Top Things to do in Vancouver Island
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10 Beaches in Vancouver Island That You Shouldn't Miss
Discover the best top things to do in Vancouver Island, Canada including Chesterman Beach, Airforce Beach, Cox Bay Beach, Brady's Beach, Juan de Fuca Provincial Park, Florencia Bay, San Josef Bay, Wickaninnish Beach, Long Beach, Cape Scott Provincial Park.
Restaurants in Vancouver Island
1. Chesterman Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,522 reviews
Reviewed By Departure683118 - Wardner, Canada
We visited this beach more than any of the others during our stay on the coast. Not only was it smaller than some of the others, but it seemed more sheltered. The rocky outcrops, and a number of close, small islands, however, really made the crashing waves that much more spectacular. The sand was hard...easy walking...and there seemed to be more “treasures” to be found. We loved exploring here, and watching the many surfers who practiced their craft here. And as an added bonus, the sunsets were beautiful. This will definitely be our go-to beach when we return!
2. Airforce Beach
3. Cox Bay Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 271 reviews
Reviewed By must_travel_soon_10 - Mississauga, Canada
With so many resorts lining the beach strip, public access is limited. Seems to be a popular water sports area. Great wide beach.
4. Brady's Beach
5. Juan de Fuca Provincial Park
6. Florencia Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By gwt75 - Vancouver, Canada
In height of tourist season (summer 2020), we showed up at this beach and only one other group there. Massive beach with some fun tidal pools at low tide.
7. San Josef Bay
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By AdraestiaF - Baltimore, Canada
We camped at San Josef Bay Heritage Campground, a private campground run by Doug. His phone number was disconnected when we went up, nevertheless, the campsite was beautiful with a delightful creek running through it, and Doug was very welcoming and knowledgeable. He gave us information on the sea caves, trailheads and waterfalls. The camp is perfect if you are camping with a vehicle. No potable water or electrical hook-up which was fine by us. It is a short hike through the woods to get to the main trail down to San Josef Bay which is gorgeous. We lucked out with amazing weather and could have easily spent the whole day exploring the beach, the sea stacks and caves. Definitely recommend if you can handle to dirt road from Port Hardy.
8. Wickaninnish Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 40 reviews
This beach is located in Pacific Rim National Park. This beach is part of Long Beach.
Reviewed By TheFrancisInn - Ucluelet, Canada
Wickanninnish Beach in the Pacific Rim National Park on a calm November day is always a favourite spot for a beautiful stroll on the beach!
9. Long Beach
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,235 reviews
Long Beach, the longest beach of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, spans an extraordinary 16km (10mi) along the west coast of Vancouver Island. Described by locals to be magical, you will be astonished by the amount of life that call the tidal pools home. You will be sure to find crabs, shells, starfish, sea urchins and much more. As the surf comes crashing in, you will find surfers from around the world carving through the peaks of the waves. As the water settles, it gracefully rides up the beach with peaceful trickles and shimmering light from the breathtaking sunset crossing the colourful horizon. Long Beach is truly a rejunivating getaway for all ages. Whether you're looking to kickback, explore, adventure, hike, surf, or just take one of those long walks on the beach, Long Beach has it all.
Reviewed By 291DEA - Toronto, Canada
You can walk for miles along Long Beach, or the others nearby. Totally flat during low tide. Wonderful for photos, watching surfers, or storm watching.
10. Cape Scott Provincial Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Cape Scott Provincial Park is a truly magnificent area of rugged coastal wilderness that is located at the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, 563 kilometres from Victoria. Cape Scott is characterized by more than 115 kilometres of scenic ocean frontage, including about 30 kilometres of spectacular remote beaches. The rugged North Coast Trail is a challenging and popular 43.1 km hiking track that connects many pristine beaches by stretches of tough overland passage. The park stretches from Shushartie Bay in the east, then westward around Cape Scott and south to San Josef Bay. Rocky promontories, salt marshes and jagged headlands punctuate the fine-textured, white-sand beaches. The most impressive of these beaches, Nels Bight, stretches more than 2,400 metres long and 210 metres wide at low tide, and is one of the park’s most popular camping destinations. Other significant beaches include San Josef Bay, Guise Bay, Experiment Bight, Lowrie Bay and Nissen Bight.
Reviewed By NorthCountryWriter - Victoria, Canada
Immerse yourself in some forest bathing and enjoy the almost pristine beauty of this place. In many hours of walking, we only saw one bit of human litter. Amazing. But weather changes fast. Be prepared. We were. Others in the park certainly were not. Caution: some of the hiking / distance estimates seem to have been made either by straight line or by exuberant and extremely fit 25 year olds.
