Last Update: 2021-07-25
Although each of Vancouver Island's beaches has its own characteristics, some are more famous and beautiful. Here is a list of the best and most attractive beaches on Vancouver Island. They cover various tastes and include sandy, pebbly and in some parts both types of beaches.
1. Qualicum Beach (sand and pebble)
2. Chesterman Beach (sandy)
3. Long beach (sandy)
4. China Beach (sand and pebble)
5. French Beach (pebble)
6. Sandcut Beach (pebble)
7. Wickaninnish Beach (sandy)
8. Cox Bay Beach (sandy)
9. Rathtrevor Beach (sandy)
10. Parksville Beach (sandy)
11. Willows Beach (sandy)
12. Dolphin Beach (pebble)
13. Saratoga Beach (sandy)
14. Mystic Beach (sandy)
15. Dallas Road Beach (sand and pebble)
16. San Josef Bay (sandy)
17. Judges Row (pebble)
18. Kye Bay (sandy)
19. Pachena Bay (sandy)
20. Tribune Bay (white sand)
21. Nanoose Bay (pebble)
22. Botanical Beach (rocky)
Let your minds escape from all daily routines and rest on a beach. Your day can end fabulously watching the sunset. Tofino at the north and Bamfield in the Pacific Rim of Vancouver Island is famous for fantastic sunset views, precisely like its beaches. Here are the most stunning beaches on Vancouver Island to watch the sunset:
1. Parksville Beach
2. China Beach
3. Cowichan Bay
4. Brady's Beach
5. Second Beach
6. MacKenzie Beach
7. Chesterman Beach
8. Long Beach
9. Combers Beach
10. Brady's Beach
When it comes to the beach, one of the activities that many think about is swimming. Ten of the best Vancouver Island beaches for swimming are as follows. They are also among the most kid-friendly and family-friendly beaches.
1. Transfer Beach
2. Parksville Beach
3. Kye Bay
4. Saratoga Beach
5. Rathtrevor Beach
6. Transfer Beach
7. Qualicum Beach
8. Dolphin Beach
9. Gonzales Beach
10. Cordova Bay Beach
The most secluded beaches on Vancouver Island are located in the Pacific Rim area. Choose between them and get the most relaxation time out of your trip with breathtaking views.
1. Sombrio Beaches
2. China Beach
3. Mystic Beach
4. Botanical Beach
5. French Beach
6. Rathtrevor Beach
If you have a plan for sunbathing and lying down on a beach, but you are not a fan of cold and rainy weather, the best time to visit Vancouver Island for beaches is March to May and September to November. With the pleasant weather and stunning area, these beaches are considered beaches that you MUST SEE on Vancouver Island.
1. Tribune Bay
2. San Josef
3. Cox Bay
4. Long Beach
Vancouver Island offers colourful sandy beaches like white sand, black sand, and ordinary sand. On some beaches, you may see rocks and pebbles beside sand. There is only one black sand beach on Vancouver Island, and it's Sombrio Beach in the Pacific Rim area. This magnificent black sand beach is mixed with rocks in some parts and makes stunning views. Some beautiful white and whitish sandy beaches are on Vancouver Island; they are worth visiting and enjoying their space. Tribune Bay, China Beach and Chesterman Beach are on this list. Also, Savary Island is covered by white sand beaches.
There are magnificent beaches with caves on Vancouver Island. All of them offer amazing views from both the ocean and cave.
There is an entire mystery cave at the south corner of Chesterman Beach; Low Tide Sea Cave, as the name shows, is visible at low tide. This cave is one of the unique sea caves.
San Josef Bay provides another cave beach plus the fantastic area around itself at the north of Vancouver Island.
Mystic Beach at the Pacific Rim area of Vancouver Island has a fabulous cave. When tides are low and become a photography spot, it is worth visiting.
Also, Deer Group Islands and Tzartus are best-known for sea caves and sea stacks; you will enjoy exploring the island and find them yourself.
There are some awesome off-leash beaches on Vancouver Island. Your dog can freely run, play and even swim on these beaches.
Please read more about each of them on the Vancouver Island Off-Leash Areas page.
1. Invermere Beach
2. MacKenzie Beach
3. Blue Beach Back Access
4. Chesterman's Beach
5. Salt Spring Beaches
6. Mount Douglas Beach
7. Cormorant Point
8. Gallows point Park
There is only one glass beach on Vancouver Island, and that it is Glass Beach which is located near Sidney. Glass Beach has a large area, and you may find Old ceramic pieces too.