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Southern Vancouver Island Beaches

The beaches in and around Greater Victoria offer a unique blend of natural beauty, accessibility, and urban charm. With the Salish Sea as their backdrop and the Olympic Mountains often visible across the water, these beaches are popular with locals and visitors alike. Willows Beach, with its calm waters and mountain views, is ideal for picnics, family outings, and quiet afternoon walks. Further south, Gonzales Bay offers a sheltered, south-facing cove that’s especially loved by sunrise swimmers, paddlers, and those seeking a peaceful place to reflect.
These beaches aren’t just scenic — they’re integral to the community's rhythm. Many are connected to waterfront trails and green spaces, and you’ll often find artists sketching, students reading, and elders sharing stories by the shore. They are also part of the traditional territory of the lək̓ʷəŋən People, whose relationship with these lands continues today. Visitors are encouraged to take time, tread lightly, and treat these spaces not just as places of leisure, but as shared, living environments where care and respect matter. Whether you're beginning your Vancouver Island adventure or simply stepping out for a walk after lunch, Greater Victoria’s beaches offer a warm and grounding welcome.
Vanislander / Landmarks / Beaches / Beaches by Region / Southern Vancouver Island 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.

Transfer Beach

Transfer Beach

Transfer Beach in Ladysmith is a Vancouver Island treasure, offering family-friendly fun, historical depth, and coastal beauty. From kayaking in Ladysmith Harbour to marveling at the Festival of Lights, this waterfront park creates lasting memories for tourists of all ages. Its sandy shores, water spray park, and coal-mining heritage make it a standout destination. Pack your picnic, book a cozy motel, and immerse yourself in Ladysmith’s small-town charm. Start your Vancouver Island adventure today—Transfer Beach awaits! Visit Tourism Vancouver Island for more trip-planning resources.

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.

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach

Mystic Beach is placed between the Pacific Ocean and a forest. It gives you a mixture of land-based and water-based adventures. Marine animals, birds, Mystic Beach Waterfall, sunrise and sunset, are worthy of watching. Feel the beach by standing where the ocean kisses the shoreline and listen to the waves. Hiking on the beach and Juan De Fuca Marine Trail could be at the top of the list.

China Beach

China Beach

Being at China Beach could be a memorable experience. The beach is a mixture of sand, pebbles, and grit, with access to the Juan de Fuca Trail. China Beach is suitable for watching whales, seals, dolphins, and even storms. With perfect waves, you would have an unforgettable adventure surfing there. If you desire to get the most out of the beach, stay at China Beach Campground.

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.

Sandcut Beach

Sandcut Beach

Beaches fix everything, and the tides convey perfect vibes. Sandcut Beach embodies the visual aspects of the west coast beauty. A glorious attraction for those who enjoy walking through a coastal forest and a fantastic spot to spend a peaceful time relaxing. It is where the sound of the waves running over the pebbles would touch your soul. Sandcut Beach is delightful for children and an excellent spot for a romantic picnic.

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

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Port Renfrew Bottom Fishing Tour

Guided Fishing Adventure Tour on Port Renfrew Vancouver Island
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Victoria
Port Renfrew
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7-Day Vancouver Island Wildlife Watching Adventure Tour

Your 7-Day Wildlife Watching Escape
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Victoria
Vancouver Island
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A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

Your three Day Victoria Whale Watching Getaway on Vancouver Island
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 A 3 Day Whale Watching Tour On Vancouver Island

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Vancouver Island Fishing Charters Tour

One-Day Chinook Salmon & Halibut Adventure Tour
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Victoria
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3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

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3 Day Wildlife Tracking & Whale Watching Tour

Black Bear Tracking & Salmon Run Adventure Tour

5-Day Black Bear Tracking Adventure on Vancouver Island
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Fly Fishing Tour on Vancouver Island

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Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Nitinat Lake Kiteboarding

Nitinat Lake Kiteboarding

All Five senses come together to give the possibility to experience the endless adventure in the Nitinat Lake area. As one of the destinations for consistent winds, Nitinat Lake is a popular place for windsurfing. This lake with long, narrow, and strongly salt-stratified water offers you the best opportunities to fulfil your desires for adventure, kiteboarding in particular.

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay Visitor Centre Whale Watching

Spirit Bay has a rich community offering settlings for whale watching lovers beside incredible wildlife; therefore, it would be an excellent point to start your Sooke Whale Watching. Plus, it has a cute beach. You cannot get over the beauty of it and its scenic views.

Jordan River Surfing

Jordan River Surfing

None of the experiences of surfing would be the same on Vancouver Island. While you are in Victoria, do not forget to check out surfing opportunities in the Jordan River. And if you're looking to come in its best surfing conditions, visit Jordan River during September-March, because The stormy weather with the intensified climate will make your surfing adventure more desirable.

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Camping in the Jordan River Regional Park Campground

Use your memory as your travel bag and fill them as best as you can. Follow your desires of camping and visit the Jordan River Regional Park Campground. a quiet, serene campsite in which you have the chance to stay away from the bustle in town. Please have a visit to gorgeous waterfalls, which are fantastic since they don’t plunge into the water but drain into the ground.

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.

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

Pacheedaht Beach Kayaking

If you want to make every moment on Vancouver Island worthwhile, remember to plan for a kayaking adventure on the waters next to Pacheedaht Beach. The San Juan River Estuary Ecological Reserve is the habitat for a variety of wildlife worthy of visiting. In addition to paddling, visitors can enjoy themselves doing other outdoor activities in the region.

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.

Jordan River Storm Watching

Jordan River Storm Watching

Travel to Vancouver Island for your inner adventure lover's sake and fulfil its desires by visiting Jordan River. As a paradise for storm watching, it is known as the home of surfers too. At the same time, you are sipping your coffee, and you can enjoy the outstanding view of the Pacific Ocean. You are blessed with probably the best chances of storm watching.

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Elliot's Beach Park Diving

Make your time on Vancouver Island count and go diving in Elliot's Beach Park. It is a pristine diving location for professional diving, but it has opportunities to discover underwater for ordinary folks.

Ladysmith Kayaking

Ladysmith Kayaking

Exceptional opportunities to explore the water while enjoying the scenic view of a city with a hundred years of history and culture preserved within the realms of Ladysmith. as an ideal kayaking destination, Ladysmith has several offerings to make your stay even more joyful. So, pack your bags and hit the road to this beautiful old city.

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