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Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach is where the power of the Pacific Ocean performing with waves can be felt. The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean. The nature and decoration of well-shaped rocks around the beach will calm you down. The rocks provide the best spot for watching surfers and get a great view of the bay from some heights. At night, when you take a look a little further over the beach, lights inspecting around the lighthouse are visible. Here you can experience everything from the sunshine to gale waves and heavy rain, while whales move not far off the shore, adding a bonus to this great atmosphere floating in the area. The place is like every marvellous beach on Vancouver Island, where you can enjoy the sea creatures by stopping at the tide pools. Above fine-looking trees, you may be able to spot bald eagles perched atop or flying around.


Cox Bay Beach Location

Cox Bay Beach is placed at the south end of the Tofino district, Vancouver Island. It's in the vicinity of islands like Indian Island and Warne Island in the east and Lennard Island Lighthouse in the west. The beach can be found at 7.5 km (4.6 miles) south of Tofino town and 33.7 km (21 miles) away from the Ucluelet district in the southeast. It is separated by Sunset Point, south of Chesterman Beach. The beach is accessible by taking Pacific Rim Highway in the north and south. There are large and well-equipped resorts with spectacular Oceanside Rooms nearby, making everything neat and comfortable for your stay.


How to Get to Cox Bay Beach by Car

From Nanaimo:
Getting to Cox Bay Beach from Nanaimo is possible via BC-4 W. It is 200 km (124.2 miles) and takes about 2 hours and 45 minutes.
Head west on Fitzwilliam St toward Wesley St and continue onto Third St. After 1.9 km (1.2 miles), go to Jingle Pot Rd. 650 m (2132.5 ft) ahead turn right onto BC-19 N (signs for Campbell R). Drive 41.3 km (25.6 miles) and take exit 60 toward Port Alberni. 1.5 km (0.9 miles) ahead, the road merges onto Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Continue to follow BC-4 W. After 128 km (79.5 miles), turn right onto Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W. Drive 25.5 km (16 miles) and turn left. After 350 m (1148.2 ft), turn right. You will reach Cox Bay Beach after 85 m.

From Victoria:
The fastest route to get to Cox Bay Beach from Victoria is via Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N and BC-4 W. It is 311 km (193.2 miles) and takes about 4 hours and 5 minutes.
Head west on Pandora Ave toward Government St and after 99 m (325 ft) turn right onto Government St. Drive 1.0 km (0.6 miles) and slight right toward Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Use any lane to turn left onto Trans-Canada Hwy/BC-1 N. Drive 104 km (64.6 miles) and use the right two lanes to merge onto BC-19 N via the ramp to Parksville/Campbell River. After 49.7 km (30.8 miles), take exit 60 toward Port Alberni. 1.5 km (0.9 miles) ahead, the road merges onto Memorial Rd/BC-4 W. Continue to follow BC-4 W, and after 128 km (79.5 miles), turn right onto Pacific Rim Hwy/BC-4 W. Drive 25.5 km (15.8 miles) then turn left. After 350 m (1148.2 ft), turn right. You need to continue for 85 m (279 ft) more to reach Cox Bay Beach.


The Hike to Get to Cox Bay Beach

1. When it comes to exploring by foot, Cox Bay Beach includes an endless amount of wildlife for visitors to explore. Starting from the parking at the Surf Grove Campground, Sakurai Lane is a 2.6 km (1.6 miles) moderately trafficked-out and back hiking trail near Alberni-Clayoquot C, British Columbia, which can be a good start.

2. Another way to explore the beach outdoor is Sunset Point, north of the beach that has not been registered as a trail, but you can have plenty of adventures around. The view is just breathtaking. It is worthy of taking a few steps to the top. The trail located at the end of the beach made a fantastic view overlooking the ocean. Boardwalks made the area so accessible for having a pleasant hike to the beach.


History of Cox Bay Beach

In 1934, the bay was renamed Cox Bay in honour of John Henry Cox, a British trader. Cox was a fur merchant and organized the pioneer expeditions to the pacific northwest. Cox Bay has been the place for surf competitions and a great holiday destination for families for decades.
In 1973, the Pacific Sands was initially built by the Pettinger family. Dotted Sand dollars spreading all over the white sand make the history of the area even more durable.


Things to do around the Cox Bay Beach Area

Among the rocks that made a mystery waypoint on the beach, there are tons of activities to do. It is an excellent spot for kids to play Hide and Seek and find precious Sand dollars hiding under the white sands. Surfing is quite well-known in islands like Vancouver Island. Going into the water elicits a significant emotional response, which makes you feel confidentially awesome. You can choose any water-based activities you like.
Paddling through the surges can be quite challenging in Cox Beach. While jogging and hiking along the beach can instill a feeling of composure, relaxing and drinking champagne will induce a state of euphoria.
The end-to-end walk is a choice that many would prefer to make. Having a picnic in this wide flat spot would be a pleasant experience. Watching spectacular sunset with loved ones and taking pictures together is something you ought to try. You'll be pleased!

The Best Beaches Near Cox Bay Beach

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.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Chesterman Beach

Chesterman Beach

Imagine how nature treats your eyes and ears by the magic of glorious stretches of sands, amazing sunset, aquatic creatures, birds flying above your head, and the sound of ocean waves. The relaxing moments of the landscape or the joy of walking on the beach, hiking the trails, or doing water activities would satisfy any visitor at any age. Chesterman Beach makes your stay in Tofino outstanding with all the attention it gains.

Cox Bay Beach Activities

Stand Up Paddling

How much can you maintain your balance while propelling through the water? If you want to take your chances out in the open sea, now it's the time. Wait for a sunny day on the beach when waves are calm enough and move on.

Hiking

The continuous forest overlooking the ocean made an excellent opportunity to dig the area and feel the wildfire by every step. Hiking among nature can reveal mysteries that won't be experienced any other way.

Canoeing

Put on your life jacket and hand on the paddles. All you need is to wait for a perfect time to get momentum and have a good ride over the waves. If you are in two-seat boats, be sure to be harmonic in paddling if you desire to get most of your Canoeing.

Sunbathing

While many believe that taking a sunbath is advantageous for the body, it is a fantasy for others to give it a try; either way, it can be a good taste of your vacation on the beach if you follow some tips and do it correctly.

Geocaching

There are plenty of hidden geocaches all over the world. Some of them could be around you somewhere. So, why don't you check your receiver and start a hide & seek adventure? Like the Sand dollars hiding under the sands, they could be anywhere.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Are you looking for a mixture of feelings to both be a sailor and a surfer? Kiteboarding would be a perfect choice. By having some training, you'll be able to control your sailboard on the water and make harmonic moves. Some talented ones can even fly over the water.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

While mighty storms inspire dread, silence waves instil a feeling of composure. Here you can experience everything from heavy storms and rain to a peaceful atmosphere and sunshine. You may hear about the calm before the storm; here, you can explore the storm watching virtually.

Cox Bay Surfing

Surfing is quite popular in Cox Bay. People with a variety of skills take their boards and try to perform an eyeful show over the waves. Sports connected with water have a significant effect morally and spiritually. It can take you to cloud nine.

What you Can Expect to Do Near Cox Bay Beach

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Ucluelet Whale Watching

Make your Whale watching experience memorable enough to remember it even with closed eyes. in Ucluelet, you will have ample opportunities to encounter these gigantic marine creatures, and you may be lucky to observe other wildlife too. Those whale watching enthusiasts have the chance to attend the annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival happening at the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Ucluelet and Tofino on Vancouver Island's west coast.

Tofino Whale Watching

Tofino Whale Watching

Make your adventure worthwhile on Vancouver Island by visiting Tofino and not missing its whale-watching opportunities for the world. You may have the chance to gaze upon Orcas, the most widespread marine mammal on the earth. Clayoquot Sound, located near the Tofino, is a sandy shoreline with rich rainforest.

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Clayoquot Sound Kayaking

Welcoming kayakers from everywhere, Clayoquot Sound is a wild network of offshore islands, including alpine valleys, forests, rivers, lakes, and laidback beach towns. Rocky oceanfront coastlines with endangered and rare species living there have made this place a popular destination for paddlers who are not only satisfied by paddling and seek to experience other adventures.

Wya Point Camping

Wya Point Camping

Find the inside campers of yours while you are camping in Wya Point Campground. In the heart of an oceanside forest, Wya Point Campground offers opportunities for camping, and you are given a chance to choose which campsite you want to spend time at. Crystal water, sandy cove, and tide rocks that offer marine life sights and several beachfront cabins and yurts with ocean-view are available in Wya Point, making it an ideal place.

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Cox Bay Kiteboarding

Great opportunities for kiteboarding are awaiting you in the realm of Cox Bay, no matter if you are an expert or a beginner. But beforehand, check the reports and wave directions. Besides, the magnificent beach of Cox bay offers an abundance of activities you may enjoy.

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Wickaninnish Beach Storm Watching

Big swells and harsh waves have made this quiet, beautiful beach a hot spot for storm watchers and surfers. So., let your journey lead you to Wickaninnish Beach, where you can meet your expectations of adventure and fun. It's a big beach for wandering on with a nice and long curving view. Wickaninnish Beach is a kid-friendly beach with high chances of observing diverse sea life. Then, do not miss it for the world.

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

Wild Pacific Trail Storm Watching

While hiking Wild Pacific, you are given a chance to enjoy a fantastic storm watching. With hurricane-force winds, both trails of Wild Pacific offer an excellent opportunity to watch storms. Not to mention that overlooking views are provided throughout the hike, which doubles the joy of walking on this long stunning trail.

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Kwisitis Visitor Centre Storm Watching

Have you ever experienced storm watching on a perched deck overlooking an eye-catching view of the Pacific Ocean? If not, Kwisitis Visitor Centre is awaiting you. As a beautiful exhibition for the natural and cultural patrimony of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, this excellent Centre offers unforgettable storm watching right on the Pacific shores, which guarantees your fun and adventure.

Long Beach Storm Watching

Long Beach Storm Watching

As one of the main recreational spots in the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach features strong waves pounding the beach. This quality has made this beautiful scenic beach a hot spot for surfing and storm-watching enthusiasts. It is a beautiful and pristine beach on which having a lounge time or walking feels rejoiced. You can lose yourselves in the sand of Long Beach and find them once again.

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

Cox Bay Beach Storm Watching

After a long relaxing time on Cox Bay Beach, away from all the stress from urban life, if your souls are looking for excitement, the storm-watching opportunity provided for you may be able to satisfy that need. This clean and peaceful beach offers you a pristine view of the sunset and the chance to watch the surfers skimming the water. It is a good idea to walk and feel the sand upon your feet.

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Chesterman Beach Storm Watching

Fulfil your desires for storm watching in Chesterman Beach, near which you can find another tremendous hot storm watching spot, right on the north, Wickaninnish Inn. Chesterman Beach, known for its biggest swells, is a hot spot to enjoy storm watching. Visit the beach in winter and feel the drops of the rain upon your chicks. Also, while you are lying on the beach, you can enjoy observing paddlers and surfers doing their thing on the water.

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Wickaninnish Beach Surfing

Lead an adventurous life and get on the road to experience new adventures. Wickaninnish Beach welcomes surfers from all around the world, and this beautiful sandy beach is a great place to forget about all the bills and responsibilities. If you are looking for more reasons that justify Wickaninnish Beach's superiority for surfers, you may consider the lack of rocks with barnacles.

Long Beach Surfing

Long Beach Surfing

Every day in the round year, whenever you are on Vancouver Island and you crave surfing, Long beach welcomes you to its sandy realm. As one of the most popular recreational destinations on the island, Long Beach is one of the destinations for the hurricanes of the Caribbean, bringing some of the biggest and mightiest waves. This quality has made the beach a perfect place for surfers.

Florencia Bay Surfing

Florencia Bay Surfing

Start your surfing diary on Florencia Bay Beach, a fairly exposed shoreline that provides exciting and consistent surfing opportunities. Waves that come from different directions and hit the sandy beach and their quality are the prime triggers for you to start your surfing journey on this beach. The usual mellow waves are exceptional and fantastic, and they have made this beach a perfect place for surfing.

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

Chesterman Beach (North) Surfing

If you are a William, it would be amazing to explore and spend time on a beach with the shape of your first name's initial. Chesterman Beach (North), as one of the most-visited beaches on Vancouver Island, offers several recreational activities on its fabulous coastline. Surfing is one of the delightful adventures provided for you, allowing one to find seasonal tides on this stunning beach.

Cox Bay Beach Outline

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1. All the climate data are on average.

What you Can Expect to See Near Cox Bay Beach

Cape Beale Lighthouse

Cape Beale Lighthouse

The first lighthouse established in BC by the Canadian government is the original Cape Beale Lighthouse. It was constructed on the rugged cliffs of the Pacific Rim. The whole complex consists of the keeper's house and the lantern tower. Visitors can access this station by the hiking trail. The lantern tower is not open to the public, but you can enjoy the surroundings and the panoramic views.

Ucluelet

Ucluelet

Ucluelet is a district municipality in Pacific Rim. After Victoria, the Pacific Rim area is the second most visited tourism centre on Vancouver Island. Ucluelet has a distinctive portion in this field with salt-water fishing, surfing, standup paddleboarding, whale and bear watching, kayaking, canoeing, camping, hiking, biking, swimming, storm watching, and beachcombing.

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.

Tofino

Tofino

Tofino with its incredible sunset is a district on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It is busy in summer due to the various water sports. In winter many people come to Tofino to visit West Coast for storm watching and whale watching. The majority of the tourists are surfers, hikers, bird watchers, campers, whale watchers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

Maquinna Marine Provincial Park

With a stunning coastline, Maquinna Marine Provincial Park is a remarkable wilderness area. It has spectacular scenery, a pristine environment and a gorgeous boardwalk. Taking a walk through its old-growth rainforest leads you to Tofino Hot Springs Cove. Wilderness camping, coastal hiking, sea kayaking, swimming, and wildlife viewing are among what you can expect at the park.

Low Tide Sea Cave

Low Tide Sea Cave

When the water retreat, Chesterman Beach magic will show up. Be there to watch the underwater tunnels that turn to damp passageways. This hidden jewel is the Low Tide Sea Cave. While you are walking there, it almost feels like a sandy carpet on the floor. The passage to the cave is encompassed by rock walls moss-covered with trees on top. The scenery is worthy enough to be captured.

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Long Beach Unit

Long Beach is part of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Its pristine coastal forest features trails suitable for hiking and biking. The park is one of the earliest and most popular surfing locations in British Columbia. Also, storm watching, bird watching and whale watching take lots of attention. Camping at the park makes it possible to get the most out of your visit.

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Kennedy Lake Provincial Park

Find your peaceful and scenic area somewhere between Kennedy Lake, the largest lake on Vancouver Island, and the Pacific Ocean. From freshwater to salty water, from beach to beach, is all the natural beauty of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, making your beach-based recreation. It is a day-use destination, with an impressive lake and a beautiful intertwined forest.

Tofino Botanical Gardens

Tofino Botanical Gardens

If you are interested in nature and culture, Tofino Botanical Gardens is a chance to learn. Strolling along waterside trails and watching beautiful plants is a great opportunity. Besides walking through stone paths and boardwalks, the herb and flower gardens give you a unique sense of freshness. Attending educational programs about the area's ecosystem is another choice you have.

Virgin Falls

Virgin Falls

In the wilderness area of Alberni-Clayoquot C, where you may have a plan for camping, there is Virgin Falls, a gift from nature to adventure lovers. An abundant fantastic forest surrounds this magnificent 53 m (173.8 ft) waterfall. The pool under the waterfall has crystal clear water with mesmerizing blue shades, perfect for swimming and photography.

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Gibson Marine Provincial Park

Nature heals, and her secret is patience. Gibson Marine Provincial Park on Flores Island attracts many people worldwide to kayak and gives them gifts; natural hot springs, sandy beaches, scenery, and wildlife. Hike in old-growth Sitka spruce forest, camping, soaking in the hot springs, kayaking, swimming, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing are the things you can do at the park.

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs

Ahousat Hot Springs is a tourist destination with therapeutic uses for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Clear and tasteless water, room temperature, and excellent atmosphere put the hot springs into one of the most splendid sites for a relaxing experience. Soaking in hot springs despite several therapeutic benefits they have should be done by considering health conditions.

Cox Bay Beach

Cox Bay Beach

The beach is an excellent spot for challenging your talents out in the ocean and find happiness in salty waters. Cox Bay Beach is a great place for surfers also where you can do other water-based activities you desire. If you prefer walking beach to beach, start from Cox Bay Beach toward Chesterman Beach, one of the most visited beaches on Vancouver Island.

Long Beach

Long Beach

Find yourself in Long Beach and live by the currents. It is the longest one on Vancouver Island, which gives you hours of walking on the sands of the Pacific Rim region. It feels like a never-ending beach, where green and blue meet. As its park and the ocean are generous for activities, you will not regret spending more time on Long Beach.

Kennedy Lake

Kennedy Lake

Are you looking for a freshwater lake near Ucluelet? Then try out Kennedy Lake! As the largest lake on Vancouver Island, it is a reward from the Pacific Rim region. If you need a day hike and enjoy the beautiful wilderness, it's NOT too late! In the heart of Kennedy Lake Provincial Park, Kennedy Lake offers kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and swimming chances.

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