British Columbia is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country and world. Are you planning a trip and wondering where to visit in British Columbia? If so, be sure to include some of the beach destinations we describe in this blog in your West Coast travel plans.
Chesterman Beach
This beach is a favourite of many people and regularly makes its way onto the 10 Best Beaches in Canada list. Chesterman Beach is really two beaches in one joined together by a common point. Locals refer to them as the North Beach and South Beach to avoid confusion.
Do you have budding surfers in your family? Chesterman Beach is a favourite among local surfers for learning and practicing their skills. Beach staff hold surf school frequently throughout the summer. The beach is part of the larger Tofino community, which is also extremely popular with vacationers.
You will find showering and changing facilities at the beach, but not stores or restaurants. However, you can find plenty of other things to do in the town of Tofino. The food and drink culture in Tofino is something everyone passing through should experience at least once. You will find bakeries, cafes, breweries, roasteries, distillers, pubs, restaurants, and to-go food. The area is also rich in art and culture, providing plenty of opportunities to visit galleries and open-air markets.
English Bay Beach
This beach contained within Stanley Park is so stunning to view that it is easy to forget the park is contained within an urban area. Just across the street from the soft sand of English Bay Beach are numerous shopping and dining destinations. What could be better after spending the day at the beach swimming or sunbathing?
If you like to plan your West Coast travel around events taking place in the area, you will not be disappointed with the Celebration of Light International Fireworks Competition every summer. The competition takes place in Vancouver, and locals and tourists alike reserve spots on the beach to watch the fireworks. The dates of the next Celebration of Light event are 23 July, 27 July, and 30 July 2022.
San Josef Bay Beach
Getting to this beach is an adventure since its location is the remote Cape Scott Provincial Park. You will drive along a rough logging road to access the park, so make sure you have strong tires and that your vehicle is in good working order. San Josef Bay Beach does not allow any motor vehicles in the area, so you will need to park and access its remote beach and hiking trails on foot.
Couples and families with older children might want to try a challenging hike within the park. Just be sure to bring a tent and camping supplies because some hikes are long enough to require you to make sleeping arrangements for the night.
Families with younger children can check out the San Josef Bay walking path located just 2.5 kilometres from the beach. Park crew maintains the path to make it easy to walk on while pushing a stroller. The end of the path provides you with views of Sitka Spruces from the old-growth portion of the rainforest. A view of thickly forested rock and the opportunity to wade in the beach at low tide complete the experience.
Spanish Banks
Vancouver locals consider Spanish Banks to be one of the best beaches in BC. The beach stretches for many kilometres along Vancouver’s western seaboard. Besides taking in the beautiful scenery, you will enjoy having a family barbeque, playing games on the beach, or taking a long hike with the kids and dog. Spanish Banks is one of the few beaches in Vancouver that allows people to bring and use their own barbeque equipment.
Both the east and west sides of the beach have concessions, public washrooms, volleyball nets, and picnic tables available. The City of Vancouver has designated Spanish Banks as a quiet beach, which means guests cannot play amplified sound. An off-leash area for dogs is available at the Spanish Banks Extension. A walking path of 2.46 kilometres is also available.
Now that you know four of the best beaches in BC, consider making a family trip out of visiting them all by motorhome.