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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, Summer

Camp-to-Camp Paddling Destinations on BC's Coast

What's better than paddling silently along BC's coast? Camping while you do it. Learns more about BC's top paddling destinations.

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1-3 Days, 4-6 Days, Fall

11 BC Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall

Find a coastal town to visit in BC this fall and enjoy Indigenous culture, lush rainforests, long stretches of shoreline, and tasty West Coast...

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Spring, Summer

Top 12 Beaches in BC

Ready to hit the beach? Learn more about some of BC's top picks.

Read the Article

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

Parks & Wilderness Areas, Wildlife Tours, Beaches & Lakes, Food, Drink & Wellness, Adventure & Outdoors

Busy L.A. Chef Discovers the British Columbia Effect

We invited Top Chef Brooke Williamson to escape her busy life to discover what we call the British Columbia Effect.

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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.

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Whale Watching, Beaches & Lakes, Surfing, Paddling, Spring, Summer, Fall, Ferries

Experience the Soothing Effect of BC's Coast

Let BC’s diverse coastal landscapes buff away at life’s tensions and put your body, mind, and spirit at ease.

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

Paddling, Summer

Camp-to-Camp Paddling Destinations on BC's Coast

What's better than paddling silently along BC's coast? Camping while you do it. Learns more about BC's top paddling destinations.

Read the Article

1-3 Days, 4-6 Days, Fall

11 BC Coastal Towns to Visit This Fall

Find a coastal town to visit in BC this fall and enjoy Indigenous culture, lush rainforests, long stretches of shoreline, and tasty West Coast...

Read the Article

Beaches & Lakes, Spring, Summer

Top 12 Beaches in BC

Ready to hit the beach? Learn more about some of BC's top picks.

Read the Article

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

Parks & Wilderness Areas, Wildlife Tours, Beaches & Lakes, Food, Drink & Wellness, Adventure & Outdoors

Busy L.A. Chef Discovers the British Columbia Effect

We invited Top Chef Brooke Williamson to escape her busy life to discover what we call the British Columbia Effect.

Read the Article

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

Whale Watching, Beaches & Lakes, Surfing, Paddling, Spring, Summer, Fall, Ferries

Experience the Soothing Effect of BC's Coast

Let BC’s diverse coastal landscapes buff away at life’s tensions and put your body, mind, and spirit at ease.

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

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