Chasing the Shoreline: The Best Beaches on Vancouver Island

person in a red jacket sitting on a beach on Vancouver Island

The west coast of Canada has long been known for its incredible beaches and Vancouver Island, British Columbia, is no exception! Whether you go north, south, east or west, you’re sure to find some of the most stunning beaches in the world. From remote windswept beaches to enormous shorelines, on Vancouver Island there are hundreds of absolutely stunning beaches to explore and enjoy! Soak up the sun, surf, swim in the refreshing saltwater, make sandcastles, kayak, paddleboard, spot majestic orcas, minke and grey whales from the shores and so much more! If you’re looking for the very best beaches on Vancouver Island, we’ve got you covered! Check out our list of favourite beaches and get out there! 

Tofino & Ucluelet 

Nestled in the charming town of Tofino, these beautiful Canadian beaches are a haven for surfers and windsurfing enthusiasts who travel here from far and wide! With pristine sands and incredible waves reminiscent of Hawaii’s shores is a coastal paradise that leaves a lasting impression! Overlooking the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, these mesmerizing beaches in Tofino offer visitors the perfect place for thrilling surfing adventures and unforgettable moments!

Long Beach 

Tucked between Tofino and Ucluelet on the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park, Long Beach epitomizes the spirit of the wild west coast. Surfers flock to its legendary waves, while beach enthusiasts delight in its soft sand and sweeping vistas of the Pacific Ocean. This expansive beach is the perfect place to enjoy the freshest ocean breezes and beachcomb as you wander along its seemingly endless expanse. With its awe-inspiring beauty and invigorating ambiance, Long Beach embodies the essence of Vancouver Island’s renowned surf culture, making it an absolute must-visit destination for both locals and travellers!

Sooke & Jordan River

Mystic Beach

Follow a scenic hiking trail from the parking lot through lush greenery to reach the magical shores of Mystic Beach. This compact, gray-sand beach along the Juan De Fuca Marine Trail boasts a unique charm, with a cascade gracefully pouring over sheer cliffs. Located near Jordan River, it offers a serene and secluded retreat for nature enthusiasts seeking a tranquil coastal experience.

China Beach

This tranquil beach offers a serene escape when you’re staying near Sooke. With a forested walking trail that takes you from the parking lot to the beach and a wide sandy beach with views of Washington to enjoy, whether you’re paddleboarding, kayaking, or simply basking in the sun, China Beach is a stunning place to bask in the beauty of the west coast.

French Beach

A family favourite, French Beach offers visitors a playground, picnic table and a beautiful pebbly beach to enjoy. Here, you can spend many hours enjoying the fresh air, playing in the waves, climbing the driftwood, and finding beautiful stones and shells – it’s perfect for a family day out! 

Cape Scott 

San Josef Bay

Discover the untamed beauty of San Josef Bay, nestled within the Cape Scott Provincial Park. This remote beach is a paradise for hikers, boasting captivating trails that lead to its pristine shores. With its white sand and blue waters, San Josef Bay offers a stunning, remote coastal experience.

Gulf Islands

Tribune Bay

Located on Hornby Island, Tribune Bay is an idyllic beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. The only access to Hornby Island is via two ferries: one from Vancouver Island to Denman Island and then from Denman Island to Hornby Island. While it is quite the journey to get here, this remote beach is worth it! 

Parksville

Rathtrevor Beach

Located in the gorgeous little resort town of Parksville, Rathtrevor Beach is the perfect beach on the east coast to do some serious beach exploration. At low tide, you can walk for kilometres along the sand, beachcomb and see the creatures in tidal pools! This is the perfect beach for families with kids because the immense stretch of sand and warm, shallow water means that you can have a stress-free beach experience! Whether you’re staying right in Parksville or in nearby Nanaimo, this beach is a must! 

Comox Valley

Kye Bay

Experience the magic of low tide at Kye Bay, nestled on the shoes of Comox. This beach has a mixture of pebbles and soft sand and offers a wonderland of tidal pools, perfect for beachcombing and exploration! With its peaceful ambiance and stunning vistas, Kye Bay is a coastal haven that invites you to embrace the beauty of nature’s rhythms.

Victoria 

Willows Beach

Nestled in one of Victoria’s most picturesque neighbourhoods, Willows Beach is one of the best beaches in the city. It’s an ideal spot for beginners to paddleboard or launch a kayak and it is one of the most popular windsurfing spots in the summer! With stunning views and soft sand to sunbathe on, Willows is by far one of the best places in Victoria to spend a sunny, summer day! 

 

Best Places to Visit on Vancouver Island, Canada

soft, cool sunrise light over a pebbly beach with snowcapped mountains in the distance

A Quick Guide to Exploring the Best of Vancouver Island

Looking for the best places to visit on Vancouver Island? Whether you’re planning a road trip from Seattle, flying in via seaplane, or catching a BC Ferries ride across the water, Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s most stunning destinations and it’s brimming with unforgettable experiences! From storm watching on the wild west coast to hiking through old-growth forests, this island delivers year-round adventure.

We know this slice of British Columbia like locals, because we are locals! So if you’re wondering where to go, what to see, and what you truly can’t miss, you’re in the right place.The Beach House Suite Main Image

Let’s dive into the must-see towns, parks, and hidden gems that make Vancouver Island a world-class travel destination!

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Why Vancouver Island Is Worth the Trip

Vancouver Island is one of North America’s most diverse and naturally beautiful regions. Located off the west coast of British Columbia, this island stretches from the artsy community of Victoria in the south to the rugged wilderness of Cape Scott in the north.

What makes it so special? You’ll find sandy beaches and surfing in Tofino, grizzly bear viewing tours in Campbell River, wineries and totem poles in the Cowichan Valley, and access to some of Canada’s best whale watching tours. Whether you’re into kayaking, hiking trails, or exploring cultural heritage, Vancouver Island has something for everyone! And it’s all wrapped in a distinctly Canadian blend of warmth and wilderness.

Top Places to Visit on Vancouver Island

1. Tofino & Uclueletaerial view of Chesterman Beach in Tofino at Sunset

These west coast surf towns are a must-see—which is why they’re at the top of the list! Tofino is famous for Cox Bay, storm watching, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, while nearby Ucluelet offers access to the iconic Wild Pacific Trail. It’s a paradise for surfers, hikers, and anyone who loves windswept beaches.

2. Campbell River

Known as the “Salmon Capital of the World,” Campbell River is also one of the best places for grizzly bear tours and orca sightings. Take a whale watching tour or explore Elk Falls Provincial Park with its epic suspension bridge.

3. Victoria

Front of the Legislature - Parliament Buildings in Victoria BC - Inner Harbour British Columbia’s capital is full of charm, history, and coastal elegance! Stroll the Inner Harbour, visit the Parliament Buildings, or take in the flowers at Beacon Hill Park! You’ll also find incredible museums, Fisherman’s Wharf and a great food scene right downtown! Head up the Saanich Peninsula to visit the little town of Sidney and the world famous Butchart Gardens.

4. Nanaimo

This central hub is more than just a ferry port — it’s a launching point for day trips, hikes, and outdoor adventures. Explore the Harbourfront Walkway, check out nearby Provincial Parks, or hop a boat to Newcastle Island. Nanaimo is also a foodie-friendly stop with laid-back Canadian charm!

  • Great for: families, road trippers, outdoor enthusiasts

  • Highlights: waterfront boardwalk, kayaking, sandy beaches, Newcastle Island, nearby hikes to Ammonite Falls

5. Comox Valley (Courtenay, Comox & Cumberland)Boat at the Comox Harbour in the Comox Valley - North Vancouver Island BC

Nestled between the mountains and the Salish Sea, the Comox Valley blends coastal beauty with rich agricultural land. It’s a great spot for wineries, local markets, and hiking trails — not to mention some of the island’s best food and views.

6. Port Alberni

A central inland city surrounded by mountains and lakes, Port Alberni is a hidden gem for hiking, boating, and exploring old-growth forests. It’s also the gateway to the island’s rugged west coast.

7. Telegraph Cove

This tiny, postcard-perfect village on Northern Vancouver Island is one of the best places in Canada for spotting orcas and humpback whales. It’s also a top destination for eco-tours and sea kayaking!

Coast Salish Totem pole - wood colour no paint - BC Fist nations8. Duncan & the Cowichan Valley

Rich in First Nations heritage and renowned for its totem poles, Duncan is the cultural heart of the Cowichan Valley. Surrounded by lush hills and vineyards, this region is home to award-winning wineries, warm lakes, and charming coastal towns!

  • Great for: cultural travellers, wine enthusiasts, weekend escapes

  • Highlights: totem poles walking tour, Kinsol Trestle, Cowichan Bay, wine touring by bike, farmers’ markets

9. Port Renfrew

This remote village on the west coast is where the West Coast Trail begins (or ends). It’s also a fantastic base for rainforest hikes, rugged coastline walks, and hidden beaches.

  • Great for: hikers, adventurers, peace-seekers

  • Highlights: Botanical Beach tide pools, Juan de Fuca Trail, surf spots, Cape Scott connections for backcountry trekking

10. Coombs & Cathedral Grove

Coombs is quirky and unforgettable — especially the Old Country Market, where you’ll often find goats happily grazing on the roof! Nearby, Cathedral Grove in MacMillan Provincial Park is one of the most awe-inspiring old-growth forests on the island.

  • Great for: families, road trips, anyone with a camera

Highlights: goats on the roof, local artisan shops, Cathedral Grove’s ancient forest, proximity to Parksville

Best Time to Visit Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island is a year-round destination — the best time really depends on what you want to experience.

 

Spring

This is the time when wildflowers bloom, the trails dry out, and it’s shoulder season for travel! Storm watching gives way to whale watching where you can see resident orcas and early migrating humpbacks.

 

Summer

Summer is peak season on Vancouver Island! You’ll find great weather, perfect for kayaking, beach days and boardwalk strolls in charming towns. It’s also the busiest time for the entire island so be prepared to book ahead no matter what you’re planning to do!

 

Fall

Harvest season brings food festivals, wine tastings, and stunning foliage, especially around the Cowichan Valley! You’ll find many sunny days before the rains set in and with fewer crowds, cities and coastlines are peaceful.

 

Winter

Vancouver Island is a rainforest so in the winter, expect rainy days, stormy seas and cozy getaways! Some of the best things to do during this season is storm watching in Tofino, wildlife viewing around Campbell River, and indoor visits to places like the Parliament Buildings in Victoria or Shaw Center for the Salish Sea in Sidney. There are tons of options to make winter a magical off-season option!

Bonus Travel Tips for Vancouver Island

Take the scenic route! A road trip lets you explore hidden gems between the bigger towns — perfect for spontaneous stops.

Seaplane coming in for a landing on the coast of BC - Vancouver Island Harbour Air Ride BC Ferries or a seaplane! Both offer iconic views of the Gulf Islands and Strait of Georgia.

Dress for the weather. Even in summer, layers are key on the west coast.

Book wildlife tours early! Whale watching and grizzly bear tours often sell out fast, especially in high season.

Respect Indigenous lands. Every town and city on Vancouver Island are located on traditional territory, ancestral homes of First Nations people like the W̱SÁNEĆ and Nuu-chah-nulth. Always travel with care and respect.

Ready to Explore the Best of Vancouver Island?

From black bears in the north to surfing in the west, Vancouver Island is one of Canada’s most dynamic travel destinations! Whether you’re planning a family getaway to Parksville, a romantic trip to Tofino, or a backcountry trek through a Provincial Park, there’s something here for everyone.

Book your perfect home base with EMR Vacation Rentals — from oceanside cottages to forested retreats, we have the perfect stay for your island adventure!

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