The Best Beaches in Victoria BC: My Favourite Coastal Spots
One of the best parts about living in Victoria BC is how close you are to the lake and ocean beaches, and I mean really close. With the best Victoria beaches all around, from rugged coastal hideaways to soft sandy stretches, it’s easy to forget you’re still in the city. I’ve spent my whole life exploring these beaches, and over the years, I’ve come to love the variety and natural wonder of Victoria's beaches. Whether you’re moving here or just visiting, here are some of the best beaches in Victoria handpicked by a local who’s probably had sand in his shoes more times than he can count.
Willows Beach – Oak Bay’s Coastal Gem
Located in the Oak Bay neighbourhood, Willows Beach is one of the most family-friendly beaches in the city. When asked, many locals say Willows Beach is there favourite beach in Victoria, bar none. It has soft sand, calm water, and a large grassy area with picnic tables and a playground nearby. I’ve spent countless sunny afternoons here grabbing a coffee from the little café (Willows Tea Room) and watching the waves roll in.
- Great for swimming and paddleboarding
- Plenty of space to picnic or relax
- Accessible with lots of parking nearby
Gonzales Beach – My Favourite Sunset Spot
If you want a beach that feels like a locals-only secret, Gonzales beach is your place. Nestled between upscale neighbourhoods and hidden from the main roads, this small beach is one of the best spots to watch the sun dip behind the Olympic Mountains. The sand is soft, the vibe is chill, and the view? Absolutely breathtaking.
- Perfect for sunset watching and quiet evenings
- Popular with locals and laid-back visitors
- Limited parking, so go early or bike in
Cadboro Bay Beach – A Family Favourite
Cadboro Bay, often called “Caddy Bay” by locals, is another one of my top choices especially if you’ve got kids in tow. It’s got a long beach with driftwood, a huge playground called Gyro Park with a sea monster sculpture, and even washrooms. It’s close to the University of Victoria and makes for a great stop if you're exploring Saanich.
- Big play structure and family-friendly facilities
- Great for beachcombing and walking
- Popular with dog walkers and students
Spiral Beach – Urban Vibes with a Wild Edge
Spiral Beach is located along Dallas Road near the eastern base of Beacon Hill Park. It’s rocky, windswept, and full of character - named for the old cement spiral staircase that winds down to the shore. You’ll often see locals with beach blankets and coffee in hand. I love coming here when I want the beach experience without leaving the city.
- Incredible ocean and mountain views
- Popular with photographers and joggers
- Right off Dallas Road with on-street parking
Dallas Road Beaches – Driftwood, Dogs, and Wind
Along the stretch of Dallas Road, you’ll find a series of rocky beaches and driftwood-strewn shores. These aren’t your typical sandy beaches, but they offer stunning views, especially when the wind picks up and the kite surfers come out. It’s also one of the most popular off-leash areas for dogs in the city and I bring mine as often as I can.
- Incredible ocean and mountain views
- Ideal for walking, jogging, or dog-watching
- Connects with Beacon Hill Park and Clover Point
Beaver Lake – Family-Friendly and Easy Access
Beaver Lake is great for swimming and family fun. There are picnic areas, grassy spaces, a beachy shoreline, and shallow entry points that are perfect for kids. You’ll also find washrooms, a boat launch, and parking. I’ve brought my family here many times on warm weekends and it’s one of those go-to summer spots when you want a quick escape into nature without going far.
- Shallow, warm swimming areas
- Picnic tables, washrooms, and a playground
- Dog-friendly trails and beach areas
Elk Lake – For Paddlers, Rowers, and Long Walks
Elk Lake is known for its rowing facilities and longer trails, and it’s a popular training location for Canada’s Olympic rowing team. It’s deeper than Beaver Lake and better suited to kayaking, paddleboarding, and small motorboats. If you’re into fitness or just love a good long walk, the 10-kilometre loop around both lakes is a local favourite for runners, cyclists, and dog walkers.
- Ideal for paddling, rowing, and fishing
- 10 km multi-use trail loop around both lakes
- Less crowded than oceanfront beaches 📍 View Hamsterly Beach at Elk Lake on Google Maps
Esquimalt Lagoon – Birdwatcher’s Paradise
Just a short drive from downtown Victoria, this beach is located in the Westshore area, near Royal Roads University. Esquimalt Lagoon offers a peaceful escape from the city buzz. It’s known for its long beach, quiet walking trails, and diverse birdlife. Plus, there are often art installations made of driftwood which makes for some unique photo ops.
- Calm water and peaceful atmosphere
- Great for long walks and beach photography
- Free parking and public washrooms
Island View Beach – Wide Open Spaces
Technically just outside of Victoria in Central Saanich, Island View is worth the short drive. The beach stretches for kilometres and offers panoramic views of Haro Strait and James Island. There’s a walking trail that runs alongside the beach and some basic campsites as well. On clear days, you can see all the way to Mount Baker.
- Ideal for long walks and kite flying
- Less crowded and more open than city beaches
- Popular with campers and photographers
Thetis Lake – Freshwater and Walking Trails
While not technically a beach in the oceanfront sense, I couldn’t leave out Thetis Lake. This inland lake offers sandy areas to swim and sunbathe, plus walking trails through the forest. It’s one of the best freshwater swimming spots in the summer, and a great alternative when the ocean is a bit too chilly for your liking.
- Freshwater swimming and forest hikes
- Two main beach areas with lifeguards in summer
- Pet-friendly and close to Langford
Taylor Beach – Peaceful, Rugged, and Dog-Friendly
Located out in Metchosin, Taylor Beach is less developed and usually much quieter than the more central beaches. It’s long, raw, and wild with stunning views of the Olympic Mountains on a clear day. This beach is great for peaceful walks and off-leash dogs. If you're looking for a low-key West Coast experience, this is it.
- Long shoreline, ideal for walking and beachcombing
- Dog-friendly with few crowds
- Access via gravel paths and forest trails
Witty’s Lagoon – Nature-Lover’s Paradise
Witty’s Lagoon is a beautiful combination of forest, wetland, waterfall, and beach. After a 10-15 minute walk through a lush trail (with a waterfall en route), you’ll reach a sandy beach that opens up dramatically at low tide. This one’s popular with families, birdwatchers, and nature lovers. Bring water shoes, the walk to the water can get muddy at low tide!
- Part of a nature sanctuary with marked trails
- Large sandy area exposed during low tide
- Educational nature centre at the entrance
Devonian Regional Park Beach – A Quiet Coastal Retreat
Another Metchosin gem, Devonian Beach is tucked away and often overlooked. The short hike down through forest trails leads to a small cobblestone and driftwood beach with incredible views. It’s quiet, clean, and perfect for reflection. There are no washrooms or vendors here - just you, the waves, and maybe an eagle overhead.
- Small and quiet with a secluded feel
- Ideal for a peaceful stroll or meditation
- Free parking with forested walking paths
Victoria Beach Tips from a Local
Here are a few of my go-to tips for making the most out of Victoria’s beaches:
- Go early – Parking can fill up fast on summer weekends
- Pack for wind – Even on sunny days, the breeze off the ocean can be brisk
- Respect nature – Our beaches are beautiful, and it’s up to all of us to keep them that way
- Watch the tides – Some beaches (especially rocky ones) can disappear at high tide
- Bring your camera – You’ll want to remember these views
Why Beaches Matter to Life in Victoria
When people ask me what it’s like living in Victoria, I always mention the beaches. They’re not just places to swim, they’re part of our everyday life. I walk my dog on Dallas Road, sip coffee at Willows, watch sunsets at Gonzales, and let my kids burn off energy at Cadboro Bay. It’s this easy access to natural beauty that makes Victoria feel like such a livable city.
Whether you're planning a move to Victoria, or you’re already here and just looking to explore more, hitting the beach is one of the best ways to experience what this city is all about.
Living in Victoria means never being more than a few minutes away from the water. And with so many incredible beaches to choose from, there’s always a new spot to explore or a familiar one to return to. Whether you’re after sand, surf, solitude, or scenery there’s a beach here for you.
If you’re thinking of making Victoria your home, these beaches are just one of the many reasons you’ll fall in love with this place. I sure did and after all these years, I still find new corners of the coastline that take my breath away.