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Beaches in Greater Victoria

Greater Victoria's beaches are a hidden gem on Vancouver Island, offering an unmatched blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and urban charm. With the Salish Sea at their doorstep and the Olympic Mountains as a breathtaking backdrop, these beaches in Greater Victoria provide a unique coastal experience. Whether you're drawn to the family-friendly sands of Willows Beach, the tranquil coves of Gonzales Bay, or the scenic shores of Cordova Bay, the beaches in Greater Victoria promise a warm and grounding welcome for locals and travelers alike.


Featured Beaches in Greater Victoria

Dive into the top beaches in Greater Victoria, each offering its own distinct allure:

Willows Beach: Renowned for its calm waters and stunning mountain views, Willows Beach is a prime choice for picnics, family outings, and leisurely strolls. Its accessibility and serene ambiance make it a local favorite.
Gonzales Bay: A south-facing sheltered cove, Gonzales Bay is a standout among beaches in Greater Victoria, beloved by sunrise swimmers, paddlers, and those seeking peaceful reflection. Its warm waters invite year-round enjoyment.
Cordova Bay: Nestled on the Saanich Peninsula, Cordova Bay boasts soft sand, shallow waters, and sweeping views of Haro Strait and Mount Baker. It’s a top pick for beachcombing and family fun.
Island View Beach: A nature lover’s paradise, Island View Beach features grassy dunes and a wide shoreline within a CRD park. Known for birdwatching and stargazing, it’s a culturally significant gem among beaches in Greater Victoria.

Activities and Attractions

The beaches in Greater Victoria offer endless ways to enjoy Vancouver Island’s coastal charm:
• Swim in the calm, inviting waters of Willows Beach.
• Picnic with panoramic views at Gonzales Bay, one of the most scenic beaches in Greater Victoria.
• Beachcomb for treasures along Cordova Bay.
• Birdwatch or stargaze at Island View Beach.
• Explore First Nations heritage with Indigenous-led tours, available at select beaches in Greater Victoria.

Getting There

Greater Victoria is accessible via ferry from Vancouver or Seattle, with the beaches in Greater Victoria just a short drive or bus ride from downtown Victoria. Ample parking ensures easy access to these coastal treasures.

Plan Your Visit

Enhance your trip with nearby accommodations like the Oak Bay Beach Hotel or the Inn at Laurel Point, both offering comfort and proximity to the beaches in Greater Victoria. Savor the local dining scene, featuring fresh seafood and farm-to-table delights, perfect for a day by the shore.

Best Time to Visit

Summer reigns as the peak season for visiting beaches in Greater Victoria, with warm temperatures (20-25°C) and long, sunny days ideal for beachgoing. Spring and fall bring milder weather and fewer crowds, while winter offers a serene escape with snow-capped mountain views.

Cultural and Environmental Respect

The beaches in Greater Victoria lie within the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən and W̱SÁNEĆ Peoples, who have stewarded these lands for generations. Visitors are urged to stay on designated paths, respect wildlife, and support Indigenous-led initiatives to honor this living heritage.

Vanislander / Landmarks / Beaches / Beaches by Region / Greater Victoria 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.

Mount Douglas Beach

Mount Douglas Beach

Mount Douglas Beach is one of the fantastic beaches that you can visit on Vancouver Island.
Go there at sunset for an experience of peace, Mount Douglas is a small beach, but at low tide, the water opens a wide area, and you will able to see Marine life on the beach.

Muir Creek Beach

Muir Creek Beach

Tucked along the rugged shores of the Juan de Fuca Strait, Muir Creek Beach is a hidden paradise for adventurers and history buffs alike. Named after the pioneering Muir family, who shaped the region’s early logging industry, this beach offers a unique blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. Walk sandy shores dotted with driftwood, hunt for ancient whale bones embedded in cliffs, or relax under a handmade tree swing while listening to Pacific waves

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.

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.

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.

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