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Best Paddleboarding & Kayaking Beaches

For those drawn to the water in quieter ways, paddleboarding and kayaking offer a chance to move through coastal ecosystems at the ocean’s pace. Vancouver Island’s eastern shores, with their sheltered bays and calm morning waters, are ideal for paddlers of all levels. Launch points at Cadboro Bay (Victoria), Departure Bay (Nanaimo), Goose Spit (Comox), and Deep Bay provide safe, scenic access for stand-up paddleboards and sea kayaks, with rentals and guided tours available in most nearby towns.
Vanislander / Landmarks / Beaches / Beaches by Activities / paddleboarding and kayaking beaches
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.

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.

Ella Beach

Ella Beach

Nestled at the end of Ella Road in Sooke, Ella Beach is one of Vancouver Island’s less crowded island. This secluded pebble beach offers breathtaking views of the Olympic Mountains across the Juan de Fuca Strait, making it a must-visit for travelers craving rugged coastal beauty without the crowds. A short 45-minute drive from Victoria. Whether you’re a hiker, photographer, or nature lover, this guide covers everything you need to know—from tide-safe exploration to hidden trail tips.

Gonzales Beach

Gonzales Beach

Gonzales Beach, located in the heart of Victoria, BC, is a hidden gem along the southern coast of Vancouver Island. This tranquil urban beach offers soft sandy shores, stunning ocean views, and a peaceful retreat from the city’s hustle. Known for its breathtaking sunsets, warm summer waters, and accessibility, Gonzales Beach is a favorite spot for locals and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day under the sun, a scenic stroll, or a place to launch your kayak, this charming beach has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll cover everything from how to get there, the best activities, nearby accommodations, and essential travel tips to ensure you make the most of your visit.

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.

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach

Dolphin Beach is known for its scuba diving site. Whether you are a beginner or professional, challenge your skills and explore marine life. See one of the world's best landscapes since twilight when the beach slowly lit and the sky is getting orange. The beach is more stunning with the trees at the backside and their shadow on the water surface.

Blueback Beach

Blueback Beach

There is a dreamy place at the north of Nanaimo, where a mixture of the ocean weather, beach access, and tall trees accompany the sound of birds and waves to create a peaceful atmosphere. Blueback Beach is where sitting at the beach, getting some sun and relaxing while waiting for the sun's last attempt to spray orange and red on the horizon can be so pleasant.

Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

Camping in Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground

In the pursuit of your dreams about camping, you can plan to make it come true within the realm of Cape Scott Provincial Park Campground. A rugged coastal wilderness with lovely beaches offers walk-in, backcountry, and wilderness camping. While you are staying in this magnificent campground, you are provided with remote scenic beaches with a gorgeous ocean view and endless opportunities for adventure.

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

Nootka Sound Kayaking and Canoeing

If paddling is frightening for you, make it normal while you are in Nootka Sound. It s worthy of mentioning that while paddling in the waters of Nootka Sound, you are given the pleasure of observing the birth point of BC, Yuquot. Nootka Sound is known as the paradise of the paddlers, and its island provides an extraordinary situation in which an astonishing adventure is waiting to be embraced.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain Snowshoeing

Mount Cain ski resort is a suitable place for snowshoeing and a renowned destination for snowshoeing followers. Take the risk of exploring a non-patrolled wilderness area and enjoy the spectacular surroundings and natural habitat. Mount Cain has the highest base elevation of any coastal ski resort in British Columbia, Alaska, and Washington.

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.

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.

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Quatsino Sound Kayaking

Stretch your minds and imaginations to a different experience of kayaking by going to Quatsino Sound. As a mysterious place, it is known as underground caverns, and it offers undeniably chances for those in love with paddling. While you are on the water and paddling the smooth waves, you may be lucky and observe some marine creatures that can add to your joy.

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