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Beachfront Camping on Vancouver Island

For those who want to sleep to the sound of the ocean, there’s no better option than camping right by the beach. Campgrounds like Green Point in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, and Bella Pacifica in Tofino are some of the most beloved options — offering tent and RV sites with ocean access, coastal trails, and community fire rings. In the north, San Josef Bay and Cape Scott provide rugged, hike-in beach camping for those willing to carry their gear and follow strict Leave No Trace principles.

MacKenzie Beach

MacKenzie Beach

MacKenzie Beach, nestled south of Tofino on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast, is celebrated for its expansive sandy shores and family-friendly calm waves, protected by natural rock outcroppings. Located in the heart of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation’s traditional territory, this pristine beach borders the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, offering a perfect blend of surfing, storm watching, and serene picnicking. Just a short walk from Tofino’s vibrant village, MacKenzie Beach is a top destination for tourists seeking adventure and relaxation. This article covers how to visit, top activities, permit requirements, and travel tips to experience this iconic Vancouver Island beach, ensuring a memorable coastal getaway.

Sombrio Beach

Sombrio Beach

One of Vancouver Island's Ultimate Surf & Nature Escape: Nestled on Vancouver Island’s rugged west coast near Port Renfrew, Sombrio Beach is a hidden gem celebrated for its world-class surfing, dramatic coastal scenery, and pristine natural beauty.
This captivating destination offers a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, drawing families, surfers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike. With its powerful ocean waves, intriguing tide pools, and expansive sandy shoreline, Sombrio Beach stands out as one of British Columbia’s most scenic coastal retreats.

French Beach

French Beach

Time does not move on the beach, but your mood does with currents. French Beach is a rocky beach in French Beach Provincial Park, which has a wide swath of green lawn at the backside and the blue ocean in front. Relax and enjoy having a picnic with your family or take a dip in the water. You can have a view of Olympic Mountain if the weather is not foggy.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
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Victoria
Victoria
from 1,000
2 days and one night
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Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
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Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from 1,135
5 days and 4 nights
Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
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Victoria
Port Renfrew
from 1,475
3 days and 2 nights
Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Your three Day Victoria Whale Watching Getaway on Vancouver Island
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Victoria
Victoria
from 1,138
3 days and 2 night
 A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Experience an Unforgettable Half-Day Adventure in the Heart of Fanny Bay
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Nanaimo
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1 day
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Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
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Victoria
Victoria
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7 days and 6 nights
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5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Coastal Wonders & Wildlife Adventure
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Victoria
from 700
5 days and 4 nights
5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

6-day Black Bear Wildlife Adventure Tour
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Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
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Victoria
Sooke
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Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

5-Day Tour from Victoria to Tofino with Nanaimo
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Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,100
6 days and 5 nights
Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Pacific Rim & Clayoquot Sound Adventure
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Nanaimo
Tofino
from 1,897
4 days and 3 nights
4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
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Victoria
Tofino
from 750
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Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
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7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

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Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
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Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

Telegraph Cove Whale Watching

From Mid-June through October, you will have lots of adventures ahead of you in Telegraph Cove. While exploring the waters to observe Whales, you may encounter other marine creatures if you are lucky. Besides, other creators such as bears, eagles, sea lions and porpoises are observable.

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Port McNeill Kayaking and Canoeing

Let your spirits feed on the adventure provided for you in Port McNeill. One of the best places for paddlers, Port McNeill, has a sheltered harbour and fabulous waterways suitable for kayaking and canoeing. This place is the gateway to real adventure in which you can experience every kind of vigorous activity both on land and at sea.

Mount Cain Skiing

Mount Cain Skiing

As the only community-owned and operated ski resort, Mount Cain has heavy snowfall in winter, making it an ideal place to experience winter activities. The breathtaking slopes of Mount Cain, besides various trails and logging roads, multiply the skiing attractiveness in this location. The drier snow condition of Mount Cain makes it a better place for spring skiing.

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

Telegraph Cove Kayaking

As another significant paradise for paddling, kayaker and canoeists can lose themselves enjoying every single moment while they are on board. Besides the great adventure of surfing the water, paddlers can do other water activities and make their stay even more memorable. So, if you are a paddling freak, don't forget to prioritize Telegraph Cove.

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

Camping in Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins

While exploring the lands of Northern Vancouver Island, do not forget to visit Port Hardy RV Resort and Log Cabins to stay a day or two. This clean and safe campground provides you with amenities and chances to have a splendid time at a sandy beach, in which you can enjoy a meal of the fish you caught. The resemblance of this campground to paradise is uncanny, providing untenable forest tours.

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Zeballos Kayaking and Canoeing

Although the city is known for its gold mining, Zeballos is a fantastic destination for paddling activities. Great hiking trail within the rainforest in which various wildlife is observable. Kayakers and canoeing followers may have the chance to explore a place with several underground caves and spelunking places. Not to mention that other outdoor activities can add to your joy in Zeballos.

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Snowboarding

Mount Cain Ski Resort is a snow-capped location on the northern part of Vancouver Island, in which you can experience a new sense of winter activities, snowboarding in particular. It boasts a wide range of snowboarding facilities, and skis, poles, helmets and boots are rented near Mount Cain and are available at nearby ski shops.

Fair Harbour Kayaking

Fair Harbour Kayaking

Give rewards to yourself for working hard all week and plan to visit Fair Harbour to kill kayaking opportunities. Fair Harbour is an oceanic kayaking zone with all the necessary equipment to surf the water. Besides, you can find great recreational locations around and check all the activities on your to-do list.

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Camping in Quatse River Campground

Nestled in old-growth forests, Quatse River Campground offers peaceful camping next to the bank of Quatse River. This campground provides you with privacy and peace away from the busy urban life comprising a green and treed atmosphere. Also, admirers of nature can enjoy a diversity of flora and fauna while drowning in other adventures.

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Port Hardy Whale Watching

Looking for a way through which you can make your adventure on Vancouver Island unforgettable? Do not forget to stop by Port hardy while you are in the northern parts of the island. There you will be able to sight magnificent killer whales, near which you should apply ample caution. However, observing them is better an oops than a what if.

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