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Dog-Friendly Beaches and Off-Leash Access Points on Vancouver Island

For many residents and visitors, dogs are part of the family — and finding beaches where they can roam, swim, and sniff freely is a key part of planning a day by the ocean. Vancouver Island offers a variety of dog-friendly beaches, where well-behaved pups are welcome to explore off-leash or accompany their people on long shoreline walks.

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.

Things to Do on Vancouver Island

Stories Beach Surfing

Stories Beach Surfing

As a reward for your hard work, travel to Vancouver Island to fulfil your cravings for adventure and fun. Adjacent to Campbell River, Stories Beach is a vibrant spot attracting many visitors worldwide. The great waves heating the beach allow you to experience surfing for real. While you are in the area, keep in mind to fish; so, do not forget to bring your fishing rods.

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Hiking on the Grass Lake Trail

Wear decent hiking boots for a moderate hiking trail near Sooke. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is an enjoyable trail that leads you to Grass Lake and featuring Monument Mountain makes it possible to have amazing views from the top. Doing the Grass Lake Trail overnight and camping by the lake turns it into a memorable trip. Enjoy the trail in warmer seasons and get a dip into the lake.

Yeo Islands Diving

Yeo Islands Diving

Spend the gladdest moments of your life in Yeo Islands while diving into the waters. Also, you will have the chance to enjoy watching artificial cliffs that have embellished the area's view. Besides, the excellent adventure o diving visitors can benefit from other outdoor excitements and watching various marine life.

Saanich Inlet Diving

Saanich Inlet Diving

Whether you decide to go diving, you can head to Saanich Inlet and plunge in the waters whenever you desire. However, if you visit this inlet, you may choose to dive from a floating boat. The diverse underwater life you are given a chance to observe is another merit of diving in Saanich Inlet.

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Camping in the Gordon Bay Campsite

Choose wisely to make your stay on Vancouver Island unforgettable. Camping in the Gordon Bay Camp Site can give you the chance to have a retreat from daily bustles in a perfect and clean with a quiet atmosphere. It has a lovely swimming area surrounded by log booms in which you can bathe and relax for unnoticeable hours.

Quadra Island Kayaking

Quadra Island Kayaking

Quadra Island sits at the very edge of the Strait of Georgia where the large expanse of water ends and the Discovery Islands begin. Known for its dramatic tidal currents, sheltered inlets, diverse camping opportunities, and rich historical context, Quadra Island is a paddler’s paradise. This guide provides every detail—from the island’s history and geography to in-depth descriptions of its individual kayaking regions—so that both novice and advanced paddlers can plan an unforgettable expedition.

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Camping in Bradsdadsland Campsite

Spacious, unique, private, and complete facility sites are provided in Bradsdadsland Campsite for visitors to have a perfect time camping on Hornby Island. Embrace this fantastic opportunity for adventure while you are in one of the gems of Hornby Island. You would feel peaceful while camping in the beautiful Bradsdadsland, away from your daily boring daily routine. While watching sunsets, enjoy the ocean view ahead of you.

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head Whale Watching

Beechey Head and its loop are two of the hot spots for whale watching in Sooke. In addition to fantastic opportunities for whale watching, Beechey Head is a hiking and nature trip location that offers you excellent activities, such as birdwatching.

Ogden Point Diving

Ogden Point Diving

Change your life from ordinary to extraordinary, and experience diving in an ideal place. Ogden Point Diving zone has excellent diving opportunities for every skill level, and it is a fantastic place for wildlife admirers to come. Also, to capture every moment you spend in this splendid place, bring your cameras.

Sidney Whale Watching

Sidney Whale Watching

Gain sight for adventure during your stay on the coastline of the Salish sea and embrace the opportunities for whale watching there. In the Salish Sea, a habitat for killer whales, various vessels are provided for Sidney whale watching. These vessels are equipped with hydrophones to listen to the sounds of the whales. Not to mention that you can take out your cameras and capture these gigantic sea creatures.

Festivals & Events: Don't Miss Out!

Your Adventure Starts with Vancouver Island Tours

4 Hour Scenic Tour and Salmon Fishing | VI-FT-014

Private coastal sightseeing and salmon fishing charter departing from Nanaimo, perfect for families and anglers of all levels.
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $660
4 Hours
4 Hour Scenic Tour and Salmon Fishing | VI-FT-014

8hr Nanaimo Private Fishing Tour | VI-FT-013

Full Day Private Fishing Adventure in the Stunning Waters of Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $1,200
8 Hours
8hr Nanaimo Private Fishing Tour | VI-FT-013

6 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter | VI-FT-012

Private 6-Hour Vancouver Island Salmon Fishing Charter in Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $960
6 hours
6 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter | VI-FT-012

4 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter Private Tour | VI-FT-011

Private Guided Salmon Fishing Adventure in Nanaimo
Group
Nanaimo
Nanaimo
from $660
4 Hours
4 Hour Nanaimo Fishing Charter Private Tour | VI-FT-011

Comox Spring Coastal Explorer & Fishing Trip | VI-FT-009

Explore the Salish Sea on a relaxed guided coastal adventure combining angling, wildlife watching, and island exploration.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $800
5 to 6.5 hours
Comox Spring Coastal Explorer & Fishing Trip | VI-FT-009

5-Hour Half-Day Salmon Fishing Trip | VI-FT-008

Experience premier guided salmon fishing trips in the Comox Valley with Island Pursuit Sport Fishing.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $800
5 Hours (Half Day)
5-Hour Half-Day Salmon Fishing Trip | VI-FT-008

Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 6 Hour Trip | VI-FT-007

Experience premium guided fishing trips in Comox targeting salmon, cod, and crab year-round.
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $975
6 Hours (Ranges from 5 to 6.5 hours)
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 6 Hour Trip | VI-FT-007

Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 8 Hour Day Trip | VI-FT-006

Premier Vancouver Island Fishing Charter Targeting Salmon, Bottom Fish & Crab Year-Round
Group
Comox
Salish Sea
from $1,275
8 Hours
Island Pursuit Sport Fishing: 8 Hour Day Trip | VI-FT-006

Barkley Sound Halibut Fishing Trip | VI-FT-005

Experience world-class halibut jigging and salmon trolling aboard the Oracle with award-winning captain Orest Iwaszko.
Group
Alberni Valley
Barkley Sound
from $0
Multi-day overnight packages, 8-hour salmon and halibut trips, and 5-hour trips available.
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Private Sockeye Fishing Trip | VI-FT-004

Experience a private sockeye salmon fishing charter in Alberni Inlet, Vancouver Island. Luxury hybrid-electric trawler, expert captain, and all-inclusive fishing adventure for groups of 4 to 11 people during peak June–July season.
Group
Alberni Valley
Alberni Inlet
from $1,480
Full-Day Trip
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Private 2 Day Fishing Trip | VI-FT-002

Comfortable, private group fishing adventure in Barkley Sound for up to 11 guests
Group
Port Alberni
Barkley Sound
from $185
8 hours (private trip with flexible pacing based on conditions)
Private 2 Day Fishing Trip | VI-FT-002

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

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

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

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

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

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