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Surfers at Cox Bay on Vancouver Island

Ocean

Journey to the water's edge

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Over 25 thousand kilometres of Pacific coastline, from sandy beaches to dramatic cliffs, shapes British Columbia’s geography and way of life.  A rich ecosystem of fish and plant life, the Pacific Ocean is a source of sustenance and spirit for British Columbia. Explore BC’s Pacific Ocean and coast in the stories below.

Paddling, 4-6 Days, Summer

Kayaking the Broken Group Islands

Visit this kayaker’s paradise, consisting of more than 100 scattered islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Surfing

A Surfer's Road Trip to Haida Gwaii

Follow our Instagrammer of the week, photographer @kylervos, who is sharing photos from his Haida Gwaii surf road trip.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes

Stewards of the Sea: Protecting the Ocean Around Vancouver Island Through Responsible Travel

Ocean conservation is vital to life and travel on Vancouver Island.

Read the Article
Pacific Marine Circle Route

1 to 3 days / 289.08 km (180 mi)

This coast to coast journey on Vancouver Island offers panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro, and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich...

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife

Plan your trip to Tofino

Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, is popular for sandy beaches, surfing, and hot springs.

Read the Article
Vancouver Island Road Trip: Victoria to Port Hardy

5 to 7 Days / 500 km (311 mi)

Relax and rejuvenate along this coastal road trip from Victoria to northern Vancouver Island, and explore nature and wildlife along the way.

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Water in Indigenous Cultures

Discover the important role water plays in the life of Francine Douglas Shoyshqwelwet from the Stó:lō (Sts’ailes) and Ts'msyen (Metlakatla)...

Play Video

Whale Watching

How to Go Whale Watching from Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver and want to see whales? You have options! Read about the companies and locations near Vancouver that offer whale watching...

Read the Article

Paddling, 4-6 Days, Summer

Kayaking the Broken Group Islands

Visit this kayaker’s paradise, consisting of more than 100 scattered islands off the west coast of Vancouver Island.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Surfing

A Surfer's Road Trip to Haida Gwaii

Follow our Instagrammer of the week, photographer @kylervos, who is sharing photos from his Haida Gwaii surf road trip.

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes

Stewards of the Sea: Protecting the Ocean Around Vancouver Island Through Responsible Travel

Ocean conservation is vital to life and travel on Vancouver Island.

Read the Article
Pacific Marine Circle Route

1 to 3 days / 289.08 km (180 mi)

This coast to coast journey on Vancouver Island offers panoramic views of the Juan de Fuca, Haro, and Georgia straits as well as the Saanich...

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife

Plan your trip to Tofino

Tofino, on the rugged west coast of Vancouver Island, is popular for sandy beaches, surfing, and hot springs.

Read the Article
Vancouver Island Road Trip: Victoria to Port Hardy

5 to 7 Days / 500 km (311 mi)

Relax and rejuvenate along this coastal road trip from Victoria to northern Vancouver Island, and explore nature and wildlife along the way.

Explore Road Trip

Nature & Wildlife, Indigenous Culture

Illahee: The Importance of Water in Indigenous Cultures

Discover the important role water plays in the life of Francine Douglas Shoyshqwelwet from the Stó:lō (Sts’ailes) and Ts'msyen (Metlakatla)...

Play Video

Whale Watching

How to Go Whale Watching from Vancouver

Visiting Vancouver and want to see whales? You have options! Read about the companies and locations near Vancouver that offer whale watching...

Read the Article
Tofino | Johan Lolos

Respect the Ocean: Be CoastSmart

The Pacific Rim coastline of BC is breathtaking, but don’t let it take your breath away permanently. Understand the hazards of our wildly beautiful beaches and trails with these safety tips.

Become CoastSmart

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