Vancouver Island and Coast / *

Beaches on Vancouver Island

Beaches and Coasts

Vancouver Island’s western and southern shorelines feature a diverse mix of expansive sandy stretches and rugged gravel shores. Within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Long Beach spans 16 kilometers, while Chesterman Beach and Cox Bay are central hubs for cold-water surfing. Further south, French Beach offers views across the Strait of Juan de Fuca to the Olympic Mountains. These coastal sites are characterized by temperate rainforest borders, significant tidal ranges, and driftwood-strewn banks shaped by North Pacific swells.

Beaches and Coasts — Map

A

Long Beach

The longest sandy beach on Vancouver Island, stretching 16 kilometers within the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It is bordered by temperate rainforest and features the prominent Incinerator Rock.

B

Cox Bay Beach

A crescent-shaped beach known for consistent surf breaks and views of the open Pacific. A lookout trail at the southern end provides an elevated perspective of the bay and surrounding coastline.

C

Schooner Cove Beach

Accessible via a 2-kilometer boardwalk trail through old-growth cedar and hemlock forest. This secluded section of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve features extensive tide pools during low tide.

D

French Beach

A 1.6-kilometer pebble and sand beach within a provincial park on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. It offers views of the Olympic Peninsula and is a frequent site for whale spotting.

Colin W / CC BY-SA 3.0

E

Chesterman Beach

Features a tombolo—a sandbar that connects to Frank Island during low tide. The beach is divided into north and south sections, used for surfing and exploring intertidal zones.

F

Windsurfer Beach

A gravel beach on Nimpkish Lake known for the 'Klinaklini' winds. It serves as a primary launch point for windsurfing and kiteboarding in the North Island region.

G

Radar Beaches

Located below the site of a former WWII radar station, these beaches are reached via a steep, unmaintained forest trail. The area features rugged rock formations and heavy driftwood accumulation.

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