Summer on Vancouver Island is
generally warm, sunny and dry – perfect beach weather. This top 5 list is for
beaches outside of Victoria that are perfect for summer relaxing.
·
Rathtrevor:
This stretch of beach in Parksville is popular with tourists and locals alike,
and big enough that there is room for everyone. At low tide the sandy beach
stretches for miles. This is the site of one of the province’s most popular
provincial parks, Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, as well as home to numerous
resorts. No dogs are allowed on the beach in the summer months, so don’t bring
Fido.
Chesterman
Beach: Tofino and Long Beach on the west coast of the island have many beaches
to choose from, but Chesterman is a favourite with the locals and for good
reason. With two beach fronts it is easy to be protected from any wind and to
choose what wave action to play in. Both sides are nice and sandy, and the
large space where the two beaches join gives lots of room for play.
Saratoga: Just north of popular Miracle Beach, Saratoga
Beach is home to small resorts and RV campgrounds, as well as the popular
Pacific Playgrounds Resort and Campground. Another sandy stretch, Saratoga has
stunning views of the mainland coastal mountains and is great for a swim when
the tide is coming in over the warm sand.
·
San Josef
Bay: At the top of the island in the Cape Scott Provincial Park, San Josef is a
walk-in beach well worth the easy 40 minute walk on good trails. With an interesting
forest environment through the trails leading down to the marshy tidal area of
the San Josef River, the beach itself is a shock with its stretches of sand
broken only by amazing rock formations. This is a remote area, so the beach is
never busy (although locals from Port Hardy do like to come there on sunny
days).
·
China
Beach: West of Sooke at the bottom of the island, China Beach is another one
that requires a short hike to reach. It is well worth it though, with a long
stretch of sandy beach, amazing views, and even a waterfall at one end of the beach
close to the day use trail. This is also the head of the Juan de Fuca multi-day
hiking trail. There is a small campground at China Beach, separate from the day
use area.
These are all sandy beaches great
for summer fun. Do you have a summer favourite?
It’s a Coastal Lifestyle ... Live
It!
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