The Best Beaches Near Victoria: Sun, Sand, and Serenity
There’s something about a beach day on Vancouver Island that feels like medicine for the soul. Maybe it’s the rhythm of the waves. Maybe it’s the scent of driftwood and salt carried on a gentle breeze. Or maybe it’s just the magic of summer in Victoria—a season that somehow makes time slow down, where your only agenda is grabbing a beach towel, a cold drink, and heading for the coastline.
As someone who lives here and still gets butterflies at the sight of the sun glistening off the Strait, I can tell you this: Victoria is absolutely blessed with beaches. And not just one type, either. We have rocky coves, wide sandy stretches, tidal pools teeming with life, and rugged wild coastlines that make you feel like you’re standing at the edge of the world.
If you’re ready to feel the sun on your face, dig your toes into the sand, and breathe in that briny West Coast air—this guide is for you.
1. Willows Beach — For the Classic Summer Day
Located in Oak Bay, Willows Beach is the quintessential Victoria beach day. Think long, sandy shores, calm waters, and families building sandcastles while paddle boarders drift lazily offshore. There’s a playground for the kids, shady spots under ancient trees, and even a charming little tea house for ice cream or fish and chips.
Why I Love It: It’s like stepping into a scene from your own childhood—gentle waves, happy chatter, and summer at its purest. Come early, bring a picnic, and prepare to stay all day.
Location: Oak Bay
Perfect For: Families, low-tide strolls, swimming
Local Tip: Hit the Willow’s Tea Room for an old-school milkshake.
2. Gonzales Beach — The Urban Hideaway
Tucked just beyond Fairfield, Gonzales Beach is a hidden cove loved by locals. It’s quieter than Willows, more intimate, and offers jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains across the water. On a sunny day, the vibe here is part West Coast chill, part Mediterranean getaway.
Why I Love It: It’s where you go when you want the feel of a secret beach in the middle of the city. I bring a novel, my speaker, and lose entire afternoons here.
Location: Gonzales Bay
Perfect For: Sunbathing, paddleboarding, catching sunsets
Local Tip: Go at golden hour—the whole bay glows like it’s lit from within.
3. Island View Beach — For Wide Open Space
Craving a beach that feels like your own private escape? Island View Beach in Central Saanich is your answer. It’s wild, windswept, and perfect for those long, meditative walks where your only company is the breeze and your thoughts. The view of James Island floating offshore is breathtaking.
Why I Love It: It’s the kind of beach where you can exhale. There’s space to breathe, to stretch out, and to listen to the waves uninterrupted.
Location: Central Saanich
Perfect For: Walking, picnicking, birdwatching
Local Tip: Great spot for a beach fire if you check local fire bans and have a permit.
4. Dallas Road (Clover Point to Ross Bay) — For Storm Watchers and Soul Searchers
Not every beach needs to be sandy to be spectacular. The stretch along Dallas Road is rugged, dramatic, and deeply West Coast. Waves crash against driftwood-strewn shores, windsurfers ride the whitecaps, and dogs chase balls with reckless joy. Come summer, it’s calmer, but always humbling.
Why I Love It: It’s where I go to reconnect—with nature, with perspective. Plus, you’re never far from downtown, but it feels like another world.
Location: Southern Victoria coast
Perfect For: Windswept walks, dog lovers, photography
Local Tip: Bring a blanket and stay for the evening breeze—sunsets here are unreal.
5. Witty’s Lagoon — For Nature Lovers and Explorers
This Metchosin gem offers more than just a beach—it’s a full sensory journey. Start with a forest trail past waterfalls and lush greenery, then emerge onto a tidal lagoon and sweeping sand flats that feel like a portal to another realm. The walk is about 15 minutes, but 100% worth it.
Why I Love It: It’s adventure and tranquility in one. Ideal for families with kids who love exploring tide pools and shallow waters.
Location: Metchosin
Perfect For: Day hikes, tidepooling, birdwatching
Local Tip: Check tide charts—low tide turns it into a sandy paradise.
6. Thetis Lake — For a Freshwater Fix
Okay, not technically a beach in the coastal sense, but Thetis Lake is an absolute summer staple. Just a short drive from downtown Victoria, you’ll find warm freshwater, forested trails, and that summer-camp feeling that never gets old. The beaches around both Upper and Lower Thetis are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or launching a paddleboard.
Why I Love It: No salt, no wind chill—just warm, lazy swimming in nature’s own pool.
Location: View Royal
Perfect For: Swimming, paddleboarding, dog-friendly trails
Local Tip: Go early on weekends—it’s popular, and parking fills up fast.
Honourable Mentions
Cadboro Bay: Great for paddleboarding, seaweed collecting, and spotting dogs on the beach.
Esquimalt Lagoon: Ideal for bird lovers and beachcombers. Bonus: castle views!
Daytrip-Worthy Beaches for the Adventurous Soul
Sometimes, the best beach days require a little extra adventure. If you're craving a full-day escape—road snacks packed, playlist on, windows down—these beaches are worth every kilometre. They’re not just beautiful; they’re jaw-dropping. Think rugged coastlines, photogenic waterfalls, and tide pools that feel like alien landscapes.
Here are three unforgettable daytrip beaches to add to your summer bucket list:
Mystic Beach – The Waterfall-on-the-Sand Dream
Just over an hour’s drive from Victoria (along the Pacific Marine Circle Route), Mystic Beach is a local legend. You’ll hike about 2 km through the lush forest of the Juan de Fuca Trail, emerging onto a wide, pebbly beach where a waterfall cascades directly onto the sand.
Why I Love It: It’s the definition of West Coast magic. There’s something about hearing a waterfall while standing barefoot on the beach that makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into another world.
Location: Near Shirley, BC (~75 minutes from Victoria)
Perfect For: Hikers, photographers, waterfall chasers
Local Tip: Wear sturdy shoes—the trail can get muddy even in summer. And bring a hammock!
Qualicum Beach – Coastal Charm with Retro Vibes
Located just under 2.5 hours from Victoria, Qualicum Beach is the perfect summer throwback. This laid-back Oceanside community offers a wide, sandy beach that goes on forever at low tide. The town itself feels like it’s from another era—full of friendly faces, mom-and-pop shops, and excellent bakeries.
Why I Love It: It’s slow living at its best. I love grabbing a coffee from a local café and strolling along the promenade as the sun rises over the Salish Sea.
Location: Oceanside (North of Parksville)
Perfect For: Seniors, families, peaceful getaways
Local Tip: Stay overnight at a beachfront inn and visit nearby Little Qualicum Falls the next morning.
Botanical Beach – The Tide Pool Wonderland
Further out in Port Renfrew, Botanical Beach is a geological marvel. It’s famous for its ancient tide pools carved into flat sandstone and basalt. These natural aquariums are teeming with life: sea anemones, starfish, and tiny crabs tucked into colourful pockets.
Why I Love It: It feels ancient. Walking across the smooth rocks, surrounded by crashing waves and coastal rainforest, you understand why people call it sacred.
Location: Port Renfrew (~2 hours from Victoria)
Perfect For: Nature lovers, marine life fans, day adventurers
Local Tip: Time your visit with low tide for the best tide pool viewing. The walk from the parking lot is about 1.5 km.
