- This event has passed.
June 21st Sunrise Sit at Locarno Beach for Summer Solstice
A free guided nature sit at sunrise on the summer solstice to witness the first light of the longest day. Tea and a poem to close.
Solstice comes from the Latin words sol and sistere, meaning “sun” and “to stand still.”
The summer solstice is the moment the sun reaches its highest point in its arc across the northern sky. For a few days, the light hangs. Then it begins its long return south.
We’re meeting twice: at sunrise to receive the first light, and again at sunset to stay until the last. A Certified Nature and Therapy Guide will open each gathering with a brief grounding, then we settle into stillness. We close with tea and a poem.
Come as you are. This year the solstice falls on Father’s Day. Bring your dad if you like.
We gather at Locarno Beach, one of only three designated quiet beaches in Vancouver.
Sunrise | June 21 | 4:30 am – 6:00 am | Sunrise at 5:06 am
Meeting place: Locarno Beach Concession
Host: Dr. Tara Tiger Brown, Certified Forest Therapy Guide and PhD researcher in Nature and Human Health
Free. No experience needed. Children welcome if they can sit quietly. No dogs. Bring something to sit on if you wish. Bring a layer for the evening cool.
FAQs
1. What is the June / Summer Solstice?
The June solstice is the moment the Sun is directly above the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere. This is the northernmost latitude it reaches during the year. After the solstice, it begins moving south again.
2. Why Is It Called a Solstice?
The term comes from the Latin words sol and sistere, meaning “Sun” and “to stand still.” The spot on the Earth’s surface directly beneath the Sun slowly moves along a north-south axis during the year. When it reaches its northernmost point in June, it stops to start its journey back south.
3. How much daylight do we get on June 21st?
On June 21st, Vancouver will experience approximately 16 hours and 19 minutes of daylight. This is 8 hours, 4 minutes longer than the December solstice.
4. Can I join both the sunrise and the sunset sits?
Yes, please do! Sunrise event | Sunset event
5. Why Locarno Beach?
Locarno is one of only three officially designated quiet beaches in Vancouver: no amplified music and is intended for people seeking calmer soundscapes. Also, it faces North with a wonderful view of the east and west to capture both the sunrise and sunset.
6. Is there parking at Locarno Beach?
Yes, there are two parking lots at either end of Locarno Beach, on Trimble and Sassamat street on NW Marine Dr. Both parking lots are free to park at, and there is additional parking along NW Marine Dr.
7. Are there public washrooms at Locarno Beach?
Yes, there are public washrooms and change rooms located at the concession building at the center of the beach, as well as outdoor showers and water fountains.
