before planning a late visit. Parking is free and plentiful in the surrounding lots.

Big Splash Water Slide Park

The former Splashdown Park site at 4775 Nulelum Way reopened as Big Splash Water Slide Park.

Tsawwassen Springs golf

Tsawwassen Springs at 5133 Springs Boulevard is a golf course with a restaurant, Pat Quinn’s Restaurant & Bar, on site. It is a reasonable place for a round or a meal without going far from the terminal.

Point Roberts day trip

Point Roberts is a small piece of Washington State attached to the Tsawwassen peninsula, reached through the Boundary Bay border crossing. It has beaches, a marina, and a slower pace than the Canadian side.

Plan by how much time you have

Plan by how much time you have

1

With an hour

Best for

A quick stop before a sailing

1. Fred Gingell Park for the view, and the stairs to the beach if your legs are up to it
2. Or a quick walk on the sand at Centennial Beach
3. Or Tsawwassen Mills, about 5 km from the terminal, for a coffee and a wander

Keep the check-in cut-off in mind before you get absorbed.

2

Half a day

Best for

A free afternoon or a missed sailing

1. Walk the Boundary Bay dyke from Centennial Beach
2. Lunch at the beach café or in the town centre
3. Or a round of golf at Tsawwassen Springs
4. Or a Point Roberts loop, if you have passports and the border is quiet

3

With kids

Best for

Families with young children

1. Centennial Beach: playground, picnic tables, and plenty of sand
2. Diefenbaker Park: playground, waterplay, disc golf
3. Big Splash Water Slide Park in summer — seasonal, check dates

Whatever you choose, keep the check-in cut-offs in mind: vehicle ticket sales close five minutes before departure and reservation check-in closes 30 minutes before. More short-stop ideas are in things to do near Tsawwassen Ferry Terminal.

Rainy day

• Tsawwassen Mills for shopping and the food court.
• A long lunch in the town centre.
• If the rain is light, the dyke walk is still pleasant with a waterproof jacket.

Parking and getting around

Tsawwassen is spread out and there is no useful transit between the parks, so a car is the practical way to see it. Parking at the parks and the mall is generally straightforward outside of hot summer weekends, when Centennial Beach fills up.

If you plan to leave the car while you travel to Victoria or Nanaimo, read Tsawwassen ferry parking first; the terminal lot cannot be reserved.

Before you go

• Check tide times before a beach visit; low tide at Boundary Bay means a very long walk to the water.
• Bring a windproof layer for the dyke and Fred Gingell Park.
• Confirm Tsawwassen Mills and Big Splash hours on the day — both vary.
• Passports for everyone if Point Roberts is on the list.
• Set an alarm for your ferry check-in time before you get absorbed in the beach.

Frequently asked questions

What is Tsawwassen known for?

Tsawwassen is best known as the mainland terminal for ferries to Victoria, Nanaimo, and the Southern Gulf Islands. Locally it is known for its beaches on Boundary Bay, the flat dyke trails, and a mild, relatively dry climate compared with Vancouver.

Is Centennial Beach free to visit?

Centennial Beach is part of Boundary Bay Regional Park, a Metro Vancouver regional park, and there is no admission charge to walk in. Check current signage for any parking fees before you leave the car.

Can I walk to Tsawwassen Beach from the ferry terminal?

No. The terminal sits at the end of a 2 km causeway and the beach access at Fred Gingell Park is back in town, so plan on a short drive.

Is Big Splash Water Slide Park open?

Big Splash is seasonal. The 2026 season was listed as June 27 to September 7, roughly 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but dates change from year to year, so check before you go.

Do I need a passport for Point Roberts?

Yes. Point Roberts is in Washington State and you cross a US border at Boundary Bay, so everyone in the car needs a valid passport or equivalent travel document.

What can families do in Tsawwassen with young kids?

Centennial Beach has a playground, picnic areas, and a café; Diefenbaker Park has a playground, waterplay, and disc golf; and Big Splash Water Slide Park runs in summer. All are a short drive from the ferry terminal.

Last updated August 28, 2026. Schedules, fares, and parking rates change — confirm with the operator before you travel.