Dive In! Our Favourite Swimming Spots on Vancouver Island

Summertime on Vancouver Island is an incredible time to visit. Town centres are bustling, restaurant patios are lively, and the parks and beaches everywhere are full of both locals and visitors looking for a way to relax and enjoy the sun. While we may have some of the most moderate temperatures here on Vancouver Island, the summer months can get hot. When the temperatures rise, it’s nice to put strenuous activities on hold and spend the day enjoying one of Vancouver Island’s beautiful, natural swimming spots! With fabulous ocean, river and lake swimming all over the island, you’ll never need to go far to find somewhere beautiful to spend the day swimming and relaxing.

Sooke & Metchosin

Sooke Potholes 

As soon as you arrive in Sooke, you’re going to want to start planning a day at Sooke Potholes, an extensive network of deep, smooth, pools filled with clear turquoise water located right near the Sooke River. Formed during the last ice age, these formations are truly stunning and one of the best spots to find cool, clear water to take a dip in.

Matheson Lake 

If you’re looking for a nearby swimming area in Metchosin, your best bet is Matheson Lake just off Rocky Point Rd! Work up a sweat before your dip with a walk around the lake on the picturesque trail, set up for a sunny afternoon on the sandy beach area or take a quick dip before starting your journey on the Galloping Goose. 

Victoria

Gonzalez Bay Beach

If you’re looking for ocean swimming, you won’t be hard pressed to find stunning beaches and excellent clear waters to swim in all over the Victoria coast. Gonzalez Bay Beach, is an enclosed cove with white sand that is always popular for summertime swimming. 

Willows Beach 

This beautiful neighbourhood park is another sandy beach that offers clear ocean swimming and lots of space to set up for an afternoon in the sun. 

Thetis Lake

If the cold waters of the Pacific aren’t the swimming experience you are looking for, we have lovely swimming lakes that you won’t want to miss! Thetis Lake is one of the best swimming spots near Victoria. There are two sandy beaches to choose from, one at the southernmost end and one on the west side of the lake. Additionally, if you are willing to hike a little bit, you can find lots of rocky outcrops perched right on the water’s edge that provide a little privacy and a perfect place to dive into the cool water. This popular lake gets busy in the summer so it’s a good idea to arrive early on the weekends or midweek to escape the weekend crowds. 

Prospect Lake

This one of Victoria’s popular, family friendly swimming spots! Prospect Lake is easily accessible from anywhere in the capital region and has four distinct public parks for you to choose from. 

Cowichan Valley

Cowichan River

One of the most time-honoured summer traditions of the locals of the Cowichan Valley is tubing down the Cowichan River. It’s become such a popular summer activity; you can now buy tubing packages from The Tube Shack that includes inner tube rentals and a shuttle service to get you back to your vehicle. Gently float along on this 2.5-hour journey where you can enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the riverbank, bob your way under old bridges and watch as the farmland of the Cowichan Valley passes by. It’s a wonderfully unique way to spend a summer afternoon like a local!

Nanaimo

Nanaimo River

This gorgeous park is a 56-acre conservation site and a mature coastal Douglas fir ecosystem with a system of beautiful, wooded trails that are perfect for cycling and walking. Here, you can take a walk through the network of trails and explore the forest then cool off with a dip in the river or bring a blanket and a picnic and set up on one of the many spots all along the riverbank to rest, swim and enjoy the sun! The Nanaimo River is an idyllic swimming spot with deep swimming holes of crystal-clear water, perfect for cooling down when the temperatures rise.

Parksville 

Spider Lake

If you’re looking for a quiet place to cool off during a heatwave, you’ll want to make your way to Spider Lake. Don’t let the name deter you! This glorious, peaceful lake is one of the best swimming spots in the area. There is a small sandy beach and picnic area perfect for making it a comfortable day at the lake – plus, the warm water makes swimming that much more enjoyable! This is also an excellent lake for paddleboarding or kayaking as well as there are so many little coves to explore in the many winding inlets – which is where Spider Lake got its name! 

Courtenay

Saratoga Beach

While you’re staying in the Comox Valley, you definitely need to take a day and head to the sandy shores of Saratoga Beach. This stunning beach is widely touted as one of the best beaches on Vancouver Island due to the long stretches of soft white sand that heats up the cold ocean water as the tide moves in and out. Set up in the sand for the day and paddle through the warm shallows or wade out and take a dip in the ocean. This is a truly stunning beach that you won’t want to miss out on!

No matter where you’re staying on Vancouver Island, you’ll find lots of incredibly beautiful, unique, natural swimming spots to help you beat the summer heat! 

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Get the Scoop on Where to Go for the Best Ice Cream on Vancouver Island!

It’s official – it’s summertime on Vancouver Island! This time of year is a magical one here on the West Coast, with glistening waters, blue skies and endless greenery, the island comes alive when the warm weather hits. The outdoor activities are myriad, whether it’s cycling, hiking, exploring new places on the island, revisiting old favourite haunts, shopping at the outdoor markets or just enjoying a seaside stroll, when the time comes to cool off, there is one tried, tested and true way to beat the summer heat: ice cream. And not your run-of-the-mill, chain restaurant ice cream. No, here on Vancouver Island, we have some locally owned and operated ice cream shops that are churning out incredible, unique and delicious flavours of our favourite icy confection.

Sooke & Metchosin

Sugar Shack

4492 Happy Valley Rd, Victoria, BC V9C 3Z3

In the beautiful, sleepy little area of Metchosin, the Sugar Shack is where the locals get their ice cream fix. A part of the beloved My-Chosen Cafe, the Sugar Shack is a blend of classic west coast, farmhouse-style bakery with a 50’s twist. Here you can find fluffy, seasonally flavoured, single serve cheesecakes, perfectly, soft, celebratory cupcakes, thick milkshakes with architecturally dubious towers of whipped cream that threaten to tumble out of the mason jar receptacles – which really makes it even more fun to drink, and classic ice cream flavours. Whether you’re looking for a spot while riding or walking on the Metchosin stretch of the Galloping Goose, finishing a day at the beach or just popping in to satisfy your sweet tooth, this pastoral cafe is the perfect place to stop for a refreshing treat to beat the heat. 

Victoria

Victoria is a stunning city with a huge influx of visitors each summer and as such, you’ll also find a veritable plethora of ice cream shops. Alas, not all are made equal and that’s why we’re giving you the scoop on where to go for the very best ice cream in the garden city! 

Jackson’s Ice Cream

1 Dallas Rd, Victoria, BC V8V 0B2

In the funky little downtown neighbourhood of James Bay, you’ll find Jackson’s Ice Cream in the colourful float-home community of Fisherman’s Wharf. This small ice cream stand really packs a punch with what they have to offer! Here you can get frozen lemonade, ice cream floats, old fashioned milkshakes, sundaes, plus soft serve ice cream, sixteen different flavours of Island Farms ice cream, non-dairy sorbet and frozen yogurt all in their handmade waffle cones. 

Can Canteen

1115 N Park St #4, Victoria, BC V8T 1C7

Since 2010, these ice cream aficionados have been whipping up truly decadent, unique, satisfying and oh-so-delicious ice cream with the highest quality, local ingredients. Every batch of their incredibly popular ice cream is lovingly made with organic BC cream, eggs from happy, local hens, fair trade sugar and chocolate, fresh fruit and seasonal flowers and herbs. With Cold Comfort Ice Cream, you can feel good about eating ice cream while feeling good about supporting this innovative local company.

Kid Sister

230 Cook St, Victoria, BC V8V 3X3

While you are wandering around downtown Victoria, you’ve got to make your way to Kid Sister in Fan Tan Alley. This small batch glacier makes each and every batch from scratch using the highest quality ingredients – and it shows. For an out-of-the-ordinary ice cream experience, try one of the unique flavours like London Fog or banana coconut caramel. Looking for the classics? They’ve got them too! The Madagascar whole bean vanilla and local fresh strawberry will make you rethink everything you thought you knew about classic ice cream flavours. And if you’re not in the mood for a rich, creamy treat, they have incredibly decadent popsicles too! 

Mosi Gelato

5303 W Saanich Rd, Victoria, BC V9E 1J8

Craving a taste of Italy? Look no further than on Johnson St. In 1920’s Torino, Nonno Mosi made gelato in the summer in his Pasticceria and today, his grandson, Stefano carries on that tradition right here in Victoria. At Mosi, you can find delectable, creamy gelati and light, crisp sorbetto all handcrafted using locally sourced, quality ingredients. 

Sidney

Quince Cafe

2527 Beacon Ave #104, Sidney, BC V8L 1Y1

There’s a lot to be said about this little seaside town. You can find incredible shopping and dining and you won’t have to look much farther for your ice cream fix than Quince Cafe right in the heart of Sidney. They make all of their menu items in-house, daily and it’s here that you can find all your classic ice cream treats. Get a cafe affogato and head out for a walk along the seaside trail, be a kid again with an ice cream float or stick to the classic flavours served in a delicious waffle cone. 

Cowichan Bay

Udder Guys

1765 Cowichan Bay Rd, Cowichan Bay, BC V0R 1N1 

Tucked right in the Cowichan Valley is the historic seaside community of Cowichan Bay and for more than a decade, the Udder Guys have been serving up small batch, old fashioned artisanal ice cream right in the heart of Cowichan Bay Road village. Using top-quality ingredients and local seasonal fruit, this ice cream is absolutely phenomenal. Order a couple of scoops in a cone and wander around the bay or pick up a pint or two to take back to your EMR vacation rental – either way, you’re in for a real treat! 

Nanaimo 

Burnt Honey

96-3200 N Island Hwy, Nanaimo, BC V9T 1W1

Just north of Nanaimo, you’ll find Burnt Honey, the labour of love for local couple Kara and Fiona Shedden. Since their recent opening in February 2019, these two have been making waves with their incredible confectionery and have quickly become the go-to place for decadent ice cream and expertly crafted macarons near Nanaimo. Using locally sourced, high quality, ingredients and unique flavour combinations, Burnt Honey ice cream and macarons are imaginative and delicious. Plus, their packaging is all recyclable or compostable and they have implemented green initiatives in the bakery – going here for your sweet fix is a real win-win!

Comox Valley

Blue Spruce

526 Cliffe Ave, Courtenay, BC V9N 2J4

The best pairing for the beautifully warm, dry, summer heat of the Comox Valley is small-batch ice cream from Blue Spruce. This little glacierie offers traditional custard ice cream and a variety of frozen vegan ice creams as well! Using only locally sourced, artisanal ingredients in their traditionally handmade ice creams that are all inspired by the beautiful Comox Valley, Blue Spruce is really one-of-a-kind in Courtney! 

The Big Scoop

127 Port Augusta St, Comox, BC V9M 3N8

Reignite your childhood nostalgia at The Big Scoop at the Comox Marina! This ice cream trailer slings seriously delicious Island Farms soft serve ice cream by the scoop. Grab yourself a scoop or two of your favourites and take a stroll around the marina – it’s a great way to end a sunny summer day!    

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Have a Reel Good Time! Fishing on South Vancouver Island

There’s a lot to do on south Vancouver Island during the spring but one of the best ways to spend a sunny day is fishing! Whether you decide to spend a slow, peaceful day fishing from the shore on one of the many spots in and around Southern Vancouver Island to drop a line or you can book a charter to head out on the ocean to do some deep fishing, get ready to have an amazing day followed by an amazing dinner! Just make sure you have a valid fishing licence! Both freshwater and saltwater licences are conveniently available to purchase online or at most sporting shops.   

Shore Fishing 

Sooke

One of the earliest independent settlements in the Province, Sooke is a peaceful, historic town nestled amongst wild West Coast landscape. If you’re lucky enough to stay right in Sooke or in the beautiful neighbouring village of Metchosin, you’ll know how quickly you can fall in love with the beauty and tranquillity of this area. Sooke is the perfect spot for all outdoor adventures, especially fishing. 

East Sooke Park

Just a twenty minute hike from the parking lot will take you to the bluffs where the ocean drops off sharply. Here the water runs deep and you can easily fish for Chinook Salmon, Coho, Sockeye and Pink Salmon. If cod and rockfish are more to your liking, a short 5 minute walk will take you to a plethora of sites that are perfect for bottom fishing. In these sites you can cast a line for rockfish and delicious ling cod. A day here is always well spent. If you need equipment, Crab Shack Store and the Sooke Marine Center are great options to make sure you have all the gear to have a successful day out! 

Victoria

As the weather gets warmer, Victoria becomes abuzz with activity. There are so many ways to enjoy the stunning natural beauty of BC’s capital city but fishing is the only one that has a (potential) edible reward at the end of it! Whether you’re staying right in the heart of downtown Victoria or a little farther away in Sidney, there are lots of great spots nearby to do some shore fishing. 

Ten Mile Point

In the summer months, Ten Mile Point is a great spot to try your luck! The rocky outcrops provide the perfect place to set up for the day. With strong currents and an ocean floor that drops away for hundreds of feet, Ten Mile Point provides an ideal spot to fish for Chinook. If you hit those tides perfectly, you can even catch some bottom fish like feisty lingcods. 

Ogden Point Breakwater

Right in bustling neighbourhood of James Bay, you’ll find Ogden Point Breakwater. The huge, concrete walkway is a great place to catch salmon, cod, geenling, flounder, perch and more! 

Cormorant Point

A secret local spot for excellent salmon fishing in Gordon Head, from mid August to late October around 4pm, you can see the water swarming with salmon ready to be caught! 

Langford Lake

If you’re looking for some freshwater fishing, Langford Lake, right in the heart of Langford is stocked full of rainbow trout and smallmouth bass that you can easily catch from the fishing dock found along the Ed Nixon Trail just off Leigh Road. 

Sidney & the Saanich Peninsula 

Sidney is a stunning, walkable seaside town that lives life at a slower pace. One of the most incredible draws is the portion of the Lochside trail that hugs Sidney’s waterfront. 

Elk Lake

This popular lake is a great local option to find excellent shore fishing. There are several rest stops around the lake where you can find spots to cast a line to catch rainbow and coastal cutthroat trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, common carp or yellow perch. 

Sidney Fishing Pier

Here you will find beautiful gardens, a stunning seashore, outdoor gallery and the famous Sidney Fishing Pier. This enormous pier that juts out above the water, makes a great platform for crabbing and fishing. Here you can catch salmon, cod, sole, flounder, and so much more!  

Fishing Charters

Shore fishing is great, but if you don’t have access to gear and you’re up for an adventure, you’re going to want to book a charter to take you out on the water. Out on the waterways around the southern end of the island you can find tons of great salmon fishing, deep water fishing for larger fish like halibut, crabbing and even prawning. There are so many fishing charters to choose from so we’ve rounded up our favourites to make your choice easier! 

Sooke

Bluefin Fishing Adventures 

Book salmon or halibut fishing charters as well as tours through Sooke’s pristine waterways to find steelhead and salmon! 

Blue Wolf Charters

Owner and operator, Roy Carver has made a name for himself as a fun, experienced fishing guide and chef. Every guest is sent home with a few of Roy’s favourite recipes to help make your catch into a fabulous meal!

Goin’ Coastal Fishing Charters 

Tory Howe, owner, operator and fishing guide extraordinaire knows all the nooks and crannies of the ocean floor and is ready to help you catch a big one! 

Warrior Fishing Charters 

If you’re looking for creature comforts while out on the ocean, look no further. Their boats are outfitted with heated cabins and kitchenettes and offer experienced guides for a deluxe fishing experience. 

Good Time Dave’s Fishing Charters

Looking for a laid-back, fun loving guide who knows the waters around East Sooke like the back of his hand? Good Time Dave’s is the charter you!

Crab Shack Sport Fishing 

Whether you’re new to fishing or an avid angler, a small group or large, 30 year fishing veteran Elden Smith is ready to make sure you have a great time and catch some amazing fish!

Victoria

Foghorn Fishing Charters

Located right in the Inner Harbour, this team of experienced fishermen offer guests 20 years of experience fishing off southern Vancouver Island and have everything they need to have a great day out! 

Salmon Eye Fishing Charters 

No matter the season, Salmon Eye is ready for guests! With heated cabins and seats for five people under cover, experienced guides and top-of-the line equipment, booking with this charter is a great idea.

Beasley’s Fishing Charters

No matter if you’re hoping to go deep water fishing for halibut, coasting in the ocean for salmon or exploring one of the island’s gorgeous rivers for steelhead, this fun, inclusive company makes fishing fun for every age and ability!

Adam’s Fishing Charters 

Specializing in salmon and halibut charters, this company has high performance vessels ready to take guests from Sooke to Oak Bay in search of the perfect catch!

King Size Adventures

Boasting one of the biggest, top performing charter vessels in the Victoria charter fleet, King Size adventures takes guests onto the Strait from Oak Bay to fish for halibut, salmon, lingcod, rockfish and Dungeness crab.

No LImit Fishing Charters

With a reputation built on outstanding salmon and halibut fishing charters, owner and operator, Lewis Freeman offers guests memorable fishing trips off the coast of Victoria. 

Sidney

Sea King Adventures

For something a little different than your average fishing charter, consider Sea King’s ‘Deadliest Catch’ fishing tour that includes prawning, crabbing and fishing for salmon and halibut all in an amazing 6-7 hour adventure!

Bon Chovy Fishing Charters

If you’re looking for a charter that offers flexible tours and year-round fishing in Sidney’s calm waters, Bon Chovy is a great charter option!

No matter where you stay or what your speed is, there is always lots of excellent fishing to be found all across the southern end of Vancouver Island! 

Book your EMR Fishing Vacation Today!