British Columbia has tens of thousands of kilometres of coastline, plus thousands of inland lakes and rivers. For water lovers, this means a huge number of beaches, islands, and inlets to explore. And whether your perfect day by the water means lying in the soft sand or peering into rocky tidepools, BC has you covered. This spring or summer, grab a towel and some sunscreen and visit a new-to-you beach.
If you thought clear blue seas were only found in tropical destinations, think again. Tribune Bay on Hornby Island is home to soft sand and shallow, temperate waters perfect for swimming. Getting to remote Hornby, accessible via BC Ferries, is part of the adventure.
Visit HornbyThe flat sand at Parksville’s popular Rathtrevor Beach stretches out as far as the eye can see at low tide, creating plenty of tide pools safe for little ones. Add a shady campground with hiking and biking trails, and you have an unforgettable family getaway.
Visit ParksvilleThe pristine coastline along Vancouver Island’s west side is the stuff of dreams. Seemingly endless beaches are backed by thick temperate rainforest on one side and the open ocean on the other. The surfing here is legendary, and the sunsets are spectacular.
Visit TofinoPart of Cape Scott Provincial Park on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island, near Port Hardy, San Josef Bay is a secluded spot made for adventurers. The bay is accessible only on foot, or by boat or helicopter, so there’s a good chance you’ll have it all to yourself.
Visit Port HardyThis popular beach in downtown Vancouver sits outside the city’s iconic Stanley Park. In addition to the usual sunbathing and swimming, kayaking and beach volleyball are popular here with busy shops and restaurants just steps away.
Visit English BayKitsilano Beach Park features sandy beaches, a large grassy play area, tennis courts, basketball courts, a fully accessible playground, and a huge outdoor heated saltwater pool, all with views of the downtown Vancouver skyline and the North Shore Mountains.
Visit KitsilanoLocated next to the University of British Columbia campus near downtown Vancouver, Wreck Beach is one of several popular urban beaches in the city. What makes Wreck unique? It is North America’s largest clothing-optional beach.
Visit Wreck BeachThis warm lake in Vernon is as popular with photographers as it is with swimmers and stand-up paddleboarders in the summer months. When the water warms up, it turns a remarkable blue-green colour, a result of limestone crystals that reflect the sunlight.
Visit VernonSituated between Okanagan Lake and Skaha Lake, Penticton has no shortage of waterfront. The soft sand of Okanagan Lake is popular for sunbathing and watersports, Skaha is a little quieter, offering respite from the sun under a row of shade trees.
Visit PentictonOperated by the Osoyoos Indian Band, sẁiẁs Provincial Park (Haynes Point) sits on a peninsula that extends into one of the warmest lakes in the province. Learn about local Indigenous culture and the area’s unique desert ecosystem.
Visit OsoyoosLocated close to the Canada/US border near Grand Forks, Christina Lake sits along the Trans Canada Trail. The beaches on the southern end of this warm lake are popular for swimming and with those who enjoy water sports.
Visit Christina LakeOne of BC’s most stunning and remote beaches, Agate Beach extends for nearly 100 kilometres (62 miles) along the rugged coast of northern Haida Gwaii in Naikoon Provincial Park. Keep an eye out here for wildlife and surfers as you gaze out toward the open ocean.
Visit Haida GwaiiOriginally published in August, 2015.
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