Quick Summary:

  • What makes Vancouver Island's beaches special?
    • Vancouver Island is home to many spectacularly beautiful beaches, many of which are part of provincial and national parks.
  • Do Vancouver Island beaches have facilities?
    • Many beaches offer rustic but scenic campgrounds with very basic facilities, making them perfect for nature lovers.
  • How can visitors access Vancouver Island beaches?
    • Most beaches are easily accessible from major highways, but some can only be reached by:
      • Boat
      • Hiking several miles through forests
  • What activities can visitors enjoy on Vancouver Island’s beaches?
    • The flat and wide beaches make them ideal for:
      • Romantic walks
      • Building sandcastles
      • Swimming in the summer
      • Paddleboarding
      • Kayaking
      • Canoeing


  • Updated with new information since originally published.
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  • Our editors recommend these diverse local experiences.

1. Chesterman Beach ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Category: Beaches
Chesterman Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Howard/stock.adobe.com

2. Cox Bay ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cox Bay | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© dominikfrings/stock.adobe.com

3. Long Beach, Vancouver Island

Category: Beaches
Long Beach, Vancouver Island | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© JFL Photography/stock.adobe.com

4. Rathtrevor Beach

Category: Beaches
Rathtrevor Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Jareya/stock.adobe.com

5. Parksville Beach

Category: Activities
Parksville Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Doug/stock.adobe.com

6. Saratoga Beach

Category: Beaches
Saratoga Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Jason Brawdy/stock.adobe.com

7. Kye Bay

Kye Bay | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Kenneth/stock.adobe.com

8. China Beach

Category: Beaches
China Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© alpegor/stock.adobe.com

9. Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island

Category: Beaches
Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© skyf/stock.adobe.com

10. Pachena Bay

Pachena Bay | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© venusvi/stock.adobe.com

11. Mystic Beach, Vancouver Island

Category: Beaches
Mystic Beach, Vancouver Island | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© christian/stock.adobe.com

12. Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park

Category: Activities
Sandy Island Marine Provincial Park | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© kate_n/stock.adobe.com

13. Hesquiat Peninsula Park

Category: Activities
Hesquiat Peninsula Park | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Lisa/stock.adobe.com

14. French Provincial Beach Park

Category: Activities
French Provincial Beach Park | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Jareya/stock.adobe.com

15. Tribune Bay Provincial Park

Category: Activities
Tribune Bay Provincial Park | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© rosie_rocket/stock.adobe.com

16. Cape Scott Provincial Park

Category: Activities
Cape Scott Provincial Park | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© edb3_16/stock.adobe.com

17. Sandcut Beach

Category: Beaches
Sandcut Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© edb3_16/stock.adobe.com

18. Sombrio Beach

Category: Beaches
Sombrio Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© David Hutchison Wirestock/stock.adobe.com

19. Florencia Bay

Florencia Bay | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Joshua/stock.adobe.com

20. Brady's Beach

Category: Beaches
Brady's Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Torval Mork/stock.adobe.com

21. Brady's Beach

Category: Beaches
Brady's Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Torval Mork/stock.adobe.com

22. Dallas Road Beach

Category: Beaches
Dallas Road Beach | Where to Find Beautiful Beaches on Vancouver Island
© Autumn Sky/stock.adobe.com

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