A beach in B.C. was recently named the best in Canada and the slice of paradise is the perfect weekend getaway from Vancouver.
This sandy beach with turquoise water is a bit remote and involves a 45-minute hike to get there, but many people who have been there say it’s worth the trip.
What makes this B.C. spot even more special is that it was the only beach in Canada to be named in the 50 Best Beaches in North America 2024 list.
San Josef Bay is a stunning beach in Cape Scott Provincial Park located on the northwestern tip of Vancouver Island.
The beach has sandy shores, crisp blue water and rugged coastal views. The spot is surrounded by pine trees and you’ll find massive boulders along the shores.
Since it’s in a remote location, the beach is in pristine condition and rarely crowded, meaning there’s a chance you’ll have it to yourself.
Anyone travelling from Vancouver will need to take a BC Ferries trip to Swartz Bay in Victoria or Departure Bay in Nanaimo and then a drive further north.
People who have been to Cape Scott Provincial Park say driving along logging roads is part of the journey and urge caution when it comes to logging trucks.
According to a Reddit thread, British Columbians also recommend having a good spare tire just in case.
“Just make sure your spare tire is in good shape and you know how to change it,” one person wrote in a thread on r/VancouverIsland.
Once you park your car, there is a 45-minute hike to San Josef Bay.
In another Reddit thread, many people have shared tips on what can be expected on the trek to the beach.
Several people have expressed that good footwear is key for the hike.
“It’s easy enough in terms of terrain unless it is very wet but even then it is reasonable,” one person wrote.
Cape Scott Provincial Park also allows camping and has other hikes along the North Coast Trail that are much longer than to San Josef Bay so it’s worth doing research if you plan on staying there for a few days.
People who have been to both Cape Scott Provincial Park and San Josef Bay have raved about the natural beauty you’ll see once you’re there.
Cape Scott has a 4.8-star rating on Google with over 100 reviews.
“Words cannot describe how beautiful this place is. I am truly speechless,” one person shared in their review.
“Cape Scott is something special. It reminds me of Tofino before it got busy,” another person wrote.
Over on TripAdvisor reviews, people call San Josef Bay a “slice of heaven” and that it resembles “West Coast life at its finest.”
So if you plan on travelling to Vancouver Island this summer, a trip to this magical beach should be at the top of your list!
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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