advertise

Fishing from Shore: Popular Fishing Spots and Regulations on Vancouver Island

Fishing along the shores of Vancouver Island is both a pastime and a tradition — one that brings together locals, visitors, and generations of knowledge rooted in the rhythms of the tide. From rocky points to gravel bars and estuary mouths, the island offers many accessible spots for shore-based fishing, where you might catch species like perch, flounder, greenling, or even coho and pink salmon during the right seasons. Popular locations include the Campbell River shoreline, French Creek, Esquimalt Lagoon, and certain beach stretches near Port Alberni and Comox.
Cormorant Point Beach

Cormorant Point Beach

Cormorant Point Beach, nestled in Saanich, BC, Canada, is a serene escape on Vancouver Island’s southern coast. This charming beach boasts a sandy shoreline dotted with rugged rocks, creating a picturesque scene against the gentle waves of the Pacific. In spring, wildflowers bloom along the edges, while summer brings warm sands and calm waters, ideal for family fun. Fall transforms nearby Balmacarra Park with vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows, framing the beach in a stunning display. Winter offers a peaceful retreat, with crisp air and the soothing sound of the ocean. A unique feature is the historic rock-walled saltwater pool, a safe haven for kids to splash and play. Dogs roam off-leash, chasing waves and exploring, making Cormorant Point Beach a tranquil spot for relaxing, reading, or soaking in Vancouver Island’s coastal beauty.

Langford Lake

Langford Lake

Being among the wonders of Vancouver Island, Langford Lake is the water-heart of the Langford community with great scenery and recreational opportunities. Whether you are a local or a visitor who feels the need to visit the countryside. Langford lake is the ideal destination to pay a visit to. Langford Lake is the largest one between the three lakes in Langford.

Sayward Beach

Sayward Beach

Sayward Beach is one of the beaches that you can access from Cordova Bay Road. It offers a great sandy beach that is excellent for sunbathing and getting the sun's pleasant heat on a warm summer day.Sayward Bay is also suitable for children; children have a shallow shoreline to play in the water safely and enjoy their leisure time.In the afternoon, watching the sky that changing color and becoming orange and seeing the sun that visiting the ocean can make you forget the passage of time. If you come in winter, you don't lose anything; Sayward Beach is still a wonderful, as the people of Vancouver island get ready for the polar bear swim or even be able to witness the snowing view of the beach and the surrounded area.

St Mary Lake

St Mary Lake

Discover the serene beauty of St Mary Lake—a gem in the Capital Regional District of BC that offers a perfect blend of water sports, hiking, camping, and cultural heritage. Nestled amid lush forests and sparkling waters, St Mary Lake is an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a peaceful retreat on Vancouver Island

Radar Beaches

Radar Beaches

Radar Beaches is a pristine coastal destination in the Alberni-Clayoquot region of Vancouver Island, BC, that captivates visitors with its expansive sandy shores, rugged coastline, and abundant marine life. Perfect for surfers, beachcombers, and nature enthusiasts, Radar Beaches offers a secluded getaway where the power of the Pacific Ocean meets untamed natural beauty. In this comprehensive guide, discover detailed travel directions, essential visitor tips, permit information, and a range of activities to help you plan the ultimate coastal adventure on Vancouver Island.

Elk lake

Elk lake

Elk Lake is a serene freshwater oasis nestled on Vancouver Island, offering visitors a perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and natural beauty. Located on Victoria, Vancouver Island ,BC. this picturesque lake is ideal for swimming, water sports, fishing, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Whether you're planning a peaceful day trip or an extended camping adventure, Elk Lake is a must-visit destination that promises stunning landscapes and a host of recreational activities.

Saratoga Beach

Saratoga Beach

Saratoga Beach is a serene coastal retreat on Vancouver Island that offers an escape from city life. Renowned for its pristine sands, vibrant tide pools, and breathtaking ocean views, this beach is an ideal destination for families, photographers, and nature lovers. Whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Saratoga Beach provides a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. In this article, we cover why this beach is a must-visit, detailed driving directions from key cities, and essential tips—including permit and parking information—to help you plan your visit.

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach

Spiral Beach in Victoria is where the blue of the sea and sky and the Olympic Mountains at a distance is situated in a perfect picture. There are hills along the beach to stand on for a wide view. Walk on the sands and pebbles with the driftwoods around on the beach. Listen to the waves, walk on the shoreline, and have the storm watching pleasure in the fall and winter.

McNeill Bay

McNeill Bay

McNeill Bay has plenty of benches along the seawall to sit and enjoy the landscape of Trial Island, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, and Olympic Mountain. Do exciting water activities on McNeill Bay Beach and experience its wonderful esplanade and photogenic scenery. It is considered one of the fantastic off-leash dog beaches in Victoria.

Botanical Beach

Botanical Beach

If you are an adventure lover or a backpacker who enjoys hiking in the forest, make your way toward the Juan de Fuca trail and hike through the trails to get to Botanical Beach. It is a gift for nature lovers, a remote beach to hike, camp and watch the wildlife live in the tidal pools at the shoreline. In March and April, you have the chance to watch orcas or killer whales.

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach

Wickaninnish Beach is a large stunning beach with sand dunes and access to the rainforest. Kilometres of sands make it possible to walk on the beach for a long time. Sit on the driftwoods or cliffs to rest and enjoy the view. It would be great staying there making a fire and watching the sun touch the ocean. This beach could be your excellent choice for swimming, storm watching, and surfing.

Willows Beach

Willows Beach

If you are a fan of sun and beach, Victoria has the warmest weather in Canada to take a sunbath and swim, and Willows Beach is located in this area. This white sandy beach is south of Willows Park and has protected water suitable for a family vacation. Get the most out of your visit when you are at the park. Have a meal or drink in its cafe with a view of the sea.

Qualicum Beach

Qualicum Beach

An excellent picnicking area and sunny weather attract many families in summer to relax on Qualicum Beach. This sandy beach is placed in an area with many facilities and attractions to enjoy your day. Let life lead you to the beach with the incredible landscape of Lasqueti Island Ecological Reserve hills, blue sky and the ocean. Choose kinds of water activities which you delight in doing.

Wall Beach

Wall Beach

Wall Beach is a rocky beach north of Nanoose Bay. The peaceful atmosphere gives you an excellent chance to live in the sunshine, feel alive by the ocean air, and relax. It is the best escape anyone can have to get rid of work pressure. Do what makes you happy and improve your health. The beach has a dive site to dive, swim, and explore the rich marine life.

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches

Parksville Beaches is a public beach with endless tidal flats of sand and rock. In July, a fantastic event takes place; the Sand Castle Sculpture Competition and Exhibition. In summer, soaking in the sun and watching the splendid sky could be relaxing. As the beach has an extensive area, it suits children's taste to spend hours running freely, playing and beachcombing.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

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

7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
Group
Victoria
Vancouver Island
from 2,310
7 days and 6 nights
7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
Group
Victoria
Sooke
from 1,140
2 days and one night
Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Salish Sea Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Adventure
Group
Victoria
from 550
3 days and 2 nights
3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Vancouver Island Getaway Tour

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

5-Day Vancouver Island Tour Package

Coastal Wonders & Wildlife Adventure
Group
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
Group
Nanaimo
Vancouver Island
from 1,950
6 days and 5 nights
Ultimate Vancouver Island Wildlife Experience

Vancouver Island Wildlife watching Tour

Explore Whales, Bears & Coastal Rainforests
Group
Victoria
Tofino
from 750
3 nights and 4 days
Vancouver Island Wildlife watching  Tour

Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Explore Inner Harbour & Catch Inshore Fish
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,000
2 days and one night
Victoria Kayak Fishing Adventure Tour

Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

Wildlife, Beaches & Coastal Adventure
Group
Victoria
Victoria
from 1,813
7 days and 6 nights
Ultimate 7-Day Vancouver Island Escape Tour

4-Day Wildlife Watching on Vancouver Island

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

Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Experience an Unforgettable Half-Day Adventure in the Heart of Fanny Bay
Group
Nanaimo
from 2,850
1 day
Sea Lions & Eagles Adventure

Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

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

Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

Fly-Fishing Paradise on the Gold River
Group
Campbell River
Gold River BC
from 1,400
1 day
Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

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

Things to do on Vancouver Island

Hiking on the Elk Falls via Millenium Trail

Hiking on the Elk Falls via Millenium Trail

The Elk Falls via Millenium Trail is a family-friendly loop. This excellent hike with spectacular views includes waterfalls, Suspension Bridge, sitting areas and the Campbell River. Hiking this trail certainly tests your nerves. It is well maintained with several facilities. Get in touch with beautiful scenery along the river, and enjoy the stunning park with all family members while you are just a few kilometres away from downtown.

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

Otter Point Park Whale Watching

While exploring Sooke Area, if you happen o take a long calm walk on the Otter Point shoreline, you may see whales from the beach. Otter Point Park provided you with other activities, too, such as hiking, wildlife and birdwatching, and also a scenic nature to appreciate.

Race Rocks Diving

Race Rocks Diving

A fantastic offering for those who would like to dive and learn about the history of marine activities of Vancouver Island is lying on the grounds of Race Rock Lighthouse. The existence of this lighthouse adds up to the exceptionality of this diving adventure. However, you have to look out for the whales living there.

Raft Cove Surfing

Raft Cove Surfing

Write a diary now, but save your memories to review for the rest of your life. Assign one page to the adventure you will experience in Raft Cove Provincial Park. Nothing can be fascinating as much as a beach you can surf and camp on simultaneously, but the sandy beach there provides that for you. Low tides at Raft cove will motivate you to get on a surfing board and make your day meaningful.

Cowichan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Cowichan Lake Wakeboarding and Waterskiing

Wandering around the second-largest lake on Vancouver Island, you are blessed with ample chances of different water sports. Natural features observable in this region adds up to the beauty and attractiveness of your stay and make your memories hard to forget. If you are interested in doing other activities, there are various adventures to embrace.

Camping in Ralph River Campground

Camping in Ralph River Campground

Camping in Ralph River Campground offers a bit more comfortable experience of exploring the park. It's adjacent to Buttle Lake, with numerous campsites all along the glorious shoreline of it. It is where you will feel a sense of being in the wilderness with beautiful sights and spectacular views from several sites over the valleys.

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Deep Bay Windsurfing

Discover your windsurfing spirit while you are in the Deep Bay area. Waterfowl in the winter months have made these protected waters a hot spot for windsurfing. Due to Deep Bay's proximity to Baynes Sound, visitors can enjoy several other outdoor adventures. Also, more recreational opportunities are provided in the park and the golf club nearby.

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

Hiking on the Nanaimo River Trail

About 10 kilometres away from downtown Nanaimo, find yourself on an easy and well-marked hiking trail along the Nanaimo River with a smile on your face! It is a great short walk that impresses you differently at each section. Take your dog with you and get it some exercises too, as it is dog off-leash-friendly. You can find such energy there in the area with the Douglas fir plantation.

China Beach Storm Watching

China Beach Storm Watching

The chance of storm-watching on China Beach is something that happens once in a lifetime. This beautiful sandy beach is warm even during cold weather. Powerful winds and pounding waves make the place attractive for storm watching. Big swells in China Beach offer excellent surfing. Also, natural features add up to the beauty of this beach, such as the breathtaking view of the ocean.

Wall Beach Diving

Wall Beach Diving

Don't just listen to people talking about Wall Beach. Come and see how beautiful this sea lion habitat is. Incredible diving opportunities are provided for both armature and professional divers. The chance to see several diverse marine life there is Wall Beach adds up to the reasons why one should come to this spectacular beach.

Festivals & Events: Don't Miss Out!

What Do You Think about Popular Fishing Spots on Vancouver Island