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Beaches Popular with Locals Only on Vancouver Island

Some of Vancouver Island’s best-loved beaches don’t show up on tourist maps or travel brochures — and that’s part of what makes them special. These are places woven into the everyday lives of the people who live nearby: early morning swim spots, quiet reading corners, dog-walking trails, or post-work sunset rituals. You’ll find them tucked at the end of unmarked paths, behind neighbourhoods, or known mostly by word of mouth. Beaches like Blue Heron Park in Yellow Point, Air Force Beach in Comox, or quiet stretches along Nanoose Bay aren’t necessarily secret, but they are beloved — and often protected — by those who call them home.

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.

Things to Do on Vancouver Island

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.

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.

Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

Camping in the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit

Fulfill your camping desires by camping in a proper place. In the Green Point Campground - Long Beach Unit, you can enjoy one of the best recreational camping within the spacious, clean, and gorgeous campsites with excellent facilities. The atmosphere makes the area fantastic for camping, and tent sites and RV sites are available with a superb rainforest environment.

Goose Spit Regional Park Kiteboarding

Goose Spit Regional Park Kiteboarding

When you plan to choose a destination to go kiteboarding, you will get lost in the reasons you should select Goose Spit Regional Park. A scenic beach including a fantastic ecosystem will provide you with a handful of activities, kiteboarding in particular. Diverse wildlife is also observable.

Dolphin Beach Diving

Dolphin Beach Diving

Nanaimo is saturated with diving zones, but to name a decent one, Dolphin Beach is a location that allows everyone to explore marine life and enjoy diving. Both armature and advanced divers can have the chance to dive in these waters along with a glorious environment enclosing the zone, which would fascinate your eyes.

Octopus Point Diving

Octopus Point Diving

Adventure lovers who know nothing about diving but look forward to experience it may find the Octopus Point Diving site the best place to go. In these shallow waters, several marine life is observable, and the safety of your diving is guaranteed to a considerable measure.

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Port Renfrew Whale Watching

Enjoy discovering the best spots for whale watching on Vancouver Island, starting from Port Renfrew, in which chances are high to gaze upon these majestic sea creatures. Adventure awaits in Port Renfrew, and you can capture the pictures of the whales and the memory of it aside. While fishing around Port Renfrew, whales during their movements and diving or spouting near there might be observable.

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Hiking on the Mount Benson Loop

Wear your hiking boots! It is going to be a challenging hike that may take about 4 to 5 hours. The lovely amount of elevation with fantastic views is what you can get hiking on the Mount Benson Loop near Nanaimo. As it is located in a reach environment, take lots of breaks to enjoy the area and get enough energy. If you are not ready for wet terrains, try it on a dry and cool day. You would be satisfied as an experienced hiker.

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.

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Camping in Bedwell Lake Campground

Known as the base camp to explore the area, Bedwell Lake Campground comprises excellent tent campsites. There you can climb surrounding mountains and hike gorgeous, well-maintained trails. Bedwell Lake Campground would be excellent for backcountry adventures. It has lovely glacial mountain views.

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
Private Sockeye Fishing Trip | VI-FT-004

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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