Best Beaches in British Columbia
Okanagan Lake, British Columbia
About Beaches in BC, Canada
Pretty much everyone walking the face of the planet daydreams of laying on the beach under swaying palm trees with a tropical-flavored cocktail in hand. Well, they don’t have much of that in British Columbia, Canada, but what they do have is long are stretches of picturesque beach lined with forests of untouched wilderness, so vast that you can’t comprehend it. Some beaches are so remote that wildlife runs the show and humans have probably never even set foot. There are beaches with gorgeous Pacific Ocean settings like in Vancouver and the Gulf Islands or beaches with calm fresh waters like in the Okanagan Valley and the Kootenays. With over 40,000 islands in BC alone, it would be nearly impossible to put a number on how many beaches there are or to actually know for certain which ones are the best. British Columbia has always been a much sought-after destination and with all the beaches, lakes, and islands it’s not hard to see why.
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Map of British Columbia, Canada
1. English Bay, Vancouver
English Bay, Vancouver
English Bay Beach is situated along Beach Ave in Vancouver, British Columbia, and is the most popular beach area in the province. Stanley Park and its famous Seawall allow for running and biking along the route on the east side of the beach. Palm trees line the bay signifying the region’s mild Mediterranean-like climate.
2. Cosens Bay, Okanagan Valley
Cosens Bay, Okanagan Valley
Cosens Bay is perhaps the nicest beach on Kalamalka Lake, Okanagan Valley, but getting there takes some effort and it can only be reached by boat or by hiking. There is a 2.5 km trail, which is located in Kalamalka Lake Provincial Park and it will take to the beach. The park is an arid desert-like landscape, which features typical desert creatures like cactus and rattlesnakes. Once you get close to the beach area you will be treated to a spectacular view of Cosens Bay in its entirety, as well as its crystal clear water and the long stretch of fine white sand.
3. San Josef Bay, Vancouver Island
San Josef Bay, Vancouver Island by @nat_venture
San Josef Bay is perfectly situated on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island in Cape Scott Provincial Park. The beach itself can only be reached on foot and requires an easy 45 minute (2.5 km) hike to get there. The park and its beach are far into the wilderness and the nearest town Port Hardy, which is a 65 km drive on logging roads.
Once you reach San Josef Bay you will be blown away by the incredible natural beauty of the place. At one cove there are what are called sea stacks, which are slivers of leftover eroded land and soil that have trees sprouting out the tops, but they can only be accessed during low tide. There are also many tidal pools and some sea caves to explore.
4. Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, Shuswap Country
Shuswap Lake Provincial Park, Shuswap Country by @scenery778
This park is located on a delta of Shuswap Lake in the small town of Scotch Creek, British Columbia. There is a gorgeous 1 km long beach which is a combination of sand and pebbles. The park technically also includes the somewhat iconic Copper Island, which can be seen from miles away as it is hard to miss protruding from the lake. If you have a boat you can choose to check out Copper Island, which is about 1.3 km away from shore. On the island, there is a hiking trail that gives you spectacular views of the area. The park also includes a playground for children along with some nature hiking trails.
5. Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Long Beach, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Long Beach, Tofino is located in the wild Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. It is the longest sand beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island. It attracts many surfers, kayakers, and swimmers who come to enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean in all its glory and be inspired by the sights and sounds of nature. If water sports aren’t your thing then have a beach fire and watch the sunset deep into the ocean horizon. Tofino also has the warmest year-round temperature in Canada and many different tropical plants can be seen growing in the area.
6. Tugboat Beach, Kelowna, Okanagan Valley
Tugboat Beach, Kelowna, Okanagan Valley by @okanaganbeachclub
This gorgeous sandy beach is within the Waterfront Park area of downtown Kelowna in the Okanagan Valley. It is loaded with fun summertime activities and features a beachfront concession, paddleboard, and kayak rentals, and a boat launch. From the beach, there is a waterfront promenade that takes you along breathtaking Okanagan Lake to all sorts of different shops, restaurants, and pubs. There are also often live performances going on all over the place.
7. Tribune Bay, Hornby Island
Tribune Bay, Hornby Island by @allyssabacon
Though lacking in coconut trees, Tribune Bay on Hornby Island has certainly helped to contribute to the island’s famous nickname “Little Hawaii”. It obtained that moniker from visitors and locals because of its white sandy beaches that seem to stretch endlessly out into the aquamarine waters of the Pacific. Tribune bay is around 1 km long and consists of a marvelous fine white sand. Being relatively shallow allows the water in the bay to heat up and is considered to be one of the warmest ocean swimming areas in B.C.
8. Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon, Okanagan Valley
Ellison Provincial Park, Vernon, Okanagan Valley
Ellison Provincial Park is situated on the outskirts of the city of Vernon, in the Okanagan Valley, British Columbia. It features spectacular scenery with sheltered coves of gorgeously blue-green colored waters, along with impressive red sand beaches. The park has many hiking trails including some that take you along the edges of precariously high cliffs that overlook Okanagan Lake.
9. Indian Point, Savary Island
Indian point, Savary Island by @savaryproperties
On the northernmost tip of the remote island called Savary, is Indian point, which is a must-see if you're visiting this stunning island. The beach has long expanses of fantastic white sands that continue to stretch out as the tide recedes towards the horizon. From here you may be able to see the distant mountains on Vancouver Island. The waters around Savary are actually quite pleasant compared to other ocean swimming areas in BC, this is due to the somewhat shallow waters that surround it.
10. Cox Bay, Tofino, Vancouver Island
Cox Bay, Vancouver Island by @maudernd
Cox Bay is one of the most well-known surf breaks in British Columbia and is with good reason a popular tourist destination. The direction and shape of the beach make Cox Bay one of the best beach breaks for surfing in the Pacific Rim. There are also a few large resorts on Cox Bay’s shores, where you can stay for a few nights and take in the immense beauty, which seems to be infinite in this unique area. You can also partake in a romantic sunset walk, which is some of the best this wonderful province has to offer.
11. Spanish Banks, Vancouver
Spanish Banks, Vancouver by @shwolfson
Spanish Banks is a large windswept beach with perfect views of the Vancouver city skyline. This famous beach is the perfect place for a picnic with the family and at low tide, you can walk out and explore what the ocean has leftover. There are a couple of food stands where you can buy different food and beverages like coffee, soft drinks, ice cream, and hot dogs.
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